We’re big fans of safety certifications for helmets, yet the Ruroc AT4.0 Track helmet has one we haven’t seen before—ACU Gold. It’s issued by Britain’s Auto-Cycle Union, which has approved the helmet for competition in its meets. This isn’t a total surprise, as the helmet has “track” in its name, and Ruroc is based in Gloucester, UK, about 45 miles south of Birmingham. Along with DOT and ECE 22.05 certification, the Ruroc AT4.0 Track helmet meets our standards for safety.
As a helmet, the Ruroc AT4.0 Track has the hallmarks of a competition lid. Despite having a carbon fiber shell, it’s a substantial helmet. Weighing in at 3 pounds, 10.4 ounces with a medium shell, it’s about an ounce heavier than an Arai Corsair-X. Fortunately, the balance of the Ruroc is excellent, so it does not feel heavy on the head.
Putting on the Track for the first time is a leap of faith. The opening doesn’t look anywhere near large enough for the head of an adult human—yet, it is, with a bit of wiggling. I’m a Medium, and the ML (58/60cm) size fits perfectly. There was no break-in required.
Traditional double D-rings are used for the chin strap, rather than the Fidlock magnetic buckle system used on the Ruroc EOX. Accord to Ruroc, the ACU required D-ring closure of the chin strap, so that’s what the AT4.0 Track gets.
Inside, the Track has a minimalist, scalloped padded liner. This makes it easy for air to flow over the scalp, even if it doesn’t offer the coziness of a plush helmet. Although Ruroc designed this helmet for speed rather than comfort, it’s still pleasant to wear on longer street rides.
A bonus feature of the liner, manufactured by Rheon Labs, is the armor integrated into the fabric. It’s there for additional impact protection. I can’t quantify it, but it could be the difference between a concussion and no injury at all. I’m thrilled to have it there, and there’s no downside to the Rheon protection.
Airflow is noticeable, courtesy of twin vents on the forehead. A single piece of perforated plastic over the vents keeps birds out as it lets in a good flow of air. Should it be a chilly day at the track, the Track allows you to close the two vents with one switch that has a position between fully open and closed. You can operate the switch with gloves, though it will take some practice to hit the halfway position.
Additional air comes in through twin chin guard vents that are always open, with each covered by its own piece of perforated plastic. Airflow to the mouth was good, and that should help reduce fogging.
In spite of the chin curtain and flaps on the cheek covers, the Ruroc AT4.0 Track was still noisy for me—likely a byproduct of the scalloped soft liner. Of course, if you’re on the track, you’re wearing ear protection that easily handles the volume.
The faceshield is outstanding, with a heavy-duty plastic brace along the top for stability and a distortion-free view. It’s air-tight when in the closed position, with a healthy tab for lifting the faceshield when desired. There are four detent positions between closed and fully open. The shield is fairly reluctant to release from open—a good thing for track use, as you don’t want it flying open at any speed. Although not locked down by a latch, it was absolutely secure at 135 mph on an unfaired motorcycle.
Installation and removal of the faceshield requires no tools, special skills, or instructions. Simply twist the pair of plastic quarter-turn fasteners, and the shield comes off. Reverse the process for installation.
Ruroc boasts 215 degrees of peripheral vision and 100 degrees vertical. While it’s not as much as some street-oriented helmets, it’s enough to be safe in the canyons and riding between them. If you ride in traffic exclusively and need to keep tabs on what’s around you, the Ruroc EOX is a better choice, as are many helmets that favor street usability over closed-circuit safety.
The aerodynamics are impeccable, and we tested it at high speeds on an unfaired bike. A spoiler in the back helps, as does that small beak on the chin bar. The Track is thicker at the bottom to enhance the shell’s integrity. Put that all together, and the helmet refuses to fold under the pressure of high velocities.
Although it is a track helmet, that doesn’t mean you won’t spend hours wearing it on a given day. I can wear the Ruroc AT4.0 Track for a couple of hours without feeling the need to remove it when refueling. It’s comfortable, and has a reassuring feel on my head.
The Track comes prepped for the Ruroc Shockwave, Sound by Harman Kardon communications unit. This is a legacy Bluetooth setup, rather than a modern mesh intercom, so we recommend it for use with a passenger and when interfacing with your phone, rather than for speaking with other riders.
The Ruroc AT4.0 Track helmet has a lot going for it. The three safety certifications are a great start. After that, it comes through with comfort, fit, finish, a protective inner liner, and reassuring high-quality details. If you’re looking for a helmet in the $600 range that offers top safety credentials and prioritizes performance, the Ruroc AT4.0 Track earns consideration.
Photography by Kelly Callan
Ruroc AT4.0 Track Helmet Fast Facts
- Size: SM – XL/XXL
- Outer shell: Carbon fiber
- Weight: 3 pounds, 10.4 ounces (medium shell measured)
- Certifications: DOT; ECE 22.06; ACU Gold
- Colors: 6 graphics, plus carbon fiber and black
Ruroc AT4.0 Track Helmet Price: from $599 MSRP
Ruroc AT4.0 Track Helmet Review Photo Gallery
