Gear Review | Fly Racing Formula CC Underglow Helmet

After years of motocross and off-road riding, I’ve worn plenty of helmets from a wide range of manufacturers, so I was keen to see how Fly Racing’s Formula CC Underglow would perform when the team at McLeod Accessories sent one my way.

The first thing that grabbed my attention was the styling. The black shell with pink and blue graphics gives the Formula CC Underglow a modern, race-inspired appearance that certainly stands out. More importantly, picking it up reveals just how light it is. The carbon-composite shell keeps weight down and, after longer motos and enduro rides, that reduced weight translates into less fatigue around the neck.

Once on my head, the Formula CC continued to impress. The interior uses soft, moisture-wicking padding that sits comfortably around the head, while the cheek pads provide a secure fit without feeling excessively tight. The combination of the fit and Fly Racing’s Adaptive Impact System (AIS) gives the helmet a solid, planted feel when riding aggressively.

Protection is, of course, the priority with any helmet, and the Formula CC is well equipped in this area. Fly Racing’s Conehead EPS system uses multi-density foam designed to absorb and distribute impact forces. I had a minor spill during testing and, while it was certainly not a major crash, the helmet performed exactly as you would hope, with no harsh feeling from the impact and no neck discomfort afterwards. It gave me plenty of confidence to keep pushing.

Ventilation is another strong point. The Formula CC features generous intake ports and strategically positioned exhaust vents, and the airflow is noticeable once you’re moving. Even during a hot summer ride, air continued to circulate through the helmet, helping keep heat build-up under control. That’s particularly welcome during slower, more technical enduro sections where airflow can become critical.

The adjustable visor is another well-executed feature. It’s easy to position but remains secure once set, resisting movement when riding through rough terrain. It also does a good job of protecting against roost and debris, while helping keep rain off the goggles during wet rides.

Goggle compatibility is excellent, too. The Formula CC has a generous goggle opening and worked well with the different goggles I paired with it. The fit felt natural without the goggles being pushed uncomfortably against my face, while the helmet’s interior contour helped create a good seal to keep dust out during longer trail rides.

After plenty of time riding with the Formula CC, it has proven to be an impressive all-round off-road helmet. It combines low weight, comfort, ventilation and a strong feature set with a distinctive race-inspired design.

While Fly Racing offers a full-carbon Formula model for riders chasing the ultimate in weight reduction, the carbon-composite Formula CC delivers much of that premium feel without going all the way up the range. For motocross and enduro riders looking for a lightweight, comfortable and confidence-inspiring helmet, it’s well worth considering.