Scott Stego Helmet - Review
When Scott Sports introduced their 2014 Genius LT trailbike in Gstaad, Switzerland, this summer, they also unveiled a new helmet to go with it. It was apt timing because, as bikes progress, allowing us to go further and faster, so does the need for better protective gear. A new generation of trail helmets has been around for a few years now - open-face lids that offer better coverage than traditional XC offerings. Yet it is fair to say that many people are still searching for that ever-elusive perfect balance between comfort and protection. The Stego helmet is Scott's entry into this market.
![Scott Stego Review - front view]()
![Scott Stego Review - details 3]()
• Polycarbonate micro-shell, EPS liner
• MIPS rotational-impact protection system
• Extended coverage
• CPSC, CE and AS certified
• Weight: 340 grams (CE in medium)
• Colors: Metallic green matte, metallic black matte
• MSRP: $160 USD/169 Euros
Construction
While some companies have gone for bold, exciting graphics for their trail helmets, Scott have kept its Stego utterly simple. The single, solid block of colour is eye-catching, without being garish. It is visually just right for who we suspect will make up the core market for this kind of helmet: slightly older riders, who don't want flaming dinosaurs and seizure-inducing patterns covering their head. The overall shape reminds us of Lego, in a really pleasing way.
![Scott Stego Review - details 1]()
![Scott Stego Review - details 2]()
At the heart of the Stego is a polycarbonate shell with a conventional, in-molded EPS foam body. Sitting inside the EPS layer is an MIPS liner. Put simply: MIPS is a system that helps the helmet diffuse the twisting forces from an off-center impact. For a more in-depth explanation of the technology, check out our To The Point interview with John Thompson, Scott's product manager, who is largely responsible for the development of the Stego. MIPS isn't new technology in mountain biking, POC have been using it for several years now, inside their comparable Trabec Race MIPS helmet. If you're not sold on the benefits of MIPS for 196 Euros, Scott also offers the more affordable Mythic, which is identical to the Stego, but without the MIPS liner.
Scott claim this helmet has "class-leading coverage" for your head, and it certainly comes nice and low at the back of the head, and the shell dips below the front of the ears, covering pretty much the entire side of the head. Airflow was another important factor in the design of the Stego helmet. Cooling air enters through twin brow vents at the front and big vents in the top and is then channeled through the helmet, exiting through exhaust vents at the rear. Keeping everything in place is Scott's patented MRAS II fit system, which can be adjusted on-the-fly by turning a dial below the back of the helmet.
On top of the helmet is a large, flat area, designed specifically to mount a POV camera. Apparently it's now fashionable to wear open face helmets with goggles and the visor removed. This isn't something we've seen yet, but if you're there on that cutting edge of fashion, the Stego's visor is easily removable for just that reason.
![Scott Stego Review - Riding]()
Ride Review
Scott's MRAS II retention system made adjustments easy. We could tighten or loosen the helmet with one hand, even while riding, and it held the helmet in place very effectively when it was adjusted properly. We had no problems at all with movement while riding. We cannot comment on fit with goggles, as we did not attempt this combination. Coverage for the helmet is very good on both the sides and the back of the head.
Air flow was impressive for a maximum coverage, half-shell helmet. Even at fairly low speeds, we could feel the cool air moving through the channels in the helmet. In hot conditions, the brow vents were a godsend. By directing air onto the front padding, most of our sweat dried before it could drip down into our eyes.
Issues
We did find it a little tricky to find our sweet spot with the Stego and its MRAS II adjustment system. There was only a range of one or two clicks of adjustment that felt just right - too few and it moved about, too many clicks and the retention system applied uncomfortable pressure to the head. We would also have liked a little bit more padding inside the shell, For our tastes, its padding is a shade too minimal. We need to stress that helmet fit is a very personal topic. The size and shape of your head and what you find comfortable is unique to you, so it's worth trying on the Stego, or any helmet, before you buy.
