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review

Proviz Triton LED Helmet

7
£55.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Versatile and extremely practical everyday helmet with some great touches
Weight: 
327g
Contact: 
www.todayscyclist.co.uk

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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Don't be mislead by the 'Urban' tag, the Pro-Viz Triton helmet is every bit as good for touring and trail duties courtesy of ample ventilation, moderate weight and decent build quality. On the flip side, with some of the big brands offer integrated lighting and similarly swish stuff as standard on their urban lids, and I was disappointed by a lack of insect netting that would've eliminated momentary panic when an insurgent wasp flew straight into my thatch.

Conforming to CE1078, we've the obligatory in mould construction-where the EPS foam liner is blown simultaneously inside the polycarbonate shell as it forms allowing greater ventilation for the same, or indeed less weight without compromising strength or crucially protection. Finish is no less exacting, the shell beautifully executed while the detachable peak can be plugged in and out in seconds depending on whether you're joining the chain gang for a fast-fifty or blazing a trail through sweeping forest tracks at the end of a hard day's toil.

The softer contours not only mean a more flattering look worn with looser cut cycling and street threads but also provides a very stable platform for helmet mounted lighting systems such as Light & Motions Viz360. Not that you'd need worry about being seen thanks to those acres of super thick Scotchlite and dinky LEDs integrated within the head-ring. Build up some speed and the capacious vents scoop cooling air through the scalp without inciting painful ice-cream headaches in bracing winds or prolonged descents. Hotter commutes see the body's natural coolants intervene faster but the anti bacterial pads guzzle this effortlessly so you'll arrive looking poised and purposeful

Day-glow yellow just has the edge in fog but the 360-degree Scotchlite is literally brilliant against the gloss black shell when hit by street and vehicle headlamps without any loss of street cred during daylight. Some obvious overlap on our sample suggested it might lift with everyday carelessness but thus far it's stuck firm. For all their virtues, peaks can intrude slightly, requiring more exaggerated movements when preparing to turn or joining the flow of traffic, although the Triton's stops just shy of this without comprising protection from the sun, wind, rain and dust particles blown up by passing trucks and busses.

Verdict

Versatile and extremely practical everyday helmet with some great touches.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Proviz Triton LED Helmet

Size tested: Black/Silver - 57-62cm

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

"Designed to have an urban feel and with the commuter in mind".

Don't be put-off by the commuter tag-it's a great lid for general riding, touring and trail duties too.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Twenty-three vent, in mould construction, polycarbonate shell, scotchlite detailing, LEDs integral to the head-ring,removable peak.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10

309g (57-62) as tested

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Complimenting the entire wardrobe from baggies to Lycra, courier knickers to chinos, the triton has performed faultlessly in all settings short of competitive racing. There's some trade-off in terms of weight and ventilation won't quite match a road race offerings but we've regularly bowled along for two consecutive hours at a steady twenty-odd without boiling our brains. A softer profile and peak lend it very nicely to weekend trail fun and the latter can be whipped off and replaced by a buff or race cap on the club run should you prefer. My only minor revision to the present spec would be a bug net, although this isn't likely to be a three seasons' issue.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Stealth looks and softer profile works with the entire wardrobe while providing an excellent platform for lighting.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing, although insect netting was missed.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? It should be high on their list for commuting and general riding.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 38  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

 

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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2 comments

Avatar
Shaun Audane | 12 years ago
0 likes

Here's one with the Scotchlite in full bloom...

Avatar
aclucas | 12 years ago
0 likes

How about a picture with some illumination and the LED light on to show off its main features?

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