6D ATB-1T Helmet – Review
Rotational forces are at the sharp end of research, and technologies such as MIPS are aiming to reduce these. 6D have taken the technologies that they use in their top-end MotoX lids, and transferred it to a trail bike friendly half face helmet.
At first glance, the ATB-1T is considerably bigger than your usual trail lid, for reasons we’ll come to. Putting it on, coverage is full, well down over the temples and round the back. At the back a wheel gives plenty of adjustment to a 4 position band, and inside there are the usual soft pads. The buckle is one of the newer generation of Fidlock magnetic buckles that have been making their way into helmets for a few years. Fit is great, with ample adjustment to get it secure, and the adjustable peak doesn’t encroach on your view. Both Oakley and 100% goggles sit well with the helmet as well.
The heart of the ATB-1T is the “ODS” or omni-directional suspension. Essentially the helmet is two layers of the EPS foam you are used to seeing, joined by a cradle of little rubbery hour glasses. These let the layers move between themselves, both compressing in a straight hit, and allowing a little rotation in a glancing blow as you would get dragging your head along the floor. The video below includes a few animations that show it well, and the data that has been gathered in testing shows a real reduction in the energy transmitted to the head.
Out on the trail, there’s no denying that this a bulkier helmet, a bit bigger and heavier at just on 500g for the medium/large. For reference a Troy Lee Designs A1 MIPS in the same size is 400g and a Giro Montaro MIPS is 375g. This is noticeable but not really an issue, especially when you think a good full facer comes in at over a kilo.
Venting is pretty good, but coverage has been taken over cooling, so for really hot days it can be a bit of an issue. The liner does a great job of directing sweat out of your eyes though.
I haven’t smashed my head into the floor in this helmet, and I have no plans to start that sort of testing I’m afraid, but the data does the talking when it comes to this sort of lid. If you want a full coverage helmet that is uncompromising in the protection it offers, the 6D is a great option.
RRP £159.99
Action photos by Skinny Dave Morris
