Road Cycling

Reviewed: MET Manta Road Cycling Helmet

They say the MET Manta road helmet is the most aerodynamic helmet out there...

Think bicycle, think helmet. That’s what I’ve always been told. Clumpy safety helmets whose sole purpose was to protect your dome and make you feel like a bobble head, are a thing of the past. Following in line with bicycles, helmets are getting slimmer, lighter and a lot nicer. Take the MET Manta road helmet, for example…

MET Helmets inspired by Drops to support women’s cycling

When it comes to headwear, MET Helmets have always been at the forefront of technology and design. Pushing the boundaries of performance, MET has developed the Manta road cycling helmet, claiming it to be “the most aerodynamic road helmet” – so, it is? We took ours out for a few spins on some sunny undulating Welsh roads.

MET Manta Road Helmet

Finding a comfortable helmet is a lot like finding a good saddle. We all come in different shapes and sizes; long, short, round, oval and we don’t just mean our derrieres. Similarly to saddles, helmets aren’t an accessory to skimp on and it’s important to get one that suits you.

I’ve always gotten on well with the MET helmet brand and it’s largely owing to the fit and shape of their helmets which has consistently made them comfortable to wear even on the longest of rides.

My MET Rivale saw me through my first 100 miler

MET produce quality helmets for all disciplines of cycling, and cater for a variety of budgets from entry level, up to professional. So where does the Manta fit in?

The Met Manta road cycling helmet firmly sits at the upper end of the performance and budget scale, and we found out why…

MET Manta Road Helmet: Features

MET use wind tunnel technology for extensive research and development of their products. When it comes to road cycling, you want to be as streamline as possible without anything creating a drag effect which could impede on performance.

When designing the Manta, MET knew they wanted to set a new benchmark in both performance and style, without compromising on either. Their wind tunnel experiments proved fruitful as they managed to save 10 watts at 50km/h over similar helmets in the market. Not only this, but MET has introduced Airlite Straps which are 15% lighter than before too.

The MET Manta weighs just 200g making it one of – if not – the lightest lid on the market. With strategically placed vents throughout, the breathability of this helmet is top-notch without compromising on the drag factor.

The Safe-T Advanced Fit System uses a larger cradle surface to increase comfort over your head whilst keeping weight low. There’s ample space in the back to allow air to flow and the soft padding in the mesh of the helmet prevents rub and irritation. There’s room on the back strap to fit a LED light and the DuelGel pad provided with the helmet nestles in the front rim to keep your head cool and divert sweat away from the eyes.

MET Manta Road Helmet: The Verdict

There’s no question about it, the MET Manta is a cool looking lid. It’s lightweight, sleek and wonderfully elegant with a delicate blend of technology and style.

The Manta is probably the only helmet I’ve worn for extended periods of time without feeling like I’m actually wearing a helmet. To really test out its comfort and ability to breathe, I tackled long climbs on hot days and descended winding roads at speed only to be unable to really find much fault with the design and construct – it truly lives up to the reputation that precedes it.

For more information on the MET Manta, head over to the brand website here. Otherwise, you can buy your own Manta here from £153 in a variety of sizes and colours.