Troy Lee Designs A1 MIPS Helmet

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Where To Buy
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
$58.00
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
$249.99
Tested: Troy Lee Designs A1 Helmet
Rating:
Vital Review

Review by Ian Collins // Action photos by Fred Robinson

Troy Lee Designs entered the MTB helmet game back in 1993 with an all-mountain helmet made by Shoei featuring a removable chin guard. After some time they quickly became the go to manufacturer for full face gravity helmets. With sculpted shapes and strikingly clean lines, the TLD D2 and D3 were far and away the most popular helmets of their time. Aesthetically speaking TLD lids have always had people talking. Bold and brash paint schemes typically made for some mixed feelings... consumers either loved or hated the style. Be that as it may, they looked fast, felt great and protected riders well, and in turn TLD helmets quickly became a mainstay amongst the gravity crowd.

For whatever reason, aside from a D2 with the jaw protection sawed off, Troy Lee didn't jump into the high performance half lid market until last year. But with Enduro on the rise and trail bikes becoming evermore capable of pushing the limits, inevitably TLD saw a market, and after three years of development, the A1 was born. It became wildly popular immediately after its launch, but in typical TLD fashion everyone was “talking” about its bold styling and slightly steep price tag. The first iteration featured the cyclops graphic, eyeballs and lightning bolts marking a brash entrance into a new category for TLD.

After some demand for a more low key offering, the boys in Corona aptly responded with the "A1 Drone"- a matte gray version with subdued graphics and a very competitive $139 price tag. This year the A1 is back with even more offerings in terms of colorways. Let's see how the latest one treated my dome.

A1 Helmet Highlights


  • Reinforced polycarbonate shell in-molded with the EPS liner extends down the sides and back of the head for maximum protection and durability
  • 8 pressurized intake passages draw in cool air for maximum ventilation
  • 8 rear vacuum vortex outlets help exhaust and draw heat from head
  • Triple position adjustable retention system allows customized fit for various eyewear, head shape and riding styles
  • Single piece, ultra plush, removable and washable comfort liner made of anti-microbial moisture wicking material for a dry, comfortable feel
  • Full spectrum adjustable moto inspired visor with anodized aluminum hardware
  • Race inspired styling
  • MSRP $139, $165 and $185

Initial Impressions

When you first pull the A1 out of the box you'll notice the little things. Before even revealing the helmet, the sticker kit and the helmet bag are a nice touch. While most typically wouldn't think it's even a factor, even the helmet bag was well thought out. The underside is mesh so you can bag the helmet and it'll still air out pretty well. Sounds like it's silly to even mention, but it's a nice touch and keeps your helmet from getting banged up in the back of your car or truck on the ride home while it dries.

Getting down to the nitty gritty, the vents are good-sized and well positioned to ensure that air flows front to back as you ride. The hardware that mounts the visor is machined aluminum, making it easy to tighten and loosen without having to use a screwdriver. Fit is top notch, this thing really cradles your head and feels secure. The adjustable rear harness has a circular dial that's easy to tighten and loosen even with sweaty gloves on, and the precise clicks are a nice touch. The A1 also has three different sets of vertical attachment points for the harness so it fits all sorts of oddly shaped domes like the one I've been cursed with. Other nice touches are how securely the visor sits, and the girthy rubber bands that hold the larger sized flat straps in place.

This lid offers a bit more coverage all around than the average light duty trail helmet, yet isn't quite as bulky and cumbersome as some of the other "enduro specific" offerings out there – a nice happy medium for the average trail ride. When I first put it on I immediately felt the extra material towards the back of my head, and that's a good thing. Overall no complaints on the design side so far.

On The Trail

I got my first A1 at TLD's media launch in Laguna last year so I've already had quite a bit of time in it. Aside from graphics, this year's models are no different.

On long climbs it manages sweat quite well and I've noticed that it never ends up dripping in my eyes unlike my last lid. This might not seem like a big deal, but those little details are refreshing. Maybe it's the way the pads are shaped or designed but the moisture seems to run towards my temples and down the back of my head. The last helmet I had always seemed to funnel the sweat right into my eyes and/or all over my glasses.

On descents the air flow I felt was refreshing. It may sound like I'm drinking the Kool-Aid, but at really high speeds you can feel air pulling up on the top of your head. This is partially due to the large deep internal channels that are carved out on the inside of the helmet to keep air moving through it. Some riders have had mixed feelings about the lack of a major front vent around the forehead, insinuating that the helmet runs a little warm. While the A1 could maybe stand to gain a bit from adding a vent there, personally I found the helmet to run pretty cool, especially given how much protection it offers.

Because I flew off of a cliff in Laguna Beach with a 30-pound camera bag on my back and landed on my head, I can personally vouch for how well the helmet holds up to crashing. It certainly won't collapse or come apart under a serious hit. I was glad it did its job.

While I realize that every head is different and helmets are a very personal piece of equipment, the fit was excellent for me. The straps and retention system hug your head without making it feel constricted even in the roughest terrain when your head is slapping around. The red rubber pad on the inside of the retention system plays a key roll in preventing any excess movement just by adding an extra element of grip and padding.

