SixSixOne Evo AM Helmet - Review
SixSixOne was among the first brands to understand the needs of modern mountain bikers when they brought the successful Recon half-shell helmet to market over 10 years ago - with decent styling, a proper peak, and added protection for the back of the head. Their new Evo AM helmet builds on that success with the addition of a Contigo foam liner, a BOA retention system, and a clever magnetic buckle. SixSixOne claims that the Contigo EPS foam can reduce impact forces transmitted to your melon by 30 percent. Plus, there's a MIPS version available for those who want protection from angled and rotational impacts.
Evo AM Details
• In-mold Construction
• 15 Vents
• Extended Rear Shell Coverage
• Independent Shell Sizes
• Anti-microbial Fabric
• Magnetic Closure System
• Sizing: XS/S (54cm-56cm), M/L (57cm-59cm), XL/XXL (60cm-62cm)
• Weight: 360g
• MSRP: $150 USD ($200 USD with MIPS)
• www.sixsixone.com
• In-mold Construction
• 15 Vents
• Extended Rear Shell Coverage
• Independent Shell Sizes
• Anti-microbial Fabric
• Magnetic Closure System
• Sizing: XS/S (54cm-56cm), M/L (57cm-59cm), XL/XXL (60cm-62cm)
• Weight: 360g
• MSRP: $150 USD ($200 USD with MIPS)
• www.sixsixone.com
Ratcheting BOA closure dial and extended coverage design.
We liked the bold styling, but wished that the visor was adjustable.
The BOA retention band (shown open) wraps around the head to adapt to almost any shape.
The band (shown closed) can be released instantly by pulling out on the dial.
Pinkbike’s Take:
 | Aesthetics wise, black with a dash of a primary color can never really go wrong and the gloss finish on the Evo AM was easy to keep clean compared to some of the matte finish helmets out there. There's also no white anywhere in sight so grubby marks are thankfully, well disguised. Riders with narrow faces who loathe the mushroom-head look may want to pass on the Evo AM, as the shape of the helmet is pretty wide. That said, my peers remarked positively about the styling and shape. I had no problems using glasses or goggles with the Evo AM and there was plenty of flat real estate at the back of the helmet for a goggle strap to fit. The addition of a magnetic buckle was nice to see and a cinch to use. The BOA system gives a great all-around fit, as the head is secured by the adjustable band and is not entirely dependent upon the internal padding. The ratcheting dial makes fitting the helmet a one-handed operation. While the Evo AM should fit any head shape well, (including those with an unkempt mane like me), there is no vertical adjustment for the retention band and while I had no problems with that, one test rider said that the helmet would get pushed forwards when he looked upwards on steep trails due to the BOA sitting too low on his neck. All things considered, SixSixOne's Evo AM is a well-styled helmet that promises above-average safety. - Paul Aston |
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It is a pretty sweet buckle though. But it does crack me up that they're like... ooh trick new magnetic buckle. Quite a few companies are offering those and even more are offering them in moto.
I will say this though... helmet is way too expensive.
They're clearly trying to undercut and pull some sales from the POCK Trabec Race. It's about $230 with mips... but you can usually find them for under $200. I've seen them as low as $170. And it's a much better helmet.
Beyond that... you can get a Bell Super 2R with MIPS for $200-220 and it has a removable chin bar... or just get the super 2 without the chin bar for $150. So you get a superior helmet for $50 less than what 661 wants.
They're basically trying to land themselves in the middle of those 2 helmets and it's not as good as either one.
Hell... if you're not going MIPS you can get a Bell Stoker for $75 and do just fine for half what they want for their non mips helmet.