Canyon Deflectr RLS Helmet: A Revolutionary Safety Review

Rating: 9 out of 10

In the helmet safety market, MIPS from Sweden once dominated the scene with its cutting-edge design that diverted the dangerous rotational forces during accidents, lowering brain injury risks significantly. Inspired by MIPS's lead, numerous brands embarked on developing their own similar impact resistance technologies, each with their unique approaches. These innovations largely focus on a snug internal framework capable of shifting independently from the helmet’s external shell.

The RLS Innovation

A British company pioneered a fresh approach by relocating safety features externally. Their unique RLS technology significantly lowers concussion risks, up to four times over traditional helmets, as demonstrated by Virginia Tech’s esteemed helmet safety lab. The Canyon Deflectr RLS utilizes this breakthrough, marking a noteworthy leap in helmet design, being the first of its kind in the U.S. market with such a feature.

Genesis and Development

RLS stemmed from modest beginnings in East London, where its founders struggled to push the frontier of safety technologies. When nearly exhausted of initial funding, inspiration struck in the form of polycarbonate ball bearings, setting a new trajectory for the company.

They ingeniously affixed these minute bearings onto adhesive bands on helmet exteriors, which were shielded by additional hard shell layers. This inventive arrangement, dubbed the 'Release Layer System' or RLS, enables the outer layer to disengage upon impact, further cushioning the blow.

Safety and Testing

Data from extensive tests supported by independent validations show RLS technology enhances brain protection, reducing brain injury chances by up to 84% compared to ordinary helmets. These robust findings have catapulted the Deflectr RLS into the elite category of high-rated helmets.

First Impressions and Features

Upon visiting RLS’s East London offices, I was shown the technology demonstrations, after which I received a Canyon Deflectr Trail RLS for personal trials. This helmet collaborates the ingenuity of RLS with Canyon, a well-regarded direct-supply German brand, showcasing a design typical of off-road helmets—larger, heavier, with added back-of-head and visor protection.

Additionally, unique segmented panels provide a glimpse into the sophisticated RLS mechanism operating underneath. The Deflectr offered comfort thanks to an adjustable fit dial system, and its weight of 326 grams ensured no excessive neck stress during protracted rides.

Strap Innovations

Distinctive in its strap design, the Deflectr forsakes conventional chinstraps for a HighBar System, featuring an adaptable plastic band cinched tight under the chin using a dial adjuster. This allows convenient, single-handed fine-tuning even while cycling.

Initially peculiar, this adjustment quickly became unnoticeable, offering a worry-free ride experience.

User Experience and Aesthetics

After covering multiple trail miles, the Deflectr RLS’s performance was so seamless it barely warranted attention—a hallmark of superb helmet construction. A minor critique, however, is its limited color variety, presently only matte black or metallic olive, though future brighter variants might be beneficial under intense sunlight.

With expansive top vents and substantial intake-exhaust openings, the helmet maintains good ventilation. I trialed a stylish black/white prototype, which may pave the way for more diverse color offerings.

Future Prospects

Canyon plan to expand their RLS technology into an array of helmet types beyond just biking. Economically priced at $160, the Deflectr holds its ground against pricier counterparts, offering cutting-edge safety without breaking the bank.