It’s not often you see a professional team wearing a helmet that’s not at the premium end of things – just check the prices of Team Sky’s Kasks, Etixx’s Specialized lids, or Garmin Cannondale’s POCs.
That makes the Tec-Tical’s Pro V2 mid-price point all the more impressive – after all, it’s up against some serious tech when it comes to the pro peloton.
Abus already has a reputation for quality, and when it comes to locks there is little to touch the brand. Helmets, though, are a more recent move for the company.
The Pro V2 has some good things going for it, and not just the price. The EPS core is multi-density, so maximum protection can be provided where it’s needed while a few grams can be saved in less critical areas. That helps keep the weight down to a respectable (though by no means light) 315g in the case of our large test sample.
The rounded shape is well protected by its in-moulded shell and with 20 inlet holes and 11 outlets at the back, it’s certainly well vented. Hugely deep internal channels help keep things very airy, too.
The retention system is quite a simple affair, and the 2.5cm diameter dial is easy to adjust even with full-finger winter gloves, while the click-to-movement ratio allows for plenty of fine adjustment. We’d like to have seen some vertical adjustment, though.
The straps are fairly thick – we’d describe them as middleweight – but the woven construction includes a central mesh channel to allow moisture transfer, and the hi-vis stitching adds a touch of quality. The minimal washable-antibacterial pads are matched with a soft-touch chin piece, which covers the click fix buckle. It’ s clear that plenty of thought has gone into the Tec-Tical’s construction.
Like Abus’s locks, the Tec-Tical helmet isn’t glamorous – it doesn’t come with any ‘bells and whistles’, and it isn’t steeped in marketing hype. But if you’re after a well-made helmet that does its job effectively and will last, it’s worth considering.
