Review: Protec Cyphon helmet
Originally posted on June 24, 2011 at 17:01 pm
By Eric McKeegan
The Protec Cyphon helmet is a crossbreed, combining genes from skate and XC helmets with a hard shell bonded to an EPS foam liner. Make no mistake; at 500g you won’t see this on the head of whatever doper is winning XC races this year, although even on multi-hour rides I never found myself thinking about the extra 250 grams I was carting around on my head, but I was happy for the increased coverage and non-roadie squid looks.
Ventilation was better than I expected, and there was some obvious thought to the 15 vents. Not just holes in the helmet, there are some internal channels to help with airflow. I think once I cut down my winter hair growth it will prove to be comfortable up to 70°, although I would imagine the flat black would not be you best friend in direct sunlight. There is a matte white option, which will match your belt (are white belts too 2009 to be funny any more?). The BOA retention mechanism is easy to use, but the size large I tested fit more like a medium, so I only needed a single click to snug it down.
The visor is removable, but it looks a heck of a lot better with it on, and it is big enough to be functional, but small enough to not get in the way. A great choice for cooler weather or rides when more protection is desired (Super D, all-mountain, Ray’s, stunty stuff), or just those with an aversion to looking like an alien beetle is eating your brain.
Price: $90
Weight: 500g
Sizes Available: S/M 53-55cm, L 57-58cm (tested), XL 59-60cm
Country of Origin: China