Troy Lee Designs D3 Composite Helmet
(discontinued)

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Vital Rating:
Discontinued
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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.
$219.99
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.
$399.99
First Look: 2013 Troy Lee Designs D3 Helmets
Rating:
Vital Review

by Brandon Turman

When you hear the words "Troy Lee Designs," what do you think of? We think of smooth lines, classic looks and killer style. Hands down, they make the most sought after gear, which is why we were pumped when they contacted us about doing a review of the D3 helmet.

Our review is still a few months out (we need to crash more to really test them out), but in the meantime, here's a quick overview of what's rad about the D3.

From left to right, the 2013 Troy Lee Designs D3 helmet lineup includes the carbon fiber Mirage in red/yellow, the composite Mirage in blue, and a new edition of the Palmer in a super blingy mirrored-chrome finish.

When the D3 first came out, it was clear that TLD had stepped things up in every way from the venerable D2. How so?

First and foremost, they made some big advancements with the unique aerospace shell construction, and they did so while improving the overall look of the helmet. Just to put it over the top (okay, and to lighten it up a smidge), they added machined titanium hardware for the visor hardware.

Internally, it uses a dual density shock pad system - this is made to protect your noggin by progressively slowing your head down in the event of an impact. All told, the helmet exceeds several safety standards, including CPSC 1203, CE EN 1077, CE EN 1078, ASTM F1952 and ASTM F2040. The D3 is functionally equal to its looks, and we've been impressed all around so far.

Check this out - in the event of an emergency, quick-release cheek pads for aid in helmet removal. Thanks for thinking ahead, TLD.

The liner itself is removable, replaceable, and washable. It uses CoolMax and Dri-Lex fabrics to keep you both dry and cool.

All told, there are 20 high-flow intake and exhaust ports. From the front, this thing almost resembles a fighter jet. Several intake vents above the goggle area are made with a injection-molded material. In conjunction with deep EPS channeling, they provide some really impressive ventilation.

Combining all the above with some bold and classic TLD styling, you've got an impressive new lid.

The carbon fiber D3 Mirage in red/yellow goes for $450, the composite Mirage in blue for $375, and the oh-so-rad composite Palmer in chrome for $395. Those prices include two visors just incase you take a spill and a nice helmet bag.

One of our test models as already been put to good use and saved the day...


About The Reviewer

Brandon Turman likes to pop off the little bonus lines on the sides of the trail, get aggressive when he's in tune with a bike, and to really mash on the pedals and open it up when pointed downhill. His perfect trail has a good mix of flow, tech, and balls-to-the-wall speed. He loves little transfers, rollers, and the occasional gap that gives him that momentary stomach in your throat kind of feeling. Toss in some rocky bits with the option to double over them or risk pinch flatting and you've got a winner in his book. In 13 years of riding he worked his way through the Collegiate downhill ranks to the Pro level. After finishing up his mechanical engineering degree, his riding focus turned to dirt sculpting and jumping with the occasional slopestyle contest thrown in for fun. Nowadays he's Vital MTB's resident product guy.

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5 member reviews

This helmet is a couch for your face
Rating:
The Good
This is the best helmet money can buy, its so comfortable and light I often forget that i'm wearing it.
The Bad
Nothing at all
Overall Review:
The d3 worth every penny, it looks freakin beautiful, the paint is durable, its reasonably light, and most importantly I feel really safe when i"m wearing it. If you buy it you wont be disappointed.THE BEST HELMET MONEY CAN BUY

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Post a reply to: This helmet is a couch for your face

The best helmet out there!
Rating:
The Good
Looks, fit, leatt and goggle integration.
The Bad
Mostly the high price. Strap system (at least on mine)
Overall Review:

What can I say, it really is the benchmark.

My previous helmet was the D2 and before that a 661 Evolution Carbon and the D3 is simply the best.

It's not as light as the Evolution carbon but the fit is simply perfect, as is the integration with the leatt brace. Having experimented it with Spy, Oakley and Hebo goggles I had no problems.

For those that use glasses like me it is kind of tough to put them on, but after you set them up they stay put without problems.

Also, I don' know if it was just my specific helmet, but sometimes the strap is really hard to get loose.

Price is high, but the consequences of a bad helmet in a crash are also enormous, and if you do a good search on the web you can get some helmets from the previous season at a good price.

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The Benchmark
Rating:
The Good
Light
Brilliant fit and with different shell sizes and changable pads.
Feels safe and sturdy on head without getting warm.
All the goggles I've tried fits perfectly. (Oakley, Fox, Goat, Spy, Dragon)
Comes with brilliant helmet bag, that also takes a Leatt-brace if packed well.
The Bad
Expensive
Gloss finish is prone to scratches
Sunglasses doesn't fit inside for those who prefers that over goggles. (At least with my head)
I miss a flat black-no graphics version.
Overall Review:
Troy Lee FF-helmets are legendary for a reason. Why put a price on your head? If you can afford it, buy it and relish it.

Full score even though there's some small issues, which really are nit-picking.

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Post a reply to: The Benchmark

me like alot
Rating:
The Good
you just feel incredibly safe, my previous helmet was a sixsixone evolution and you really feel a difference, the tld is lots tighter around any spot of you head
The Bad
closing the helmet ain't really easy whit a complicated system
Overall Review:
just get it it is worth the money, or wait for a promotion on crc like i did ;)

1 comments

Post a reply to: me like alot

Time to get that mortage...
Rating:
The Good
Uber protection with a solid amount of awesomeness...
The Bad
you'll need to mortgage your dead grandma's house
Overall Review:
like alot, expensive as shit, but i ended up gett a POC full face one for more, so i dont know why im complainin about the price, but sam hill uses them and its troy lee, so you'll be getting your money'sworth.

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Specifications

Product
Troy Lee Designs D3 Composite Helmet
Riding Type
Dirt Jump / Slopestyle
Downhill
Freeride / Bike Park
Rider
Unisex
Number of Vents
20 intake ports and 6 exhaust vents
Construction
Composite shell, injection-molded intake systems, deeper EPS channeling for ventilation, titanium hardware
Adjustable Padding
Removable padding
Certification
ASTM F1952-DH and ASTM F2032-BMX certified
Bag
Included TLD helmet sock
Size
XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Colors
Corona-Orange, Red/White, Red/Gray, Yellow/Blue
Weight
2 lb 8.6 oz (1,150 g)
Miscellaneous
Comfortable, precise fit with contoured 3D cheek pads.
Removable and washable comfort liner constructed of Coolmax and Dri-Lex materials.
Not intended for use with motorized vehicles.
1 year warranty.
Price
$375.00
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.
$219.99
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.
$399.99
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