Pinkbike's Take:
Scott Sports
Scott's Stego trail helmet has ample ventilation - a shortcoming of many of its competitors. Its shell drops low behind the head, and also extends around the ears to protect the temple regions.
Details
• Purpose: Trail/all-mountain riding • Polycarbonate micro-shell, EPS liner
• MIPS rotational-impact protection system
• Extended coverage
• CPSC, CE and AS certified
• Weight: 340 grams (CE in medium)
• Colors: Metallic green matte, metallic black matte
• MSRP: $160 USD/169 Euros
Construction
While some companies have gone for bold, exciting graphics for their trail helmets, Scott have kept its Stego utterly simple. The single, solid block of colour is eye-catching, without being garish. It is visually just right for who we suspect will make up the core market for this kind of helmet: slightly older riders, who don't want flaming dinosaurs and seizure-inducing patterns covering their head. The overall shape reminds us of Lego, in a really pleasing way.
(Clockwise) A look at the Stego's MIPS liner inside its in-moulded EPS shell. The visor is removable should you wish to pair up your half-shell with goggles. Scott's MRAS II retention dial, and a view of the flat section at the top of the helmet, intended for POV camera mounts.
At the heart of the Stego is a polycarbonate shell with a conventional, in-molded EPS foam body. Sitting inside the EPS layer is an MIPS liner. Put simply: MIPS is a system that helps the helmet diffuse the twisting forces from an off-center impact. For a more in-depth explanation of the technology, check out our To The Point interview with John Thompson, Scott's product manager, who is largely responsible for the development of the Stego. MIPS isn't new technology in mountain biking, POC have been using it for several years now, inside their comparable Trabec Race MIPS helmet. If you're not sold on the benefits of MIPS for 196 Euros, Scott also offers the more affordable Mythic, which is identical to the Stego, but without the MIPS liner.
Scott claim this helmet has "class-leading coverage" for your head, and it certainly comes nice and low at the back of the head, and the shell dips below the front of the ears, covering pretty much the entire side of the head. Airflow was another important factor in the design of the Stego helmet. Cooling air enters through twin brow vents at the front and big vents in the top and is then channeled through the helmet, exiting through exhaust vents at the rear. Keeping everything in place is Scott's patented MRAS II fit system, which can be adjusted on-the-fly by turning a dial below the back of the helmet.
On top of the helmet is a large, flat area, designed specifically to mount a POV camera. Apparently it's now fashionable to wear open face helmets with goggles and the visor removed. This isn't something we've seen yet, but if you're there on that cutting edge of fashion, the Stego's visor is easily removable for just that reason.
Ride Review
Scott's MRAS II retention system made adjustments easy. We could tighten or loosen the helmet with one hand, even while riding, and it held the helmet in place very effectively when it was adjusted properly. We had no problems at all with movement while riding. We cannot comment on fit with goggles, as we did not attempt this combination. Coverage for the helmet is very good on both the sides and the back of the head.
Air flow was impressive for a maximum coverage, half-shell helmet. Even at fairly low speeds, we could feel the cool air moving through the channels in the helmet. In hot conditions, the brow vents were a godsend. By directing air onto the front padding, most of our sweat dried before it could drip down into our eyes.
Issues
We did find it a little tricky to find our sweet spot with the Stego and its MRAS II adjustment system. There was only a range of one or two clicks of adjustment that felt just right - too few and it moved about, too many clicks and the retention system applied uncomfortable pressure to the head. We would also have liked a little bit more padding inside the shell, For our tastes, its padding is a shade too minimal. We need to stress that helmet fit is a very personal topic. The size and shape of your head and what you find comfortable is unique to you, so it's worth trying on the Stego, or any helmet, before you buy.
Pinkbike's Take:
 | Scott have clearly taken their time entering the trail segment of the helmet market, and it looks like it was time well-spent. The Stego strikes one of the best balances we have seen so far. It looks good, offers the protection we would expect from this kind of lid, and has one of the better airflow systems we have tried. We are also fans of the MIPS liner. Yes, for us the fit wasn't quite there and we would like to see a little more padding, but those are small issues with what is, overall, a great trail helmet. - Matt Wragg |
Scott Sports
Author Info:
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the other $120 gets me what?
