First Look: Troy Lee Designs A1 Helmet

Jan 23, 2013
by Richard Cunningham  
Troy Lee Designs A1 helmet - gold metalflake

Troy Lee Designs A1 helmet detail views

Troy Lee Designs' gold metal flake A1 Cyclops is the first of a series of limited-edition helmets that will feature custom colors and graphics - with a new version scheduled to arrive with each successive production run.



Two years in the making, the debut of the A1 half-shell Enduro helmet celebrates Troy Lee Designs' return to the mountain bike scene. Not that TLD ever left, but considering how popular the D-series full-face lids are, the elephant in the room at TLD headquarters was: 'Why had Troy stalled for over a decade to address the trail side of the sport with a new helmet?' True to Troy Lee, when he finally did pull the trigger on the project, it hit the mark. The A1 is replete with stunning graphics, and a distinct profile that ensures its wearer will not pass unnoticed among the upper echelon of the sport. The man himself was on hand at the A1 debut, held at the TLD boutique store in Laguna Beach, California, where sponsored talent including Cam Zink, Brandon Semenuk, Eliot Jackson, Leigh Donovan and the reigning king of DH, Aaron Gwin, joined journos for the show and a lap around the coastal trails nearby.







Troy Lee with the A1 Cyclops helmet. The guy walks the walk -
pounding out laps with the big boys on the technical trails near
his Laguna Beach retail store

Meet the A1 Helmet

Troy had recently designed a line of moto-inspired gear named after Steve McQueen, which was showcased by a retro half-shell helmet. It was that exercise, some say, that propelled the A1 helmet into production and influenced its styling. Whether that is true or not, the A1 looks the part, with a sleek, rounded profile that drops low in the rear and fits close to the brow up front. The visor looks moto as well - full sized and held in place with CNC-machined fittings that thread into aluminum hardware, bonded into the shell. Six forward-facing vents channel cooling air around the rider's head, and inside a molded, one-piece liner that is padded with a wicking material, comfortably cups the skull. Another six rear-facing exhaust vents assist the cooling process and of course, there is a vestige of a fin molded into the upper shell to remind us of the TLD heritage. A1 helmets pass CE EN and CPSC standards and are offered in three shell sizes: X-small/small, medium/large and
X-large/XX-large. Colors are either gold metal-flake or silver and black, with graphic treatments that are protected by a clear coat. Weight for the medium sized A1 is stated at 340 grams without the visor and the MSRP is $185 USD for the LE editions and $165 USD for the standard colorways. A1 helmets include a med-alert sticker, a TLD sticker kit and a ventilated carry bag.

Troy Lee Designs A1 helmet - the gold metal-flake edition visor details

A1 helmets sport a full sized visor with machined and anodized thumb-screws to adjust the angle. Its six intake and six exhaust ports are tastefully sculpted to blend with the helmet's rounded profile.




Michael David compares Greg Herbold's 90's circa TLD Edge
helmet with the new Cyclops A1.

A1 Construction

Michael David, a kingpin in the development of the A1, said the plan was originally to modify TLD's skate-inspired freestyle helmet to function for AM/trail use. After a number of modifications, including hogging out huge vent channels, the concept was quickly scrapped and the design team started with blank computer screens. What emerged was a more moto-inspired design, with an EPS shell that was interlaced during the molding process with fiberglass strands for reinforcement. The low back and brow were taken directly from TLD's moto design group to further maximize impact protection. The shell is co-molded with the EPS foam, and much effort was given to wrap the plastic shell around the edges of the EPS liner and also into the vents to add durability and a more finished look.

Graphics are the hallmark of TLD - after all, Troy began
his career as a boy helping at his father's custom paint and graphics shop. To get the proper look, ultra-thin decals are applied to the A1's shell and then protected with a clear coat. While this application is common practice among motorcycle helmet makers, Troy said that they had to educate the A1's factory on the process, as it simply wasn't done in the cycling end of the industry, at least to the extent that TLD requires. Run your fingers over the graphics and they seem to have been painted onto the A1.

replacement A1 helmet details

(Clockwise) A look at the inside of the A1 reveals how much deeper it fits on to the head as compared to an XC lid. The locking buckle is a Troy Lee exclusive. The simple ratcheting head-band is effective in keeping the helmet from rocking in any direction. One-piece and washable, the A1's molded padding is quite comfortable. There are no plans to offer the padding system in differing thicknesses.




Aaron Gwin was on hand to pick up his A1 - custom
painted in matte-finish Red Bull regalia.

Retention is the key to a good fitting helmet, and because the A1 is designed to fit low on the forehead, any wobble would be too much. The A1's padded insert touches the head softly from many points and the low position of the ratcheting head-band captures the head snugly. Together, the two systems successfully arrest unwanted helmet movement while riding. Also important to the design is the A1's three-position head-band adjustment feature that allows wearers to set the angle of the helmet in relation to the forehead.

