ABOUT THE CANYON DEFLECTR HELMET
Canyon pulled out the stops for their Deflectr trail mountain bike helmet. Bringing the RLS (Release Layer System) safety tech to the mountain bike market for the first time, the Deflectr immediately shot to the top of the Virginia Tech safety rankings with a 5-star rating thanks to the protection it offers.
WHAT IS RLS?
RLS, short for Release Layer System, is a system developed by HEXR that features panels on the outside of the helmet that have been engineered to detach in a crash. Separated from the helmet by polycarbonate balls, the detachment of the panels is designed to reduce the rotational impact forces transmitted to the rider’s head in a crash. This should reduce the likelihood of the leading cause of concussions.
CANYON DEFLECTR FEATURES
The remainder of the Canyon Deflectr helmet is made from the typical EPS foam covered with a polycarbonate plastic shell. Canyon paid particular attention to the airflow, with large ports in the front and cooling channels running the length of the helmet. And with ventilation on the brow area, they hope to reduce heat and sweat buildup.
There are two dials in place to adjust the fit of the helmet. At the back of the helmet, a height-adjustable ratchet dial secures the fit around the crown of the head. The second dial is part of the HighBar 1.5 system, an alternative to a conventional chin strap, featuring a ventilated rubber strap that pivots on a bushing system connected to the helmet.
Canyon covered the remainder of the details well on the Deflectr. A custom magnetic light (available separately for £28.95) can be mounted to the rear of the helmet for visibility at night. A tool-free visor snaps between three positions, accommodating eyewear beneath. There’s a silicone-lined channel for glasses storage, and a rubber patch at the rear of the helmet to help to secure a goggle strap.
CANYON DEFLECTR OPTIONS AND PRICING
Canyon offers the Deflectr helmet in a choice of three colors to the UK and European markets, and will offer two colors in North America once it lands. There are sizes S, M or L available, designed to fit 51cm to 63cm heads. The price lands at a competitive £159.95 / $159.95, available directly from the Canyon website.
With the Deflectr helmet, Canyon offers a 30-day returns period where you can return the helmet in an unused condition for a full refund. There’s a standard 2-year warranty against manufacturing defects, which will not cover damage sustained in a crash.
THE DIRT
I had my concerns regarding the Canyon Deflectr helmet in the lead-up to the test. From the looks to the functionality, Canyon has not played it safe with the design of their latest trail lid, but the result is a very safe helmet, according to Virginia Tech.
I was concerned that the RLS panels would be overly fragile and therefore susceptible to being knocked off on the way to the trail. That never proved to be an issue. I don’t love the idea of plastic balls being scattered into the environment during a crash, but I suppose that’s the least of your worries if you’ve suffered from an impact that activates the RLS system.
The HighBar 1.5 system looks goofy in product shots, in my opinion. With beard hairs to contend with and a susceptibility to feeling choked by some chin strap placements, I had imagined it would not be comfortable nor visually acceptable in the flesh. I was wrong. In practice, I began to enjoy its functionality, and I got used to its looks to the point that I was indifferent about it.
Where does that leave the Canyon Deflectr helmet, then? Well, I grew to like its looks, and while it’s not the absolute most comfortable helmet I’ve worn, it fit well and I was happy riding in it across the spectrum of conditions. It ventilated well, felt secure on my head, and produced no points of concern with glasses compatibility or noise in use. Add in a competitive price and the top marks in the Virginia Tech helmet safety rankings at the time of writing, and you’ve got a compelling offering.
I’ll report back on any issues sustained through further use, but it’s been a couple of months across winter in Scotland and “winter” in Mexico, and so far it’s holding up amicably.
The Wolf’s Last Word
While the looks and feeling of the HighBar will be divisive, Canyon’s trail mountain bike flagship is a solid performer with excellent safety credentials and a reasonable price tag. Consider me extremely impressed by the Canyon Deflectr helmet. 
Price: $159.95 / £159.95
Website: Canyon.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
Robert’s habitat is the Tweed Valley, Scotland, which is renowned for its root-littered enduro mountain bike trails. Robert has been developing his bike handling skills for the last 16 years. Since he was a pup, he’s been riding everything from BMX through to enduro and downhill bikes. Combining a playful style with occasional speed-focused aggression, he favors supportive bikes, and does his best to push them hard.
Rank: European Tech Editor
Size: 6’2” / 189cm | 220lbs / 100kg
Social: @robert_johnston
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