Torch T2 Helmet

The Torch T2 helmet with integral LED lights complies with CPSC and CE1078 safety standards, and comes in a choice of no fewer than eight fetching colours, but the Tron profile and poor ventilation are throwbacks to the mid-1980s, and it's uncomfortable for anything other than short commutes.

The lid itself follows the standard in-mould narrative where shell and EPS liner are formed together simultaneously, which keeps production costs and weight down while theoretically improving safety.

Standards of finish are good but not necessarily better than anyone else's, and the EPS rim is exposed, leaving it vulnerable to the usual everyday carelessness synonymous with utilitarian riding.

Torch has gone the single size and selection of pads route. It's not something I like in principle, but here, when combined with the familiar thumbwheel and Y strap adjusters, you can achieve a good fit.

Ventilation is limited to eight vents: two inlet, two 'exhaust', and the remainder running centrally across the top. Theoretically, fewer vents improves overall strength, but doesn't bode well for comfort.

Integral lighting is the helmet's unique selling point: five LEDs sit behind polycarbonate panels front and rear that run from an integral – and therefore fit 'n' forget – rechargeable li-ion battery.

Full zero to hero charging take two hours from the mains, another 30-40 minutes when suckling from PCs and laptops.

Switches are positive and easily located wearing winter-weight gloves, but there's no memory function so you'll need to go through the modes each time.

There are two steady settings and two flashing. First and foremost, unless you stand 5ft tall, or less, these won't comply with RVLR stipulations, so you'll still need 'proper' bike-mounted lights.

> Check out our guide to the best front lights here
> Check out our guide to the best rear lights here

The highest steady function delivers a surprisingly pure beam with few halos or similar imperfections, but it's impotent for navigating with, even along well-lit town centre cycle paths. That said, other traffic and pedestrians seemed to acknowledge me from 100m, maybe 150 in semi-rural contexts.

Low is pretty much of the glimmer variety, but conserves reserves. Flashing is more useful, visible to about 250m, with lorry, bus and SUV drivers seemingly paying more attention.

Run times proved refreshingly accurate, mirroring the 6 hours in steady and 36 flashing quoted.

However, I sugar-coat things. Overall performance is very poor on account of ventilation. It's fine for a couple of miles at a modest 12mph, but 5-10 miles at 16mph with temperatures hovering between 12 and 16 degrees resulted in boiled brains and my admittedly generous shock of hair matted to my scalp – hardly a good look when arriving at the office, or meeting up with friends down the pub.

> Check out our guide to the best cheap cycling helmets here

As it stands, the Torch T2 feels gimmicky and decidedly expensive. Several established brands offer much lighter, better ventilated models with integral LEDs and accessory kits, some costing less than £50.

Verdict

Heavy, expensive and inadequately ventilated for regular use