Canyon’s latest MTB helmet has jumped in at number one in Virginia Tech's Bicycle Helmet safety rating list. The new Deflectr uses a layer of ball bearings and glue to help it get there.
The Deflectr's Release Layer System (RLS) technology is said to reduce rotational energy by nearly two-thirds in the event of a crash, which Canyon says makes the risk of concussion four times less likely.
The new helmet is priced at $159.95 / €159.95 and is available in three sizes and two colours, with another colour on the way in February.
Release Layer System technology
Canyon says the reason the Deflectr has such a high safety rating is due to RLS technology, which reduces rotational forces on the rider’s head by up to 65% in an impact.
The helmet scored a maximum 5/5 and sits at number one in the Virginia Tech Mountain Bike Helmet Safety Ratings list.
Amazingly, the RLS tech uses a layer of ball bearings, which enable the two shells to move over one another with very little resistance in the event of an impact.
The system consists of a novel outer-helmet design that relies on two shells separated by the Release Layer membrane. The membrane is essentially a covering of tiny polycarbonate ball bearings attached to the shells by a specially tuned adhesive, which enables the shells to detach from each other and rotate in a heavy impact.
The shells can roll over each other if the crash-rotation energy goes beyond a set limit (dictated by the adhesive). In this case, the bearings enable additional movement between the two shells of the helmet when the helmet contacts the ground.
The aim of the design was to reduce the amount of rotational force transferred to your head during a crash, similar to the more common and older Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS).
Canyon claims this means only one in 30,000 crashes will result in a concussion, which seems remarkably low.
The brand says a multi-national team with more than 125 years of combined experience created the Deflectr. During this time, they reportedly simulated more than 2,000 impacts across 150 locations and tested more than 140 helmets to destruction.
Hexr connection
Canyon explains that the Release Layer System was invented and developed by the same minds that created London-based helmet innovation company HEXR – a laboratory for new helmet concepts with the primary objective of devising new technologies.
Canyon pays for the right to use patented RLS technology in its helmets, as other brands pay to license MIPS, but Canyon does not have an exclusive deal. This means we could see other brands paying to use the same RLS technology under licence.
Next-generation strap
Canyon has re-engineered its own strap system called the HighBar. It claims the latest version (v1.5) reduces facial pressure and channels sweat away from your brow.
There are two fixed plastic drop-downs on your temples, which Canyon says improve the helmet's consistency of fit. There is a ventilated chin strap, which Canyon claims is cooler than traditional straps.
Visually, it’s quite a departure from a more traditional system with a fabric strap in front and behind your ear joined with a clip beneath it.
Canyon has also updated the chin dial, which it says now offers true one-handed adjustment.
Integrated rear light
Canyon has integrated a red LED light into the rear of the Deflectr. It attaches to the helmet with a magnet, which Canyon claims is strong enough to retain the light even when riding on the roughest terrain.
Cleverly, the light features a directional lens, which Canyon claims reflects light downwards to illuminate your back.
Sunglasses store
Canyon has designed a sunglasses storage slot at the front of the helmet under the peak to keep your shades away from rear-wheel roost. It features specifically designed slots and ‘grippers’ to keep your glasses in place. The peak itself has three positions: low, medium and high.
Ventilation
Canyon says the Deflectr uses sculpted vents and internal channels tuned for maximum ventilation at all speeds, aimed at keeping your head cool on both slow climbs and hot descents.
The large vents at the top of the helmet are there to maximise evaporative cooling on long, slow climbs. The intake and exhaust vents, combined with sculpted inner channels, come into play at higher speeds.
Canyon says because the helmet pads lack any plastic backing, cooling airflow is improved further.
Options and availability
The helmet will be offered in three colours: 'matte black', 'metallic olive' and 'matte desert'. The matte black and metallic olive helmets will be available from 6 November, but the desert colourway will not be available until February and will not be released in the USA.
Canyon quotes a claimed weight of 326g for a medium Deflectr, which is competitive for a trail helmet.
