Troy Lee D3 - First detailed look.
by Simon Paton
Oct 8, 2009
This is the one, the most hyped and talked about product that will hit the shelves and tracks in 2010. Mid 90's and the talk was all about the TLD Edge. The turn of the century and it was all about the D2 Daytona. It's been some time coming, has it been worth the wait?
Here's some info that will help you decide and wet your lips..
Here's some info that will help you decide and wet your lips..
Troy Lee Edge circa 94-95?
First off what the hell was a Troy Lee Edge I hear you ask?
It was a full face with a detachable mouthpiece. Did they cost around £120? It was a long time ago so somebody please help me out.
What was cool about this was when at an XC race on the Saturday night they started to run impromptu downhill races. That is when you quickly bolted the full face bit on.
History lesson now over and it's out with the old and in with the new.
It's all about the D3.
To start off they are a Carbon and Composite shell that has been totally re-shaped. The really big news is the increased safety aspect of the shape itself.
A more rounded mouthpiece is there to stop the nose piece digging into the dirt when you face plant hard and fast. Look at a proper motorbike road riders lid, pretty rounded is a whole lot safer.
On either side of your chops (cheeks) the lid has extended ridges/creases molded out adding extra stiffnes in full frontal face plants. Plus if you have a D2 you know exactly how flexy and easy it is to squash the side pieces side to side, not even Hulk could make these wobble.
A quality double D loop keeps the straps in place. Everyone reckons they are a lot stronger than that of a plastic buckle that have been seen to snap in a high energy impact. Except POC that is, they run the plastic ones. Whose right? Your thoughts please.
There is a super nice separate injection molded trim (shown in white above) just like on the SE 2 Moto-X Lids.
Now this thing has over 20 vents and exhausts
All to help keep your hair on and you as cool as a cucumber. Usually those vents lead to nowhere, not here. The inner shell is injection molded with deep channels all the way through to the rear dragging cool air in, over your scalp and out the back.
*Just note there is a padded inner piece that I removed to show you the detailed inside.*
Dual density shock pad system. See those extra orange/red pads glued in there. Nice and soft first layer of protection that extends right around to the front of the helmet.
Quick release cheek pads
Airflow
I-Pod
Why? Because you can't hear the marshals instructions or if a rider is on your tail.
The truth
The M/L Palmer that I weighed yesterday came in at 932grams. The D3 is 203grams heavier.
The D3 is only available in Carbon.
Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large and Extra/Extra Large.
Plus four color ways:
Steve Peat
Sam Hill
Blue
Red
UK £499.99
USD $450
CAD $599.99
For all things shiny, click this for the Troy Lee Website.
Flat pedals forever.
Si Paton..
2010 661 Core Savers Now Instock 89.99GBP
Free next day postage on all orders.
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92 Comments
- + 1 Show
cracked mine pretty badly so ill be getting one of these from Si as soon as they are released.
- + 2 Show
Damn that Edge is sexy!!! Hahaha jkjk, I never thought there would be a helmet more siphysticated then the D2 but TLD seems to have proved me wrong
- - 5 Show
Yeah, but you can only spend so much on your head, especially if after your first crash, the helmet is technically useless. Usually when people buy a TLD it's a fad thing, or it's cool looking, or really light. I don't care if it's SNELL or DOT approved, i'm not riding a motorcycle. Just give me something stout that'll last awhile. Give me some bang for my buck. I'm not the best rider, ya know? Even the greats can crash more than once~
- + 6 Show
You should care if it's SNELL or DOT approved. Downhill riding is becoming perhaps just as dangerous as moto. Look at the way people are riding and where they are riding now. We're not on old school fireroads anymore, we're racing through trees and off jumps. Definitely worth the money, everyone has that one freak accident every now and then. Make sure you got something you feel confident in.
