Pikio Si Oblik Tops Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings at 4.61
The Pikio Si Oblik road helmet scores 4.61 in Virginia Tech's STAR ratings, 2.21 points below the previous best Canyon Deflectr's 6.82.
Pikio's Si Oblik road cycling helmet has taken the number one spot in Virginia Tech's helmet STAR ratings with a score of 4.61, according to Wired. The result places the helmet at the top of the university's testing table, which rates helmets on their ability to reduce linear and rotational impact forces.
The Si Oblik features a new safety system called Oblik, built around independently mounted foam sections that can move separately or detach during an impact. The helmet is priced at $379.
Pikio is also offering a 30 percent discount on a replacement helmet if a customer returns a damaged one. The company says four helmets have been returned and replaced so far under that programme.
How the ratings have shifted
Virginia Tech launched its STAR ratings in 2018 to test helmets beyond the legal minimum, measuring both linear and rotational impacts. Only four of the first 30 helmets earned five stars; by 2025, 167 of 272 had reached five stars, prompting the university to tighten its grading.
The previous best score in the ratings belonged to the Canyon Deflectr, which holds a score of 6.82 — 2.21 points above the Pikio Si Oblik's 4.61. MIPS, a rotational-impact technology that hit the market in 2007, is now a common feature on premium helmets, and the field also includes systems such as BrainShield, BiaGuard and Hexr Miden RLS.
Quick answers
What score did the Pikio Si Oblik get in Virginia Tech's helmet ratings?
The Pikio Si Oblik scored 4.61 in Virginia Tech's helmet STAR ratings, taking the number one spot.
How much does the Pikio Si Oblik cost?
The Pikio Si Oblik is priced at $379.
What is the Oblik safety system?
Oblik uses independently mounted foam sections that can move separately or detach during an impact.