PEZ featured the special limited edition Tadej Pogačar version of the MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS when it was released last November. Predictably, it sold out. However, PEZ did get its hands on the “regular” version of the helmet and did a sneak peak as part of the Holiday Gift Guide series. Chuck Peña promised a more in-depth review at a later date and here it is.
If you were one of the lucky few, you were able to get your hands on the Tadej Pogačar limited edition — a pioneering production process devised in-house by MET means each helmet is different from the next
For the rest of us, there’s the “no name” version of the MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS
MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS Helmet – 330 Euros
MET’s top 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 three times: ’21, ’22, ’23), Tadej Pogačar
Product specs per MET:
- 3K Carbon Technology, embedded carbon fibre cage to enhance the performance of the shell
- Mips AIR® rotational management system engineered to add protection and save weight
- Exceptionally comfortable and secure on the head thanks to refined internal shape
- In-mould polycarbonate shell with EPS liner
- MET Safe-T Orbital Fit System
- 360° Head belt, vertical and occipital adjustments leave you with an individual fit
- Air Lite straps with adjustable divider to maximise aerodynamic and comfort
- 19 Vents, engineered internal air channeling system to improve ventilation and comfort
- Sunglasses ports to securely dock sunglasses when climbing or resting
- Tube-shaped Kamm virtual foil tail to improve aerodynamics
- Rear deflector to enable a constant airflow in riding position
- Limited head contact surface to maximise ventilation
- Reflective rear decals to enhance visibility in low-light conditions
- Helmet soft bag included
- Certifications CE, AS/NZS, US
Style and Function
With a lot of controversy surrounding the newest time trial helmets (at least in terms of style), the MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS is refreshingly a “conventional” road race helmet. Meaning it’s a very “slippery” helmet but isn’t single-mindedly aerodynamic and balances the need for speed with the need for ventilation to keep your head cool(er) when the temp hots up. If you’re looking for a road race helmet more focused on aero, check out the MET Manta MIPS.
Style is in the eye of the beholder, but IMHO the MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS is stylish plus raw carbon fiber beauty
BTW, as it’s name implies, the MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS is a carbon shell version of the MET Trenta MIPS. The latter has a polycarbonate shell and a more traditional MIPS liner that attaches to the shell in between the padding. The MET Trenta MIPS is also heavier (spec for size M is 250 grams vs. 225 grams for a size M Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS).
MET’s spec for a size medium is 225 grams
The MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS is all about is air flow and it has lots of vents/exhaust ports for that: 16 in the main shell of the helmet, 2 large ones at the back of the helmet, and — my favorite — a NACA duct. Originally designed in 1945 as an air inlet intended for jet engines (it turns out it’s not good for that), it’s been used prolifically in racing and high performance sports cars because a NACA duct is inset and has very low drag.
What does a MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS helmet have in common with a Ferrari F40?
Front vents to pull air in
Rear vents to push air out
Extra large rear exhaust ports
Aerial view of NACA duct
A look “through” the helmet
In addition to all the vents, the MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS has deep interior channeling for airflow
Mips
If you aren’t familiar with Mips, it’s an acronym for Multi-Directional Impact Prevention System — a technology that was invented in Sweden in 1996. In a nutshell, Mips provides 10-15 mm of motion in all directions — which helps to reduce rotational motion at impact to prevent against concussions. Today, almost every helmet manufacturer has at least one model that incorporates Mips.
Per the Mips website:
- Mips, or Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, is a technology designed to reduce the risk of brain injury in the event of an oblique impact to the head. Oblique impacts are those in which the head strikes an object or surface at an angle, rather than straight-on. These types of impacts can cause the head to rotate upon impact, which can lead to injury to the brain.
- Mips works by adding a low-friction layer within the helmet, known as the Mips layer. This layer sits between the energy-absorbing layers (“padding”) in the helmet and allows the head to move slightly within the helmet upon impact. This movement helps to dissipate the energy from the impact, reducing the risk of injury to the brain.
