The MT500 MIPS mountain bike helmet from Endura takes impacts seriously. Most helmets nowadays feature MIPS, a system that helps dissipate rotational forces in the first milliseconds of a crash. The MT500 MIPS helmet does, too. And on top of that, Endura adds another layer of impact protection by incorporating Koroyd into the helmet.
That makes for a super burly — albeit a bit heavy — helmet worthy of trail and enduro riders looking for as much coverage and protection as possible when the trails get nasty.
Quick specs
Price: $240
Weight: 492 grams (size L-XL)
Protection systems: MIPS and Koroyd
Sizes: S-M, M-L, and L-XL
Colors: 5
Goggle compatible: yes
MT500 MIPS protection systems
The MT500 MIPS helmet offers two distinct impact protection systems. The more common of the two is MIPS, which is a harness system built into the helmet that allows the helmet shell to rotate independently of your head. This matters most in the first milliseconds of a crash. MIPS is implemented into a wide array of helmets these days, and for good reason. It addresses rotational forces, which can have an outsized impact on your brain in an impact.
The other system is Koroyd Core. That’s the honeycomb structure you see where open holes for ventilation would otherwise be. This honeycomb structure helps dissipate impact forces more efficiently, thereby keeping those forces from your head. Koroyd has so far been implemented in very limited helmet selections, most notably from Smith.
Combining the two offers a pinnacle of protection. But it also adds weight and possibly sacrifices some venting capabilities.
MT500 MIPS construction
Coverage, coverage everywhere. That’s the name of the game when it comes to the overall design of the MT500 MIPS. Mountain bikers need coverage at the back of the head and the sides, so Endura certainly delivers. The rear of the helmet extends low, and the sides dip to cover more of your temples without obstructing the ears.
Since it’s large, that means the vents also need to be large to allow air to pass through. Endura incorporates an “Air intake zone” to get air moving over your head. One thing that immediately makes me curious about this helmet: How does the MT500 MIPS vent at slower speeds, given the air vents are obstructed by Koroyd? That will be a major part of my testing.
The micro adjust fit system is integrated into MIPS layer to create a firm and comfortable grip around your head. The helmet’s visor is both adjustable and removable, and the design of the helmet allows for use with goggles. there’s even a rubber strap retention piece fixed to the back of the helmet to keep the google strap in place. If you prefer sunglasses, Endura has integrated an eyewear dock as well.
Endura paid close attention to fine details that matter to mountain bikers. The MT500 MIPS is outfitted with anti-bacterial padding, which is nice. But more vital to those of us who like to create content around our rides, the MT500 MIPS also features an accessory mount that integrates into the top of the helmet so you can mount your camera.
Testing the MT500 MIPS
There’s gonna be a road trip! I’m headed to Colorado’s western slope to get in some riding in Fruita and Grand Junction. I might even pop over the border to Moab.
When testing the MT500 helmet, I will pay close attention to its breathability capabilities at high and low speeds. With Koroyd filling the gaps where airflow would otherwise take place, it will be interesting to see whether the MT500 MIPS helmet allows enough trapped warmth to leave through the honeycomb structure. And at higher speeds, do the vents allow enough air movement over the head?
As is the case with any helmet testing, I hope I don’t have to test any of the safety features first-hand. So in lieu of intentionally crashing myself, I’ll be paying close attention to the comfort of the MIPS harness, as some executions have a tendency to yank at the rider’s hair, or cover too much of the skull. That can lead to some excess warmth.
And finally, I’ll pay attention to the shape of the helmet. I have an almond-shaped head, so certain helmets tend to build pressure points at the front and rear of my head. Can the harness and fit system accommodate my head shape? Is it better for round heads?
I’ll find out in my testing! If you want to see a full, independent review of the Endura MT500 MIPS helmet, just give the video above a thumb’s up on YouTube. If it gets to 50 thumb’s ups, I’ll do a fully independent review right here on Dawn Patrol MTB.