With the Centric Plus, Scott presented a helmet for mountain bikers and road cyclists in 2016 that is supposed to set new standards in terms of aerodynamics and ventilation. While the former is of little interest to us off-road, ventilation and other features were the main focus of the test.

Drin and on it

Scott's Centric Plus helmet appeals more to cross-country riders than all-mountain riders, where performance plays a major role, i.e. where the rider is impaired as little as possible. This includes, for example, a low weight. At 250 grams, this is low, but still not super low. In view of the fact that the Centric Plus has a lot of material compared to other helmets and is equipped with a Mips system, the stated 250 grams is a very good value. When weighing the test helmet in size M (55 - 59cm), the kitchen scales showed 256 grams. This deviation is completely acceptable and maybe it's just all the salt I sweated into the antibacterial X-Static® pads.

Inside the helmet is the floating Mips shell, which reduces the impact energy on the head in the event of a fall. This is also perforated so that the airflow can also reach the head. Our experience to date has shown that Mips systems often slow down air circulation somewhat. How the perforation affects this will be revealed later.

The "Halo" retention system of the Centric Plus is attached to the side of the Mips shell and anchored in the main shell at the back of the head. The height of the Halo-Fit system can be adjusted in three stages. The middle position suits me best. The helmet straps are nice and thin and thanks to the plastic flaps on each side, they are far enough away from the ears - a clear plus. Personally, I find it annoying when helmet straps touch my ears. Furthermore, thanks to this system, all you need to do is adjust the length of the chin strap.

Like a pillow

The fit of a helmet is also a decisive factor in whether it is good or not. As I have a somewhat warped skull, this is not guaranteed with every helmet. Some don't fit well, other helmet shells pinch - the Scott Centric Plus is simply very comfortable. Put it on and forget about it. Almost like a thick down pillow, it nestles around your head - at least almost.

The pressure, if you can even call it that, is evenly distributed, so it stays in place practically without slipping, even with the halo strap open, even on rough descents. It remains to be seen whether it will stay in place in the event of a fall. Fortunately, I didn't have to try it out. Nevertheless, the retaining strap is always tightened slightly during the ride.

Non-slip between helmet and hair

Optics, fit, comfort and safety - all important. Ventilation is just as important as these features. It can be assumed that the Centric Plus has good air circulation, because after all, Nino Schurter kept a cool head at every single race with this helmet. At higher speeds, there is no question about it, as the warm air is easily drawn out of the rear openings. But especially on long climbs in summer temperatures, it is crucial that the heat does not build up under the shell. This is actually not the case.

Of course, sweat will drip at some point, but during the test rides I never had the feeling that I had to take my helmet off. The head temperature didn't stay cool, but it was always in the green zone and tolerable even at high speeds. As already mentioned, as Mips shells can inhibit air circulation, it was not a given before the test that the heat dissipation would still work well.

Conclusion

Scott's Centric Plus helmet has everything a sporty mountain biker (or road cyclist) needs to protect their head without feeling compromised by the helmet. With a retail price of CHF 229, the Centric Plus is not exactly cheap. However, in view of its good fit, comfort, safety and good ventilation, it is well worth the money.

www.scott-sports.com/centric-plus-helm