The D2 Bicycle and Action Sports Helmet is the most technically advanced helmet of its kind. Astonishingly light in weight and incredibly strong, the D2 is the perfect helmet for BMX, mountain biking, and other action sports like snowboarding. All this and looks to boot, the D2 screams performance and style.
Submitted by
norcorider95
a Downhiller
from London, England
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2012
Strengths: They look brilliant, are super comfortable for long days, work well with neckbraces, theyre suprisingly light, not too fat so quite a slim design, a lot around so easy to find spares for, and it comes with the Troy Lee name!
Weaknesses: The fit is quite snug, as size guides are a little off, but no one wants a loose helmet and unfortunately the TLD price tag, as troy lee stuff doesnt come cheap. The History black made it fairly hard to find goggles that looked cool and not boring, but oakley sorted that out! and finally the little dust guard at the chin means it cant rest on the bars when not riding.
Bottom Line:
This is a really good helmet overall, its a really comfortable simple helmet but passes all the major safety testing meaning they can be used in races and are proven to be safe, the troy lee paintwork is always insane and never fails to impress ( I have the D2 history).
Mines really comfy however quite snug, anyone can use them and I'd recommend it over a Carbon helmet as it is just as light and carbon snaps and flakes where as the composite used in the D2 is just as light and doesn't flake when sliding along the floor or something, they are really easy to find replacement lining for and spare peaks incase you faceplant, gives a real sense of security but yet doesnt look fat like a moto helmet.
It's a brilliant helmet for any Downhiller or Freerider who wants the full face protection, if your willing to spend the extra money then maybe look into a carbon D2 or a D3 as they are the best helmets money can buy!
This helmet is ideal and worth every penny. Do not compromise when it comes to protecting your melon! I tried on a few "entry level" helmets when I went to purchase some new MTB skull insurance, but the decision to spend the extra coin was easy when I slid on the D2. It helps that I found a great closeout price that was $100 off retail for a 2009, but you should be able to find a similar price by shopping around now that the 2010 designs are out. Most importantly though, it performs. I took a good digger off a jump on my first day out with the helmet, went over the bars and landed on the left side of my head. Didn't feel a thing! I bounced right up and kept going. Similar crashes in my dirt jump helmet have rung my bell pretty good. I can not see myself needing to buy another helmet, until this one wears out and I buck up for a D3 carbon!
Weaknesses: Cheap plastic tabs and snaps. Customer service is worthless
Bottom Line:
I had this helmet for 2 monthes. It fell from my hand to the dirt once. And 3 plastic snaps that hold the liner broke off, as well as the plastic that held the mouthpiece.
I took it back to the dealer they said $60 to fix. I called the company and they told me we only have one engineer that can fix these and we need to cover the expense of his time. So now I have to straighten the liner everytime I take it off and on. I need to buy another helmet. I have never had a helmet fail, I buy new ones because they are old and the foam is hard. UNTIL NOW.
Submitted by
Drftn280zxt
a Downhiller
from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2009
Strengths: D2 Phobia Carbon. Excellent build quality, plush padding, cool graphics, light weight and awesome anatomical fit.
Weaknesses: Could use an a better chin strap connector. The double D-ring latch system is sometimes a bit of a nuisance to work with. The ventilation is not the best. If you ride in Vegas during the summer, even in the high mountains your head gets pretty warm in hurry with this helmet on.
Bottom Line:
If you want a bad ass full-face helmet that can meet and exceed all non DOT certifications and you ride where it is regularly under 85 degrees you can't find a better helmet for the money. Easily removable washable liner that wicks away sweat like a champ is a feature that comes as quite a convenience especially when the salt really starts to build up. All the hype about TLD helmets is not just about the awesome graphics. Build quality is top notch and the integrated safety features and engineering are worth your coin. Beats a trip to the hospital and you look like a rock star sporting it.
Used the 661 Bravo for 2 seasons. Protected well but the fit was a little off. My head is oblong not round,i.e., longer front to back than ear to ear. The 661 would bind on my forehead when first installed then after a while it was not noticable.
The 2008 D2 instantly fit like a hat and is incredibly light. No binding front to back. My head measures 7 7/8th inches around and the XL fits perfectly. It also has screening over the vents. I gotta think this will keep the mud and vegetation off my head. Not a big deal but hey, commenting on the benefits. Very happy I stepped up to the D2.
