It’s been a few months since we first pulled on the Shot Lite Challenger, and it’s been through the wringer: mud, dust, creek crossings, and enough sweat to fill a hydration pack. The good news is it has held up pretty bloody well. Nothing’s come loose, the liner’s still plush, and the vents are still doing their job. And as a lid that sits in the middle of the field for price, we reckon it’s pretty good value for money.
We Liked
Comfort The Lite continues to impress for its comfort and protection. The padding is soft enough not to irritate and feel comfortable but we have had softer. There was no discomfort from multiday rides.
Safety That D3O and MIPS combo gives plenty of confidence when things get sketchy
Lightweight The helmet still feels lightweight even after long days in the saddle.
Ventilation Ventilation is top-notch too — those 10 intake and nine exhaust vents move a heap of air, which is gold when you’re slogging up a rocky climb. The liner dries quickly, and the Quick Release cheek pads are a great safety addition that, thankfully, we haven’t had to use.
Reliable After plenty of rides, the Double D-ring and visor hardware are still solid, with no rattles or cracks in sight.
We Didn’t Like
Tight Fit-wise, it’s still snug on the cheeks and that narrow neck opening hasn’t magically widened over time — getting it off after a long, sweaty ride still feels like wrestling a watermelon through a letterbox.
High It also sits a touch high on the head, which isn’t ideal for some riders. The shell and liner have held up, but if you’ve got a bigger noggin, it’s worth sizing up.
Verdict
The Shot Lite Challenger continues to punch above its weight in the mid-range helmet market. For the money, you’re getting ECE 22.06 certification, a fibreglass shell, MIPS, D3O protection, and a helmet that genuinely feels premium on your head. Sure, it’s a little tight on fit and tricky to remove, but as far as safety, comfort, and ventilation go, it’s hard to beat. Ours is still going strong after months of abuse, and for under $500, that’s impressive longevity. <i>Mitch Lees<I>
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$449
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