The Endura MT500 helmet
The Endura MT500 helmet

Review: The Endura MT500 MTB helmet – safety innovation meets design and functionality

The MT500’s integrated Koroyd® technology lifts helmet safety to a new level, while a series of features and a fresh design make it even more interesting.

The Scottish apparel brand Endura has added a MTB helmet to their successful MT500 product line. The Enduro /All Mountain helmet features Koroyd®inserts made of honeycomb-shaped polymer tubes, offering superior impact protection and improved ventilation. In addition, practical features like an eyewear dock and an accessories clip add comfort and functionality. I had the chance to try this very versatile and innovative lid.

The Endura MT500 helmet

Endura MT500 Helm: Eckdaten

Name Endura MT500 Helmet - Summer 2017
Size 51-56 cm / 55-59 cm / 58-63 cm
Weight 343 g (51-56 cm)
Technology Koroyd® - honeycombed polymer tube inserts
Features Eyewear dock in the front
Google channel with strap clip in the rear
One-hand micro-adjustment fit system
Clip on accessory for camera, light, etc.
Antibacterial, fast wicking padding
Large vents including top “air intake” zone for increased airflow
bike-components TrailTrophy Breitenbrunn Stage 6

bike-components TrailTrophy Breitenbrunn Stage 6

The Koroyd® Technology

Endura has included Koroyd® technology in the helmet’s structural design. The honeycomb-shaped co-polymer tubes are thermally welded to create an unparalleled, consistent and fully engineered core which is then shaped to form the inner liner of the MT500. Koroyd® technology limits the risk of skull fractures and traumatic brain injury as it offers superior impact protection.

Functionality and features of the Endura MT500 helmet

This helmet is great for those who wear goggles.

I had the chance to try the MT500 during an Enduro race weekend at the bike-components TrailTrophy in Breitenbrunn, Germany. My head’s circumference is 55 cm, so I chose a size 51-56 cm model. The initial fit was good and using the straps and the dial for fit adjustment that can be operated easily with one gloved hand, it was perfect. I immediately noticed the utility and functionality of the many well-designed features of the helmet during my first ride. Its visor has indexed positions that leave enough room for the goggles when you don’t wear them. A clip in the back holds the strap in place. Gone are the days when the goggles keep slipping off the helmet, with the MT500 they stay put.

Step 1

Step 1

The MT500 also has an eyewear dock in the front to stow your glasses and together with the helmet come two handy clip-in accessory mounts for a camera or a light.

The glasses port stores eyewear perfectly.

The glasses port stores eyewear perfectly.

The MT500’s ventilation is awesome. Large vents and a top air intake control air circulation. Due to the arrangement of the tubular Koroyd® inserts, the airflow is optimized. Riding uphill, I forgot about the helmet very quickly. It’s “disappearance” was a good sign though, as it meant that the airflow was working well and the fit was good. The quick-drying, well-placed anti-bacterial padding also played its part here. I noticed no pressure points, even after hours of riding.

The honeycomb shape keeps air flowing and your head protected.

The honeycomb shape keeps air flowing and your head protected.

I was immediately impressed with the premium quality and design of the MT500. The individual parts made of different materials fit well together, the surfaces are smooth and there is no excess glue, which you can sometimes find with some other manufacturers.

One hand adjust works flawlessly.

One hand adjust works flawlessly.

The MT500’s performance exceeded my expectations. Its comfortable fit and ventilation, the great design and the many practical and functional features make for a great Enduro helmet. The improved safety of the Koroyd® inserts should not be overlooked and I think the honeycombed material also looks great.  Endura has paired cutting edge safety innovation with functionality to offer a versatile lid at a great price.