The Uvex XP helmet has been around for a few years – but has had a splash of colour for 2013 to give it a freshen up. Don’t believe the lack of hype around Uvex, despite a few less than exciting models in their catalogue the XP is a top quality helmet and comes with loads of smart features at a great price.
The shell is a ‘full coverage’ style affair – similar to the Fox Flux or Giro Xen. It feels substantial with plenty of coverage around the back and sides of your head without feeling bulky. The shell features ‘In Mould’ technology – which isn’t unique to Uvex but means that the XP has a light, rigid and bump resistant structure. One word of caution though – the XP is a ‘one size fits all’ set up and fits 55 -60cm heads meaning it’s maybe worth a try in a shop if you’re at either end of those measurements.
The XP is impressively light at just 260g, sports 16 sizeable vents and feels super airy and comfortable on the trail. The adjustment is the highlight of the XP with a big, chunky wheel at the back that’s quick and easy to use on the move. The ‘Monomatic Buckle’ means that the strap is fastened with a ratchet strap – offering quick and easy one-handed fine-tuning. You can unclick it a few stops if you’re getting a bit warm on a climb and quickly click it back up again when the trail gets rougher. You can also adjust the height of the XP on your head which is a nice touch.
Tested by: Jamie
Web: http://www.uvex-sports.de
Cash money: £69.99
The Word: Uvex might not be the most exciting brand in mountain biking – but who cares? The XP is an impressively light, airy and comfortable helmet that offers lots of protection. For the money, it’s a cracking helmet.
