Koblenz is where Canyon work on new bikes, fresh ideas and, increasingly, smart protective gear. The latest proof of that is the Canyon Deflectr, which has been turning heads since August because it went straight to the top of the prestigious Virginia Tech ranking. That’s quite a statement for a helmet. We’ve taken a closer look at the new RLS protection technology and explain why this lid scores so highly.
The hard facts first: the Deflectr costs € 159.95, and tips the scales at 440 g in size L. While that’s not exactly featherweight for an open-face helmet, it’s perfectly reasonable for anyone with a head circumference of up to 62 cm. And the price is hard to grumble about. There are helmets that cost twice that, and also plenty that come in cheaper. As for the look, the Deflectr is available in two colours, Classic Black and Olive Metallic/Black, and is available in three sizes, S, M and L. A third option in sand and black finish, which Canyon call Desert Matte, is due to arrive in February. Our zebra-style finish is just a sample. Perhaps Canyon should think about adding it to the line-up 😉
Nice to have: the Deflectr is compatible with Canyon’s magnetic rear light system. The optional light costs an additional € 29.99, and clips onto the dedicated mount via a simple magnet attachment.
What Is RLS? The Release Layer System
RLS is a patent of the namesake company, and stands for Release Layer System, which follows the same basic idea as the popular MIPS system. The aim is to reduce rotational forces acting on your head during an angled impact. While MIPS uses an additional low-friction inner liner, RLS works on the outside. Individual layers sit on the helmet shell and are attached at specific points with Velcro.
The clever bit sits between the helmet and the outer layer. Hundreds of tiny polycarbonate beads, each about 2 mm across and spaced roughly 3 mm apart, are designed to break free with angled impacts. They create a sliding effect that diverts part of the rotational forces. RLS works in three steps: react, roll, release. Upon impact, a special adhesive layer activates the system. The panels are now free to move and roll in any direction on those beads. If that isn’t enough or the force increases, the layers can detach from the helmet shell to redirect even more energy, essentially deflecting it, which further reduces rotational forces.
The data from the biomechanics lab at the University of Strasbourg is intriguing. According to these figures, a helmet with the RLS system can reduce rotational speed by an average of 56 to 66 percent compared with an identical helmet without RLS, depending on the impact direction.
Canyon also point to the Swedish insurance group Folksam, who have published their own comparison data. In their tests, an RLS helmet is said to cut the modelled probability of concussion to around 14%, while comparable helmets with MIPS sit at about 43% within the same test field.
Important point: these figures are based on defined laboratory scenarios and can’t be translated directly into real-world crashes. What they do show, however, is how RLS performed in controlled test environments according to each institution’s own measurements.
Fact is, the Deflectr currently sits at the top of the Virginia Tech ranking with 5 out of 5 stars. In the urban category, the Miden from HEXR holds first place, and that one also uses RLS. Two impressive results, even if the tests are, of course, carried out under laboratory conditions.
What is the Virginia Tech ranking anyway? In short, Virginia Tech University rates bicycle helmets according to their protective potential in linear and rotational impacts. The ranking is seen as one of the most respected and independent assessment models, and it gives consumers a solid point of reference.
But every head is different – and every crash, of course. No lab can capture all imaginable real-life scenarios. Studies show that systems designed to reduce rotational forces, such as RLS and MIPS, do work in principle, although they can never guarantee total safety. Universities like Virginia Tech test helmets and give them a score. This doesn’t necessarily mean that a helmet with the top scores will protect you better than others. It only means that it performed best compared with other models in that exact test scenario. We are not about to test the protection on our own skulls. In theory, the system is convincing and the available data backs that up, although the ultimate crash test is one we’d rather avoid.
Important point: RLS doesn’t cover the entire helmet. If you crash on an area where the layers are not fitted, the system won’t activate. It’s a bit like football. An open goal with no keeper.
Heads Up: The Canyon Deflectr on Test
With all adjustment systems fully opened, the Canyon Deflectr in size L fits our tester Ulle without complaint. A 62 cm head circumference? No problem.
The dial at the back of the head is easy to use, even with gloves. You can also adjust the cradle to three positions without feeling as if you’re about to snap something off. In the lowest position, though, the plastic part sits directly against the head without padding. On longer rides it puts a bit of pressure on your head, although that may simply come down to our tester’s head shape. On our day trip through the Palatinate, it became noticeable after about two hours. It’s a touch uncomfortable, although a few turns of the dial calm things down again.
On the plus side, the helmet’s ventilation is very good. It never feels overly breezy or too warm. We haven’t ridden with it in 25 °C midsummer heat yet, although the layout of the vents makes sense and prevents heat building up around your head.
The Highbar chin-strap system works pretty much flawlessly. You just need to avoid pulling it too tight if you still want to talk, or too loose or the cradle can slip over your chin on its own. One drawback is that anyone wearing glasses has to open the cradle fully to take the helmet off without knocking the frame. If you don’t always ride with your glasses on your nose, there is a storage spot for them. Two small rubber inserts under the visor hold your glasses securely, even on a downhill trail. They only fit there if the visor is in the top of its three positions. The upside is that nothing presses on your temples and the glasses stay put when you stash them there for the climb.
As for the looks, the Deflectr and its Highbar system definitely take some getting used to. It’s very much a matter of taste, a bit of a prototype-in-disguise among bike helmets.
*Crash test video: No editors were (seriously) harmed during our test.
Conclusions about the Canyon Deflectr Helmet with RLS Technology
The Canyon Deflectr impresses with its RLS system, delivering outstanding data in the lab and strong results in tests from the universities of Virginia and Strasbourg. It’s also true that the system doesn’t cover the entire helmet, which naturally limits its benefits. If you hit an area without a layer, RLS won’t save you. Out on the trail, the helmet delivers solid performance. Minor drawbacks, like the Highbar system being a bit awkward for riders with glasses, only slightly cloud the overall picture. The Deflectr scores with a good fit, sensible ventilation and a fair price. You need a moment to warm up to the looks, although if you can live with that and want a dependable, modern half-shell lid, this one has you well covered.
Tops
- High wearing comfort
- Good ventilation
- Top score at Virginia Tech
Flops
- Highbar 1.5 system can be annoying for riders with glasses
For more information, visit Canyon.com
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Words & Photos: Robin Ulbrich