KOROYD TECHNOLOGY

The shape and styling of the MT500 helmet is very familiar, with plenty of deep cover around the back of the head and a full in-mold skin protecting it from day to day damage. A fully adjustable peak and a reliable (and easy to use) retention device are standard fit too.

What makes this design different is the use of Koroyd technology in the structure of the helmet. This honeycomb like material increases safety to the MT500 lid without a compromise to ventilation or bulk.

So what is Koroyd and what does it offer?

Integrated into the core design of the MT500 Helmet, Koroyd’s highly-engineered co-polymer tubes absorb energy in a more linear fashion than traditional foams during an impact and are a key technology enabler that allow the MT500 to reduce maximum g-forces in the event of an impact.

Honeycombs are generally regarded as outstanding impact absorption cores with very linear impact performance and hardly any negative rebound effect. The Koroyd thermoplastic tubular honeycomb core has proven to outperform EPS as an absorption liner material inside protective helmets, with maximum deceleration values often 25% to 35% lower than EPS and HIC values up to 58% lower than EPS with the same liner thickness. With Koroyd absorption liners, bicycle, snow and motorcycle helmets can already pass the limits that correlate with a less than 5% risk of suffering a skull fracture or fatal traumatic brain injury, without increasing the size of the helmet.

The result? Compared to the 40% chance of skull fracture  whilst wearing a helmet that passes the European Safety Standard at its threshold, Endura’s MT500 Helmet achieves a staggeringly low – less than 5%. The Koroyd website digs further into the details. We first came across the Koroyd technology in the Smith Forefront helmet, which was a pick in the 2016 Dirt 100.

So, with deep coverage all round with impeccable safety credentials how does this helmet compare with the market leaders?

At £149.99 this Endura helmet has stiff competition from the Fox Metah, Troy Lee Designs A2 and Giro Montaro – all very desirable pieces of kit. The slightly cheaper Bontrager Lithos and Giro Chronicle, both picks in the 2017 Dirt 100 are also very comparable.

WEIGHT:

This is an area where a trail helmet can vary by a fair amount. One of our Dirt 100 helmet picks – the Bontrager Lithos MIPS is a portly 425-450g, depending on size. Although the shape and comfort is great, a few riders did notice the extra weight over some of the lighter helmets.

This MT500 helmet weighs in 341g (size M/L) which compares well to a Troy Lee A2 (M/L) at 380g and a Giro Montaro at 385g (M). As a fully featured and well finished piece of kit the MT500 offers a lot for its low weight.

IN ACTION:

Although visually low in bulk and weight, this Endura lid sits low on the head and for me the rim of the helmet is just visible even when the peak is lifted. It’s reassuring to know it sits low and covers plenty of the head but it would be good to try a smaller size to compare the fit. Stability of the helmet is great, with the retention system keeping everything secure and steady.

Ventilation is very good – you won’t be disappointed – and we’re sure this lid will be comfortable on long, slow climbs even in the hottest conditions.

The MT500 helmet is lightweight and fully-featured and ideal for trail or enduro use. With the added innovative Koroyd technology and broad range size options, safety and fit has had a no-compromise approach. This helmet sits alongside other well developed products in the range such as the MT500 II jacket, which has become a firm favourite here at Dirt.

This new lid from Endura is up there with the very best helmets on the market and without question is one to consider.

SIZES: S/M (51-56cm), M/L (55-59cm), L/XL (58-63cm)

COLOURS: Black, Navy, White or Mango (new for 2017/2018)

PRICE: £149.99

endurasport.com

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