6D - MTB MOUNTAIN BIKE BICYCLE HELMET ATB-1T EVO < FLURO ORANGE / WHITE >

This is the world's first ¾ coverage helmet with ODS technology.  An engineering masterpiece, the ATB-1T has been painstakingly crafted to deliver all of the exceptional benefits of ODS into a more effective protective device.  The ATB-1T reduces angular acceleration energy transfer by means of the 3-dimensional displacement capability of ODS when subject to impacts.  Low-threshold energy accelerations are also dramatically reduced providing a more forgiving helmet over a much broader range of energy demands.  There is simply no other helmet technology that can offer the athlete these combined safety benefits.  This helmet is suitable for all types of cycling use!  The ATB-1T is certified to exceed both the EN 1078 and CPSC 16CFR 1203 standards.

Sizes available:

·         XS-S 53-56cm

·         M-L 55-59cm

·         XL-XXL 59-62cm

Fundamentally, open-face helmets haven’t changed much since the introduction of EPS (expanded polystyrene) as the material of choice, so the 6D ATB-1T helmet is a very progressive piece of kit.  This is the first open-face mountain bike helmet to use 6D’s Omni Directional Suspension (ODS) technology.  Cutting past the fluff, the aim of the game here is to create a helmet that transfers less energy to your noggin in the event of a crash than any other open-face on the market, which means less risk of brain injury.

“ODS is basically, suspension for your head.”

Omni-Directional Suspension technology is an active, in-helmet suspension and energy management system.  The system reduces energy transfer to the brain over a wider range of energy demands including both linear and angular acceleration.  This is achieved through the use of a suspended dual-liner assembly that can displace and shear in any direction upon impact.

How is that done?

What we have here with the 6D is kind of a helmet within a helmet – look closely and you’ll see there are two separate EPS shells, the outer one is firmer, the inner one is a little softer.  But it’s what goes on between the two shells that really gives the 6D its brain saving edge, namely the ODS system.

ODS is a series of small flexible dampers – they look like little rubber hour-glasses or buttons – mounted to two plastic carriers that are joined to the EPS shells (take a look at the pic below for more clarity).  The whole system ‘suspends’ the shells, allowing them to have degree of movement independent of each other.

Why go to all this trouble?

We don’t profess to be physiologists, neurologists or even very intelligent, but here’s what we understand.  We’re still learning a lot about brain injuries, in all kinds of sports, but one of the most interesting things to emerge recently is data about the energy transfer in oblique impacts (e.g. the kinds where your head hits the ground at an angle, and slides or skims, rather than smacking straight down).  What has been found, is that the angular acceleration passed to your head from an oblique impact is exactly the same whether the rider is wearing a conventional (read, traditional EPS) helmet or not.  And given that angular acceleration is the primary cause of concussion, it makes sense to try and mitigate this.

In terms of protecting you from other impacts – for instance toppling over backwards and hitting your head, or running front on into a tree – 6D claim they outperform all comers in those instances too.  They say that other helmets, in order to pass high-velocity impact tests, are made too stiff and hard and therefore sacrifice absorption against low-velocity impacts.  The 6D, by virtue of its dual density EPS shells and ODS, is able to offer more cushion against these low-velocity impacts, while the firmer outer shell doesn’t sacrifice protection in high-velocity impacts either.  Look, we’re going to have to take their word for it here, but it makes sense to us.

How does this system differ to MIPS?

You’re probably familiar with the MIPS system, or you’ll have at least likely seen the little yellow label on many modern helmets.  The ODS system is different to MIPS in a number of ways, but in essence, MIPS is a helmet liner that is designed to introduce a slip plane between your helmet and head, to reduce rotational forces upon impact.  The 6D approach achieves the same outcomes (by virtue of the two shells being able to ‘slip’ relative to each other) as well as offering more compliance and energy absorption than a helmet without ODS.

ATB-1T SPECS:

·         Patented Omni-Directional Suspension (ODS)

·         Modular ODS carrier system

·         "FIT KIT" SUPPLIED - customise your fit

·         Moisture wicking / washable / anti-bacterial comfort liner

·         Exceptional Flow-Through Ventilation

·         Adjustable / Removable Visor

·         Exceeds CPSC / EN1078 / AU/NZS 2063 Standards

·         Eyewear / Goggle Compatible

·         Adjustable Fitment System

·         Polycarbonate Shell

·         Fidlock Closure System (Patented Closure System)