If you can find this helmet for $200 it's a helluva deal; therefore 5 chilis for me. If you pay full retail? Hmmm, you don't have internet?
Weaknesses: made in china, over priced. had to wait for a clearence sale.
Bottom Line:
I pulled apart the helmet in under 2 miinutes with my bare hands. The worst construction Ive ever seen. Two spots with hot glue were all that held in the foam. Having worn only REAL MX helmets for years makes this pretty TLD D2 nothing but fancy wrapping. What a joke.
Similar Products Used: Oneal & Giro: best lids ever.
Bike Setup: TMX & Moment
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Curt MacNeill
a Downhiller
from Jackson Hole, Wy
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2006
Strengths: Fit, Comfort, Protects your noggin better than others, paintjob
Weaknesses: Some could say the price, but $300 bills is less than a hospital visit for head injuries.
Bottom Line:
There are not too many dh products out there that I can't stop talking about. Everything seems to break and doesn't excite me much. But my Troy Lee is different. Definitely the most comfortable and best looking helmets I have seen. Also think they are the strongest helmets out there for DH mtb. Buy one, your only dissapointment will be the first time you crash on your head and scratch the seet paint job or snap your visor in 5 pieces. At least it's not your head though.......
Bike Setup: 04 manik, .243 racing, raceface, MRP, atomlab
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Lex
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Clarita
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2006
Strengths: fit, comfort, looks, weight
Weaknesses: some may say price, but you can't put a price on your melon or keepin' that face lookin' purdy. besides, it can be had at pricepoint for $200
Bottom Line:
it looks good, and will surely keep that face lookin pretty, not to mention, keep those brains from leakin out your nose. great fit, breathes well, does my dishes, and inspires confidence... wether on the dirt, or hell, even a date.
Similar Products Used: bell bellistic... uncomfortable fit and questionable quality.
Bike Setup: Transition dirtbag
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Ben
a Racer
from Christchurch, Canterbury New Zealand
Date Reviewed: December 3, 2005
Strengths: Awesome shape, graphics, flow through venting, removable pads, light weight. easy to see out off, doesnt give that "fat face look"
Weaknesses: Eveyone has them! Quite expensive
Bottom Line:
This helmet kicks a**!! If you are looking for a new helmet seriously consider this helmet unless your just starting out, this is more for experienced riders
the price is outrageous but worth every penny. safety is one of the most important variables you need to consider when buying a new helmet and this helmet delivers it. dont buy it if you ride once a month but, if you are a racer or freerider who rides everyday BUY IT IF YOU CAN!
Weaknesses: Price - outrageously overpriced, for what it is...and rather garish looking
Bottom Line:
High quality at an even higher price....It's a shame one must pay so much, but, I guess when it's possibly the best fully-face 'lmet out there, they can charge what they want. I don't care for the looks, but, that' comes secondary to protection, and protect is something it appears is top notch.
Strengths: the ventilation doesn't seem as good as others but when you wear one of these you will notice the difference. The vent system is well thought and does a good job. The visor is secured w/ Ti bolts. Sweet shell shape that is aero and looks sweet. Everyone already knows the paint is sweet! Easily washable liner
Weaknesses: My securing strap frayed a bit, but stopped, so I guess it's fine.
Bottom Line:
If you want to be cool, get one... haha, no. But if you go to the races and look around it will all make sense. There is a reason all of the top pros ride it!
Similar Products Used: Giro Mad Max, 661 full bravo
Bike Setup: Sweet, just trust me www.teamplanetx.com
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Bernie
a Downhiller
from North Vancouver, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2004
Strengths: Great fit, great graphic, light weight, removable liner, great visbility, comfortable.
Weaknesses: I recently noticed that the foam inner helmet has separated from the outer shell. A little surprised by this development. Also I have found that the velcro dots that hold the fabric liner seem to come off quite easily when I remove the fabric liner for washing. Waiting to hear from TLD about what to do. Functionally and design wise there are no weaknesses at all.
Bottom Line:
Fantastic helmet and worth every penny. It has saved my coconut during some nasty falls. Don't hesitate to buy one in spite of my concerns above since I beleive it can be fixed rather simply. This is the best disabilty insurance you can buy. I have the Carbon Fiber version but would recomment that either version would be great. The carbon fiber is super tough and a little lighter but not much.
