WE DIG
WE DON’T
ABOUT THE TROY LEE DESIGNS STAGE STUNT HELMET
The 3/4 or over-ear helmet has risen in popularity over the last few years, offering extended coverage over the ear and down the jaw without restricting breathing like a full-face. The Stage Stunt is Troy Lee Designs’ idea of the ultimate over-ear helmet, taking cues from their Stage enduro full face helmet and incorporating the new Mips Integra Fuse rotational impact safety technology within a dual-density EPS body and polycarbonate shell. Troy Lee Designs certified the Stage Stunt to CPSC 1203 / CE EN1078, as well as the AS-NZS 2063 / NTA8776 certifications for eBikes.
Offered in a choice of three sizes to fit 54cm to 63cm heads, the Stage Stunt relies upon two thicknesses of the Dri-lex neck roll and cheek pads to tune the fit, rather than an adjustment dial. The rear pad can be moved among three vertical positions to tune the fit further.
The body of the Stage Stunt features 9 intake vents and 13 exhaust vents, offering reasonable airflow. The visor is easily adjustable between three positions, with the lowest position offering good coverage for a low-hanging sun. In the highest position, goggles and glasses can be stowed below the visor. Down at the chin, a Fidlock snap buckle allows for easy fastening and releasing with one hand.
Troy Lee Designs offers the Stage Stunt in a choice of six standard colorways, with the option to pay for a fully custom-painted design for a special touch. It retails from $305/£240, and tips the scales at around 570g for the size Medium/Large.
THE DIRT
I quite enjoy the moto trials-inspired aesthetics of an over-ear helmet, and the Troy Lee Designs Stage Stunt ranks up there as one of my favorite looking 3/4 helmets so far. I also appreciate the feelings of safety and security that they provide when compared to an open shell trail helmet. However, pedal-friendly full-face helmets have improved to the point that I don’t mind climbing in them, so you’ll typically find me reaching either for the trail lid or enduro full face over a 3/4 helmet for enduro riding.
The Troy Lee Designs Stage Stunt is a solid offering in its category, however, the full face-style fit system TLD opted to use doesn’t afford the level of fit customization that a ratchet dial system can. As such, it’s vital that you play with the padding to obtain the most secure fit on your head possible. With only three shell sizes and two thicknesses of padding, the adjustment range is a little limited, and I found the Stage Stunt was still a little on the roomy side in the Medium/Large size tested. With a 56-57cm head, I’m in the middle of the two shell sizes, so it was always going to be difficult to get the fit perfect. I’d be interested to try the smaller size with the thinner padding to see if my head could squeeze in, even if it meant losing my name on the back.
Increasingly rare for a helmet these days, Troy Lee Designs gave the Stage Stunt a visor which is genuinely useful at blocking out the sun in its lowest position. I came to this realisation mid-trail, where I wasn’t fully able to look ahead and read what was coming up. As such, I spent most of the testing time with it set to the middle position, and popped it to the highest when storing glasses under the peak.
I was thoroughly impressed by the quality of the Stage Stunt helmet. The finish was immaculate, aside from the chinstrap which felt slightly less refined in its path over the cheek pads. Even so, it was effective and presented no troubles or discomfort throughout testing. You would hope that this $305+ 3/4 helmet would offer stellar quality with such a price tag, so it was a relief to see Troy Lee Designs hit the mark, and it’s a helmet I feel as if riders in its target group are going to be very pleased with.
The Wolf’s Last Word
If you have decided that an over-ear helmet is the route you want to go for, then Troy Lee Designs has made a stellar offering to the category, but my recommendation comes with one caveat: it needs to fit your head, and fit it well. As with most helmets, it is highly recommended to get your head inside one before you commit to the purchase, to ensure it is going to offer a comfortable and secure fit on your head. If it ticks that box, you dig the looks, and you can afford it, then I think you’ll be very happy. 
Price: From $305
Website: Troyleedesigns.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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