Words & photos by Rhian Atherton
The SCOTT Argo Plus is a trail-inspired helmet decorated with impressive features in one lightweight shell. The extended head coverage and large vents offer plenty of airflow, while MIPS safety technology ensures that you'll be safe on the steeper slopes. A fixed peak means no worries about losing it during an adventure; however, it doesn't accommodate goggle storage for enduro riders.
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Fit is the most crucial factor when purchasing a helmet. You can buy an expensive premium one, but if it doesn't fit right, then all of your gains from looking good will be lost in protection. Personally, having such a petite head, I look at a helmet's fit before anything else. Once that is sorted, I go for safety technology and looks.
SCOTT Argo Plus helmet | Fit & features
When I placed the sleek looking Argo on my head, I noticed its incredibly low weight. I've tried some helmets over the years, and this one is the lightest off-road version I've used. In fact, once it's on, dialled in with the MRAS3 fit system and buckled up, I barely noticed it and paired with its high mounted peak, I have nothing visible to remind me it's there. Unlike most helmets I've tried, the Argo sits discreetly on my head, silently protecting me. There are no rubbing straps and uncomfortable pressure points, and zero visibility obstruction from the peak.
The dial at the back brings the internal fit system closer to your head, and I found it was smooth and easy to use without any issues, even while wearing gloves. The side straps can be adjusted underneath the ears, and the central buckle isn't bulky or fiddly. It's comfortable under the chin and doesn't rub or irritate while riding. On the inside, the MIPS Brain Protection System sits against your head should you, unfortunately, experience impact, its impressive design lessons rotational energies to the head.
Even though the helmet is extremely light in weight, its shell offers extended coverage at the back. Knowing this increased my confidence in the steep and technical sections. The large venting holes allow for massive cooling, so my head never felt overheated when churning the pedals uphill. I was thankful for this while things were hotting up. There are ten vents neatly scattered within the shell. Air can pass through the front and exit out the back, while your head temperature is regulated in the midst of this—a definite plus for any trail ride with a mixture of topography to negotiate.
A bonus point for me is the neatly integrated peak within the shell. Instead of flimsy or floppy, it gives a sense of strength and sturdiness. There is nothing worse than the peak moving out of position while mid-flow down a technical trail where vision needs to be clear. The downside to the fixed peak is precisely that; it's fixed. There is no room for adjusting if it's not entirely where you want it. Plus, as it's not removable, there's no replacement option if it snaps.
The peak sits reasonably high and is large enough to effectively block the sun and trailside debris while being unrestrictive to my vision. There is plenty of room to put sunglasses underneath, but I found the vents at the back were positioned perfectly to slot the arms in. Unlike some peaks attaching lower along the front rim, resulting in an overcrowded feel, I barely noticed it there.
The padding is super sleek and comfortable without any unnecessary bulk. Pads are placed only on contact point areas, mainly at the front and top. However, there is no cushioning at the back; this isn't noticeable while riding. The pads can be removed easily to be cleaned when needed.
The Argo doesn't come equipped with any mounting options for nifty light or GoPro integration. But fear not, the helmet will still accommodate alternative mounting options such as adhesive pads or straps to attach such devices.
There are an impressive nine colour options on offer for this model, so there is less risk of just settling for a colourway you're not entirely over the moon with.
SCOTT Argo Plus helmet | Value & verdict
The Argo is claimed to weigh 320g. This is much lighter than equivalent mountain bike options, such as the IXS Trail Evo, tipping the scales at 340g and the 100% Altec MTB Helmet at 350g. Researching other similar models, the average weight is 350g and more. The weight feels balanced over the whole helmet; it is a joy to wear with just enough padding.
A lot is packed into this helmet for a great price at just £75. You will pay another £25 for the privilege of goggle storage as the model above in SCOTT's range is the Vivo Plus, where you get the adjustable peak if that's something that you find important when considering a new lid.
Overall, the SCOTT Argo Plus is a lightweight shell with excellent ventilation for trail riding to cross-country loops. It offers extended protection on par with an enduro-style lid, and it's ideal for trail centres to local forest laps.
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