Overview: MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS Helmet

PEZ featured the particular restricted version Tadej Pogačar model of the MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS when it was launched final November. Predictably, it bought out. Nevertheless, PEZ did get its arms on the “common” model of the helmet and did a sneak peak as a part of the Vacation Reward Information sequence. Chuck Peña promised a extra in-depth assessment at a later date and right here it’s.

When you had been one of many fortunate few, you had been capable of get your arms on the Tadej Pogačar restricted version — a pioneering manufacturing course of devised in-house by MET means every helmet is completely different from the subsequent

For the remainder of us, there’s the “no identify” model of the MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS

MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS Helmet – 330 Euros

MET’s prime shelf helmet as worn by two-time TdF winner (’20 and ’21) and the winner of six Monuments (Liege-Bastogne-Liege ’21 and ’24, Flanders ’23, and Lombardia 3 times: ’21, ’22, ’23), Tadej Pogačar

Product specs per MET:

Type and Perform

With quite a lot of controversy surrounding the latest time trial helmets (a minimum of when it comes to fashion), the MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS is refreshingly a “standard” street race helmet. That means it’s a really “slippery” helmet however isn’t single-mindedly aerodynamic and balances the necessity for velocity with the necessity for air flow to maintain your head cool(er) when the temp hots up. When you’re on the lookout for a street race helmet extra targeted on aero, take a look at the MET Manta MIPS.

Type is within the eye of the beholder, however IMHO the MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS is trendy plus uncooked carbon fiber magnificence

BTW, because it’s identify implies, the MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS is a carbon shell model of the MET Trenta MIPS. The latter has a polycarbonate shell and a extra conventional MIPS liner that attaches to the shell in between the padding. The MET Trenta MIPS can also be heavier (spec for dimension M is 250 grams vs. 225 grams for a dimension M Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS).

MET’s spec for a dimension medium is 225 grams

The MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS is all about is air circulate and it has plenty of vents/exhaust ports for that: 16 in the primary shell of the helmet, 2 giant ones in the back of the helmet, and — my favourite — a NACA duct. Initially designed in 1945 as an air inlet supposed for jet engines (it seems it’s not good for that), it’s been used prolifically in racing and excessive efficiency sports activities automobiles as a result of a NACA duct is inset and has very low drag.

What does a MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS helmet have in frequent with a Ferrari F40?

Entrance vents to tug air in

Rear vents to push air out

Further giant rear exhaust ports

Aerial view of NACA duct

A glance “by way of” the helmet

Along with all of the vents, the MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS has deep inside channeling for airflow

Mips

When you aren’t conversant in Mips, it’s an acronym for  Multi-Directional Influence Prevention System — a expertise that was invented in Sweden in 1996. In a nutshell, Mips offers 10-15 mm of movement in all instructions — which helps to cut back rotational movement at impression to stop in opposition to concussions. Right this moment, nearly each helmet producer has a minimum of one mannequin that comes with Mips.

Per the Mips web site:

• Mips, or Multi-Directional Influence Safety System, is a expertise designed to cut back the chance of mind damage within the occasion of an indirect impression to the pinnacle. Indirect impacts are these wherein the pinnacle strikes an object or floor at an angle, relatively than straight-on. A lot of these impacts could cause the pinnacle to rotate upon impression, which might result in damage to the mind.
• Mips works by including a low-friction layer inside the helmet, often called the Mips layer. This layer sits between the energy-absorbing layers (“padding”) within the helmet and permits the pinnacle to maneuver barely inside the helmet upon impression. This motion helps to dissipate the power from the impression, lowering the chance of damage to the mind.
• General, Mips expertise is designed to work on the identical precept of the mind’s personal protecting system which permits the mind to maneuver barely inside the pinnacle throughout an impression, which might enormously cut back the chance of accidents.

Early iterations of Mips in bicycle helmets concerned attaching a plastic Mips layer to the within of the helmet after which attaching the helmet padding to the Mips layer. Mips now has a number of completely different security system designs.