With overall superb construction and all of the details covered I have a hard time finding any major flaws in this lid.

Things That Could Be Improved

If I had to really dig and find something to complain about I can say that the retention system can get in the way of the arms of glasses a bit. Part of this is because it wraps nicely around the ear area giving it a secure fit. I've found with my personal glasses (SPY Screws) the arms are a bit pinched under the retention system, but when I place them outside of it the glasses seem a bit unsettled. After some fussing around I loosened the adjustment at the back of my head and wore the plastic cradle on the loose-ish side. To my surprise the helmet still felt secure, yet the arms of the glasses no longer dug in. Depending on the glasses you choose to run this could be an issue. A small matter in the grand scheme of things. Especially when you consider that this is one of a few half lids on the market that works with goggles in case you want to really get Enduro.

Lastly, the dork in me would love to see some sort of GoPro mount, but the wannabe-cool-guy in me is glad it isn't there to upset all the smooth clean lines.

Long Term Durability

Like any helmet, the A1 will develop some small surface scratches here and there with use, but nothing beyond cosmetic nicks and dings. The pads are easy to take out and wash but don't deteriorate after a few washes, so overall this thing is in it for the long haul. Personally, I've never met anyone who wouldn't replace their helmet every other year or so anyway.

Last year I had a pretty huge crash on my first A1 and sent it in for inspection and a replacement. If you also happen to clap your dome, TLD offers a great crash replacement program to ensure riders aren't putting themselves at risk by riding with compromised helmets just to save a few bucks. Overall the A1 is a worthy investment that will treat you well for the duration of its lifespan.

What's The Bottom Line?

From the good looks to the thoughtful design considerations and beyond, it's clear that Troy Lee Designs took their time in perfecting the A1. Some may quip about the price being a bit steep, or maybe the looks being a bit loud, but TLD now offers the A1 helmet at various price points with all sorts of paint schemes to fit every wallet and taste. The previously mentioned Drone model features toned down graphics and comes in at $139, which I think is a very reasonable price for such an exceptionally well-made, comfortable, and safe helmet.

Visit www.troyleedesigns.com for more details.


About The Reviewer

Ian Collins grew up racing mountain bikes on the East Coast before moving to California in search of the never ending riding season. Although he's generally a fan of slick and steep riding conditions, Ian has gotten acclimated out west and loves its speed. Also an avid surfer, what's most important to him in a trail is flow. Known for being meticulous and borderline obsessive about bike setup, he aids in product development for local frame builder Turner Bikes when he's not out on a photo mission.

3 comments

Post a reply to: Tested: Troy Lee Designs A1 Helmet

8 member reviews

Awesome fit, warmer than other options
Rating:
The Good
Great fit, not too heavy
The Bad
Relatively warm compared to others
Overall Review:

I've had the A1 for a few years now and it's been great. The fit is outstanding, it doesn't move too much, zero pinching, and is overall very comfortable. The pads have held up to multiple washes (by hand). The only negative aspect I can think of is that the helmet is hot. All helmets feel very hot in the summer but this is noticeable warmer than other helmets I've worn.

Would I buy it again? Yes. I'd also consider the A2. The A1 is a pretty good deal when you look at the links below for where to buy.

0 comments

Post a reply to: Awesome fit, warmer than other options

Seems to be the best looking/fitting in the price range
Rating:
The Good
Good coverage, easy adjustment, good looks
The Bad
visor could have a bit more downward movement for when you're really riding into sunrise/sunset
Overall Review:

Given that the A1 non-MIPS now has a sub-$100 price around the interwebs, it's definitely a great buy for me. I have a long skinny head, and the rear straps an a lot of helmets don't sit well on the back of my head. This one works well, and I like the general adjustment and straps better than my old Bell Stoker. The white/grey color is simple but good looking. The visor bolts and adjustment is snug, so it doesn't move when you don't want it to, but it also doesn't adjust down very far for real shade when the sun is low on the horizon. After buying a TLD moto helmet and being beyond pleased, I went for this as a daily driver trail helmet and I love it for the short time I've had it. Hopefully it lasts. Seems like it vents well, but I got it after the truly hot part of the year.

0 comments

Post a reply to: Seems to be the best looking/fitting in the price range

Troy Lee A1
Rating:
The Good
The yellow shell and pinstripe detail is superb. Straps and buckles are hassle free. Visor has 2 positions, both useful and is easy to adjust. Very comfortable if a little hot. Great coverage.
The Bad
Padding is comfy but velcro keepers fall off. The quick adjuster has lost some adjustability and is off center. A little hot.
Overall Review:

I bought this online at a sale price as my first TLD helmet. Looks and fit wise the helmet is superb. Its comfy and easy to adjust the fit to prevent the helmet moving on bumpy descents. It is a little warm due to rather poor ventilation, but quite acceptable really. I always wear a sweat absorbing buff anyway. The quality of the padding and helmet bag is suspect. The velcro pads stuck inside the helmet to keep the padding in place fall off easily. The rear adjuster has also become harder to use and does not tighten symmetrically. Its as if something has failed inside. The helmet bag has come unstitched where the drawstring runs. Not a deal breaker but does destroy the quality image the manufacturer obviously promotes.

