Essentially two products in one, Haloglow Ice helmet is prefect for the rough and tumble of regular commuting thanks to the polycarbonate outer shell and unique integrated fibre optic/LED. 24 vents, in mould construction, washable pads and sturdy thumb closures are very high spec relative to the asking price, extending its horizons towards touring and winter training too.

Delivering fifty five hours and twenty eight (flashing and steady respectively) from two CR2032 watch type cells the helmet produces a captivating halo visible from about three hundred metres. By the time you’d hit the optics’ 10,000hr life expectancy the lid would be retirement ready without owing a bean. A peak would’ve been nice, shielding the face from rain and foliage but then, race/skull caps worn beneath do much the same thing.

Conforming to CE1078 and CS standards, the gloss black polycarbonate shell is well equipped to shrug off everyday scrapes (after all, it's what riot shields are made from) and obviously black will compliment your entire wardrobe from full Lycra training ensemble to office suit and tie. Copious vents and washable pads retain a temperate inner climate, keeping things hygienic whatever the weather. The softer profile is more conducive to helmet mounted lighting systems so the Haloglow is perfect for commutes or tours on the wild side. Regularly struck by random projectiles thrown up by vehicles, ours hasn’t shown the faintest trace of swirls or more serious damage in several weeks.

Two hours at a steady 20mph tempo didn’t fry my brains while the fibre optic component passed the garden hose test with flying colours. Switches are difficult things to perfect and this one requires a two second hold to engage which proved tricky in winter gloves. Of the two modes, flashing is by far the most eye-catching whether round town or along unlit lanes while the steady mode showed a tendency for blending in with neon shop signs and other light pollution.

Verdict

Innovative and surprisingly capable commuter/winter helmet.