There is no question the helmet market is a bit crowded, but a few players that seem an obvious fit had been missing. The most glaring? MAVIC. With their clothing line, shoe line, and deep market penetration with dealers the inevitable has happened, the MAVIC helmet. They launched 3 helmets at Euro bike last week, the $219.95 Plasma SLR, the $180.00 Plasma, and the $125.00 Syncro. Expect to see these hit the market early fall. 

MAVIC's premium Plasma SLR helmet has the same aggressive angular look we've come to expect in helmet design today. The front feels very conventional with 20 large, deep channels for cooling, while the  back is striking enough to stand apart. Despite the look and deep channeling MAVIC didn't put a focus on aerodynamics, cooling or even weight. The Plasma SLR should hit the scale at around 300 grams (as will its line mates). Instead the focus was fit. 

MAVIC's Ergo Fit branding has always meant the product would have a truly exceptional fit, and applied to helmets they wanted the same experience. They have made a huge effort to eliminate any compression points leading to a helmet that will feel a bit lighter than its 300grams and offer comfort all day. The velcro pad anchors are recessed in the foam while the X-Static pads truly set themselves apart. Most helmet pads are a single density foam, which is very thin and essentially crushes moment they it's needed. MAVIC has pioneered dual density pads; thin on top and dense closer to the helmet for a very light touch. 

The straps have been designed to be light and compliment the rest of the helmets fit. The adjustable retention system is padded as well and unlike the current move in helmet design, still quite large. It has a similar size and feel to the Garneau system of a season ago. 

Of course safety is key and MAVIC uses an internal structure called Ergo Protec Carbon. It is this that allows MAVIC to carve out such huge channels and still ensure the helmet passes all safety standards, US, EU and Australian.  

MAVIC Plasma SLR 

MSRP: $129.95

Sizes: S/M/L

Colors: Black or Yellow/Black