The Salice Bolt ITA helmet combines Italian flair with low weight, ample ventilation, a comfort fit and innovative, integrated LED lights.
Salice is a brand with 90 years of history, heralding from Lake Como, and with plenty of Italian flair running throughout the company’s range of helmets and sunglasses to make them stand out from the crowd. You’ll spot world road race champion Rui Costa and his Lampre-Merida team-mates wearing Salice products.
Take the Bolt out of its box and you can’t help but notice its weight – or lack of this. This is a lightweight lid which weighs a claimed 280g in the 54-58cm helmet on test here (a larger 58-62cm size is available, too).
The Bolt has 23 vents which let in plenty of air. The dial (which has integrated LEDs – more on that below) on the back of the helmet allows for precise adjustment to ensure a secure fit – once the helmet’s on it doesn’t move an inch. The dial is easy to use on the move, too.
The soft chin strap has also impressed. When previously testing other helmets I’ve sometimes found the strap aggravates my chin but the Bolt has a soft pad underneath which is detachable. The straps are also easy to adjust and stay in place.
Internal padding is similar to most high-end helmets, with ample protection and a mesh net to stop bugs and anything else getting inside. The padding can be removed to wash if need be.
The new standout feature of the Bolt is the safety light on the back of the helmet. There are four LEDs integrated into the dial, which are surprisingly powerful and serve as a good back-up light in addition to a main rear light – a clever touch. The LEDs are easy to turn on and off, and are a great safety feature to help improve visibility when out on the road.
Conclusion
All in all, this is a very light helmet which combines style – we think the Italian stripes and gloss finish look great – and performance. It’s well vented, with an easy-to-use retention system, and the LED lights are a clever touch.
Sizes: 54-58cm, 58-62cm
Cost – £114.95
Website: Salice