- + 1 Show
new poc downhill helmet is multi impact approved..
poc know what theyre doing with their helmets
poc know what theyre doing with their helmets
- - 1 Show
POC may know what they're doing safety wise but their helmets look like something you'd see on the shelf 10 years ago. No thanks
- + 3 Show
True. I think my big thing is that some companies advert. that their helmets have all these ratings and their made with space-age materials and if you buy this you'll be a freakin' pro! but then their stuff won't last half a season. I've seen this a few times. Granted, TLD is wicked nice, but its kinda like comparing a Dainese race jacket to a 661 pressure suit. They do the same thing, just one of them is half the price. As much as I'd love to buy the best equipment out there, not everyone has gobbs of money laying about for just a helmet. I use a 661 Evo. for my helmet and it's lasted me 3 seasons thus far. Ya know?
- + 2 Show
I have a TLD D2 and it's at it's 5th year. Helmets shouldn't be used more than 3 years. Companies haven't developed a foam that doesn't degrade and keep it's strength. I know a lot of us are low on cash right now but it's a lot better than the medical bills us Americans have to pay if anything happens.
- + 8 Show
looks the dogs bollocks but hey i aint buying one unless they alteast half in price, i mean its f*cking out ragous asking that much for some thing that when u hit a tree head on is technicaly bust, if there were a super crash replacement policy then i might consider this helmet but f*cking hell my The One cost me £90 and if u ask me its looks actualy better and is just as safe since all helmets are made to the same basic safety standards, no helmet will protect u any better than an other
- + 7 Show
lol, some helmets r better than others... as some exceed those basic safety standards... take POC for example...and im pretty sure this will be more protective than the old D2 and probs ur 'the one' too...
- + 1 Show
o of course helmets can protect u better than others but basic shell strengh/structual entergritty is graded by a internation scale that all offical bike mtb bike helmets have to applie by, basicly in general terms a £30 comp is just as safe as a £300 troy lee u just miss out in the mouth gaurds areas and effectly what the helmet does after it hits a tree, a cheaper helmet my take the impact but be mashed a troy lee with its extra strengh will probaby look fine but officaly its just as f*cked,
bascily if your budget is £300 and safety is a biggy for you invest in a neck brace with will improve the effectiveness of any helmet and will protect the back of your neck, and a the one helmet, why the one because theres if my opinion just the best value out there, I would have a troy lee in an instant if it were about £160
bascily if your budget is £300 and safety is a biggy for you invest in a neck brace with will improve the effectiveness of any helmet and will protect the back of your neck, and a the one helmet, why the one because theres if my opinion just the best value out there, I would have a troy lee in an instant if it were about £160
- + 1 Show
well im no expert on troy lee's but POC takes multiple impacts,and also more expensive helmets tend to be more penetration resistant and effective at absorbing the impacts than cheaper ones, and that not mentioning ventilation, weight etc. but i do agree that if its round 300 quid (i dnt know the price) it is a bit a of a rip off for not to much gain except similar looks and upgraded safety to the old one and a neck brace would be a better investment, neways im not that fussed as i dont hav that money to start with and a 661 strike does me fine lol
- - 1 Show
I agree with the first statement, not the second one. POC is a totally seperate argument from this though, so I'll ignore that. But who's to say that T.H.E. isn't just as good or better than TLD? They even replaced my helmet with a new one when the visor broke off and the bolts sheared. And it was only 90$ USD. No thank you TLD, maybe once I win the lottery, but no thanks.
Also, if you ask me, I have not seen a single TLD design (color/style) that I have liked...
Also, if you ask me, I have not seen a single TLD design (color/style) that I have liked...
- + 1 Show
lol, i never sed that THE sucked, cos i know they r good and am looking at buying one, and as for style its a matter of personal preference which is why i didnt really mention it, and i kind of did say i was going on presumptions at the top of it, so if uve tried both then i will bow to ur superior knowledge lol
- + 3 Show
lol now dissing troy lee for looks is abit risky but hey i agree, the new 661 evos are making pritty much every thing on the market look ugly but i totally, that said i've got to say again that my the one is a fairly pritty helmet
- + 0 Show
looked into both helmets extensively and cant say theres is any different bewteen troy and The, accept for price, that said i would have the troy were it cheaper but that said i'd probably just go for an 661 evo now
- + 2 Show
Was that taken in a fridge??!! Just bought a heavily discounted D2. As much as the D3 is nice it's way too expensive!
