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new virginia tech helmet ratings are out

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Discussion starter · #6 ·
A2 and A1 fit. In theory they should be the same, but they do fit some heads different. I have found through feedback that the A2 runs a bit bigger, if you are in that middle of M and L, its not so obvious, its the outer edges of sizing that some people have sized up or down. Like every helmet brand, you gotta try them on in person.

A1 head form, lots of comfort liner, make for one of the most comfortable helmets i've ever worn-but the a2 does breath a bit better, and the addition of EPP (low speed energy management) to the EPS was a innovation in safety.
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
Lone Rager said:
^^^ yeah. I just bought an A1 because it fits me so well, maybe better than any helmet I remember. It's nice that it has a good rating, but that's something I usually sweat.
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Yeah, we are psyched. The Virginia tech testing is a big step up in safety ratings compared to the CPSC, by way of the oblique impacts and more of them, you get a better read on energy management and rotational forces. Interesting to see how many MIPS helmets performed better than other rotational systems....but, it still takes a good helmet design and engineering to make a good helmet, with or without mips.....but we are glad we chose mips solutions before and now seeing these stellar results.
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
bcriverjunky said:
Wish TLD would add a GoPro-light mount...
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Within a matter of seconds, I can peel off the adhesive backing of a gopro mount, and stick it on any TLD helmet.
Problem with those mounts is weight, a fixed apparatus on your head if you crash, and also on crashes-those mounts usually are embedded into the shell, and on a severe impact can go through the EPS and into your head...no thanks.
 
#10 ·
stiksandstones said:
Within a matter of seconds, I can peel off the adhesive backing of a gopro mount, and stick it on any TLD helmet.
Problem with those mounts is weight, a fixed apparatus on your head if you crash, and also on crashes-those mounts usually are embedded into the shell, and on a severe impact can go through the EPS and into your head...no thanks.
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Not really if done right.
Check Bell Super DH and their GoPro mount. Works amazing, it's light and comes with the package so no need to spend more $$.
 
#12 ·
I'm glad to see some better helmet ratings out there.

Now I just selfishly wish for more data (specifically, more full frames).

But either way, glad to see some progress, more data, and better testing information.
 
#14 ·
eatdrinkride said:
Regarding A1 versus A2 fit? I bought the A1 a few months ago after trying both of them on side by side. The A1 was just more comfy, can't really explain why. Ymmv.
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it's the opposite for me. tried both, but the A2 was a subtle improvement in fit. I've had my eye on buying it for awhile, but this winter is probably a good time for me to replace my Super 2 with the A2 finally.
 
#17 ·
lardo5150 said:
Hey stiksandstone, is it true the A2 fits differently than the A1? That A1 I used to have felt like a cloud on my head. So awesome.
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Yes!

I like both, but the A1 fits me better than the A2. YMMV. My A2 is collecting dust now. It's funny how fit can actually make it feel like the helmet is lighter. That's what I get out of the A1 over other brands/models, despite weighing the same or more.
 
#19 ·
I am going to take this opportunity to once again apologize to stiksandstones and TLD for all the **** talking I did previously about the A2 MIPs, and how it moved like an air hockey puck on my head while blasting through the gnar.

As I have stated in prior apologies, it was my fault. I had made a modification to mine shortly after I purchased it. I put it back to stock and BOOM. Incredible. No more movement. Better than advertised. 100% user error on my part.

The Oakley DRT5 is also a wicked helmet.

Love them both.

The A2 and DRT5 are the best 1-2 punch helmet-wise I have ever had.

So is my Druid/Honzo combo.

We live in such good times. So many products are at the absolute peak of potential performance. A Golden Age for biking. It all serves to add even more to an already very high value on the stoke meter.
 
#20 ·
Biggest A1 weakness is the range of color selection, especially non-MIPs. Straps are kinda out there and don't lie as flat compared to other helmets. A2 has the yoke where they come together below the ear which is an improvement.
 
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stiksandstones
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