On the subject of fit, TLD is weighing heavily on the fact that its three EPS shell sizes, combined with its unique retention system will fit all heads, because there are no plans to develop its molded padding insert at varying thickness to emulate other helmet makers. Michael David states that the addition of a thicker liner would create a wobbly fitting helmet and a thinner one would sacrifice comfort. He says that TLD is confident that the A1 will adapt to almost every rider and they are unwilling to compromise a perfect fit in order to cover the last ten or so percent who don't fit an A1. There were only medium/large sizes at the launch and, surprisingly, most of the attendees were a good fit. TLD may be on to something.


Troy Lee Designs A1 helmet in the black and silver version

Black with silver accents is the second colorway to be released in the initial production run of the TLD A1 helmet. The Black Cyclops is a standard color which retails for $165 USD, sightly less than the 'Hollywood' version.





A1 Helmet: First-Ride Impressions

TLD a1 launch laguna beach

Stikman photo


bigquotesLuck would have it that I fit the medium/large helmet quite well, which worked out, because that's all that Troy Lee Designs had and the rather large group was leaving as I was pulling the A1 out of its box. I hastily adjusted the chin-strap and then hit the road for an on-the-fly tuning session.



The new A1 both looks and feels like an all-mountain helmet.
Stikman photo

Tuning it up: Slipping on the A1 feels more substantial than most trail helmets I have had experience with. It slides over the head like a moto lid, with much of that wrap-around feel as it finds the right place to rest. The chin strap sits snugly against the neck. I had the angular setting of the two plug-in retention devices set in their middle positions and at that angle, looking upwards would cause the back of the helmet shell to contact my neck. Later, I moved them to the highest position and the problem went away. The locking adjustments for the chin-strap webbing are quite stiff initially, but they never slip, once you get them right. After I had the basics taken care of, a simple twist of the ratcheting head-band tensioner was all I needed to forget that I was wearing a fancy gold metal-flake helmet and I hit the dirt.

First impressions: Conditions were cool and sunny, somewhere in the high 60s, so overheating was not going to be an issue. The group-ride was led by a member of the Laguna RADS, so we were assured that every type of riding (and pushing) would be on the menu. For test purposes, it proved to be a good experience. Ventilation is good with the A1, not as breezy as a featherweight XC lid, but noticeably better than a typical Euro AM lid like the Urge or POC. As mentioned in earlier text, with the chin strap comfortably set, the A1 will remain steady on the head while pounding over rocks at a pretty good clip. For practical purposes, that is the pass-or-fail exam for any all-mountain/enduro helmet. With the visor in the full-up
position, visibility was excellent. With it in the middle, however, I wished for more upward visibility when carrying my bike up steeps, where I felt I was craning my neck to peer up through the bushes. Not a big issue - literally, a heads up.

Stability: At 340 grams. plus the visor, the A1 is chubby for an XC/trail lid, but light for its most conspicuous rivals in the Enduro category. That said, it fits so well and its visibility, so unhampered, that while riding, there is little sense that the A1 is there and its weight is simply not an issue. You'll need to spend the time to fit the A1 perfectly to your head to get the maximum performance from it though, because it sits naturally low on the head both fore and aft, and it truly cradles most of the head - which means that you can't just tilt the helmet and expect it to stay where you left it. It will return exactly to the same place on your head until you readjust the straps and re-position the head-band.

Observations: I have yet to ride it with goggles, but the A1's window is profiled to fit around them. If you wear big fashion sunglasses, however, there is a chance the frames may occasionally bang against the helmet below the visor. I never hit my frames on the A1, so I must note that the warning came from TLD officials. About the only negative I noticed while riding the A1 was that the low position of the helmet and padding on my forehead directed more sweat than I am usually accustomed to into my eyes. I asked other A1 users about this and there was consensus. After readjusting the tilt of the helmet to raise the A1 in the front, the liner remained drier, but not perfectly so.

What do we think about the A1?

bigquotesWhile it's too early to call this a conclusive review, we applaud the creative minds at Troy Lee Designs for a job well done. The A1 is refreshingly simple in profile, yet it is light feeling and comfortable on the head - and it manages to ventilate better than the plastic ostrich eggs that have up to now been the staple half-shells for the go-big all-mountain crowd. The A1 feels substantial, it has the coverage to back that up - and it looks original. The A1 is definitely moto inspired, but the fact that most everyone at TLD are high-level riders leads me to believe that the reason the A1 is such a promising helmet is that they get it. With helmet makers keenly focused on the emerging sport of Enduro, expect imitations. Me, I got the real deal. - RC


Author Info:
RichardCunningham avatar

Member since Mar 23, 2011
974 articles

221 Comments
  • 111 7
 Love my TL full-face and the A1 looks like a great AM choice, but I'd never get one in this colour... what's up with the 70's disco colour choice?
  • 12 6
 I want one Smile
  • 68 2
 The black one is cheaper and better for you youngin's. Leave the 70's porn star lids to the OG's.
  • 23 4
 Dont evan want know the price
  • 5 1
 They mentioned the price already in this article

