Troy Lee Designs Stage test: Lightweight full-face helmet with MIPS for enduro use

The Stage is the lightweight full-face helmet from Troy Lee Designs and is aimed specifically at enduro riders. At just 690 grams in size M/L, it provides a maximum, natural riding feel with reliable protection at the same time - without any excessive weight or poor ventilation. Our test helmet comes in the striking Neauwave design in smoke grey and remains true to the typical, angular design language of Troy Lee Designs.

Innovative design for maximum protection

The Stage helmet comes in three shell sizes and is made of Polylite with fibre reinforcement. This keeps it comparatively light: 690 grams in size M/L - putting it in the middle range of lighter full-face helmets. A special feature of the Stage is its dual-density construction: the soft EPP (Expanded Polypropylene) foam absorbs slow impacts, while the outer, harder EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam absorbs fast, heavy impacts. According to the manufacturer, this combination is perfectly suited to the changing demands of enduro riding, where crashes occur at all speeds.

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Security technology and customisation options

For greater safety, Troy Lee Designs has equipped the Stage helmet with a MIPS liner that diverts rotational forces away from the brain on impact, significantly reducing the risk of concussion. Unlike many other helmets, Troy Lee Designs dispenses with a dial at the back of the head: adjustment is made by selecting the correct shell size (XS/S, M/L or XL/XXL) and the pads in various thicknesses included in the scope of delivery.

In practice, this concept only convinced us to a limited extent. The 35 mm pads are too tight, the 15 mm pads too loose. With the 20 mm pads, the helmet fits well, but feels quite tight. In short, we did not find the ideal fit.

Ventilation and comfort for long tours

A key feature of the Stage helmet is the generous ventilation openings, which ensure good air circulation, especially in the chin bar area. Even when climbing uphill or on long tours, a cool breeze blows around your face - without having to remove the helmet. The chin strap uses a FIDLOCK magnetic fastener that can be opened and closed effortlessly even when wearing gloves.

Visor and practical details

The visor of the stage helmet remains flexible and can be infinitely adjusted in height - without any tools. This means it adapts perfectly to different lighting conditions or different glasses and goggles. As is typical for Troy Lee Designs, there is also a large selection of colour variants and designs so that the helmet matches the rest of your equipment perfectly. One small drawback: there is no sufficiently large, straight area under the visor to securely attach an action cam.

Application area and positioning

At 319.99 euros, the Troy Lee Designs Stage is one of the more expensive models in the lightweight full-face helmet segment. It is aimed at enduro riders who are looking for a lightweight, well-ventilated helmet with full face protection. The Stage does not have a removable chin guard and therefore remains a pure full-face solution. It combines lightness and ventilation with comprehensive protection and sets itself apart from classic downhill helmets.

Conclusion from Max Fuchs

For a long time, I was reluctant to wear a full face on long shuttle tours. Poor ventilation, heavy weight, limited field of vision - all of these things made me feel uncomfortable all day long. I preferred to reach for the half shell and do without the protection. The Troy Lee Stage changed all that. In size M and with the centre padding, it fortunately fits my head very well, even without adjustment wheels it sits securely. The ventilation works perfectly, the weight is not noticeable and the view? Absolutely clear. Suddenly I enjoy riding full-face again, even on long days - comfort and safety are no longer mutually exclusive.