Review: MET Revo Mips Helmet

Amanda Morris·
Helmets
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The MET Revo MIPS helmet is a new open-face model from MET designed for trail, enduro, and eMTB use. With deep rear coverage, high safety rankings, and features, the Revo presents as one of the safest open-face mountain bike helmets available.

If you’re not familiar with the Italian brand, MET’s product development process puts a strong focus on technical innovation with a focus on safety, investing in safety research with rigorous testing protocols.

A helmet in a testing facility. Photo courtesy of Met Helmets.

MET uses the MIPS system in their lineup, and the Revo features the MIPS Air System, the latest iteration of the reknown slip plane protection, which shifts away from the ‘plastic inner shell’ into a lighter, more minimal integration with the helmet pads, which based on how good it looks and works, is likely to be adopted by other brands throughout the year.

The brand offers a comprehensive line of helmet models from gravel/road, mountain, adventure, and even kids’ helmets. They’re now distributed by QBP, one of the largest US distributors for independent bike shops, making them readily available in the US.

While participating in a media event at the Sea Otter Classic, we were presented with a review model to take home and log some miles on the trails with.

Features (via MET Helmets)

  • In-mould polycarbonate shell with EPS liner
  • Mips AIR® rotational management system engineered to add protection and save weight
  • NTA 8776 certified
  • Extended back head and temple coverage
  • Fidlock® magnetic buckle
  • Adjustable visor
  • Safety release and a flexible injected visor
  • 360° head belt and 3 vertical adjustments
  • 23 vents with an internal air channeling system
  • Safe-T Heta fit system
  • Full polycarbonate wrap
  • Strap anchors embedded in the EPS shell
  • Sunglasses ports securely dock sunglasses when climbing or resting
  • Soft storage bag included
The new MIPs Air Node system uses less material, saving weight and reducing bulk, while continuing to reduce rotational motion on impacts.

Fit & Sizing

We first tried the Met Revo on a ride before the Sea Otter Classic, where Jason took the Salsa Blackthorn for a ride in the Monterey hills at Toro Park. The folks at QBP and MET were on hand and sized him for a helmet. The Revo comes in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large. In terms of sizing, the Small ranges: 52-56cm, the medium: 56/58cm, and the large 58/61 cm.

The shape of the inner shell isn’t quite as oval as many helmets, which should accommodate a wide range of head shapes.

With a head circumference measurement of 22-22.5 inches or so, about 56 cm, Jason generally fits a size medium. Though it has a rounder shape than many helmets, the Met helmet shell shape didn’t quite play well on the back of his head. While he was able to wear it for a ride, it sat a bit too high on the rear of his head. And trying the large was a no-go either, as it looked massive on his head, especially from the profile view.

Though the Revo was wide enough, it sat high on Jason’s head in the rear.

Based on the size chart, he brought the medium home, thinking he could remove the pads and customize the fit to sit properly. Of course, then you’re losing out on the MIPS slip-plane protection. After I had the opportunity to try the size medium Revo helmet, it fit my head perfectly (yay!), so I got to take over as the primary tester. (aw- he was a bit bummed, as it’s a great looking helmet!)

On the trail

The Revo isn’t going to be for everyone; its $200 sticker price is on the high end for a half-shell helmet. That said, we both agreed the MET Revo looks pretty sweet. MET isn’t as common on the trail as other brands, and that is a bonus that could add value for some riders. I also find the ample head coverage and the high safety ratings (it earned a score of 10.45 from Virginia Tech) quite reassuring. It also feels lightweight and fits my head better than my other helmets. And of course, being a premium helmet, it includes a magnetic Fidlock buckle. These are becoming more common, making us take them for granted, but when a helmet doesn’t feature the buckle, we miss it.

My other trail helmet fits ok, but after a ride, I find my forehead has an “indentation” in my skin. The Revo, on the other hand, has been great. I had a crash recently that left me a bit shaken, and while I’m starting to wear a lightweight full-face helmet, it’s overkill for many of the rides we do locally. Having a well-fitting helmet with high safety rankings is confidence-inspiring, and as a rider that’s fairly new to the sport, I’ll take all the boost I can get.

In terms of aesthetics, the bill on the helmet is streamlined, and the lines match the shape; however, it appears a bit high at first glance. This seems to be trending, as helmets like the Specialized Camber, Fox Dropframe, and other models are also being designed with taller peaks. The bill on the Revo is adjustable, though. At first, I thought it wasn’t, but if you press firmly on it, it will go even higher and offer ample space to rest your goggles.

For more information, visit Met-Helmets.com.