Weight: 294g (Medium) / Colours: matte black, matte brown skull camo, matte titanium, matte silver / pink skull camo, matte olive skull camo / Crash replacement £22 / Sizes: S 51-55cm, M 55-59, L 59-63cm
Contact: www.ultimatepursuits.co.uk

With more coverage down the back the Variant is obviously more of an ‘all-mountain’ helmet. The near complete microshell means it will stand up to a fair amount of abuse on and off the trail. It was very comfortable and easy to adjust thanks to the GPS (Gear Positioning System) retention device. Ventilation was superb, with deep channels running all over the helmet and enough vents to fill them as soon as you are moving. Cam-Lock levers on the straps did their job without fuss and locked down solid. The VPS visor is micro adjustable.
Our sample came in a wild pink camo, but if that isn’t your cup of tea there are plenty more options, including a very tasty matte black. All told, a value alternative to the expensive Giro Xen.

MBR RATING: 9/10