Six Six One Evo AM Helmet Review

Words by Drew Rohde

When it comes to protection, few brands have been around as long as SixSixOne. Their Evo AM helmet is adds to their robust line of protective gear and offers their fans the ability to complete a head to toe package. SixSixOne’s Evo AM helmet showed up several months ago and we’ve bee wearing it a ton. Luckily we haven’t had to test its soil-sampling capabilities but we can attest to just about every other feature this helmet offers.

THE LAB
SixSixOne builds the Evo AM helmet using Contego foam, which is claimed to have better absorption properties than standard EPS helmets. Contego claims that their product is specifically designed for protective helmets and that by lengthening the polystyrene molecules they create a polymer that is more crack resistant and has better impact protection.

Along with utilizing this newer foam material, the Evo AM offers a full coverage rear shell for added protection and is available with MIPS technology. If you’re still not familiar with MIPS, we suggest you do some research, as it’s a technology that we personally believe is worth using. It certainly doesn’t hurt.

The Evo AM helmet relies on a 360 BOA micro-adjustment system to dial in the fit and comfort for different shaped heads. We found the fit of the SixSixOne helmet to be a major highlight. It’s snug without being uncomfortable and really feels like it wraps around the skull, offering great coverage and protection.

THE DIRT
I personally like the looks of the helmet. It’s reminds me a bit of Stealth fighter jets, with its hard edges and hard appearance. Looks are only skin deep however so I was very pleased that the comfort was also at the top of the class. The 360 BOA system allowed for quick and easy adjustments whether I was climbing a long fire road on a hot day, or about to drop into a challenging descent.

Although the SixSixOne Evo has many great attributes, I do wish it had the ability to adjust the visor. On sunny evenings I wasn’t able to get much protection from the dipping sun. Also, if you’re that type of bro, an endurbro, then you may have some issues with your goggle storage on climbs or transition stages. Beyond those minor critiques, the lid is definitely one of my favorites. It’s a simple, understated helmet that simply fits well and does the job.

The Wolf’s Last Word

Although this may not be a name brand helmet with tons of flash or pizzazz, I have found myself wearing it more than most of the helmets on the test shelf. The SixSixOne Evo AM fits my head better than most, offering a very secure feeling inside the deep shell. I like the sharp, Stealth-like edges, strong look and comfort. I do wish it had an adjustable visor but beyond that, it’s a really solid helmet that I’ve already recommended to plenty of friends. If you’re in the market for a new open-face helmet, this one should be on your list.

Price: $125.99;
Website: sixsixone.com