TESTED: 661 Evo AM MIPS Helmet

It’s always great when you find a helmet that fits you and ticks all the boxes. 661’s latest helmet the EVO AM with MIPS is one of those helmets that fits just about anybody. Style wise, the EVO AM looks good. It looks like a helmet you want to wear and even looks good when you’re wearing it. One of the strong points for the EVO AM is the use of MIPS Technology. MIPS Stands for Multi-Directional Impact Protection System which is basically a slip plane inside the helmet, designed to reduce rotational forces from certain impacts. This is the yellow piece inside the helmet you can see. Although I didn’t put this technology to use I was glad I had it. A little bit reassurance when you’re putting the bike on the edge.

661 have also gone to using a BOA retention system. Those familiar with BOA straps on shoes will appreciate the ease in which you can do up the back of the helmet. With a big amount of padding inside the helmet it sits comfortably on your head with no irritation, although the padding could be a little thicker. I would also like to see the helmet sit a little deeper on your head, this would make it feel a little more secure.

Riding in the 661 EVO AM

A big issue on all helmets is the straps and how they feel when done up. The strapping system on the EVO AM is really good. Instead of straps going up inside the helmet above the internals, 661 have just made some anchor points on each side just above the ears. This does away with excess straps and works really well.

Getting out on the trail and actually wearing the helmet was great. It hardly moved around due to the BOA system and was light enough for any uphill or downhill situation. The EVO AM has plenty of room for sunnies or it also has a flat, lipped section on the back which will keep your goggles in place if that’s how you roll. I feel like an improvement could be made to the visor area, although it has been made strong and solid, it is not adjustable, which can get in you way a little when you have your head down low.

At $299.95 the EVO AM is a good value for money helmet. With the technology and the thought put into this helmet, at that money, it ticks a lot of boxes.

Hits:

            – Looks good, and fits comfortably

            – MIPS equipped

Misses:

• Another pad set that is thicker would be good
• Visor adjustment

RRP $299.95