MSRP is $185 USD for the LE editions and $165 USD for the standard colorways
  • 6 0
 yeah, replace the Big Flake yellow metallic with small flake Blue metallic and things would look a LOT better. That yellow doesn't look to have broad appeal.
  • 20 1
 IMO that thing looks really ugly. The Flux and Recon look much better imo.
  • 26 1
 just gimme a redbull one!
  • 3 0
 yea, the redbul paint job looks great.
  • 1 0
 i love my giro xar, about $35 less too
  • 7 10
 its just a helmet
  • 4 3
 I'll take one Aaron Gwin A1 helmet plz Smile
  • 1 0
 @rota92 best comment of the day
  • 3 1
 That glitter is all killer. Nice! That being said, no one seems to be able to make a half shell that looks cool. It may not be possible.
  • 1 0
 Nu-disco read about it!
  • 3 5
 Will they ever make a half-shell that doesn't look nerdy? I don't think it's possible. They're getting better though. This one isn't bad, but still looks too XC/spandexy for me.
  • 2 1
 That glitter color is suitable for those days you want to express: "Douche level: maximum".
  • 5 1
 I'll be happy to explain the paint schemes that come with TLD products. Some of the MTB rider's may not understand the history of TLD. Troy Lee was doing custom paint schemes on motorcycle helmets for a very, very long time. I remember back in the 90's when I was going to save up all my money to have a plain white Bell Moto helmet custom painted by Troy Lee. His paint jobs were way different than what anyone was doing at the time. Loud colors with metallic flake (as shown, it's not glitter), were very common from Troy Lee but no one else. Thinking outside of the box with color schemes, and having a vision of the final product is what made TLD what it is today. Troy Lee is a true artist, not someone just playing on fads. Yes, I'm sure that there is marketing involved, as there has to be with any successful business. These custom paint jobs are not cheap by any means. I applaud Troy Lee for sticking to his roots as he always has. This is something that I can't say about any other manufacturers. One of the big brands that you guys keep mentioning are known for just going after fads. I don't buy TLD products because certain people are sponsored by them or because his gear is popular. I buy his gear because it's quality stuff, that has strong moto roots that show in most of his product. Go and buy whatever suits you. I think TLD hit the nail on the head with offering plain color schemes and bright crazy colors depending on the rider's mindset in their life. I ride with plain black TLD sometimes, but this year is a new year and a lot of change is happening so bright and bold may be in my future for 2013. Cheers, keep it pinned!
  • 2 0
 Great comment dualsuspensiondave, thanks for explaining the history a bit.
  • 1 0
 Absolutely correct DS-Dave. His roots are amazing paint jobs on moto lids. It's also true that they had the Carbon Pinstripe pattern (for the D3) for a while before his team convinced him to give it a try.. It was the most subtle paint scheme they ever made and it took some talking to get him to release it.. It's now the #1 seller.. All TLD Lids are beautifully crafted high performance products and it's nice they have a wide variety of paint styles to suit the wide range of rider preferences. Some like it subtle, some like neon zombies. they have something for everyone. I've got a pinstripe and it's perfect for my style. The charcoal/ black AM1 looks pretty good too.. I'd get that over the yellow, but that's just me.
  • 6 0
 For the record one of the troy lee reps brought 2 of them into my work today, this helmet is literally THE MOST COMFORTABLE THING YOU WILL EVER PUT ON YOUR HEAD, mark my words, seriously! it looks alot better once its on your noggan too!
  • 56 5
 It looks nice but I want this RedBull custom painted one Big Grin
  • 16 0
 I think I'd rather have all the things associated with owning a RedBull helmet rather than just the helmet itself haha. A bit overambitious, perhaps
  • 13 1
 Yeah, not a fan of glitter on anything bikey!
  • 14 0
 Where do you like your glitter then?
  • 105 0
 On strippers, like the rest of us
  • 5 1
 Haha you just made my day Wink
  • 27 0
 dynamatt, comment of the day. I laughed aloud at work almost blew my cover....
  • 3 1
 Thanks guys!
  • 37 3
 Looks like a sick helmet in the non-Elton John colors
  • 4 0
 Agreed!!
  • 5 0
 hahahahahaha
  • 12 0
 But if you get the shiny one, you'll be a rocket man!
  • 19 2
 Performance looks amazing. Appearance: Meh.
  • 1 0
 Seems like they hit the build dead on where it's needed. I think they made a mistake on the styling, the AM crowd tends to be more understated than the DH crowd. Maybe that's just because of what has been available, but I think it's because AM riders tend to be of a more lid back nature without the desire for flashy. Will see how it sells I guess. I am sure tempted to see if it fits as well as my D3, but would definitely go with the black.
  • 2 2
 I think the exact opposite. Sweat in the eyes due to a questionable brow pad design is a big fail for me. I think it looks pretty cool though. I bet you like 29ers.
  • 3 0
 When i read "AM crowd", i couldnt help but think of the Trans Am crowd after, seeing the helmet!
  • 1 0
 haha...what does washington know about trans am's! just playing bro.... you are so right!
  • 23 6
 Is that thing for real? It's UGLY as!!!!
  • 4 2
 haha..... yeah
  • 3 0
 gwin's red bull one doesnt look terrible, but that gold painted one is giving me a headache
  • 10 0
 I'd like to see the angle shown in the image where TL is holding it in a larger closeup image. I like the shape because it reminds me of the XEN, which I am eternally pissed off at Giro for eliminating. HEY GUYS, WE HAVE THE BEST LOOKING AM LID EVER MADE. LET'S ROCK THE BOAT A BIT, THROW IT OUT AND BRING BACK 90'S XC WEENIE LOOKIN STUFF INSTEAD. Fail. You get my vote Troy looks good and its different enough that id want to wear it props boys
  • 1 0
 Damn....I didn't even noticed that they discontinued it. Luckily I still have my white one in Digital Camo.
  • 2 0
 Railgunner is right on. The Xar is a weenie road bike looking helmet. Canceling the Xen was a major fail.
  • 2 0
 The flux or hex aren't bad but I agree the xen was something special
  • 9 0
 Perfect Enduro helmet? Hum sorry to ruin the party but your helmet will be forbidden on 99% of european races as full face helmets are often obligatory!

