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review
£108.85
VERDICT:
Pro-standard helmet for a fraction of the price of its rivals, with a brilliant magnetic buckle
Weight:
216g
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.
What the road.cc scores meanGood scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.
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The Ekoi Corsa Light is a well-vented featherweight helmet that can be switched to an aero lid in seconds. The buckle system is genius, and the straps comfy, though the aeroshell seems a little flimsy – Ekoi itself says 'requires careful handling to avoid damage'.
Ekoi has been supplying the AG2R cycling team for a few seasons now and with the new Corsa Light it's clear to see why. The Corsa comes as a nifty double act, giving you a fantastic helmet for hot days and also an aero option for sportives and races. Although I've used the aero shell more for rain prevention...
Ekoi claims that this is 'the world's lightest helmet' at 189g in the S/M, though it did weigh in a little heavier on our scales at 216g. Also, although Ekoi specifies a head circumference of 54-58cm, it came up just a touch small. If you're on the limit, I would suggest going up a size.
Adjustment comes in the form of three set positions for the rear ratchet wheel. While this was less than I am used to, it was perfectly adequate to get a comfy fit.
The Corsa Light features 24 vents and 10 exhaust vents. These do a fantastic job of keeping the head cool, with noticeable airflow across the top and temple areas. Covering these vents with the aeroshell decreases that airflow, but does not lead to a hot head. During normal riding, around 16mph, my head was cooled efficiently by the exhaust vents.
Further ventilation can be found at the straps, which have holes forming a central channel. There is also a removable cover made from CoolMax for sensitive chins.
At first I was very confused by the buckle, having only ever used more conventional systems. It's magnetic, so the two pieces just need to be touched together and they snap closed. I also then tried to pull them apart but they don't budge, so should hold the lid on in the event of a crash. (It opens via a clip on the side, and I found it easier to use than a traditional buckle.)
> Read our guide to the best performance helmets
How does it compare with others on the market? Well, with aero helmets becoming increasingly popular, the options available are vast. The closest comparison to the Corsa Light would probably be Lazer's Helium, which road.cc tested a few years ago, but while the aeroshell on the Lazer is a little more robust, the price, weight, ventilation and closure system on the Ekoi give it a significant advantage.
Buying direct from Ekoi also gives you the option to fully customise the look of your helmet. There is a good selection of add-ons, such as the aero shell, but each one will bump the price upwards a little.
Overall
For a base package of just the helmet, £93 is not overly expensive for a pro-spec helmet (and at the time of publishing, it's reduced to £64ish, depending on exchange rate). Adding on £20 for the aeroshell is still significantly cheaper than the majority of performance helmets, with the added benefit of two helmet options. Ekoi has kept the ratchet simple and the magnetic closure system works really well.
It's a top quality helmet with a slightly flimsy feeling aeroshell. My only other misgiving was that the coloured EPS foam is a little less vibrant in real life than on the website, giving the red a more washed-pink look.
Verdict
Pro-standard helmet for a fraction of the price of its rivals, with a brilliant magnetic buckle
road.cc test report
Make and model: Ekoi Corsa Light
Size tested: S/M
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?
With the option for vents or full aero, this suits a good deal of situations. Ekoi says it's the lightest in production and it certainly feels featherweight.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
From Ekoi's website:
- Featherweight (the world's lightest helmet) 189gr in size S/M (54?58cm)
-24 vents (Superior airflow performance)
-PSE inner cradle: Choice of 4 colours White + Black + Red + Blue (Lighter & more fun)
-Fully height and width adjustable for a perfect occipital bone fit
-Vented chin strap
-Magnetic chin strap closure
Use :
-Road & MTB racing
Material:
-High density, featherweight PSE inner cradle
Additional features:
-Full In-mould shell: Both shell upper and lower
-24 vents
-10 air exhaust vents
-Pads in Cool Max®
- Adjustable straps on each ear
- Fit system with perforated notch by notch adjustment dial
-Chin strap adjustable below both ears for optimal comfort and fit
-Vented width tension adjustment by step?by?step ratchet wheel
- Weight S / M 189 gr
- Weight L / XL 200 gr
-EU approved standard
2 Sizes:
- S / M (54 / 58cm)
- L / XL (59 / 62cm)
The EKOI CORSA LIGHT helmet is fully customisable in the colours of your choice:
More than 25 available options: 8 colours, 6 frame colour options, 2 frame finish options, 11 national flag options.
Further option: Removable aero shell
With the removable aero shell, the EKOI CORSA LIGHT helmet becomes even more aerodynamic offering enhanced air penetration performance (it also insulates against the cold, wind & rain).
2 Aero shell Sizes:
- S / M: 25 gr.
- L / XL: 31 gr.
The aero shell is easily removable, but requires careful handling to avoid damage.
3 padding and insert options:
-Featherweight gel inserts: Comfortable and a clean and tidy helmet interior
-Anti-insect net
-Cool max® padding
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
The main helmet is very well made. The two issues I found were that the coloured EPS foam was less vibrant than advertised and the aeroshell felt very flimsy (although it's remained intact). Ekoi says 'requires careful handling to avoid damage'.
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
The vents are very effective at allowing airflow over the head. The aeroshell keeps out rain and flies very well, though I can't confirm any specific aero claims.
Rate the product for durability:
7/10
All good, though I'd fear for the aeroshell, which Ekoi itself says should be treated with care. As it clips on, any change in the shape from dents or bending would mean it needs replacing – at £20, it would be a costly bump.
Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
10/10
Super-light in both weight and also feel when worn.
Rate the product for comfort (if applicable)
9/10
The padding is just enough, the straps don't irritate and the closure system cradles very well.
Rate the product for value:
8/10
Pro-level performance for half the price of many other helmets.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Very well. The vents provide good airflow.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The ability to change from vented helmet to aero lid meant this was very versatile.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
The flimsy feeling aeroshell... it stayed intact but I'd prefer it to be a little sturdier, especially when it's a £20 extra.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your score
Very good helmet with a load of custom options. Also a good deal when compared with other performance helmets. The flimsiness of the aeroshell is a concern, though.
About the tester
Age: 22
I usually ride: Rose Xeon RS My best bike is:
I've been riding for: 5-10 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo-cross, commuting, club rides, general fitness riding, I specialise in the Cafe Ride!
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3 comments
"The Corsa comes as a nifty double act, giving you a fantastic helmet for hot days and also an aero option for sportives and races."
Not sure whether to laugh or cry at the concept of using an aero helmet for sportives.
thats because you, like most people link aero with speed. Think of aero as reducing effort required and aero becomes relevant to all forms of cycling and bike events.
Snobbery, much?