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Endura MT500 helmet

Trail or enduro lid packed with the latest tech

The new Endura MT500 helmet promises the trail and enduro rider the ultimate in protection as well as all the latest features. How does it stack up against the market leaders?

‘Taking risks has never been safer’ – The new Endura MT500 Helmet with Koroyd technology.

Wheel size may continue to be a big debate, but one area we’re sure most riders agree on is protection. The bigger wheel trail and enduro bikes of 2017 are letting us ride faster over more testing terrain and it’s in these situations where the right safety equipment is essential. We’ve seen plenty of developments in trail lids over the last few years with added coverage, increased ventilation and goggle compatibility becoming a priority once the main safety and fit aspects have been covered.

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.

CONSTRUCTION AND FIT:

There’s a real air of quality to this Endura helmet – the finish and detailing is up there with the best. Deep back and sides, a full protective skin, and soft, quick drying padding give both protection and comfort. With 17 venting ports the MT500 looks suitable for all year round riding too – we had no problem with the venting on the Smith Forefront (using the Koroyd tech) and this looks as well vented, possibly even better. Bring on the summer and we can make some comparisons to both this helmet and designs using an EPS construction and the MIPS safety system.

Three sizes cover heads from 51cm to 63cm and the single-handed retention system is easily adjusted with gloves on and doesn’t slip either. It can be further adjusted with clips, changing placement of the retention cradle, bringing it further back or lower on the head.

FEATURES:

With the fit sorted, safety a given, and a classy finish, Endura has turned their attention to the finer details.

A visor/peak which moves out of the line of vision and arcs far enough up to park your goggles under is a detail that we look for. Sure, you can live without this but it gives options. It’s one of the few details we’d like to see on the Fox Metah helmet (it has an integrated/fixed peak) and the new Troy Lee Designs A2 only offers a small amount of adjustment. It’s a good move from Endura we feel. A goggle strap retaining clip sits on the rear of the helmet – another neat detail.

Endura have included a clip-on bracket to mount a Go-Pro action camera or an Exposure helmet light. Easily and securely fitted and quick to remove when not needed.

With the peak raised your goggles can be retained securely
Goggles sit well with the helmet's shape and a rear clip keeps the strap in place

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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