Proviz Saturn helmet

Pro Viz’s Saturn is a unique helmet with some really neat touches and a refreshingly competitive price tag.

The peak and adjustable head ring feature genuinely effective LEDs that pack a mighty punch relative to their size, making the Saturn an obvious choice for commuting and winter training, but it’s sufficiently versatile for mountain biking, rough stuff and more generic touring duties too. Dyed in the wool roadies will be delighted to know the peak can be detached and doing so doesn’t detract from the sharp styling. Performance seems broadly comparable with £90 race lids thanks to ample ventilation and moderate weight, although insect netting would make an extremely comprehensive package better still.

Conforming to CE1078, in-mould construction is what you’d expect at this end of the market – meaning that the foam liner is simultaneously blown inside the exterior hard shell as it forms, allowing greater ventilation for the same, or less weight without compromising strength or protection. Twenty-one well conceived vents ensure a very comfortable inner climate, although Gore Tex covers readily slip aboard should conditions dictate while removing the peak reveals a very sleek shape entertaining cotton race caps if you’d prefer. Achieving the desired fit takes seconds thanks to the universal system – it's simply a question of aligning the straps and dialling in the head ring to the desired tension.

Shielding the face from sun, wind, rain and foliage, the peak plays host to five super bright white LEDs, arguably negating the need for Scotchlite detailing. I found the flashing mode a little distracting, preferring the constant option which also makes roadside puncture repair, pannier rummages and similar antics so much easier in the dead of night. Dayglo yellow works wonders in misty, overcast autumn mornings with traffic showing more consideration when approaching/overtaking and to date we’ve managed forty-seven hours from the original batteries alternating between both modes.

Verdict

Versatile helmet with thoughtful detailing