Stradale Helmet Review

Stradale helmet from Ekoi, old school style with a modern twist

The Stradale helmet takes a different approach to what makes a good helmet from the AR14 we reviewed previously. While that helmet was all about aerodynamics, the Stradale’s focus is safety and to a lesser degree looks.

This is quite a novel approach, as many helmets now prioritise their aerodynamic qualities, leaving us to assume that safety is just the norm. The use of Koroyd in the Stradale is due to the fact that it absorbs 30% more energy than standard EPS foam.

Safety

The Stradale has passed all the usual CE/UKCA standards, partly through the use of Koroyd inserts. If you haven’t come across Koroyd before, it looks like tightly packed plastic straws. The idea is that they crumple in the case of an impact, absorbing energy as they deform. Ekoi use Koroyd inserts in crumple zones around the sides and top of the helmet, sitting directly next to your head.

Unfortunately I don’t have any way of testing a helmets safety in relation to any other helmet. So like the rest of us, I’ll rely on the fact that it has passed those tests. All I can say is that the Stradale stays in place when worn and covers the parts of my head that would be at a risk in a crash.

Cooling

Wearing a helmet is always going to be hotter than not wearing one. Consequently brands spend a lot of time trying to optimise this feature. Sticking a polystyrene hat on your head is always going to lead to heat build up. The trick is to try and remove the heat as quickly as possible. Fortunately your head will be moving through the air, so you can use this air-stream.

The Stradale has two methods of cooling you down. First are the vents in the helmet. There are six that run front to back. Running across the helmet are two ribs, that are angled to divert air in to the helmet. Around the back are another six ‘exhaust’ vents, allowing hot hair to escape out the rear. Remember all this cooling works better the less hair you have. So maybe consider getting a buzz-cut for the summer?

Next on the cooling front is Koroyd, which is mostly holes surrounded by thin walls. That honeycomb structure is also meant to help with cooling, how? The helmet’s two side panels have their ‘straws’ pointing outwards, to absorb side impacts. This means that as air passes over the outside it creates a low-pressure area, theoretically drawing air from the inside of the helmet.

Comfort

Comfort is always difficult to review. What I find to be a perfect fit, may be wildly out for you. However I’ll try and address the comfort factor. Let’s start with size, I have a 58cm head and ordered a medium. Putting it on with the thinner, red padding felt right. Even without tightening the ATOP ratchet or strap it stays in place, no wobbling.

The straps are easy to adjust and are set up so that the buckle always sits to the left. Once on I could position the straps so there’s no ‘flappage’! The ATOP buckle is also adjustable, allowing you to get it exactly where you want.

Securing the Stradale is very simple with Ekoi’s magnetic buckle, which can be operated with one hand. While this does mean the buckle is slightly larger and heavier than usual, it makes up for it with its ease of use. Adjusting the straps via the Y buckles is simple and allowed me to get the straps exactly right. The only issue I would have is that they aren’t removable for washing.

For those who like to remove their glasses while riding, but don’t want to hang them off their jersey, you’re in luck. The Stradale’s front vents will allow you to slot your glasses in. I tried with a couple of different designs and found that it worked best if they were flipped upside-down.

Once out on the road the Stradale performed exactly as I want; that is to be invisible. I don’t want to be distracted by flappy straps, wind-noise or pressure points. The Stradale had none of these things, which makes it a winner for me.

Stradale Looks

I’m old enough to remember ‘hairnet’ helmets – which the Stradale is loosely based on – I’ve even worn them. I can’t say they filled me with confidence that they would help in the event of a crash. We used to laugh that they would just help “keep the pieces together”! However, we did all think they looked cool.

The Stradale does slightly look like a hairnet. In fact Ekoi had a helmet called the Legend, which resembled those old helmets even more closely. This helmet keeps that look with it’s bars running front to back and small silhouette. I like the look and have been using it as my road helmet, not sure why, but to me this is a ‘road’ helmet. Maybe it’s the hairnet connection?

When it comes to colour choices, the Stradale comes in black, white, red or blue. Alternatively you can make use of Ekoi’s customisation option. This allows you to add coloured highlights, flags or your name to the helmet. A useful bit of information is added to the inside of the helmet, which is its date of manufacture. Manufacturers recommend that you replace your helmet after 3-5 years, knowing when it was made is a useful reminder.

Conclusion

So what do I think of the Stradale? In my opinion it’s a good looking, well ventilated helmet. I’ve been wearing it throughout the year, in all weather conditions. While I haven’t struggled up any Alpine passes in 40 degree heat, nonetheless I’ve never suffered from overheating while wearing it. While it may not have the aero looks and claims of some helmets, I doubt that I’ve suffered from that.

Keep an eye on the Ekoi site, as they often have sales. At the moment the Stradale is available for £187.93, which 30% off the RRP. Unless you want red version, in which case you can get it for £134.23, which is 50% off the RRP.