Canyon Deflectr RLS Helmet: A Safety Game-Changer Reviewed
▼ Summary
– Swedish brand MIPS has long dominated the market for rotational impact protection in high-end bike helmets with its inner-layer technology.
– Many other companies have since developed their own similar proprietary systems, typically using a movable inner webbing.
– British brand RLS innovated by moving its rotational protection device to the outside of the helmet.
– RLS claims its technology reduces concussion risk fourfold compared to traditional helmets, a claim supported by top-tier testing at Virginia Tech.
– The breakthrough for RLS came from using polycarbonate ball bearings, developed after extensive research and near financial failure.
For years, the world of premium cycling helmets has been dominated by a single safety technology, but a groundbreaking new approach is shifting the paradigm. The Canyon Deflectr RLS Helmet introduces an external rotational protection system that has earned top marks from independent safety laboratories, promising a significant leap in impact protection for riders. This innovative design moves the critical safety mechanism from the helmet’s interior to its outer shell, a fundamental rethinking of how to safeguard a cyclist’s head during a crash.
British safety innovators at RLS developed this technology after extensive research. The team worked for years in East London warehouses, searching for a superior method to manage the rotational forces that can cause serious brain injuries. Their breakthrough came from an unexpected source: polycarbonate ball bearings. This novel system is positioned on the helmet’s exterior, where it can more effectively manage energy from an angled impact.
The core principle involves a low-friction layer that allows the helmet’s outer shell to rotate independently from the head. In a crash, this motion helps to dissipate damaging rotational forces before they are transmitted to the brain. RLS asserts that this external configuration is far more effective than traditional internal systems, potentially reducing concussion risk by a factor of four compared to standard helmet designs.
These claims are supported by rigorous third-party testing. The renowned helmet safety laboratory at Virginia Tech University subjected the Canyon Deflectr RLS to its battery of impact tests. The helmet received their highest possible safety rating, a strong endorsement for its protective capabilities. This independent validation is crucial for a new technology entering a market where consumer trust is paramount.
Examining the helmet itself, the RLS pods are integrated into a sleek, modern design. They are subtle yet visible, giving the helmet a distinct technical appearance. Beyond the safety innovation, the Deflectr offers features expected in a high-end model. It is lightweight and well-ventilated, with a comfortable, adjustable retention system to ensure a secure fit. The design prioritizes both safety and the practical needs of performance-oriented cyclists.
The introduction of the RLS system represents a meaningful challenge to the established order in helmet safety. For decades, a single type of internal slip-plane technology has been the default for high-end protection. By moving the system outside, RLS has created a visually and mechanically different solution. This external placement could allow for more pronounced movement and energy management in a real-world impact scenario.
For cyclists, the arrival of this helmet provides a compelling new choice. It combines proven, laboratory-tested safety advancements with the quality and finish expected from a brand like Canyon. The top-tier Virginia Tech safety rating offers tangible peace of mind, translating complex engineering into a simple, trustworthy result for the rider. It stands as a serious option for anyone prioritizing cutting-edge protection without compromising on comfort or style.
The landscape of helmet technology is evolving, driven by competition and a relentless focus on reducing injury. The Canyon Deflectr RLS is at the forefront of this shift, proving that a fundamental reimagining of a product’s architecture can yield substantial safety benefits. Its success may well inspire further innovation across the industry, ultimately leading to even safer equipment for all riders.
(Source: Wired)