- + 1 Show
He said in the first one it was so hot he had to cool it off in the fridge, so yes, he did take it in the fridge. lol!
- + 0 Show
RRP is £499.99 in the U.K.
I've asked Bruleto include the Canadian and US Dollar RRP when he's free.
I've asked Bruleto include the Canadian and US Dollar RRP when he's free.
- + 4 Show
f*ck me , 500 quid for helmet? no no no. Il stick with my giro, its cheap, well safe, and comfy, its even lighter, costs like 90 pounds as well
- + 1 Show
jeeez this is getting ridiculous... u can get better ones (in my opinion) cough *POC* cough for a lot less and even the 'unintentionally' mentioned helmet is very expensive compared to other very good ones...
- + 1 Show
500 haha! you can get a top of the line airoh in carbonfor 360 and they are some of the highest quality lids around , insane pricing
- + 0 Show
I'd rather buy 2 d2's and still have some change than get a D3 for £500.
But I'd say something like a 661 evolution or a THE 'one' is the best deal for protection and looks to cost ratio.
But I'd say something like a 661 evolution or a THE 'one' is the best deal for protection and looks to cost ratio.
- + 5 Show
Theres only so far you can take the whole "you've only got one head" argument, and I think £500 is definitely past that point.
- + 6 Show
I paid $100cad for my 661 evo and I think it looks almost as good, It's also lighter 
These helmets are like anything in the top tier of it's class of products. Take a lambo for example, there's a lot of things that are way cheaper and go way faster but it's just for show, as are many things in the mtb world.
These helmets are like anything in the top tier of it's class of products. Take a lambo for example, there's a lot of things that are way cheaper and go way faster but it's just for show, as are many things in the mtb world.
- + 3 Show
Yeah i completely agree. I'm not really liking the look of this compared to the d2, too much like a moto lid. And far too expensive, the d2 is already too much but this is just rediculous.
- + 1 Show
its hard to put a price on personal safety, with all the new technology in helmets, body armour, neck braces, etc, something like this puts it in perspective. Sometimes even tho its pricey, its effective and does the job very well, personally I would like to use the best in safety gear...but for some of us costs are an isssue. Some of us must wake up the next day to work to support families. So do we get the pricey gear? What price do you put on yourself to play the next day. Personally I'll be looking at getting a new D3, I love my D2 but its 4yrs old. Anyways thats my bit, lol, Nice helmet Troy lee!!
- + 1 Show
I hear that troy lee wans to make a little change because many dh riders use motorcycle helmets and they want to make the bycicles helmets strong enough so people can change their minds and start using just bycicle helmets.
now the troy lee D3 are heavier and bigger than the old D2.
but I still thinking that are expensive , I know that is my head but si too much money for a helmet.
now the troy lee D3 are heavier and bigger than the old D2.
but I still thinking that are expensive , I know that is my head but si too much money for a helmet.
- + 1 Show
This helmet is certainly the bees knees, but for $400+ I'll stick with my Remedy. Maybe pick up one of the heavily discounted D2's floatin around. So does this thing have an ipod mount with speakers built in? I velcroed some headphones into my Remedy and a little Sandisk clip mp3 under the visor
- - 2 Show
I WANT TO SEE THE SAM HILL ONE!!!!!!! those are nice helmets. i have seen the steve peat one already and its nice but: I WANT TO SEE THE SAM HILL ONE!
- + 3 Show
stupid so stupid. so freakin expensive for a helmet that is heavier then a cheaper one... and its not DOT approved!!!