Old-fashioned Mips is unmistakable

The MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS makes use of the newer Mips Air Node that’s a low friction layer laminated onto the bottom of the helmet padding and hooked up to the helmet through hook a glance fasteners. The result’s #marginalgains weight financial savings and diminished inside helmet quantity (so extra air flow/airflow).

New faculty Mips is extra delicate

The low friction Mips layer and helmet padding are built-in

Hook and loop attachment factors for the Mips layer. And with the Mips layer eliminated, the inside channeling is extra obvious.

It’s essential to state {that a} helmet with out Mips isn’t unsafe. All helmets have to satisfy security requirements relying on the area of the world. The MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS is licensed CE, AS/NZS, US. However Mips provides an extra layer (no pun supposed) of security. FWIW, the MET Trenta  3K Carbon MIPS helmet has 5-star score (out of 5 stars) from the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab. For me, if the selection is Mips or no Mips for a specific helmet, I’ll select Mips each time.

Match

All of my helmets (no matter producer) are dimension medium and that was no completely different when it got here to the MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS. If something, it’s in all probability ever so barely extra comfortable (earlier than tightening down the retention, which solely requires a couple of clicks for me) than my different helmets. That stated, attempt before you purchase is at all times a good suggestion (or be certain that the producer/retail outlet you purchase from has a great return/alternate coverage).

Twist-to-fit retention system plus two very giant exhaust ports on the again

For me, a very powerful a part of match (apart from consolation) is {that a} helmet sits in your head correctly, i.e., low sufficient all the way down to cowl a minimum of half your brow. Why do I feel that is so essential? One factor I’ve seen is that even correctly worn, i.e., degree, helmets on quite a lot of riders (together with some professionals) sit comparatively excessive up, exposing a good quantity of their brow (like greater than half). Nicely, my spouse had a motorcycle accident (a few years in the past) the place her helmet wasn’t positioned down low sufficient in entrance so it didn’t present sufficient safety when she hit the pavement. The consequence was a helicopter journey to the hospital. It was scary and she or he got here by way of all of it OK, however her head damage was such that she nonetheless has occasional quick time period reminiscence loss. It’s your head, however take word.

Standard sliders to regulate the helmet straps

One other essential side of match is getting the chin strap adjusted correctly. The MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS makes use of a slider system that’s frequent throughout many helmet producers. The opposite factor I see with quite a lot of riders (together with a couple of professionals) are floppy/free straps. It’s not a query of aesthetics or aero. Once more, it’s your head however a helmet (Mips or in any other case) gained’t do you a lot good if it’s not hooked up snugly sufficient to your head to remain in place within the occasion of impression. So my recommendation is to regulate the straps in order that they lay comfortably flat and comfortable in opposition to your head and underneath your chin.

Pog setting a great instance for tips on how to put on a bicycle helmet

Experience like Pog

The MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS is a helmet meant to excel when the climate is nice and really sizzling. I’ve had the prospect to journey sporting the MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS on some short-to-medium-ish rides (as much as 40 miles) each down within the Lowcountry and up in Babylon on the Potomac. Not but the sweltering warmth and humidity that’s the hallmark of each places throughout the summer time, however have had days in each locations with temps within the 70s and 80s. No complaints in any respect. Snug when it comes to match and air flow/air circulate. Though as a result of I put on a cranium cap, I don’t get Pog’s trademark hair watts flowing up by way of the vents. BTW, in line with MET: they’re created by the helmet’s efficiency design, sweeping air in and upwards, and drawing stems of dancing hair out by way of the vents.

When you’re out there for a brand new helmet (most producers suggest getting a brand new helmet each 3-5 years) and wish to emulate who many take into account one of the best racer within the professional peloton, the MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS could be the ‘droids you’re on the lookout for. Clearly, I can’t say that it’ll make you any quicker. However you’ll undoubtedly look the half.

Channeling my internal Pog

Observe: PEZCyclingNews ask that you simply contact the producers earlier than utilizing any merchandise you see right here. Solely the producer can present correct and full info on correct / secure use, dealing with, upkeep and or set up of merchandise in addition to any conditional info or product limitations.

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