So the question remains: are you guys gonna make some D2 carbon again?
  • 6 0
 This is spot on. Many Enduro's are calling for mandatory full face. An Enduro specific full face that does not look like crap would have been ground breaking. This is kinda meh just another trail helmet.
  • 5 2
 I think you just have to be patient. In the US market, "enduro" is just another marketing synonym for "all-mountain." (Most) consumers associate full-faces with lift and shuttle riding, believe that half-shells are fine for mtb, and that if the helmet manufacturers could have come out with something lighter and less hot for the DH crowd they would have done it already. So not a lot of voices calling out for super light, super cool full-faces for non-DH. TLD, Fox Head, POC, Kali, etc aren't going to cut their own throats by saying half-shells aren't safe for 'aggressive' riding at the same time the cycling industry is trying to convince everyone that _everybody_ (aggressive XC! trail! AM! gnar!) is 'aggressive' nowadays. Nor would they want to undercut their DH lines. So we just have to wait until there is a middle safety standard (more than half shell, less than DH), or until the DH helmets slowly get lighter and cooler. If Euro-style safety rules follow the spread of Euro-style racing, then maybe it won't be so slow. I'll be wearing a Fox Rampage and sweating balls until then, but I am in the minority.
  • 1 0
 Good points. It may still come. I am no safety product design so I won't claim it a good idea but couldn't the D2 be a great base for that? It may require a few extra vents, possibly without compromising too much the safety aspect. It is a light weight full face (especially in carbon) that I appreciate on long races.
I rode my first Megavalanche (not really an enduro but more than 30 km in one run!) with a Fox Rampage. I'm not on very fit side as a simple amateur. I was beat in the end of the run, but I think my neck is what hurt the longest! Since then, D2 carbon. But now there are no more, only fiber glass version. Not bad and cheaper, but not as light and as sexy.
  • 1 0
 The Urge Archi-Enduro could be your choice. Full-face, but with slim chin protection in order to breath easier. Haven't tried one though.
  • 2 0
 word. living here in europe and really trying to get the cash together for all the shit needed to run the superenduro series. a full face is mandatory... and i think that is a good thing! i have tried on and done a demo dayon a Urge Archi-Enduro... Yes you can breathe when maxing it out on a pedally-section. No, it wont really do shit if things get pear-shaped at high-speed. take a look: forums.mtbr.com/utah/crash-report-urge-archi-enduro-helmet-795542.html
Not saying this is typical or anything, probably a freak accident... but it sure will make me put a REAL full-face on when its go-time.
  • 1 0
 Could have happen with other full face which are really flexy (Kali for instance). But there must be a way to make something breathing a bit more (talking about vents on top or side) than current full face helmet. I do agree on safety first though. Obviously, and even more when seeing those pictures 8-(
  • 4 0
 The issue is actually the reverse: If a helmet maker successfully designs a lightweight, super-ventilated full-face for Enduro, then it is guaranteed that DH and Freeriders will use it to go big. So it has to be designed for DH from the beginning - and that means smaller vents and more weight. With Enduro's rules and standards in flux, helmet makers will probably have to wait a year or so before committing to a dedicated full-face design.
RC
  • 1 0
 I have never seen a DH bike mounted with a Mavic SLR wheel though they were available with 20 mm thru axle. And that's a surprising comment from an american person Wink Aren't you one of those thinking we're in the end responsible and accountable for our acts and that limits our freedom? I am teasing you bu in the end, that's what we use to read as a comment when some type of protections are made compulsory. I'm thinking about the DH WC in France where almost nobody has been respecting the rules concerning body protection and even felt very smart at ignoring them Frown

