Uvex's 225g Ultrasonic helmet

Lightweight, low profile helmet made in Germany.

Sharp looking helmet

The most striking things about the Ultrasonic helmet from German protection specialists Uvex are its weight and size. More specifically, its lack of both. The claimed 225g weight is a bit optimistic – our medium sample hit the scales at 293g with the miro-peak and 275g without – but is still refreshing after a few seasons in the latest ‘trail’ helmets. The helmet’s small size is also a departure- for a given size the Ultrasonic is easily one of the more compact helmets on the market.

A retention system that plays well others.

Upon closer inspection, a number of nice details stand out. The height-adjustable IAS-2K dial retention system isn’t groundbreaking- but it is well executed and doesn’t interfere with even the longest sunglass arms. A multi-position chin closure easily accommodates hats of varying thicknesses and any loose strap is kept tidy and comfortable by a slim chin pad. The front-most vents are made bug-proof by in-molded mesh and the minimal internal pads are constructed of a nice material and oriented so as not to interfere with inside airflow.

Compact design and micro-peak.

To my Giro-shaped head, the Ultrasonic is easily among the most comfortable helmets on the market. Sizing seems accurate and the three sizes mean that more riders will find less space between helmet and noggin than two typically allows. The Uvex’s low profile also avoids the the ‘mushroom head’ look currently en vogue- no bad thing.

Made in Germany

The minimal peak sits nicely out of the rider’s line of sight and a larger version missed only at sunrise and sunset. The lack of deep internal channeling means that the Uvex doesn’t provide the airy feel of some top-end helmets, but well-placed padding largely makes up for this fact. In my case, the fit, light weight, and well-considered and -executed features make the Ultrasonic easy to recommend. Given first-world manufacture and fit and finish on par with or better than pricier models its £85/$140 price tag actually makes it a good value as well.

Uvex is distributed in the UK by Raleigh and in the US by Magura Direct.