Brand
Troy Lee Designs
Troy Lee Designs, often shortened to TLD, is where racing protection meets art. What started in 1981 with one man hand-painting helmets grew into a premium brand known for bold graphics and race-proven helmets. At Helmetheaven you will find the full TLD helmet range, from the GP entry model to the SE5 Carbon at the top.
The history of Troy Lee Designs
Troy Lee founded the brand in 1981 in Corona, California. He began by hand-painting helmets for racers in his parents' garage, building a name for himself as the go-to painter in motorsport. That eye for design became the foundation of everything TLD makes today.
Over the years the brand expanded from paint and graphics into its own helmets, riding gear and protection, worn across motocross, BMX and mountain biking. TLD earned a reputation for combining serious protection with a look that stands out on any start gate.
After a period under outside ownership, Troy Lee bought the company back in July 2024. Today TLD is an independent American brand again, still run with the same focus on design and craftsmanship it started with.
What sets Troy Lee Designs apart
TLD sits in the premium segment. The design work is the signature, but the protection is built for real racing. The helmet line covers every level, from an affordable entry helmet to a carbon flagship, with MIPS rotational protection on the higher models.
GP and GP Shutter
The entry into the TLD cross line. Proven protection and the iconic TLD design at an accessible price, also available in youth sizes.
GP Pro
The race helmet, built for riders who want protection and ventilation at the highest level. Available in several colourways and with MIPS.
SE5 Carbon
The top of the TLD cross line. An optimised carbon shell delivers maximum strength at a low weight, with MIPS versions available.
MIPS rotational protection
The GP Pro and SE5 Carbon carry MIPS, a low-friction layer that lets the helmet rotate slightly on impact to reduce rotational forces to the head.
The Troy Lee Designs helmet range
At Helmetheaven you will find the core TLD models:
- GP / GP Shutter - the affordable entry into the TLD cross line, also in youth sizes.
- GP Pro - the race helmet, in colourways like Segment, Trooper and Crossover, with MIPS options.
- SE5 Carbon - the carbon flagship, with and without MIPS, in designs like Torched, Wings and Crest.
Frequently asked questions about Troy Lee Designs
When was Troy Lee Designs founded?
Troy Lee Designs was founded in 1981 by Troy Lee in Corona, California. He started by hand-painting helmets for racers before the brand grew into its own helmets, gear and protection.
Who owns Troy Lee Designs?
Troy Lee bought the company back in July 2024. Since then TLD has been an independent American brand again, after a period under outside ownership.
What is the difference between the GP, GP Pro and SE5 Carbon?
The GP and GP Shutter are the affordable entry models. The GP Pro is the race helmet with more ventilation and MIPS options. The SE5 Carbon is the flagship with an optimised carbon shell and MIPS versions.
Do Troy Lee Designs helmets have MIPS?
The GP Pro and SE5 Carbon are available with MIPS, a system that reduces rotational forces to the head on impact. Not every model or colourway has MIPS, so check the product page.
Do Troy Lee Designs helmets meet the European standard?
Yes. The TLD helmets that Helmetheaven sells meet the European ECE 22-06 standard and are suitable for road and track use within Europe.
Troy Lee Designs is an independent brand. Helmetheaven is an independent retailer and is not affiliated with Troy Lee Designs.
