BOLLÉ MESSENGER PREMIUM

£89

Fitting room

The shape is generous and has plenty of adjustment with a two-position rear cradle and loads of adjustment in the straps. The rear cradle dial offers a wide range of adjustment, though not as fine tuneable as the Kali. The interior pads are split into three with a fourth protecting your head from the cradle.

Breathing room

The Messenger looks like a fully enclosed helmet, but the design is pretty clever. The pseudo peak (integrated into the main body) has two vents cut into it, this channels air into the helmet and through a series of sculpted channels across your head exiting through large exhaust ports. It does a good job of keeping air flowing and regulating the temperature.

In the details

Bollé has put a great deal of thought into the Messenger, and not only through its channelled design but with some very clever detailing like the outer shell extending all around the foam core, which protects it from accidental damage. Smart thinking because commuter helmets tend to get more abused than regular helmets (chucked into bags, or strapped loosely to your bike when stopped etc). Reflective details throughout, an integrated rear LED light and a winter under-cap and protective bag all impress. We like the open design of the cradle mounts that mean this lid works for long haired riders too.

They’ve even kept an eye on the weight with a respectable 347g, impressive for such a level of protection.