For 2017, the Evo AM is now available with a MIPS liner, which offers greater protection against angular impacts.

However, the liner has affected the sizing, and our medium/large sample was a little tight, especially at the back, causing it to feel perched.

To get it to sit lower, we removed the whole rear sweat pad, and this is not a bad fix as most helmets don’t have them.

the MIPS protection system inside the 2017 661 EVO AM

661 was one of the first brands to embrace the modern all-mountain shape with its Recon helmet, and this feature-packed EVO AM MIPS represents the next jump in technology. The lid uses a special Contigo foam liner with claimed higher impact absorption properties.

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There’s also a rear retention device with the patented Boa tensioning system, which winds the internal webbing in towards the skull. The dial clicks with real precision, but the increments are a little wide and the height of the device can’t be adjusted either — we struggled to get it low enough to cradle the back of the head perfectly.

The sturdy build quality extends to the fully wrapped shell, dense, comfy pads and solid strap webbing points. It’s quick to fasten too, with one hand if needed, thanks to the innovative magnetic buckle. The EVO AM isn’t as dished-out inside as some other trail helmets and two testers complained of it feeling perched, and even tipping back to front on steeper trails while tightly fastened.