Whatever, I agree on one point: the sport is to new (or say was still too small) for the industry to make a product for a discipline where rules might still move a little.
  • 6 0
 Super rad to see TLD getting into the Enduro helmet market. Question for RC--you say you had on the med/lg, but for reference what size do you normally run in a Giro, Bell or Urge helmet? This way some of the rest of us can get a feel for the sizing...
  • 4 0
 Good call. My head runs right down the center of almost every brand's medium-size helmet. The medium Giro Feature is a shade big. POC's medium is a good fit. Kali small/medium is snug, but comfortable. I can't remember the size for the Urge (it was way more comfortable than it looked) and I haven't had a Bell on for a while.
  • 2 0
 thanks for the reply! good info...
  • 10 1
 $165?!?! Damn, that's sort of a lot of cash for an enduro helmet. Even POC's is like 130...
  • 8 0
 probably about ÂŁ/$60 or ÂŁ/$70 if just for the TLD logos on it
  • 10 0
 I think there are a lot better helmets for much cheaper. You can pick up Fox's helmet for under 60 US at the moment that offers just as much protection and dare I say looks better?
  • 1 0
 Isn't the POC trabec MSRP in the low 200$ ? MSRP 215$ CAD on CRC... Still not the most affordable helmet.
  • 2 0
 www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=BUY_PRODUCT_STANDARD&PRODUCT.ID=9754&MODE

104 here with free shipping. The Race is 180 though. I'm not sure if they ship internationally.
  • 7 4
 This is absolutely NOT worth $165!!!! Jhou hit the nail on the head by bring up fox's lid which should be ruling the enduro lid market now more than ever, blowing this overpriced waste out of the water.
  • 8 2
 so basically you pay $100 for the helmet - which is reasonable, and then another $65-$85 because its TLD.....what a rip off
  • 5 2
 tld ....the ed harley of bike bizz :-)
  • 1 0
 CDN msrp is $159 for the Trabec
  • 2 0
 I picked the POC because poc has always been overpriced. quality sure, but overpriced none the less. Like competitive cyclist has the trabec for 104. I like the look of both the POC and the cheaper 661 and fox options than this tld, honestly.
  • 1 0
 Im torn btwn the Recon and the Trabec. I tried on the 661, and it fit like a glove, and I havent tested a Poc. The hype sounds good though.
  • 3 0
 @larry. Go with what fits the best on your head and light on your wallet. I'm a person that believe that function always should come before form. Ask Crank Brothers how their form before function is working!
  • 1 0
 Thanks. Also thank you for that link, 104$ is the cheapest I have found anywhere. Going to start using that site.
  • 11 2
 Must...have...shiny...gooooold!
  • 12 5
 Honestly, that helmet is FUGLY and will probably be way over priced! I call it a flop! Sure you will have the cool guys saying "oooh, its a Troy Lee, gotta have it!" Please!
  • 4 1
 It won't be a flop, it has TLD written on it. All the fanboys will have to buy it even though it looks average at best. And before any smart alecs butt in, yeah i realise that looks aren't the most important thing but there are plenty of other options out there that will offer similar protection and look a lot better
  • 3 2
 So I have to vent a little here, I do apologize ahead of time. Do people realize that when they don't buy things because other people have the same thing, that they are as bad if not worse?! So silly and hipster. Oh well, everybody has their own opinion and preferences.
  • 11 4
 They couldn't have picked worse colour schemes for their first foray into the market...
  • 10 6
 TLD appears to get what thoughtless kids and narcissistic trail riders don't get: road bike helmets are not nearly as protective as people think they are. Not crashing is what keeps most riders' heads safe. The body's lifelong practice in rolling and tucking and maybe sacrificing a collar bone with an outstretched arm is what keeps your head safe. If you think your own very limited history of spills is a data set that somehow proves that the road helmet or pisspot you wore was effective, you are kidding yourself. It's nothing personal, it's just that math doesn't work that way. Big props to TLD and any company that puts their money and reputation on the line in a market full of really stupid, really strongly-held beliefs about what makes a helmet look cool.
  • 1 0
 Limited history. I wrek alot. The think that saves your head is a full face. I have a few good dings on my giro xen. Never been in a spill that i didnt wish i had a full face on... also if your going fast and stick your arm out youll just brake your wrist before you brake your face. .... but i agree with you xc helmets dont do shit
  • 7 1
 it looks like an urge, fox flux and a poc all in one with and with a troy lee badge stuck to it
  • 8 0
 Power rangers! Horrid.
  • 7 1
 troy lee designs, shiny gold...pricey.
  • 6 1
 Cool looking helmet but i cant stand troy lee graphics they are way too busy
  • 9 4
 Excellent. Next time I want to look like a total fucking tool I'll buy one of these overpriced vulgarities. Thanks TLD.
  • 2 3
 All the adolescent boys around here disagree. They think they will look AWESOME. Meh..
  • 2 0
 Nice shiny new skid lid. Don't mind the Black and Silver colour scheme. Def not feeling the love of the more expensive Black and Gold though! :S

Maybe I'll wait out on a Blue/White/Red one to match my new 2013 Ace Jersey, Shorts and Gloves that are waiting for me when i get home! Big Grin
  • 1 0
 This is not a skid lid, its a glorified xc lid
  • 1 0
 tbf, looking at it again. looks more like a skater helmet with a visor strapped on. Doesn't look that nice. Think I'll give this one a miss. :S
  • 2 0
 The highlighted features in the A1 video seem very similar to my Giro Feature lid, but I got mine on sale for 38 dollars at rei; saved a good 40 dollars on the MSRP of the Giro and a good 100+ dollars in comparison to the A1.
  • 1 0
 this (the TLD) look like a carbon copy of the Giro Feature, and like you said the Giro cost way less than this one. The Giro is an excellent choice for trail riding and the price is right is well. I don't see any reason sending 100$ just to get the TLD sticker
  • 2 0
 Was eagerly waiting to see what they brought out as I love my d2 and TLD normally make some really cool stuff... but this? Looks like pretty much every other helmet out there, only even more bulbous and mushroom looking than most helmets... and with really gash graphics!!

