When using your head takes on new connotations, Andy Afford gets his brain wrapped around two of the best for 2012.
Helmets Tested
Ayrtek
A.C.I.S Premier RRP £79.99
Albion
Ultimate 98 RRP £170.00
In General
AOC recently previewed the new entry-level offering from Ayrtek in last month’s Trade Show recce to Lord’s. So impressed, were we, we thought we’d see how it went, ahem, head-to-head with one of the most established players in the helmet market. We chose Australia-made Albion as a like-for-like comparison, primarily because it pitted two companies against each other that have built their business and reputation solely on keeping noggins firmly atop shoulders.
Head protection is notoriously difficult to test, due to the ‘hope it never happens’ nature of being struck on the skull. But how it feels on the head and how it performs over a period of time is something that all good helmets should pass with flying colours. The rest is in the lap of the gods.
Comfort/Feel
The Ayrtek helmet is a curiosity in that it has an air-cushioned impact system (ACIS) built within it to, according to the manufacturers, provide a secondary level of protection and support the outer shell. However, the helmet feels more comfortable and arguably more ‘helmet-like’ in an almost fully deflated state. It would appear that it is designed to be continually inflated and deflated after use, but in practise, this wasn’t how the helmet felt at its most comfortable. Helmets, like pads and gloves, feel at their best when worn in. The Ayrtek ACIS Premier was no different in that regard.
The Albion Ultimate 98 is such a familiar piece of kit that upon first getting hold of it, it feels exactly as it always has. The one sent was a cloth-covered England version. The material used on the skin of helmets is a source of debate as to whether it is desirable or not. The covering gives the helmet a more tactile feel compared to a shiny shell, but with the additional layer comes the potential for it to fray and age in a more obvious way than the more unfinished looking version. Some people like their helmet to look distressed and battle-hardened over a period of time, others not so. Holes cut into the top of the helmet offer the potential for the air circulate – slots do the job in the Ayrtek version – but ultimately over a period of time, wearing a helmet is a hot and sweaty part of the game. What can be deduced is that both do their best in this regard. Both were secured well by comfortable chinstraps. Both felt wobble-free when running or moving quickly.
Vision
Both are good in this regard. Arguably the Ayrtek’s more-squat peak makes it feel slightly more open to the elements, which is pleasing. The Albion’s ‘postbox’ slot feel remains as you’d expect; there is something very comforting about peering out from under the peak of an Albion helmet.
Protection
Both are undeniably fit-for-purpose, packing solid outer shells with blow-cushioning innards, allied to screw-fixed grilles. Albion’s reputation and heritage gives it the feel-good factor. For Ayrtek, the shortened and stiffened peak makes it feel more rigid than the Albion’s elongated and thinner version. The flatter profile of the Ayrtek helmet makes it look more modern than the traditional riding hat shape of the Albion, but it does also make the helmet more predisposed to glancing blows rather than full-on impact.
Head-to-head
The decision is not an easy one. Do you go for the classic good looks and heritage of the Albion helmet, or risk the odd sideways look by sporting the more outlandish looking Ayrtek version? Both are great at what they set out to do. Both are desirable for different reasons.
The Tech Spec
Name: Ayrtek ACIS Premier
Price: RRP £79.99
Origin: All UK construction, grille sourced from China
Sizes Available: One size fits all
Description: Frying pan peak design across whole range, comes with steel grille and storage bag as standard. Titanium grille available as an upgrade
Livery: Available in Maroon, Blue and Green, plus custom colours at additional cost
Web: ayrtek.com
The Skinny
We Like: The design spec is top-notch. It will undoubtedly do the job its intended for at a price point that makes it attractive to anyone playing at a level where they think they might be in need of a bit more than bog-standard protective wear
We Dislike: It’s a real Marmite piece of design. Some love it; others can’t get their heads round it
AOC says: The new industry standard at a great price
Star Rating
Build Quality: 5/5
Comfort: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Value For Money: 4.5/5
AOC Rating: 5/5
The Tech Spec
Name: Albion Ultimate 98
Price: RRP £170.00
Origin: Australia
Sizes Available: Two sizes: Small-large, Extra-large
Description: Cloth-covered tradition batting helmet, comes in fielding and wicketkeeping offshoot versions. Titanium grille also available
Livery: Navy, Bottle (green), Maroon and Black, also available as custom designed version at extra cost.
Web: albioncricket.com
The Skinny
We Like: A classic design, still feels bang up to date
We Dislike:It is an expensive helmet
AOC says: A classic of design and comfort
Star Rating
Build Quality: 4/5
Comfort: 4.5/5
Performance: 4/5
Value For Money: 3.5/5
AOC Rating: 4/5
