At a class average price of $250, the all-new 100% Trajecta Full Face enduro helmet is the new kid on the block looking to offer the protection and security of a DH helmet but with the weight and ventilation of an enduro helmet. As with the new 100% Altec open face helmet launched earlier this year, the Trajecta features 100%’s Smart Shock elastomer technology that protects not only against direct impacts but also oblique impacts causative of rotation concussion injuries. To get a proper feel for this helmet, we got it in for review, hitting some long Tweed Valley climbs and some Adrenalin Uplift laps for good measure.
100% Trajecta Full Face enduro MTB helmet
First up, we have to contest the claimed weight of 860g in size medium. We weighed the size small at 863g with the lowest profile liner pads, and yes, it was completely dry when we weighed it. Therefore, the 100% Trajecta is actually one of the heavier helmets in its class. It is a good 100g heavier than the Fox ProFrame full face, and 220g heavier than the class-leading (we think) Endura full face helmet, both sat at the same $250 price point as the Trajecta.
The multi-density EPS foam liner is one of the thickest we’ve ever seen on an enduro helmet, measured at just over 4 cm at its thickest part, for added direct impact protection. Indeed, the helmet is fully ASTM 1952-15 certified for downhill mountain biking. What sets it apart from the lighter weight Endura full face is the fact that, in its safety toolbox, it carries the Smart Shock suspended rotational system, to protect the rider against rotational concussion in cases of oblique impact, a similar concept to MIPS. Probably worth carrying the extra weight for. The 13 red elastomers are barely noticeable when riding.
Though safety is of course the number 1 priority when choosing a helmet, I have to say the 100% Trajecta isn’t the most flattering helmet i’ve ever worn. With a head circumference of 53 cm, I opted for the small which should fit head circumferences of 52-56 cm. Overall, the fit was OK but despite fitting the helmet with the lower profile cheek pads (32 mm), I found the helmet to be too tight in this region, squashing my cheeks up in a hamster-like fashion. In fact, despite being at the smaller end of the size range, I used the lower profile comfort liner and lower profile rear pad (16 mm). I wouldn’t feel confident that the helmet would comfortably fit someone with a head circumference of 56 cm. Thus, they could be a little undersized. Sure, everyone has a different shaped head, and it is always best to try before you buy. With this helmet, you are completely reliant on the padding to ensure a good fit as there is no ratchet system at the back for adjusting the fit of the comfort liner.
The 100% Trajecta has a moto-style D-ring closure at the chin strap, a friction-based mechanism more often seen on motocross helmets and dedicated downhill mountain biking helmets. For those who haven’t used it before, it can take some getting used to but once you’ve learnt your way around the two D-rings, it becomes super easy.
For me, the chin piece stands too tall, and does unfortunately block my line of sight a bit, the last thing you want really. That said, I do have a tiny face, and it probably wouldn’t be such an issue for most other riders but again, another reason to try before you buy. The visor on the 100% Trajecta can be adjusted to sit at three different positions, allowing plenty of room to store a pair of goggles underneath. However, it is super stiff so would probably snap off upon impact. I guess this isn’t really a consideration though, given that you should be replacing your helmet after a crash anyway. If you wipe out and hit your head, 100% have a crash replacement policy whereby they will offer a 30% discount on a replacement.
The 100% Trajecta is pretty well ventilated overall with 24 vents in total; 7 at the chin bar and 5 above the forehead allowing air in, and 4 on the top and 6 at the back allowing air out. The large area cheek pads can still make pedalling a sweaty affair, however.
The Bottom Line
While it isn’t the most comfortable fit for me, the 100% Trajecta has been a good confidence-inspiring helmet for uplift days. It wouldn’t be my number one choice for long pedally days in the saddle as it is a little on the heavy, chunky side, but these qualities are also what makes it feel super safe when you’re throwing down a full raspberries DH run. Personally, I miss the presence of a ratchet fitting system to get a precise fit on the comfort liner. Obviously, my impression of the helmet has been shadowed by the fact that it feels a little tight, despite being the recommended size for my head circumference. Despite this, i’d like to stress that, for the money, this is clearly a high quality full face helmet that, if you can get it to fit you properly, will probably be more than sufficient in all other respects.