Only appealing thing to me is the liner looks really comfy, and I like the back lip detailing. But otherwise really dull helmet, maybe some decent colourways/graphics will come out next year for you it, but will stick to my d2 and urge for now. Shame, I had proper high expectations for this.
  • 2 0
 All it does TL is unique design, but we must not forget that there helmets best on the market, for example, In my opinion MET Kaos continues being most light for all-mountain or enduro, with carbon framework and gel pads very confortable. If you do not mind the weight you can look at other brands as POC, There are other options like Giro, Fox, 661 Recon and now TL.
  • 2 0
 Picked one of the gold flake versions today. Best fitting helmet period, main reason I bought it. I tried on a POC as well, and it was by far the worst fitting, bad adjustment helmet ever. The adjustment on this (dial) is far superior to my previous three Flux's. The comfort level on this is amazing, and gold flake...while being little blingy, does look better in person. Price is steep, but when you look at a "one and done" POC for the same price or more....this helmet is a steal.
  • 7 1
 That's a lot of money for styrofoam wrapped in a thin layer of plastic
  • 7 1
 This might be cool to look at in a few years.
  • 2 0
 I like it. I get way too hot in a full-face, but hate feeling so vulnerable in a half-shell. For me, the more coverage, without being a full-on full-face, the better. The Giro Feature I have now is just okay. It does the job but still gets warm and I bet there are more comfortable liners out there.
That black and silver A1 catches my attention in a good way. I just might save for it (I'll be able to afford it much sooner than the new Fox helmet...)
  • 6 1
 Much too blingy and expensive for what it is. Just like everything from TLD.
  • 12 6
 That just looks weird
  • 3 0
 I was really scared that this would be the first TLD helmet I don't like... but I must say it looks really promising (in another colour ^^)
  • 5 0
 The Black Cyclops looks super sick!!! Don't know about the other one...
  • 2 1
 for me troy lee are simply the best fitting, protective and stylish helmet I ride dh and fr and always feel confident when I put the lid on that it works.yes they are expensive and id like cheaper tld helmets so everyone can benefit from tld protective products but what little brain I have I'll pay the money too protect.in short I love my skull and retired tld helmets look great on my wall, I will be buying their A1.good work tld (",)
  • 5 1
 With the Flux and the new Rampage Carbon Pro...Fox may be the king of the helmet game at the moment.
  • 1 0
 The constructive design of the helmet seems good however hard to tell what functionality is like before trying so no comments there but... If I was to buy in it's current form it would prove quite expensive, factoring in a Delorean to take me back to the 70's where the graphics have apparently been dragged from may prove a budget buster. Let's hope TLD have a few toned down options, I'm simply not a 'look at me everyone' biker when on the trails...
  • 6 3
 That looks awful. How can a company that made the D2 & D3 make something so hideous Frown

That's one I won't even be considering from Troy Lee Designs.
  • 6 2
 This guy is rockin one, he aint scared! Lars Sternberg vimeo.com/57694807
  • 2 1
 So for all the teasers they had it out in the open some days ago?

Much too blingy.
  • 2 1
 He is sponsored by them..
  • 1 0
 No Way on the Yellow and Black color scheme....bees/ wasps/ insects are overly attracted to the Yellow and it is very dangerous/ hazardous.... been stung too many times with yellow colors while riding...either yellow helmet, yellow shirt...the bees/ insects think you are a giant one of them, especially when wearing sunglasses/ goggles that reflect...they see themselves and think its a competitor....if anything...dont go with the yellow!!!!
  • 7 5
 I still think they should have kept the half full face they used to sell in production. There just isn't anything like that on the market
  • 14 1
 There's a reason.
  • 9 4
 The ones that were the top half of a D2? Yeah, they looked like old school motorcycle helmets. Combine that with skinny jeans they made dirt jumpers look like bobble head dolls. They were pretty pointless imo.
  • 4 0
 Wow so it seems my opinion was wrong.

To me they were more enduro helmets then those currently on the market, especially compared to the Urge Archi-Enduro when the chin guard is pointless by being amazingly flexy.

On these though, the only design I do like is Aaron Guin's, due to the matt paint with (as close as possible) 'subtleness' of the design.
  • 5 3
 d2 open face was and still is miles better then this !!
  • 2 1
 word to the old D2 open face. i had one and it was sweet for superD races and DJ. also, i used it on the moto around town. Sold it to make a couple bucks, and totally regret it now.
  • 1 1
 Archi-Enduro chin is not pointless. It is still a much better protection than nothing at all, and you can breath when pedaling uphill. Not everybody needs a full on full-face.
  • 3 0
 Can't wait to hear people cry how they wish they had that limited edition colorway...
  • 2 0
 Is there any technology or tests to show the actually safety of this helmet or is it just a basic shell, albe it full coverage, with shiny paint?
  • 1 1
 One thing's for sure- TLD puts out a quality product. Most of the attention here is over aesthetics. Are we generally more concerned over appearances vs. performance?

