You can find an overview of this group test here: The best MTB helmet with ear protection – 6 jet helmets in comparison
We got our hands on the Stage Stunt before its official release, slotting it directly into our group review for an exclusive first assessment. Troy Lee Designs, or TLD for short, is returning to familiar territory with this one: almost two decades after the D2 Open Face, the Californians are making another push into the open-face MTB helmet segment.
Like its full-face sibling, the Stage, the Stage Stunt renounces a conventional adjustment dial at the rear. Instead, TLD rely on two helmet pads with different thicknesses that can be clipped into the shell. This saves weight, but also makes choosing the right size even more important.
| Brand | Model | Price | Weight (Grams) | Available Sizes | Available Colours | Material | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troy Lee Designs | Stage Stunt | €280.00 | 559 | XS/S (54–56 cm) M/L (57–59 cm) XL/XXL (60–63 cm) |
Split Black Camo, Drone Pumice / Real Teal, Drone Black, Pinstripe Black, Pinstripe White | Lightweight polycarbonate shell, fiber reinforced | EN 1078:2012+A1:2012, CPSC 1203, ASTM F2032, AS/NZS 2063, NTA-8776 |
The Stage Stunt comes in three sizes, as does every helmet in this test except the Urge Rascas. At 559 g in M/L, it lands in the middle of the weight range. At €280, it’s one of the most expensive competitors alongside the Fox Dropframe Pro.
Visually, Troy Lee Designs stay true to their signature look. The sharp central edges combined with flowing curves create a distinctive appearance that clearly stands out from the rest of the field. Feature-wise, the Californian brand deliver a solid package: MIPS rotational impact protection, a magnetic FIDLOCK buckle, a visor adjustable in three positions, and a total of 22 vents. But is that enough to claim the top spot in this highly competitive review?
The Stage Stunt divided opinion among our testers, and the rear adjustment system is largely why. At 58 cm head circumference, sitting precisely in the middle of the M/L range, the fit is secure and stable. That said, riders with narrower heads have less room to work with, and should try before buying. Get the shell shape right and the Stage Stunt is a comfortable lid, with a level of protection that compares well to the Fox Dropframe Pro and the Bluegrass Jetro, which is partly due to the ear cups that extend well into the cheek area.
One noticeable detail is the routing of the FIDLOCK straps. On the Stage Stunt, they run over the cheek pads rather than behind them. They are also secured by small straps on the pads, which feels slightly unusual at first but goes unnoticed while riding.
The visor can be adjusted easily between three positions without any fiddling. Glasses and goggles both integrate neatly, and the helmet carries its volume well. Ventilation sits in the middle of the field: more airy than the Fox Dropframe Pro, though not as open as the Alpina. Wind noise is pleasantly low, if short of the near-silence the Urge Rascas manages.
Conclusions about the Troy Lee Designs Stage Stunt
Troy stays Troy. The Stage Stunt follows the Californians’ unmistakable design language and, like its full-face siblings, foregoes a rear adjustment dial entirely. Get the sizing right and the rewards are real: excellent comfort and a reassuring sense of protection, with ear coverage that extends far enough into the cheek area to inspire genuine confidence on the trail. The absence of fine adjustment does, however, limit versatility and costs the Stage Stunt in direct comparison. A premium open-face helmet with clear race DNA, it ultimately finishes just off the top step.
Tops
- Distinctive look
- Good ventilation
Flops
- Size adjustment only possible via padding
The pictures still show an early version of the helmet. Since then, the straps on the cheek pads in particular have been revised. At the time, they still sat underneath the pads.
For more info, visit TLD.com
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Words: Robin Ulbrich Photos: Peter Walker