A couple of years after first being shown to the cycling world, Uvex’s Ultrasonic helmet has made it through the necessary safety qualifications and is now for sale in the United States. And we have one on test.
Uvex’s helmets have rarely received the attention or sales that they merit. Usually made in Germany, the company’s offerings have long stood apart with good fits, nice touches, surprisingly light weights, and very reasonable prices. The sub-300g Ultrasonic appears to be no different. Hit the jump for the full specs and some initial impressions.
Despite its low 100 Euro / $140 retail price, the German-made Ultrasonic comes in three shell sizes in order to provide the best possible fit. The smallest, without visor, is claimed to come in at 235g- our medium weighs 293g with the visor (and a claimed 275 without). The weight is noticeable when pulling the helmet on and helps the Ultrasonic to disappear on the trail.
The close-to-the-head profile is a departure from the recent ‘mushroom head’ trail helmet trend. It’s still too cool to speak to the helmet’s ventilation, but the 19 vents do hold promise. At the front, molded-in bug netting should keep insects from being sucked- it’s a small thing, but weighs next to nothing and is worthwhile if even one crash or bee sting is prevented.
The IAS-2K retention system is lightweight, easy to use, and readily height-adjustable and combines with the FAS multi-position chin strap closure makes adjusting for winter hats quick and easy.
Fit-wise, anyone with a “Giro-shaped” head should feel right at home. In a handful of early rides, with and without hats and caps, the Ultrasonic has proved comfortable. The IAS-2K system can interfere slightly with some eyewear in its lowest position, so be sure to take your glasses to the store when purchasing. We’re excited to get some more miles in under the Ultrasonic and will be back after several months and some proper hot-weather use.
marc
www.uvex-sports.de (Worldwide)
maguradirect.com (USA)