I own a Giro feature that I LOVE, but still plan on snapping one of these up. I'll take either color price no concern.
  • 2 0
 why do you want one if you have a perfectly decent one already and yes, we do judge looks each and every day thats why TLD puts so much effort into the LOOK of all their products .. as do many companies .. because it matters, first impressions matter, if they had just left it black with basic logo then the talk, i guarantee, would have been more about the tech and abilities of the unit and not the looks, TLD messed up with this themselves and shot themselves in the foot by focusing on the look rather than the helmet and its abilities, when something is so in-your-face, like this styling, it detracts
  • 1 0
 I want one because it may be better than the Giro. As for TLD, well, as long as they keep putting out top-level stuff, I'll keep putting up with the aesthetics. Don't care much about appearances.
  • 1 0
 Shit... was out at the bar and realized I draw the line at tight pants....
  • 4 0
 Kinda reminds me of a bass boat.
  • 6 1
 I will keep my POC!
  • 8 4
 I want one!
  • 4 2
 Prefer my Giro Xar tbh, Don't like all the fancy fins on this and full visor
  • 4 10
flag IainJohnson (Jan 23, 2013 at 11:08) (Below Threshold)
 The Xar is a trail lid, not an enduro lid...
  • 7 2
 I don't think you can necessarily categorise each open face helmet into a single niche riding style
  • 2 1
 Is there really that much difference between trail and enduro open face..?
  • 1 0
 Well, that's what the helmet manufacturers seem to think... Maybe it's just a marketing ploy. Also, I don't think you would necessarily wear an XC lid for enduro?
  • 1 1
 Plenty of people wear more aggressive helmets like the Giro Feature or Urge whatever-it-is for general XC/trail duties
  • 1 0
 What I mean is, you wouldn't wear something like a Giro Aeon for enduro riding, it doesn't offer enough protection in comparison to say the TLD A1...
  • 9 5
 Fugly.
  • 3 1
 I will be getting my hands on one of these for sure. When are they available?
  • 4 1
 Feb 4th
  • 5 0
 Agreed. Thanks for putting out quality product Troy Lee Designs. Let the hater's hate, I love it.
  • 1 0
 True that, I love all of my TLD gear and to be honest I would rather wear the A1 then FOX or 661. Just my opinion though.
  • 5 2
 Wow... that is one ugly helmet.
  • 2 1
 hahaha thats why that got gwin wearing it. to make it look better.
  • 2 0
 It's no doubt very practical and works great but me personally I just don't like the look of it. Sorry.
  • 2 0
 Put it on ride its a helmet do you get hot need more vents ? I aint bothered about how it looks I want to see crash tests
  • 1 0
 Am sure technically it is a great helmet but it just looks really really awful to me. Will be interested to see this up against the Bell Super.
  • 4 1
 UGLY ! ill keep my poc trabec thank you
  • 1 0
 this lid might look better without the visor. the round profile + visor just doesn't do it for me...then theres the color scheme...
  • 4 0
 Goldmember
  • 1 0
 Looks okay, Probably feels like a solid lid, but sure to be expensive. If i had the cash to splurge i probably would buy one, Just a TLD fan.
  • 2 0
 Just looks like a regular helmet with fancy paint to me. I'll stick to my Giro.
  • 1 0
 I once landed on my face and it was my fault, because I had no head protection, but such helmet wouldnt protect me anyway. Only full face.
  • 1 0
 Am I the only one that thinks this is nothing special?? And I'm not talking about the colors and graphics, which to me seem kitschy - cause tastes vary there.
  • 3 1
 It may be cool if it was one color. WTF I'm a big fan of TLD but that is ugly!
  • 2 0
 Dang, I was hoping it'd be more skid lid style, i.e. can take multiple impacts. especially for the price.
  • 4 1
 No, you don't want a helmet like that if you actually ride hard. Multiple impacts cannot absorb enough energy to save your head from a big crash.
  • 2 0
 uhm, you mean like every DH helmet... ever? essentially, what i want is a DH helmet with a few more vents and no mouth gard.
  • 3 1
 I think that comment was meant to reflect that if the foam is compressed from an impact it's done it's job; and it can't spring back to do it again. That is true of any and all helmets.
  • 2 0
 sure... but dh helmets (and skid lids) have a hard enough shell to not compress the foam from smaller impacts. essentially, if you hit your head with one of these, It's done. even if you can't see any damage, there may be internal damage, and you're supposed to get rid of it. when you're talking about prices that rival lower cost DH helmets, you lose my interest.
  • 4 1
 the red bull version...drool.
  • 3 2
 Love it. Especially the bass boat metal flake. It fit right in line with their Steve McQueen line, paying homage to the old Bell moto helmets.
  • 2 1
 TLD have been making half lids forever.

Anyway, who's to say what an enduro or all-mountain helmet is?

