Review: Caberg Stunt helmet, £130
A few minor improvements wouldn't go amiss, but the Stunt is pretty good at this low price
I WONDER if the name of this helmet informed the design, or if the design informed the name. Probably the latter, but I can see why Caberg called it the ‘Stunt’, because, as helmets go, it looks quite… stunty.
I'll put that down to the aggressive shape and hard, angular lines of the polycarbonate shell. It strikes me as the kind of helmet that’ll appeal to youths, innit. That's not just because of its sharp looks, but also the price - it’s only £130, which leaves them with more money for petrol and er... potent skunk, or whatever they're into these days.
The Stunt is respectably specced for that money too. Okay, at 1,450g it isn’t the lightest crash hat out there, but it’s got a really good matt finish, comfortable fit, anti-scratch Pinlock-ready visor and quick release strap.
It’s got an integrated sun visor too, which can be easily flipped down with a switch under the left visor pivot point. I didn't like it though, because the bottom sat across the middle of my eye line and I ended up looking through the small gap between the bottom and the chin bar.
The lining is easily removed and, while not luxuriously soft, very comfortable, giving the Caberg a good fit straight from the box. In fact, although the lining isn’t as plump as the Shark Race-R Pro's, the Caberg still matches it in the comfort stakes.
This helmet is well vented, but draughty too. Every time I rode with it, I could feel the wind working its way in, tickling the side of my neck and around towards the base of my skull. Some of the wind ingress is down to the non-closable vents under the visor pivot points. On a roasting hot summer's day this would be welcome, and it wasn't a problem in October either, but if I wore this through the depths of winter, I'd end up buying a balaclava. The top and front vents can be closed however, and when they're open, they let in a good stream of air.
Considering how much wind finds its way in, it won’t come as much of a surprise that the Stunt gets noisy beyond 40mph.
The mouth vent allows enough airflow to keep the visor from misting up when it’s cold and wet outside, but it's also the Stunt’s weakest link. It's a too-clever design, featuring a large button that depresses to open it. There's a demo video here. Unfortunately after day or two the button wouldn't stay depressed when I pushed it. I'm not sure why Caberg wouldn’t use a more straightforward and foolproof design on a budget helmet like this.
The strap closes with a quick-release buckle, and although I usually prefer a a double-D ring, I liked the Caberg’s system because it meant I could fasten and unfasten it with gloves on. I had to adjust the strap to fit correctly before properly using helmet, but that's simple and there's space to stow excess strap so it doesn't flap about as you ride.
For the most part, the Stunt feels pretty good for the money and for some people, its looks will compensate for any noise or draughts. Two simple changes would make it better: sort out the front vent and reduce the wind that gets in.
Product tested: Caberg Stunt helmet
Price: £130
