Shred Totality NoShoc Review

The Totality NoShock uses a hardshell construction and a deep fit to create a helmet that looks like a retro skate helmet. It also incorporates Shred's Rotational energy system to help with rotational impacts and Slytech. Slytech is a structured honeycomb foam incorporated into the EPS foam at the likely impact zones. Shred claims it spreads out the impact energy in multiple directions, which in turn means less force directed to your noggin.

Performance Comparison

The Totality NoShock in action.

Photo: laredo

Comfort

The Totality NoShock has a snug and cozy fit. The mold is the closest to an intermediate oval and fits a variety of head shapes well. Our testing team didn't experience any pressure points and was happy to wear this helmet for a full day of skiing.

The Shred has a nice deep fit that cups the occipital bun very well. This snug and cozy fit gives the helmet excellent positional stability even before you have attached the chin strap or fiddled with the adjustable dial. The dial system has a medium amount of resistance and is in a spacious and accessible zone. The dial is easy to use with gloves on to make micro-adjustments. Since the positional stability is quite good, the harness can have less tension than other models. This is welcomed because the harness seems to put most of the pressure in the middle of the contact zone. We did get one headache from this being too tight. We would like to see this ergonomically curve to cup the back of the head and apply even pressure. Fortunately, not much tension is needed. The earpads have space for our ears to fit into without creating a draft. They use a soft foam that shouldn't hurt the ears, and a brushed like fabric has a microfleece next to skin feel. This helmet has a good fit and is comfortable while riding or on the chair.

For most comfort and fit are the two factors that determine if you actually wear the helmet you just bought. Don't be afraid to return one that doesn't feel great outta the box.

Photo: laredo

Warmth

The Shred is a warm helmet and suitable to wear with nothing underneath in near-freezing temperatures. The helmet has a soft and comfortable anti-microbial liner that is thickest around the circumference of your forehead. This adds a good amount of warmth. This helmet is limited by its fixed vents. However, Shred has found a reasonable compromise by fixing a metal mesh-like material over the vent holes. This seemed to reduce incoming air and heat loss in our testing—a unique solution to great some additional warmth. Unfortunately, there is no control over your temperature regulation, like with adjustable vents.

The liner also contributes to a helmet's warmth.

Photo: laredo

Ventalation

The mesh over the vents helps with warmth but also hinders ventilation as they are opposite functions. It is challenging to find a measurable way to test this. Anecdotally, it generally took us longer to cool down after hot laps when wearing this helmet.

The Totality NoShock has 12 small vents that are all covered with this metal mesh. The small covered vents didn't seem to dissipate heat as fast as some other models. If it's a warm day out, you can increase the ventilation potential by taking off the ear pads. The removal process is rather quick and easy. The plastic insert that connects the earpads is quite burly in comparison to many other models. During our draft and speed testing, we noticed a medium volume wind noise that presented itself as the sound of a dirt bike. One tester had to start and stop four different times to confirm. Comedically, the first time he thought a motorized bike was riding next to him. The sound was harder to pick up on a normal run but was noted when we were focused on observing wind noise.

The vents are covered by an air-permeable wire mesh.

Photo: laredo

Weight

The Shred is on the heavier end of the spectrum within our review. This is on par with the hardshell construction method. A size Large weighs in at 22.9 ounces. We found it to be a bit bulky and heavier when riding when compared to lighter weight models. That said, it aesthetically looks pretty sleek, and the impact is likely only noticeable to those most sensitive to helmet weight and bulk.

Goggle Compatablity

The Shred paired well with each goggle that we used. We avoided any gaper gaps or downward pressure. The helmet has a standard plastic goggle retainer and two vents in the front to minimizes fogging. If you happen to break the goggle clip, Shred will send you a replacement free of charge. All you need to do is provide your shipping address.

A seamless fit between helmet and goggle.

Photo: laredo

Style

In our opinion, this helmet looks sweet. To get a more diverse opinion, we asked our friends what they thought. Both skiers and snowboarder consistently ranked this as one of the best looking models. It has a retro skate, racer, and freeride look at the same time. Pretty cool and hard to do if you ask us.

Look good, feel good, ride good.

Photo: laredo

Value

The Totality NoShock is a good value based on its build quality and protective features. For the middle of the road pricing, you get a solid helmet with a rotational impact system and enhanced energy dispersal. There are lower cost, higher-performing models in our review, though.

Conclusion

The Shred Totality NoShock is a quality hardshell helmet with enhanced protection, functional features, and good styling from a transparent small business.

A good look from above at the vent on the Totality. This model is a solid mid-priced option.

Photo: laredo