TEST: The Awake 1.0 mountain bike helmet from 720protections is constructed from a new honeycomb structure. This promises very good ventilation. In addition, protection against impacts is said to be significantly increased compared to conventional helmets. We tested the new miracle helmet.
720protections Awake 1.0 in the test
Anyone who holds the Awake 1.0 in their hand for the first time may ask themselves: How is this airy construction supposed to protect my head better than classic foam helmets? But if you inspect the honeycomb structure a little more closely, this impression disappears very quickly. The structure consists of a strong but deformable elastomer. This can apparently both dampen impacts and absorb rotations. It is also floating in the hard shell of the helmet, which should support the rotation damping effect similar to the MIPS system. What's also interesting is that the helmet can be deformed using manual force - you can squeeze it a little and it will then take its shape again.
By the way, 720protections received the Red Dot Design Award in 2020 for the innovative product. It is the first mountain bike helmet from the young company from Bolzano in South Tyrol. In addition to the new material, the helmet otherwise has a very modern look of a typical mountain bike helmet. 720protections advertises that the helmet should offer more than twice the protection of the EN 1078 standard and therefore significantly more protection than a conventional helmet. Unfortunately, we can't check this at this point - but it would still be a game-changer in terms of security.
In addition, 720protections seems to be working on a recycling system, because the helmet material should be completely recyclable. From an ecological point of view, that would be real progress.
Data sheet & information
- Available in 7 colors
- Sizes: M (53-56 cm), L (56-59 cm)
- Weight according to the manufacturer 499 g (M), test helmet weighed 524 g (L)
- Polycarbonate shell
- HexaGo honeycomb structure made of elastomer
- Certified according to EN 1078
- Fidlock magnetic closure
- Height-adjustable tension straps at the back of the head
- Removable padding
Fit & comfort
When you put it on for the first time, you immediately notice that the helmet is noticeably heavier than its foam competitors. The 720protections Awake 1.0 weighs about twice as much as an average, conventional helmet. However, it should be said that the weight of a bicycle helmet is only a minor purchasing argument, as we do in ours Guide to buying a helmet have shown. The helmet sits quite comfortably, the padding is well placed, and the honeycomb structure is not noticeable. Although the circumference of the side straps cannot be adjusted around the ear, they offer enough air around the ears thanks to the plastic insert. Anyone who is used to a clasp with a buckle may find the Fidlock magnetic clasp a bit fiddly at first, but you quickly get used to it. The chin strap itself comes without padding - if you like it soft, you're at a bit of a disadvantage here.
In terms of fit, the helmet sits well on our test rider's head, but not perfectly. The height-adjustable tension strap at the back of the head must be completely lowered for the best fit. On the narrow, elongated head shape with a flat forehead, the helmet can slip backwards if the tension strap at the back of the head is not locked very tightly. However, head shapes are very individual and thanks to the flexible honeycomb structure, the 720protections Awake 1.0 adapts somewhat to the shape of the head. Therefore, it should cover many head shapes quite universally. For our test driver, the problem is probably primarily due to his flat forehead. A completely circumferential tension strap could probably counteract this problem - on the Awake 1.0 this only runs from the temples around the back of the head.
Classic sunglasses fit well under the helmet, but visually look a bit lost. Due to the design, it cannot be attached to the helmet. Our test goggle fits under the helmet, but no longer fits perfectly because it rests against the forehead edge of the helmet.
The helmet can only be used to a limited extent for women with long hair. The tension strap is attached to the back of the head and prevents a ponytail from being threaded through in any meaningful way. The hair can only be led out at the bottom.
In trail use
On the trail, the helmet is initially very inconspicuous, which is a good sign. Even when going uphill, you can leave it on for a certain amount of time without immediately sweating, as only a small amount of material comes into direct contact with your head. Overall, the outer shell could perhaps use one or two more ventilation holes on hot days. On the descent with the wind in the air, everything is nicely ventilated.
We didn't really notice the heavier weight of the helmet during our test rides. Anyone who pays attention to it will feel it - but it shouldn't be annoying under any circumstances. It became noticeably tighter on the trail when using the glasses: the helmet sits quite low on the helmet, which of course ensures good protection. On the other hand, it leaves less space for glasses. This was at the top edge of the helmet and was therefore pushed down somewhat uncomfortably. However, our test driver's head circumference is at the lower limit of size L - those who are more in the middle range are more likely to be spared the glasses issue.
