Troy Lee Designs A1 Vertigo with MIPS - First Look

May 27, 2016
by AJ Barlas  
Troy Lee Designs A1 Mips Vertigo


TLD Updates the A1

Troy Lee Designs have updated their popular A1 all-mountain helmet, although this iteration won't hit the shelves with just fresh colours and new graphics. The latest version now includes MIPS, a technology still relatively new to mountain bike helmets, but one that's gaining popularity quickly. All other features of the current A1 remain unchanged, including its shape, multi-directional adjustable harness, the one-piece removable liner, and certification for CPSC 1203, CE EN 1078 and AS NZ 2063: 2008 standards.

TLD A1 Vertigo Details:

• Equipped with MIPS
• Reinforced polycarbonate shell in-mold with EPS liner
• 16 vents: 8 intake / 8 exhaust
• Triple position retention system
• Race inspired styling
• Sizes, XS/SM, MD/LG, XL/2X
• Colours: white, black, yellow, red, grey (not shown)
• MSRP: $215 USD ($189 USD for the Drone)
• www.troyleedesigns.com


Troy Lee Designs A1 Mips beside the original
TLD A1 with Mips beside the original A1
The standard A1 and the new MIPS-equipped model look the same from the outside, but the new helmet's yellow MIPS webbing (on right) is visible when it's flipped over.


MIPS - which is the acronym for Multi-directional Impact Protection System - is gaining steam largely thanks to the extra protection it claims to offer against rotational forces on the brain when a rider hits the dirt. This technology allows the helmet to slide relative to the head, removing some of the forces on the brain during a spill. The system is clearly visible on the inside of the updated A1 (note the yellow webbing in the above photo) and despite the addition of this to the classic TLD half lid, the outer shell is the same size and has not changed in shape.

If the loud colours or styles of the $215 USD MIPS-equipped A1 Vertigo aren’t for you, there is a gloss-on-matte black Drone version available with MIPS that retails for $189 USD.

