MET’s top road cycling helmet

While MET helmets do not have a big presence in the US market, their helmets have been worn by a long list of top cyclists in Europe. The MET Trenta 3K is the brand’s top-of-the-line road cycling helmet and has received several updates over the years from MIPS to integrated carbon fiber to improve the performance. Retail price for the helmet is $399.99 which is $100 premium over the standard Trenta MIPS helmet. MET has incorporated a 3K carbon cage into the helmet to reduce weight and improve safety. Inside the helmet you’ll find a MIPS Air liner as well as MET’s Safe-T Orbital Fit System which offers multiple points of adjustment in the cradle.

The MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS offers eye-catching color schemes with an impressive track record of race wins.

Rating	9.0 / 10
Retail Price	$399.99
Measured weight (in g)	284 (medium)
Likes	+ Eye-catching colors with iridescent and color shifting options + Proven record with numerous race wins and professional athlete endorsement + Highly ventilated with comfortable fit
Dislikes	– Premium price point
Where to Buy (US)	MET

UNBOXING

The MET Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS comes in a cardboard helmet box with MET branding printed onto it. Inside the box you’ll find:

• Trenta 3K Carbon MIPS helmet
• MET branded carrying bag
• Informational pamphlet
• MIPS / MET tags

The included black fabric carrying bag is a nice premium touch that makes it easy to store the helmet or travel with it.

FIT & FINISH

Visually, the MET Trenta 3K Carbon has a classic italian profile with an aggressive venting design and inset vents. The design hasn’t changed much over the years and retains a multi-piece shell design with visible internal hoops cutting across the vents. MET offers the helmet in six colors currently: blue iridescent, red iridescent, white silver metallic, vanilla ice gold, black and motion blur. Aside from the black version, all the color schemes are all striking with either color shifting finishes or gradients to add contrast. For this review, we have the motion blue color which is a beautiful color shifting finish that changes between light green and brown tones depending on the light. It looks even better in person than in MET’s website photos as the colors shift with every angle and highlight the sharp edges and curves of the helmet.

Where brands like POC have smooth and minimalist designs, the Trenta 3K is all about style making a statement. You have exaggerated strakes that extend from the front to the rear of the helmet with the color shifting color and sharp creases and edges. Below that is a matte exposed 3K carbon fiber finish that complements the polycarbonate shell and reduces the weight of the helmet. Along the bottom edge of the helmet is a semi-gloss black finish that wraps around the helmet but leaves exposed EPS foam along the inner rim. With 19 vents, the Trenta 3K Carbon is  all about cooling with the large front vents pulling air in, top vents to let hot air go and a large rear exit. There is even a NACA air duct on the top of the helmet which pulls air in and adds to the aggressive look.

Branding on the helmet is limited to MET logos on the front and the Trenta and 3K Carbon on the side. MET has also added a nice reflective stripe along the vertical fin on the rear helmet exit and a holographic MET sticker on the side. The front of the helmet also has a small square MET logo as well as rubber pads for eyewear storage. MET markets the helmet as having a Safe-T Orbital fit system which offers a wide range of adjustment to optimize the fit. You have a standard wrap-around cradle with a rear dial that has micro tightening and loosening. The entire cradle also has four vertical positions by simply pushing or pulling the cradle. Additionally, the rear pads can be adjusted between two positions which is a feature a majority of helmets do not offer. Combine that with the side-to-side adjustment of the straps and the helmet should fit nearly any head shape. The straps themselves are thin nylon with a standard plastic buckle and a rubber loop to hold excess strap length flat.

ON THE ROAD

The size medium we tested fit similarly to other size medium helmets we’ve reviewed from Lazer or Smith. From our first ride, the helmet fit well with no pressure points or discomfort. Aside from the impressive color shifting motion blur color scheme, which looks amazing in the sunlight, the helmet impressed us with excellent ventilation. Even on long climbs in the sun, the large open vent design of the Trenta kept us cool and comfortable. The aggressive curves and openings, similar to the Limar Air Stratos and KASK Protone, are attractive and functional and make the helmet a great choice for warmer climates.

THE VERDICT

Overall, we found the MET Trenta 3K Carbon to be an attractive and well ventilated helmet. With its Italian heritage and impressive racing background, the MET Trenta has had a lot of coverage and special editions over the years. MET has updated the features and color schemes without modifying the original design which we can’t blame them for. The latest 3K Carbon MIPS has all the modern features you’d want along with some eye catching color schemes. We were impressed with the highly detailed design and the amount of adjustability the fit system offers. The main downside of the helmet is the eye watering retail price which puts the helmet out of many cyclists’ budget. That said, the MET Trenta 3K MIPS is an impressive helmet with a striking range of available color schemes.

Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by MET. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.