Everybody’s helmet is precious in every way.
It’s just that they all look dorky compared to a Keirin helmet. But, if you want a better-vented helmet, consider this one…which is not made in China so it’s super safe.
2 Likes
Any plan to have a distributor in Canada at some point. I have a Met Rivale MIPS helmet that is the most comfortable helmet I own and would love to buy a Manta MIPS but it seems like there’s no dealer selling those anymore…
1 Like
Great to hear you love the Rivale! 
Our distributor in the US (Quality Bicycle Products) distributes also to Canada. They have stock of the Manta. I will PM you with some info.
Cheers,
Jo
You know, the more I digest helmet aero data the more I think the idea that different helmets test dramatically different on different riders is mostly a myth. I’ll post the link below but I just watched Lionel Sanders gather some aero data on different helmets & if you had asked me to predict results I would have almost 100% got the order.
Met Drone was the winner but I think the lazer helmet was a skosh faster maybe…same out the three decimal places. Sanders walked in with a POC Tempor but when I saw him wearing it on the bike I thought, ‘That looks like it’s not gonna work.’ Basically, if you get on the bike with that helmet and you can’t feel the helmet fairing on your back…it’s probably not going to be the best choice. Kask bambino tested about where I would have predicted. Giro aerohead was mid, which is where I’ve always tested that helmet.
Most likely, if I had been smart and spent my money on a Met Drone out of the gate this thread wouldn’t exist.
3 Likes
It’s so interesting watching TT helmet evolution go from low profile to these huge bulbous things designed (IMO) to create a bubble around/over the shoulders.
1 Like
ok, but how about looks?
is this METTrenta 3K
less geeky than my Evade 3
Not a big fan of the looks, but I never worry about sunscreen on my (still) full head of hair! And yes, I had an issue once with my old Giro helmet that look like the MET.
TIA and thank you for starting the thread and discussion!
1 Like
Rest of World:
5 Likes
Not even close! IMO, the Met Trenta is a great looking helmet. Granted though, it doesn’t appear that way from the pic angle above. Mine will be here Tuesday. It’s my first new helmet in 4 years. I’m pretty excited. How dumb is that for a HELMET?
2 Likes
Gotta admit that Met looks super sweet. The s works one is definitely good looking for an aero helmet but the met just takes the cake.
2 Likes
If it fits you, which seems likely as there’s lots of adjustment options, I think you’ll well pleased with it. Useful review here covering adjustment if not obvious (@4:50):
I have real problems finding helmets that both fit me & suit me. Stuck with Kask Mojitos for years, as one of the very few that managed to tick both boxes for me. The Protone fitted me but didn’t suit. Trenta worked on both fronts for me, and is super lightweight to wear, so that’s a keeper.
Ordered an Evade 3 last week too but couldn’t get it to fit comfortably on me, and in any case I looked full mushroom, as they sit quite high. Wanted it as a colder weather option, but it was no bueno for my strange head shape 
. Will try a Manta next…
2 Likes
I’m still undecided as far as choosing my next race/aero gravel bike helmet. I’m thinking at either Giro Eclipse, the S-Works Evade 3, Met Manta or the Smith Ignite. I’m familiar with the first 3 but never tried the Smith Ignite. It does look a little strange but it’s well priced and did test pretty well in the wind tunnel. Plus Greg Van Avermaet wore it at unbound so it can’t be that bad. Anyone with experience with the Smith helmet that could share the Pros and Cons.
Thanks!
Just dropping in to say the Ballista is great, super light and looks great in/on person.
No direct experience, but I would generally avoid any helmet that uses any kind of structure in the vents (like this helmet or the WaveCell technology from Trek). It will only reduce ventilation.
1 Like
Basically, the only helmets that have every looked good are the old leather hairnet types! But ditto, I’m happy with the fit and look of the Van Rysel. Would prefer MIPS, but not at treble the price!
Well, first of all, isn’t the Procen a gravel helmet, now? And second, speak for yourself. I imagine I look erudite when riding my bike…or maybe I should write ‘aerodite’.
3 Likes
Flip side of this is that I’ve had a wasp get into my helmet vent once and sting me, and on multiple other occasions have had insects get caught in the vents and had to remove the helmet to get them out. Thankfully no other stings to date, but the one was traumatic enough that when I can hear and feel frantic buzzing on my head because something has gone into the vent it freaks me out quite a bit and actually puts me off riding through some country lanes at this time of year when everything is lush and green and there’s a lot of insects around. So may take a closer look at the Smith and Treks!
1 Like
Yup…I’ve definitely had bees and other stingy beasts get in my lid and bite me.
But I’ll take the ventilation over the protection…the ventilation is beneficial on every warm ride while the insect bite is a rare (if painful) occasion.
1 Like
Yeah, I see this as risk management.
- Severity of Injury (or Impact?)
- Frequency of Exposure
I will take the cooling as the 99% of the time since I’ve had all of 1 or 2 bee’s in the helmet over 30+ years riding. And I say this as someone who caries an epi-pen due to sting allergies, that was stung through a glove the last time I had a bee interaction on a ride.
2 Likes
I’m still not really sold on mips as a huge upgrade, considering how the helmet sits on the head and the play that it anyway has I’m not sure that mips actually ads much in dampening rotational forces, since the helmet moves anyway if we hit something. but If I had to option I also would choose a MIPS version, it for sure doesn’t hurt.