ATVPT

All Terrain Vehicle Product Tests ATV Technical Magazine

Product Review
Product: - FLY Lite series Helmet (Pyro Blue graphics)
Test Duration: - 2 months
Tested By: - Jody Robinson
Review Date: - July 2006

First Impressions:
      The graphics are awesome – blue flames! This helmet feels light in your hands and on your head.

Contents:
      The Helmet came with a carry bag, extra plastic visor screws, and a plastic screwdriver for removing the visor.

Features:
      The carbon fiber and Kevlar shell puts the “light” in the Lite series helmet without compromising safety. The old FLY helmet shell was made from polycarbonate. I expect the new one to be much stronger. The composition of the shell material speaks for itself.


    It’s easy to take the liner in and out for cleaning. The liner fasteners are similar to my old helmet which has lasted many wash cycles without failure. I have heard of people throwing them in the washer and dryer, but I prefer to wash mine with a shampoo and water solution by hand and letting it air dry.

    The cheek pads that came with the helmet make for a snug but comfortable fit for me. If your chops require some customization, thinner and thicker pads are also available from FLY.


Field Test:
      Before I received this new helmet for testing, I owned an older model FLY helmet for a couple of years and it served me well. It was a quality made, light, helmet with great looks and features. It set me back less than a hundred bucks. I put it thru the ringer and only had one problem with that old helmet; the paint chipped off fairly easily from the visor. It appears that this problem has been fixed with the new Lite series.


    After The first time I wore the helmet I raced in a 2 ½ hour X/C race. It fit snug enough to stay in place and plush enough to be comfortable, much like my old Fly helmet. After the race, I was de-hydrated and my arms, legs and back were toast, but my neck wasn’t fatigued at all. A sore neck can take hold during a much shorter ride with a heavy helmet. Toward the end of the race, I smacked a low hanging pine tree right on the top of the helmet. It knocked the visor down, and continued to leave a scrape mark along the top. The hit wasn’t concussion magnitude, but it was hard enough to get my attention and I expected some scratching, or even some chipping. After I cleaned it up with soap and water, it looked like new. The finish is as tough as the graphics are eye catching.

    I found the strap fairly easy to thread thru the eyelets, even with riding gloves on. I could also adjust the visor and re-tension the visor nut with a single gloved hand while riding down the trail staring into the bright evening sun. The visor dipped down low enough to block out the sun so I didn’t have to tilt my head way down.


Pros:
    High-end materials make for a safe and light helmet.
    Removable liner allows for easy cleaning.
    The graphics are slick and the finish is hard and tough.
    Ergonomic design allows for adjustment and fastening with a gloved hand.

Cons:
    None

Bottom Line

  This is a strong, light helmet with sweet graphics and a removable liner at an affordable price.

This product is Highly Recommended for All Quads and Bikes.


For more information visit http://www.flyracing.com
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