I'll stick with my Giro XAR too, got funtion and looks to match.
  • 2 0
 Giro Xar all day long.

Unless they release the Red Bull to the public. Wink
  • 3 1
 helmet looks pretty sweet. price tag ehh
  • 3 1
 I won't be queuing up for one any time soon..
  • 2 4
 Knowing Troy Lee its absolutely worth every penny, anyone that says their helmets are overpriced and unnecessary has never had one. By far the most protective helmets out there, and the looks are definitely a plus. Its a shame i just sold my am bike would've loved to get one of these.
  • 7 0
 Looks are a plus for adolescent boys. Not for all of us. POC is no less protective, neither is Kali. POC are much better looking.
  • 1 2
 Way to be a Dick ! Merika!
  • 1 0
 TLD would put out a trail helmet just after I order a Poc Trabec.. Oh well..
  • 1 0
 Meh, I'll stick with my Fox. I would have to wear a polyester jump suit to coordinate with the 70's sparkle.
  • 2 1
 Probably one of the worst looking helmets I've ever seen. The peak looks weird,
  • 1 0
 i LOVE TLD but i think for theese light weight helmets they should try being suttle. nice but, sparkles?
  • 1 0
 love the color, then again i drive a car with purple metal flake. Sign me up tld
  • 1 0
 IMO, any TLD equipment is top notch - and that gold will surely shave seconds off you time
  • 1 1
 WOW that looks UGLY as fuk ! LOL .. Love your Jerseys and FF helmets but you guys failed on this lid , sorry TLD . next time !
  • 1 0
 the Giro Feature costs half as much, looks and feels great...oh and costs half as much.
  • 1 0
 I love how fox has had pretty much the same helmete out for like three years now and is 80 bucks cheaper
  • 1 0
 TLD is for rich older crowd I only own theere chest pads, gooood brand but pricey. FOX is good priced and just as good IMO
  • 2 0
 LOOK ON THE HELMET: mombat.org/491Manitou1.jpg
1991
  • 1 0
 Definitely will buy.
Just need to wait for toned down Pinstripe colors scheme version to match my D3 Pinstripe =)
  • 2 0
 I've come to the conclusion that Aaron Gwin is about 40.
  • 1 0
 looks ever so slightly how I'd imagine a post apocalyptic tortoise shell to look like, it's cool though..
  • 1 0
 there will be some different colour (that is the correct spelling) options soon no doubt.
  • 1 0
 Remember the diarrhoea coloured Austin Allegro's in the 70's...... that's what it reminds me of for some reason!
  • 2 0
 Not for me I always look like I've got special needs when I wear one lol
  • 3 2
 It comes in three sizes... but those sizes aren't called small/medium/large?

WTF!?
  • 2 1
 I'll stick with an eps foam skateboard/bmx helmet for about 1/8th the price and 100x better looking
  • 1 0
 Excellent looking lid ! TLD has always made some really great helmets. Love my D !
  • 1 0
 They have to be those colors? I guess so you can be spotted incase you've fallen and can't get up, good thinking TLD!!
  • 2 0
 $165-$185??? cmon, it's a open face helmet...
  • 1 0
 Only people with mid-life crisis will be wearing em' ....I might be included in that. Fudge!!
  • 3 0
 i want
  • 2 0
 FUGLY! GIRO all the way for AM.
  • 2 1
 troy where's the design ?
  • 3 2
 WTF is that... Looks like you should shot out a cannon not riding a bike!!
  • 2 1
 Not that keen on the colour schemes they've got
  • 2 2
 disgusting and a rip off 165 LOL you can shove that wear the sun don't shine
  • 1 0
 First look, yeah that's ugly one -> last look. Big Grin
  • 1 0
 What are you lookin at my gut fer!??
  • 1 0
 Its that gold what makes it ugly.
  • 1 0
 The gold one ... is that C3PO's ? UGLY !
  • 1 0
 i'll wait for more color options?
  • 1 0
 Yellow one looks pretty gay to me!
  • 1 0
 I wish I could get this in Green, to match my Nomad
  • 1 0
 No vents!!!! Hello hot head!
  • 2 1
 Super sick!! I can't wait to get one.
  • 2 1
 I don't know,I'd rather keep my D3 Big Grin
  • 1 0
 Id rether just stick with tld's full-face models.
  • 1 0
 I was always a fanboy of TLD but that thing is fugly as hell!!
  • 1 0
 First Try fitting the Helmet was Sweet ! Fit Like a Glove !Salute
  • 2 4
 LOOK AARON GWIN with TROY LEE and RED BULL for 2013 ! ! so is it going to be Specialized TROY LEE RED BULL race team this year ?
  • 6 0
 Nope, it's now called Specialized Factory Racing, Red Bull and TLD are just personal sponsors of Gwin.
  • 2 1
 Damn, $165?
  • 2 1
 sooo fugly
  • 1 0
 when does it go on sale?
  • 2 1
 looks great
  • 1 0
 More like 'secomd look'
  • 2 2
 And...add to cart
  • 2 2
 How big?
  • 1 2
 It looks guy I must say!
  • 1 3
 how much?
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