MET Helmets Lupo 2016
Reviews / Helmets
0
At A Glance
Thanks to recent advances in bike technology, riders are travelling at faster speeds than ever before which has led to a revolution in helmet design. ‘All Mountain’ helmets have become the default choice for all round use of late, offering more protection around the back and sides of the head than the conventional XC design. In addition, let’s face it, they pack a load more style too! Met are a family owned Italian company who have been making helmets since 1987. Having recently broken into the US market and now sponsoring athletes such as Enduro World Series riders Justin Leov and Hannah Barnes, they mean business.
Buy Helmets on
The Lupo is their latest lid, described by the company as being designed for 'all mountain adventure riding'. On test we have had the Medium size (like all of Met’s helmets the Lupo only comes in two sizes, large and medium). Weighing in at only 270 grams it is one of the lightest all mountain helmets on the market. It's low, skull-hugging, profile provides a comfortable feel and means that it doesn’t look like you’re wearing colander on your head. Looks are always a personal preference but the aggressive style and choice of 5 colours tick the style box nicely.
On The Trail
Correct fit is ensured through the use of Met’s latest Safe-T Advanced retention system which is said to be 25% lighter than its predecessor. This system really does hold the head well and can be adjusted in small increments, easily done one handed whilst riding too. At the front of this retention system they have used a gel pad, which is supposed to stay cooler, last longer and not hold any moisture. We found that after really long rides or after using a light on top, this pad created a bit of ‘pressure point’ discomfort due to its narrow profile.
This said; we do like how it pushed moisture to the side of the forehead keeping the majority of perspiration away from the eyes. The helmet is really well vented with 20 vents in total which prevents overheating, this is definitely a big plus in this category of helmet. The large centre vent at the front might not be to everyone’s taste as far as looks go, but it works a treat at providing that much-needed ventilation when you’re working hard in the saddle. Met’s ‘Micro-Metric’ visor has built in vents to help with air flow and can be adjusted to how you like it. This proved to be a bit fiddly at times so don’t decide to play with it moments before a race!
Met have decided to use Kevlar straps on the Lupo, which so far have lived up to their claim of being light, strong and breathable. They don’t collect dirt as easily as standard webbing that most helmets use so the helmet stays looking fresh for longer. The adjusters that fit under the ears have worked well so far but do have the feel of something you might find in a Christmas cracker. The length of the straps is questionable too, we found that the straps were a perfect fit when max-ed out in length, so for anyone with a big hair-do, or (dare I say it) a larger than average face, the straps might be a bit tight and therefore uncomfortable.
Protection is obviously the most important part of the helmet and Met ensure that this is provided by using a strong two layer system. The main bulk of the helmet, as with most, is in-moulded EPS technology. This stands for Expanded PolyStyrene which is the standard material for use in helmet production. The coverage is reasonably good but doesn’t cover as far down at the back of the head or around the temples as some helmets on the market. On the outside of EPS is an integral in-molded plastic protective layer which is shaped to hold a goggle nicely for those Enduro enthusiasts out there.
Overall
With good styling and a very lightweight package, the Lupo does a fine job of combining increased protection without bumping up the weight. With only a few niggles with the strapping system, Met have produced a great all mountain helmet.
For more information visit Related
By Charley Oldrid
Charley Oldrid is a man who spends a lot of time in the saddle. A highly experienced Mountain Bike Guide, having led trips all over world riding the finest trails he can find. His personal riding style can only be described as wild, getting sideways isn't an option on a ride with Charley, it's mandatory. If anyone can find the limit of a test bike, it's him.