SILLY
SILLY
- - 1 Show
I got the Steve Peat addition at the show. I also had it signed by Steve Peat, Troy Lee and the artist who drew it. This helmet is amazing. Check out my profile to see pics. At the time of the show Troy Lee said there was only 4 of the helmets in the world.
- + 0 Show
I just don't get everyones fasination on the weight and price of this thing... Obviously there are people out there who would pay this price otherwise troy lee wouldn't waste their time/money! As for the weight, SAFETY people.... If you want to be as safe as possible then weight isn't the issue. Loads of people have said that there is no safety difference between approved helmets, forget the standards for a moment and think of motocross helmets. They are much heavier and are CLEARLY safer! Motocross riders would wear lighter helmets if they where as safe as their big ones but quite simply, the are not! Sweet Helmet from the boys at Troy Lee Designs!
- + 2 Show
Just because people will pay it doesn't make it right that troy lee should charge that much. Banging on about safety and then charging extorsionate prices is very exploitive. If i want a safer lid i'll buy a 661 or something else because i cant afford £500 for a helmet! Thats rediculous! Sorry but there is no justification fo it.
- + 0 Show
You missed my point... There IS justification to it. I know for a fact that I won't be buying one because I can't afford it, but people who can afford it and feel the need to spend more money on a safer helmet WILL buy it. And when you say "Banging on about safety" do you mean explaining why its safer than other helmets on the market? I don't see this as exploitive, I see it as advertising.
- + 1 Show
If i want that level of safety ill buy a moto lid for hundreds less. Charging that much for something you have persuaded people is safer is very exploitative. That is the definition of exploitation. Convincing people something is necessary to be safe as possible, and then charging half a grand.
- + 2 Show
Hmm the flames are outdated imho.... they need to do a better flames and may be more color options. I love the shape of it tho....
- + 1 Show
I love the emphisis on WHEN you are strapped to a spinal board and WHEN the paramedics are sorting you out, its almost like they are telling you something... Awesome lid though shame I just brought a D2
- + 1 Show
Yeah I don't plan on EVER being strapped to a spinal board being sorted by paramedics, d3 or not.
Also you can buy an actual moto lid that looks better, for cheaper. (eg 661 flight)
Also you can buy an actual moto lid that looks better, for cheaper. (eg 661 flight)
- + 3 Show
rip off, buy the old se wardy, got mine for £116 brand fire new out the boxaa good few year ago.
- + 2 Show
these photos make them look not to bad actualy but i think id still prefer a d2 until ive seen one in the flesh
- + 1 Show
Looks nice but not worth the money in the UK. I'm sure there's a reason but I can't see how can they justify the mark up for us in the UK? £499 and $450. That's a mark up of $273. How the hell does that make sense?
- + 1 Show
why do they double in price just to cross an ocean.
that is stupid, if they were 300 then maybe but 500!!!!!!!!! thats a joke.
that is stupid, if they were 300 then maybe but 500!!!!!!!!! thats a joke.
- + 1 Show
c'mon, everyone! i've crashed on my head [ hard] 1/2 dozen times this year and my 2009 Fox is just fine...i am not saying this is always the case with helmets, but i take it apart after each crash and assess the condition of the liner and shell and it has held up perfectly in each subsequent crash...of course with profit motivation, the manufacturers are very happy if we buy another overpriced lid after each scratch, and if i could afford to, maybe i would buy a new lid after each endo, but for now i will wear my trusty Fox and if i think it's time to throw it out, troy lee can kiss my arse and i'll go buy another brand with the money i saved not buying his rip-off priced f*ggy fashion lids. oh yeh, all you bone heads listening to yer mp3 or any other gadjits while riding off road, you don't need a troy lee 'super carbon drug induced design' lid, because you don't have a brain to protect anyway; cause fer sure if you are doing trails that require a good full face lid you better NOT be listening to anything on headphones when your safety and focus should be on the ride...if you insist on looking the part with the latest troy lee artsy fartsy lid and listening to the latest thrash, go build a 3 wheeler poser trail in your back yard and get the hell out of my way.
