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review
£99.99
VERDICT:
Great ventilation and decent shell, let down by its adjustment system
Weight:
270g
Contact:
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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Abus, better known for their range of excellent locks, have updated their top-of-the range Tec-tical Pro helmet, hence the introduction of the "v.2" bit in its name.
The Tec-tical Pro tips the scales at 270 grams, which is light enough, but not oh-my-god light compared to others.
It's a multi-shell in-mould affair, fusing the multi-piece outer-shell to the shock absorbing multi-density EPS underneath. This results in a neat-looking shell with 31 holes - 20 inlets and 11 outlets connected by 'deep air stream channels'. Those holes are big, and take care of ventilation duties very well indeed.
Adjustment is via Abus's Zoom system. They claim it's precise and very light; in my opinion it's a bit flimsy. Opening it right up to fit over a couple of skullcaps one morning, the arms popped out of the adjustment system. It was a right fiddle to get it back together again. While it is working fine again, I now know to be extra careful when adjusting the helmet out. Not ideal.
The pads are removable and washable. The straps are an interesting construction made from the usual webbing with a strip of mesh down the middle. There's a chinguard thingy under the buckle.
My gripes with the adjustment system aside, the Tec-tical Pro fits my head shape well and fits securely. It sits a bit deeper than others, which means the front of the helmet is more present in your field of vision, particularly on the drops. This didn't bother me too much.
The Abus Tec-tical Pro is available in medium and large; all black, white or yellow, and blue or red racing stripes. The tested helmet is a medium and is marked as size 54-58cm. It complies with the EN1078 standard.
In all, the shell itself is well made and well ventilated and matches the price-tag. The adjustment system, however, doesn't and the straps are just a bit weird. For me, at an RRP of a penny short of £100, that does not represent good value for money.
Verdict
Great ventilation and decent shell, let down by its adjustment system
road.cc test report
Make and model: Abus Tec-Tical Pro v.2 helmet
Size tested: 54-58cm, Blue/White
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?
Adult and youth helmet for competition and ambitious use.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
o Multi shell In-Mold for durable fusion of the multi piece outer shell and the shock absorbing helmet material (EPS)
o Multi Density helmet material (ESP) reduces the weight of the helmet and increases the collision protection
o Increased stability through ABUS Safetey Tech (AST) structure strengthening
o Zoom - precise and very light adjustment system
o Size adjustment via half ring system
o Extraordinary ventilation with 20 air inlets and 11 outlets, connected by deep air stream channels
o Removable and washable padding with highest wearing comfort
o Soft touch straps easy to adjust by practical sliders
o Removable visor (included)
o High passive safety thanks to huge and very intense reflectors
Rate the product for quality of construction:
5/10
The shell itself is well made, but I wasn't impressed with the flimsy adjustment system.
Rate the product for performance:
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
4/10
The adjustment arms have come out of the adjustment bit once already. While I did manage to get it back together again, I don't imagine that'll work too many times.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
7/10
At 270 grams, it's not particularly light, but not particularly heavier than competitors' offerings.
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
7/10
Feels fine and secure on my head, though the front comes lower than other helmets. This means the helmet is in your field of vision while on the drops. This didn't annoy me, but it might annoy you.
Rate the product for value:
6/10
It's not a bad helmet, but you can get much better for the price.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
It's a decent enough helmet apart from the flimsy adjustment system.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Nothing particularly stood out to like.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
The adjustment system.
Did you enjoy using the product? No.
Would you consider buying the product? No, I'd go for something else if i was spending this kind of money.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? No.
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
While the Abus Tec-Tical Pro v.2 is a decent enough helmet, it's let down by its adjustment system.
About the tester
Age: 36 Height: 1.78m Weight: 76kg
I usually ride: All of them! My best bike is: Cannondale CAAD10
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, mtb,
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