The helmet 'standards' you're so comfortable with protecting you are from the late 90's. A lot has been learned about head injuries and TBIs. MIPS is one of a couple steps forward in helmet tech.
Again it's like all these guys buying the cheapest downhill FF helmets that aren't even ASTM1952 certified- the only cert that actually tests the chin bar strength.
They do offer a cheaper version of this helmet. It's the same except it doesn't include the MIPS liner. I believe the cheaper one will retail for $120 so expect it to be around $100 at your LBS or online dealer.
Imma get me this helmet.
Is that an error or do people over the pond just get really ripped off?
www.scott-sports.com/us/en/products/2276553698006/helmet-scott-lin-cpsc-dark-grey-matt-s
Ere u go mate, instant speed!
sharkrobot.com/popup_image/pID/886:25b6bda5559f04a10bd7f0f848af5d53
singletrackworld.com/2013/09/interbike-2013-a-sensibly-priced-enduro-helmet
Im in the market for a new enduro helmet and if im keen to try on a TSG one at 160quid ill pass on the scott
the other $120 gets me what?
Come on Giro step up to the plate with a sub £100 decent looking (hate to use the word) enduro-type helmet which competes with the likes of the POC, Smith, TLD and the-other-one-that-came-out-recently-but-I've-forgotten-the-name. And I mean a decent looking one, not the lifeboat dinghy sized Xar/Xen things out there...
Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the Scott is a comfy lid and performs better than its competitor yadda-yadda, but the price is just ludicrous. At least the Bell Super is now selling for sub £90 online although it is a bit marmite, I guess when shops order tons of these helmets in and realise no-one is buying them due to the price they will be forced to slash the price to shift their stock.
35€, stylish and comfortable!
The Stego will retail for around £120, which yes is still expensive for a helmet but it's in line with what the other helmets in this sub-category were when they were released. The Mythic, Mentioned above, has a RRP of £89, so It's competing with the discounted Super at it's starting price. Scott is on to a winner with these helmets IMO, personally their helmets are of higher quality than many other manufacturers, so to a point YPFWYG. Oh, and the fit is fantastic for people with really big heads.
All the newer generation lids such as this Scott seem to be chipping away at the ventilation issue whilst improving on aesthetics. Encouraging to see it will retail at less than the approximate Euro - £ conversion, I guess that makes the POC Trabec MIPS seem a little steep by comparison . Helmet fit is always a problem, maybe I have an odd shaped head. Had to try a couple of D3s on, turned out the one I had ordered had an extraneous lump poking out of the styrene inner which didn't help, so it sounds good about his one being suitable for larger headed people.
@ bolmaing: Heads are important and suitable protection attire is also critically important, however I just don't like being fleeced for something like this.
If they made a flat black Trabec MIPS with "Point of Contact" in small gloss black letters I would be all over it.
I do agree with you larry. I always invest in good helmets.
How Names are Chosen in Sweden
As the story goes: the founding members of POC (say: 'Pock' ) were having trouble choosing a name for their new protective gear enterprise, so the president gathered them all together at a restaurant for a dinner time brainstorming session. The guests brought lists of possible names for the new corporation and expectedly, most were macho or overly clever monikers that did nothing but create dissent among the members. The evening progressed and more alcohol was consumed, but no viable prospect rose to the top of the list. What was for certain, though, was that the company logo was to be the circular cross-mark that is used to index various places on crash-test dummies. As dessert was served, the president looked at the sliced pie and announced, "Piece Of Cake! That is our name - everything we do or make should be easy, like a piece of cake." POC stands for 'Piece Of Cake.'
If they made a flat black Trabec MIPS with nothing written on the side, I would be all over it.
Piece of Cake? where is that emoticon guy smacking his forehead?