- + 2 Show
Why do people get so mad when expensive products come out? Just stick to your Fox and don't buy it. "Expensive" is always a relative term. If someone wants to spend the money, who cares? Isn't that what a free market affords us? The freedom to choose which products we want to buy?
- + 2 Show
Way to expensive for a god damn helmet!, what's the point when little kids like so cant afford a good looking helmet?
- - 1 Show
I've had my D2 for 9yrs now and over 17 head crashes. all carbine and no cracks. tld makes stuff that lasts forever. but I should deff get this D3.
and i ride everything.
and i ride everything.
- + 2 Show
i don't care if they're more solid or whatever, they just look like those cheesy specialized deviants to me!!!
- + 0 Show
Great for the paramedics to pull on the extended tabs and pull out the cheek pads with them. That means it's a lot easier for them to take your lid off when you are strapped to the spine board with a neck injury.
That doesnt sound too great.
That doesnt sound too great.
- + 0 Show
Kali protectives has a helmet at same weight that's DOT! I'd rather put my head in a lid that Moto riders wear especially at that weight.
- + 1 Show
Exactly! The new D3 looks idiot and totally unstylish. Looks like an old giro helmet. The D2 kick the ass!
- + 1 Show
hahaha £500 for a helmet! that just stupid, a 661 evo carbon is about the same and cost 3 times less! i think they have taken it way too far
- + 1 Show
the industries ..just as good and half the price . currently got a phobia and personally wouldnt waste my money again .had bell and giro too and just as good .
- + 2 Show
500 quid my god rip off,off the subject i know but same price as a arai rx7 gp helmet as worn by doohan,haga,edwards,hayden,pedrosa etc etc more goes into an arai than these
- + 1 Show
£500 for a bicycle helmet
and still not eaven DOT
,most high end MX helmets doesn't eaven cost(except Arai) that much.If you whanna have a light weight TLD moto helmet a Air could be the best investment over the D3,it looks realy good with no shitty graphics and would probally weight the same.
and still not eaven DOT,most high end MX helmets doesn't eaven cost(except Arai) that much.If you whanna have a light weight TLD moto helmet a Air could be the best investment over the D3,it looks realy good with no shitty graphics and would probally weight the same.- + 0 Show
How was this a detailed look?
Did not even show all 4 color schemes
I pre-ordered mine already
(not with the help of this write-up)
Did not even show all 4 color schemes
I pre-ordered mine already
(not with the help of this write-up)
- + 0 Show
£500. Is that a joke? That is insanely overpriced. The moment I heard of this helmet I was 100% down on buying one, now I have seen the £500 price tag, I am now 100% down on not buying one.
I think I'm just going to stick with the D2.
I think I'm just going to stick with the D2.
- + 1 Show
I can't stand the people who rant on and chirp about expensive $hit and then the people who can afford them.
You don't like it? Too expensive? Got a better option? Cool, roll with your own thing.
But... Who the hell are you to call someone a fa**ot, poser, etc???
Are you that loser jealous?
I tried it on and instantly bought a d3. Never thought I'd spend $500 on a helmet
but it fit great, felt awesome and I liked the looks of it. I was in Whistler and had
a fantastic day and was really happy with the helmet.
To me it was worth the money.
I guess that makes me a poser f>g
to the envious poorfolk.
But I'd like think it's more a case of some people needing to be told FuQ.
You don't like it? Too expensive? Got a better option? Cool, roll with your own thing.
But... Who the hell are you to call someone a fa**ot, poser, etc???
Are you that loser jealous?
I tried it on and instantly bought a d3. Never thought I'd spend $500 on a helmet
but it fit great, felt awesome and I liked the looks of it. I was in Whistler and had
a fantastic day and was really happy with the helmet.
To me it was worth the money.
I guess that makes me a poser f>g
to the envious poorfolk.
But I'd like think it's more a case of some people needing to be told FuQ.
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