MET Trenta 3K Carbon Helmet Review

Robert Matusek

The MET Trenta 3K Carbon Helmet is a premium road-type helmet with elements of aero and a light weight due to being structural reinforced with carbon fibre.

The MET Trenta 3K Carbon Helmet marks the brand’s 30th anniversary. The Italian brand tries to live up to its reputation being an innovator in the helmet segment, thus its development team pays attention not only to develop its technical features but also to outpace their competitors by refined design and appearance. Certainly, protection and comfort are up there in the requirement specifications as well. Although there is no MIPS version of this particular helmet.

A helmet that’s aero without looking like a typical aero helmet.

Nowadays it a challenge to combine technical advantages like, lightness, comfort and aerodynamic with an appealing appearance. Being a climber I tend to prefer rather light weight, reasonably ventilated helmets. As a result, aerodynamic aspects are a welcome side effect but not the highest priority. The MET Trenta 3K Carbon helmet surprised me with a feather-weight of 202 grams in size S. I was incredulous at first because its construction and shape indicated something else. I was trying to find some short-cuts in order to for MET to lower the weight. Quite the opposite. All usual features that make up a good helmet were there.

The MET Trenta 3K Carbon Helmet celebrates 30 years of the company’s history.

The above mentioned lightness is just one of those attributes that started my affection for MET Trenta 3K Carbon. Its minimalistic non-bulbous design is a very pleasing one in my books. No flashy wings and ridiculous curves just for the sake of being different. Yes, MET built in a tube-shaped tail and internal channeling that promises to create up to 7% less drag compared to a more conservatively shaped road helmet. But it did it in a way that doesn’t compromise its general look.

The carbon fibre cage helps reduce weight without compromising safety.

To meet other aerodynamic attributes, the Trenta has designed its front in a rather open way, compared to some aerodynamic designs on the market. But that’s fine with me as it features a measured blend of air cooling effect, and air-efficient features. Overheating was rarely an issue. Even on steep uphill where speed is laughably low, the ventilation with 19 vents was more than enough – let alone at higher speeds, despite at times very high Southern-Europe temperatures.

The NACA duct on top provides venturi effect ventilation without impacting drag.

MET’s own Safe-T Orbital adjustable fit system contributed to the comfort factor even more. It allows an on-the-fly adjustment, and a four-step occipital vertical adjustment. I wasn’t fussing around with it too much. I pre-adjusted it once prior to the ride, and if there was a need to fine tune it during the ride even more, there was still an additional micrometrical dial for fine adjustment.

On-the-fly dial adjustment to fine tune the fit.

MET’s goal was to reduce the EPS foam liner in their helmet by 20%. MET state that the elasticity in the carbon cage has allowed them to reduce the weight of the EPS foam liner without compromising safety.

The occipital support has 4 increments of height adjustment.

The MET Trenta 3K Carbon Helmet is designed for road use. As often the case, mind you I tested it in dirt too, to showcase its multipurpose capabilities. What’s more, I come to love it even more while using it at MTB races, mostly due to its lightness, comfort and fresh appearance. Heat management was only a problem if a mix of high temperatures, lack of wind, and slow speed came about.

Tested in wind tunnels to be as good as an aero helmet, and 7% more aero than some traditional helmets.

The MET Trenta 3K Carbon Helmet has plenty of characteristics that stands out of the crowd, admittedly though, one aspect that has grown on me is its compact shape combined with lightness, without losing comfort, safety and claimed aerodynamic. The MET Trenta 3K Carbon is delivered with reflective rear stickers and is also compatible with the MET USB LED light.

Designed with elite riders like Dan Martin in mind.

Would I recommend the MET Trenta 3K Carbon Helmet? For long term, and frequent usage definitely yes. That way you would quickly forget the initial costs and enjoy the experience without regret.

MET Website

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