Recently, we caught a sneak peek of Troy Lee Designs’ new D4 TeXtreme Carbon full-face DH/BMX helmet when it was spotted online prior to its launch. The new D4 has since been officially announced, so we now have all the details on the TeXtreme carbon and composite models.
Our first look revealed some key info about the carbon model: most importantly, TLD is now using TeXtreme spread tow carbon fiber to shave weight off their latest lid (jump to that article for a great explanation of spread tow carbon). Another significant new feature is Troy Lee’s Collarbone suspension system, designed to reduce impact on shoulders or collarbones in a crash. The D4’s are also equipped with the Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) to protect your brain in from rotational impacts.
The new D4s feature improved ventilation over the D3s, with larger vents in their usual locations and four new vents on top. TLD also re-configured the air channels inside and added mesh to their headliner to further help air flow. Cory also noticed they’ve in-molded polycarbonate pieces around vents and exposed EPS foam areas for added durability.
Keen eyes may have already spotted the new D4 on a few podiums, like Brandon Semenuk’s victory at Red Bull Rampage last fall and BMX racer Alise Willoughby’s first place finishes at the first two 2020 UCI BMX Supercross events. Troy Lee describes the D4’s as “The perfect blend of art, science, speed and style,” and here’s all the specs on both new models:
Troy Lee Designs D4 TeXtreme Carbon:
As we know, this model’s shell is made from TeXtreme spread-tow carbon, and the helmet is equipped with a MIPS C2 brain protection system. In the photos we can see the polycarbonate pieces that are in-molded around the front brow and vent ports for added strength. The interior of the chin bar is also injected with EPP.
On the lower rear section of the D4 is TLD’s new EPP Collarbone Impact System. This shapely chunk of expanded polypropylene creates a softer contact point to help reduce forces on your shoulders or collarbones in a crash. Unlike expanded polystyrene (EPS) which is rigid, EPP is a somewhat flexible, closed cell, multi-impact foam that offers excellent energy absorption. It certainly sounds like a good idea, but hopefully one day we’ll see some scientific data to show how effective this concept is.
The D4’s offer 24 vents in total – 11 in the front, six overhead intake vents and seven rear exhaust ports. The chin bar is also heavily ventilated, but keeps bugs and dirt out of your face with a high flow polymer grille and power grid side mesh.
The interior cheek pads are made from anti-microbial Quick Dry XT2 material, and they quick-release in case you crash hard. The D4’s visor offers 40mm of vertical adjustment, and is secured by smart-shear breakaway screws. As Troy Lee fans would expect, the new D4’s include titanium D-ring fasteners.
The D4 TeXtreme Carbon is TLD’s lightest carbon DH/BMX race helmet yet, at 1000g for a size Medium (+/- 50g). As Cory predicted, TLD employs three different shell sizes and three EPS sizes to offer their usual six size range (XS-XXL). The D4 TeXtreme Carbon comes with a three year warranty, and a Factory Pilot helmet bag is included. MSRP is $575, and six different colorways are available.
D4 Composite:
Aside from its shell material, the D4 Composite carries most of the same features as the TeXtreme Carbon model. It has the MIPS C2 brain protection system, the new EPP Collarbone impact system, in-molded polycarbonate bits around the front vents, and an EPP injected chin bar.
The composite helmet also features the newly improved vent layout, quick-release cheek pads, and the same visor which still includes break-away screws. Much like its carbon brother, the new D4 Composite is the lightest composite helmet TLD has ever built, weighing 1050g (Size Medium, +/-50g).
The composite model is also covered under warranty for three years, and comes with a drawstring helmet bag. Sixes XS-XXL are available for $399, with five different colorways to choose from.
Both the D4 TeXtreme Carbon and D4 Composite are certified to ASTM F1952 (DH MTB), ASTM F2032 (BMX), CPSC 1203, CE N1078, and AS/NZS 2063 standards.
