SixSixOne Evo AM 2014
Reviews / Helmets
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At A Glance
Weight: 340grams
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The Evo AM from SixSixOne is a new helmet that they are releasing mid season. It’s been in development for some time and is aimed at the enduro/all-mountain riders out there. Like all modern helmets it is packed with tech to protect your noggin in the event of a crash. At its very core is a Contego Foam construction which decreases the energy transmitted in an impact by as much as 35%. Instead of filling the helmet with holes for ventilation they have made the holes large to increase airflow, there are 15 vents on the helmet in total.
In order to improve the comfort factor there is a very generous internal comfort liner on the inside, arguably the most comprehensive I have seen in some time. The fit system is done using the BOA closure system, what’s clever though is that the BOA goes right to the front of the helmet, so it doesn’t just tighten at the back, but all the way around your head offering a really snug, tailored fit.
The chinstrap uses the Fidlock Magnetic Closure system, which is very cool and easy to operate. You’ll find yourself fiddling with it while you wait for your mates at the top of the hill, hence the name Fidlock I guess! Lastly there will be two versions of the helmet, a standard one that we have on test here and also an MIPS version, that’s a Multi-Directional Impact Protection System to you and me. It reduces the strain on impact and allows the helmet to “slide” taking the strain off your head.
We have the striking black and yellow colourway on this early release version, but we haven’t been told what the final production colours are going to be yet
On The Trail
The generous liner, coupled with the all round BOA fit system on the Evo AM make it one of the most comfortable lids you’ll probably ever slip onto your head. It’s a bit like getting an Indian head massage each time you slip it on! The large vents provide a good free flow of air through the helmet too. Coverage over the back of your head is fantastic and there were no pressure points or comfort issues on a long ride. Glasses and goggles are no problem with the Evo AM, we didn’t get any discomfort wearing glasses and the lid looks great with goggles for those enduro race days. On really hot days the extra padding does keep a little of the warmth inside the helmet especially on long climbs where airflow is reduced. It is a small price to pay for the added comfort factor though.
Overall
Packed with technology that will help ease the pain of serious crashes the Evo AM is well priced to compete in this market. It’s stylish, one of the most comfortable helmets we have ever worn and is light too.
This review was in Issue 30 of IMB.
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By Rou Chater
Rou Chater is the Publishing Editor of IMB Magazine; he’s a jack-of-all-trades and master of none, but his passion for bikes knows no bounds. His first mountain bike was a Trek 820, which he bought in 1990. It didn’t take him long to earn himself a trip to the hospital on it, and he’s never looked back since. These days he’s keeping it rubber side down, riding locally and overseas as much as possible.
