Troy Lee Design A1 helmet 1 year review

Hi everyone, today I'll be reviewing my Troy Lee Design A1 helmet.  This is a "half-lid" helmet offering basic all around protection at a good price.  I bought this helmet after I cracked my Leatt helmet on the over-under feature at the Fantasy Island trails in Tucson.

My A1 helmet with rear facing blinker (not included)


What I like about the helmet

I like the fitment of the A1 helmet.  I tried on the A1, A2, and A3 helmets at REI and the A1 had the most natural fit.  This fit can get better with the BOA adjustment feature on the back allowing for the perfect fit around my head. 

Comfortable all around

The A1 is MIPS rated, a common safety feature in helmets these days which makes me feel a little bit better should I ever need the helmet to protect me.  MIPS stans for Multi-directional Impact Protection System is mean to reduce the rotation forces from impact.  The graphics are simple yet cool.  The black and white color scheme is simple and doesn't aesthetically clash with any of my riding gear, it's silly but something I think about.

Black and White goes with everything

TLD has a premium reputation in the bike industry so I'm stoked to have one.  I bought this helmet on sale from REI and it cost me just over $100 (MSRP is $145) which makes this a great value.  It also came with stickers so you can customize your helmet, or decorate everything else you own with a TLD logo, if you're into that kind of thing... 


What I didn't like about it

Something I didn't notice in REI but did on the trail was the visor length, it's so short!  As a result the sun is often in my eyes whereas the Leatt helmet (or a hat) would provide more shade.  I haven't gotten around to making an extension...

The A1 has a super short visor

The helmet pads don't last. I've had this helmet for about a year now and the foam pads are peeling away from their base mount.  TLD did provide a second pair of thicker pads to adjust the fit to a smaller head.  Now they will be replacements.

Helmet pads separating 

The helmet and pads allow sweat to run down one's forehead getting in their eyes.  This is annoying to say the least, and dangerous while hauling ass down the trail.  In all fairness though, I have yet to find a helmet that does this, so I wear sweat bands.


Conclusion

This helmet looks good, is a comfortable fit and great value. The helmet provides industry leading protection with the MIPS feature which I hope you never need.  A quick search while writing this blog showed prices have dropped even more since I purchased mine making it an amazing value!  This helmet is ideal for those who own a couple helmets as the padding doesn't pay.  A good looking helmet on a budget!  

Comfortable fit, looks good, modern protection


Sources

1. https://troyleedesigns.com/products/21-a1-classic-helmet-black



Comments

  1. MaxDecember 22, 2023 at 5:21 PM

    I just found one of these helmets for sale at Marshall's for $40, best pricing around for a high end helmet.

    ReplyDelete

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