0 comments

Post a reply to: Troy Lee A1

A no go for me
Rating:
The Good
Great coverage

Comfortable
The Bad
Poor pad quality
Hot
Bad sweat management
Overall Review:

I really wanted to like this helmet. It fit well and was comfortable. I do feel safe in it.

It is so unbearably hot. I don’t feel the air channels through the helmet well. The pads are garbage, mine we’re splitting open after two rides. The way the pads are designed channels all the sweat from my head right into my eyes. It’s also pretty heavy and bulky. 

0 comments

Post a reply to: A no go for me

How to make your A1 better
Rating:
The Good
Fit, looks, price.
The Bad
TLD came out with the A2 so you're out of style.
Overall Review:

There are already several reviews on Vital for the widely popular A1 hemet. This review focuses on the replacement liner that will make you love your A1 as much as when you first got it.  I stumbled on this liner while snagging the A1 replacement velcro and visor screws.  The new design for the liner has fewer lines of pads.  That made me think it would be less comfortable, but that was not the case.  The padding is a little beefier on the new version than the old one.  That made for an even better fit than I had before.  A benefit from the reduced number of pad lines is better airflow which makes for a cooler riding experience.  The A1 has seemed much less sweaty to me since I installed this liner.  If you are getting an A1 for the first time, this upgrade will be nice.  If you already have an A1, your liner is probably stinky and you'll love this replacement.  The $15 is definitely worth it.  Here are the links and images below.

From Jenson USA (their picture is wrong but the right product comes)

From Troy Lee Designs

This is the design of the stock liner your A1 will come/came with.


This is the design of the A1 replacement liner.


1 comments

Post a reply to: How to make your A1 better

Best half face helmet on the market
Rating:
The Good
Ventalation, comfort, protection and style
The Bad
The only drawback for the A1 is the price, but you are paying for a quality product not just the brand.
Overall Review:
I had a pretty hard impact wearing my tld A1 and it definitely did its job. Its worth the price to know you will be well protected!

0 comments

Post a reply to: Best half face helmet on the market

Most Enduro
Rating:
The Good
Looks and Fits better than any helmet around. Lots of protection, works with glasses and goggles on most heads..
The Bad
price, still not quite as many colorways as we'd like to see,
Overall Review:

The A1 is by far and away the best fitting helmet we've tried - we know what you're thinking; fit is subjective, and you're right, but this one seems to fit almost everyone who tries it on.

The guys at Troy Lee did a great job tailoring the A1 to it's target audience - it's about as enduro as you can reasonably look. By that we mean that it works well with goggles and has plenty of protection (more occipital protection than just about any other half-shell) all that and it vents surprisingly well.

0 comments

Post a reply to: Most Enduro

Specifications

Product
Troy Lee Designs A1 MIPS Helmet
Riding Type
Cross Country
Trail
Rider
Unisex
Number of Vents
8 Pressurized Intake Passages and 8 Rear Vacuum Vortex Outlets
Construction
Reinforced Polycarbonate Shell In-Molded with The EPS Liner Extends Down The Sides and Back of The Head.
Triple Position Adjustable Retention System Allows Customized Fit for Various Eyewear, Head Shape and Riding Styles.
Full Spectrum Adjustable Moto Inspired Visor with Anodized Aluminum Hardware.
Adjustable Padding
Single Piece, Ultra Plush, Removable and Washable Comfort Liner Made of Anti-Microbial Moisture Wicking Material
Certification
CPSC 1203, CE EN 1078, AS NZ 2063: 2008
Bag
Sock type
Size
XS/SM, MD/LG, and XL/XXL
Colors
2023 Colors: Classic Gray/Yellow, Classic Ivy, Classic Slate Blue, Classic Orange/Gray, Classic Light Gray/White, Classic Black/White, Classic Black/Red, Classic Black, Drone Navy/Olive, Drone Mauve, Drone Steel Green, Drone Silver, Drone Light Slate Blue, Drone Dark Slate Blue, Drone Black

2019: Drone Black/Flo Yellow, Drone Black/Red, Drone Grey/Black
2018: Drone White/Gray, Drone Gray/Red, or Drone Gray/Ocean

Weight
0 lb 14.1 oz (400 g)
Miscellaneous
  • Featuring MIPS Brain Protection System - a helmet integrated, low friction layer designed to reduce rotational motion transferred to the brain from angled impacts to the head
  • EPS impact liner maximizes impact protection while minimizing weight
  • Innovative break-away visor screws
  • 16 port hi-flow cooling system both pulls and pushes air for maximum ventilation
  • Ultra-plush quick-dry comfort liner is both removable and washable for maximum ventilation
  • Adjustable, cam-lock strap dividers allow customization for different head shapes and riding styles
  • CPSC 1203*, CE EN1078*, *Varies by regional standards
  • Price
    2019: $99.00
    2018: $109.00
    2023: $145.00
    What do you think?
    Where To Buy
    Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
    International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
    Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
    International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
    $58.00
    Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
    International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
    Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
    International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
    $249.99
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