Troy Lee Designs A1 Mips Vertigo

MENTIONS: @troyleedesigns


Posted In:
Reviews and Tech First Looks Troy Lee Designs Mips


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78 Comments
  • 93 14
 I think TroyLee should actually hire a designer Razz
  • 41 4
 Oh, I'm sure they have one, just one with veeeeeery different ideas of good graphic design from you, I, and most people over 20 ????
  • 32 2
 sad but true. probably the nicest helmet-shapes on the market with the ugliest graphic design. at least they stay true to their style Wink
  • 7 6
 I personally like these new designs but the d3 on the other hand, its just gross
  • 10 6
 As A Graphic Designer I absolutely love these helmets!
  • 4 3
 The graphics on these don't look bad at all to me, but then I still run a 2004 D2 Carbon with white flames cuz I just don't give a damn.
  • 3 0
 i actually like the overall design but the colors are just too much, if they traded the red for black on every helmet i would buy one, clashing colors are no bueno for me.
  • 6 0
 @endlessblockades: ........about my head.
  • 2 1
 I like the designs
  • 1 0
 They have some cleaner designs as well, but I'm with you on the rest Big Grin
  • 6 1
 Can't tell where the helmet stops and the graffiti starts.
  • 2 1
 I love the white one.
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: Yeah, I like the white one too. Imo, TLD have always been well ahead of the pack, no one does MTB kit better.
  • 3 0
 @ljt545: I'd beg to differ, I have an art degree and am a fine artist and commercial designer; these designs and other TLD's stuff, not all, but most are seriously questionable.
  • 2 0
 I call this LSDesign...
  • 2 0
 As A Graphic Designer I absolutely hate these helmets!
  • 1 1
 some of the designs aren't the prettiest but they make safest most comfortable lids around so im not complaining
  • 51 1
 I'm going to wear one of these during my next Dia de Los Muertos parade!
  • 20 0
 Needs more colored stripes
  • 5 0
 And more cowbells
  • 14 0
 Hey, "Insane Clown Posse" needs bike helmets too ya know.
  • 2 1
 "it takes 3 piggies to make a piggie pie!"
  • 3 0
 F'in' helmets, how do the work?
  • 9 1
 I got the matte black drone. The most comfortable helmet I've owned. Lighter than my Xar and stays cool. I was pleasantly surprised.
  • 9 1
 I think the black one is pretty nice... the visor is also a better size than a lot of it's competition- less duck billed platypus looking.
  • 11 1
 Disagree, these look more like ducks
  • 3 0
 Having tried on a fox metah last week those were my exact words. Got a fox flux in the end. In women's colours cos it was lairier lol
  • 2 8
flag RollinFoSho (May 27, 2016 at 13:40) (Below Threshold)
 The D2 and D3 look awesome. The A1 on the other hand is FUGLY
  • 4 2
 hottest helmet ever...winter helmet only
  • 2 2
 OK, calling it FUGLY is a bit of a stretch, but it could look a lot better IMO. My Bell Super 2R Mips has been great. Not winning any style awards either but it's not bad. Fit me better and has chin bar option which has been great too.
  • 2 0
 @abennett219: funny but true, much of the women mtb gear is nicer than mens
  • 6 0
 I'm very excited that big companies are starting to incorporate this newer technology into helmets. There is no such thing as enough protection for our heads.
  • 8 0
 MIPS is actually arguable in terms of increased safety, Fabien Barel gave one good interview around that topic (he is working on URGE helmets)
  • 1 1
 @ciechan: link? I googled, couldn't seem to find it.
  • 1 0
 I found it Smile
  • 1 0
 @ciechan: Source?
  • 2 0
 http://m.pinkbike.com/news/urge-helmets-from-the-top-interview-2016.html
  • 1 0
 I wonder if it's really fonctionnal on an open face helmet. It must be very well sizing your head to work properly no ?
  • 2 0
 @ciechan:
M.I.P.S = Mostly Increases Price Sucker Smile
  • 2 0
 @therealtylerdurden: Thanks!
  • 5 0
 Heat? I ride in the damn tropics and I don't consider it a hot helmet. Most comfortable helmet ever. And my gray drone is nice and subtle.
  • 2 0
 foam durability and sweat wicking needs redesign as sweat runs down the middle of my forehead. i've lost two of the visor fasteners, i think this needs to be addressed as well, i'm waiting for the new giros to test fit, will not buy another tld a1 again, not worth the price.
  • 5 0
 I think they work because I feel dizzy just looking at them
  • 5 0
 worst color ways ever......
  • 6 2
 can someone please take off the word " Designs" from the name "Troy Lee Designs". It doesn't make any sense anymore.
  • 3 0
 they "design" things like its for motocross, where everything needs to look like a dope-ass tribal tat.
  • 5 3
 Why would you pay $215 for a helmet that looks like a 3 year old scribbled on it? There are plenty of MIPS equipped helmets under $100 that fit just as well and look half way decent, but what do I know.
  • 2 0
 The black and white helmets look decent but the other two don't cut it for me! Stick to the pinstripes and classy look! Please don't follow in the direction of all these other companies who go crazy with colours
  • 3 0
 As an A1 user, I have to say that yellow is the is the worst looking helmet I've ever seen. Like the non symmetrical patterns on the other though.
  • 3 1
 The black one on the far right would match the color of the new Santa Cruz Nomad, which would be pretty cool if you owned one. But too much color for me Razz
  • 4 0
 Too much color for me.. Smith Forefront is my favorite!
  • 4 0
 The A-1 fits great but all his stuff looks like psychedelic vomit.
  • 2 0
 Hows this sound. Plain single colour with a few different optional sticker kits so we can customize our own lids. Surely it would be cheaper too? Any thoughts? ?
  • 1 0
 I just want an all white one for Summer.
  • 4 0
 So when are you firing the graphic designer?
  • 2 0
 I feel that having the worlds most irregular shaped head I should weigh in on this. But I won't. Because my head is not a regular shape.
  • 3 0
 Time to whip out the air brush to pin stripe the jalopy
  • 5 1
 Headache.
  • 3 0
 Those are some very "in your face" color schemes.
  • 5 1
 Did a European buy Troy Lee recently?
  • 2 0
 TLD A1 is the best half shell helmet, also to the colour haters they do more colours than this. Less loud ones.
  • 2 0
 Troy solids will do the job there's really no need for us to stand out like a fwy in East Los.
  • 3 1
 Corporate design FAIL. Let's try to rip off street art !
  • 3 2
 TLD often comes across to me like designs I'd appreciate when I was 12 or 15, like hotrod colors and stripes.
  • 3 2
 The brand should shift its name to just Troy Lee as I'm rarely a fan of the designs
  • 1 0
 215..... . just gotta ask myself how much my head is worth
  • 2 2
 Looking for to buy the black/red yellow !! Just wait untill its at 110$ on CRC
  • 3 1
 fugly
  • 2 1
 Looks very nice but does it still make you sweat like a $5 hooker
  • 2 1
 Corniest 90's tribal bullshit. Would not wear.
  • 1 0
 The white and the black one look smart IMO
  • 2 1
 Does the redesign better allow for the use of sunglasses?
  • 1 1
 What sunglasses have you had issues with @wang-chung ? Are you using riding sunnies or regulars? Can't say I've had an issue with a number of riding glasses, but admittedly haven't tried with regular sunnies.
  • 2 0
 @ardor: Oakley jawbreaker
  • 4 3
 Awesome
  • 1 2
 Hope they have sorted the ventilation , the a1 is too fucking hot end of,winter fine any time past may in uk no good.
  • 2 5
 Erection in every direction get vertigo!







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