Canyon reinvents the mountain bike helmet with the DEFLECTR and wins prestigious laurels right from the market launch: The renowned Virginia Tech test laboratory released the DEFLECTR onto the market with top marks. However, the safety features of the new head protection require some explanation, as they are based on the fact that the helmet disassembles itself on impact. Sounds crazy? It is!
The Canyon DEFLECTR helmet in detail
- Application: Trail / Enduro
- Weight: 439 g (BIKE measurement, size L)
- Price: 159,95 Euro
- Colour variants: Black / Desert / Metallic Olive
- Special features: RLS release system, high-bar locking system, height-adjustable visor, magnetic rear light option
Safety is the trump card
With their first helmet for trail and enduro bikers, the Canyon developers wanted to hit the bull's eye in terms of protection. To achieve this, they did not use existing concepts, but rather completely reinvented head protection. The most important feature is probably the Release Layer System (RLS). Behind this is a double-shell construction with an intermediate sliding layer. This is based on a layer of polycarbonate spheres that allow the shells to move. Logical: if one of the surfaces can move during a crash, dangerous rotational forces are better dissipated. If the impact force exceeds a certain value, one of the shells can detach and become more mobile. More precisely, the bonded connection loosens and forces are redirected via the spheres. Thanks to this technology, the Canyon DEFLECTR should be able to significantly reduce the risk of concussion.
Bracket instead of belt
Just like the recently introduced Cross-country and gravel helmet DISPUTR CFRCanyon has ditched the classic strap fastening system in favour of the so-called High-Bar 1.5, which, compared to the conventional textile solution, not only improves aerodynamics and hygiene but, according to Canyon, also remains around five degrees cooler. The concept is complemented by generous ventilation openings to optimise airflow even under heavy physical exertion. Other details include a height-adjustable visor to be compatible with different types of goggles and the option of a magnetic rear light system for the way home from the trail.
This is how the new Canyon DEFLECTR
To put on the new Canyon helmet, the high-bar is stowed in front of the forehead. From there it is folded under the chin. The goggles must always be removed for this. The width is then adjusted as usual using the dial at the back of the head and the high-bar is tightened using another dial. However, as this does not hold onto the chin by friction like a classic strap and should not be tight, the fastening on the head remains much looser than usual. In practice, there is a risk of the helmet slipping far down the forehead. Especially on bumpy trails, the DEFLECTR, which is not exactly lightweight, can sometimes come into contact with the goggles.
To improve the fit of the helmet, the width adjustment must be pulled quite tight. This makes the DEFLECTR sweaty at this point and the benefits of the large ventilation openings quickly evaporate. Although the helmet doesn't pinch and the temples and chin stay cooler, the fit is unusually tight and the forehead and back of the head are warmer than other helmets. This confirms our test impression, which we already know from the Canyon DISPUTR: High-bar requires a compromise between a good fit and a sweaty head. Too bad, because the Canyon helmet looks and feels good. The RLS system hasn't had to take a crash yet. Further tests will have to show how safe the combination of double shell and ball bearings really is.
Conclusion
The high safety performance of the Canyon DEFLECTR makes you feel good. Anyone looking for an alternative to MIPS and the like should take a closer look at the technically very exciting RLS solution. The high-bar system once again failed to convince us in the test: the advantages are too small, the disadvantages too big. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Pro
- High security promise
- chic look
Contra
- Seat and heat development with high-bar system
Jan Timmermann
Editor