- Overall, Mips technology is designed to work on the same principle of the brain’s own protective system which allows the brain to move slightly inside the head during an impact, which can greatly reduce the risk of injuries.
Early iterations of Mips in bicycle helmets involved attaching a plastic Mips layer to the inside of the helmet and then attaching the helmet padding to the Mips layer. Mips now has several different safety system designs.
Old school Mips is unmistakable
The MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS uses the newer Mips Air Node that’s a low friction layer laminated onto the base of the helmet padding and attached to the helmet via hook a look fasteners. The result is #marginalgains weight savings and reduced interior helmet volume (so more ventilation/airflow).
New school Mips is more subtle
The low friction Mips layer and helmet padding are integrated
Hook and loop attachment points for the Mips layer. And with the Mips layer removed, the interior channeling is more apparent.
It’s important to state that a helmet without Mips isn’t unsafe. All helmets have to meet safety standards depending on the region of the world. The MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS is certified CE, AS/NZS, US. But Mips adds an additional layer (no pun intended) of safety. FWIW, the MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS helmet has 5-star rating (out of 5 stars) from the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab. For me, if the choice is Mips or no Mips for a particular helmet, I’ll choose Mips every time.
Fit
All of my helmets (regardless of manufacturer) are size medium and that was no different when it came to the MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS. If anything, it’s probably ever so slightly more snug (before tightening down the retention, which only requires a few clicks for me) than my other helmets. That said, try before you buy is always a good idea (or make sure the manufacturer/retail outlet you buy from has a good return/exchange policy).
Twist-to-fit retention system plus two very large exhaust ports at the back
For me, the most important part of fit (besides comfort) is that a helmet sits on your head properly, i.e., low enough down to cover at least half your forehead. Why do I think this is so important? One thing I’ve noticed is that even properly worn, i.e., level, helmets on a lot of riders (including some pros) sit relatively high up, exposing a fair amount of their forehead (like more than half). Well, my wife had a bike accident (many years ago) where her helmet wasn’t positioned down low enough in front so it didn’t provide enough protection when she hit the pavement. The result was a helicopter trip to the hospital. It was scary and she came through it all OK, but her head injury was such that she still has occasional short term memory loss. It’s your head, but take note.
Conventional sliders to adjust the helmet straps
Another important aspect of fit is getting the chin strap adjusted properly. The MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS uses a slider system that’s common across many helmet manufacturers. The other thing I see with a lot of riders (including a few pros) are floppy/loose straps. It’s not a question of aesthetics or aero. Again, it’s your head but a helmet (Mips or otherwise) won’t do you much good if it’s not attached snugly enough to your head to stay in place in the event of impact. So my advice is to adjust the straps so they lay comfortably flat and snug against your head and under your chin.
Pog setting a good example for how to wear a bicycle helmet
Ride like Pog
The MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS is a helmet meant to excel when the weather is good and truly hot. I’ve had the chance to ride wearing the MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS on some short-to-medium-ish rides (up to 40 miles) both down in the Lowcountry and up in Babylon on the Potomac. Not yet the sweltering heat and humidity that is the hallmark of both locations during the summer, but have had days in both places with temps in the 70s and 80s. No complaints whatsoever. Comfortable in terms of fit and ventilation/air flow. Although because I wear a skull cap, I don’t get Pog’s trademark hair watts flowing up through the vents. BTW, according to MET: they are created by the helmet’s performance design, sweeping air in and upwards, and drawing stems of dancing hair out through the vents.
If you’re in the market for a new helmet (most manufacturers recommend getting a new helmet every 3-5 years) and want to emulate who many consider the best racer in the pro peloton, the MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS would be the ‘droids you’re looking for. Obviously, I can’t say that it will make you any faster. But you’ll definitely look the part.
Channeling my inner Pog
Note: PEZCyclingNews ask that you contact the manufacturers before using any products you see here. Only the manufacturer can provide accurate and complete information on proper / safe use, handling, maintenance and or installation of products as well as any conditional information or product limitations.
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