The benchmark in downhill mountain bike helmet design has always been the Troy Lee Daytona. The older Daytona's looked great, but didn't protect so well. With the D2, Troy Lee is out to change that with a newly engineered lid that carries over the TLD styling we all know and love, but throws in the protection we all need.
The boys in Corona were nice enough to fire us over a 2008 D2 carbon helmet to review and beat up on all season. There is still 5 feet of snow outside, so for now this will simply be a preview, and will be updated in May after we get some serious time on the mountain in it.
The first thing most riders notice about the D2 when they pick it up, is the weight. The D2 carbon is one of the lightest helmets on the market at under 2 pounds thanks to it's carbon fiber and Aramid construction. To keep weight down, TLD specs Titanium visor screws to hold down the Orbit visor, a nice touch.
Our helmet is a Blue and Yellow flame on carbon finish. Even though the color scheme is not our favorite, the attention to detail is astounding. The finish is a beautiful deep clear over blue carbon weave. It looks spectacular when it catches the sun. There is no bubbles, nicks or blemishes in the surface and even the moulding is perfectly lined up with no extra glue blobs hanging out like on so many helmets from other brands.
The helmet sports a roost protector under the jawpiece to keep your mouth relatively free of mud and roost, as well as a small roost deflector on top of the nose. Venting look so be well designed, directional vents in the jaw piece, top of the head and back of the helmet. The liner is removeable and washable, a necessity half way through the race season. The helmet is kept on your head with a standard motocross style D buckle that includes a small pull tab to aid in removal. Although minor, it's a nice touch that many companies seem to forget. The last thing you want to do at the end of a race run is struggle to get the buckles on your helmet undone.
Fit on these runs small. Make sure you check the size chart before ordering. I am normally a small medium in most helmets, and with a D2 the medium large fits me without the extra inserts.
According to TLD, this year's D2 "meet[s] or exceed safety approval rating requirements from CSPC, ASTM (BMX and downhill), and DE."
The price for all this light weight and safety is the only drawback, lightening your wallet to the tune of $375. The comfort, protection and style however make it worth it's weight on gold to many riders who refuse to wear anything else. To help ease the pain on your bank account, TLD throws in one of their padded Speed Equipment helmet bags to keep your helmet looking shiny and new when you travel.
For more info: Troy Lee Designs
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