7iDP Project 23 Helmet Review

Seven iDP Project 23 Carbon Helmet Review

Words by Drew Rohde | Photos by Sean Leicht

Seven iDP is a brand known for creating protective equipment for some of the fastest racers in the world. The recent release of their new Project 23 helmet, or P23 for short, brought a fresh breath to the brand’s lineup. Even though they’ve been making helmets for a while, Seven iDP are better known for protecting extremities than skulls. That could all change thanks to this good looking, 945-gram full face helmet.

THE LAB
Seven iDP’s new Project 23 helmet introduces Seven’s Energy Reduction Technology or SERT, for short. SERT is a slip plane protection system built with smart foam designed with two functions in mind. The first is putting a focus on reducing the amount of energy that reaches the brain, which SERT does by absorbing greater levels of energy than a run of the mill EPS Liner. The second function also focuses on reducing rotational motion of the brain on impacts. To learn more about SERT, check out our interview with Seven here.

7iDP Project 23 Helmet Review

The Project 23 helmet is available in carbon at $350 and a more affordable fiberglass version at $240. Both versions share many of the same features, with the outliers being shell material and a fancy carrying case. The Project 23 helmet has 23 vents, go figure, with Seven claiming it as the most ventilated full face on the market. Seven iDP also uses a crash release visor system, which is designed to sheer off and help against rotational impact forces. The Projects 23 helmet has been tested to pass CE, CPSC, AS and ASTM F1952-15 standards.

The innards of the Project 23 consist of an AGION quick-release, anti-microbial liner. Beyond the liner, are many SERT inserts and smart foam. Keeping the helmet secured to the rider’s head is a magnetic Fidlock closure system. The P23 helmet is available in sizes ranging from extra small to XXL. There are two color options for the carbon shell and four options in the fiberglass shell.

7iDP Project 23 Helmet Review

The more we test aggressive e-bikes out on the trail, the more we spend time in full face helmets. It’s allowed us to spend more than just five or ten minutes in a helmet at a time while lapping our favorite downhills. We think more people will be spending time in full face lids in the future so protection will no longer be the only point to judge a helmet by. Comfort, protection and breathability are all going to play big roles in the decision-making process moving forward. After how good it looks, obviously.

Luckily the P23 looks good, feels good and breathes good. We haven’t had to test how well it protects us yet, but we have peeled out the liner and inspected the construction and SERT liner several times. It does look like a quality design and we can see the logic and thought process behind it. We have faith that it will keep us safe on the unfortunate day we do hit the deck.

7iDP Project 23 Helmet Review

THE DIRT
Seven iDP sent us a couple of P23 helmets before the release date for some early testing and we were very impressed with the looks and promise of increased ventilation. On my 56cm head, the size small fit well but after about 30-40 minutes of wearing it I noticed some pressure near the temple of my head, creating a slight headache. On Sourpatch, who was wearing a size Large, with a 58.5/59cm skull, felt that the helmet was a tiny bit loose on his head.

After a couple of break-in rides we reached out to Seven and told them about our initial impressions. In order to keep the price of these nice helmet under $350, Seven iDP chose to not ship the Project 23 helmet with any sizing pads. However for $19-$29 customers can order a cheek pad or liner kit to fine-tune the sizing of their new lid. After putting in a new cheek pad kit in mine and a liner in Sourpatch’s helmet we were both much happier on the trail and felt the helmet’s comfort was one of its best attributes.

The Wolf’s Last Word

We have a shop full of helmets and while we love having different lids to ride on different days and to match different kits, the Seven iDP is definitely a helmet we’re gravitating to a lot more lately. The stealthy looks, nice blend of ventilation and assurance that it will withstand a high-speed hit have made it one of our favorites. Seven iDP have definitely dropped a bomb on the helmet game and we’re pretty stoked to say this lid is worthy of your consideration. Chances are if you see us at the bike park or shredding laps on our ebikes, the P23 will be on our heads.

Price: $349.99 – Carbon (tested) / $239.99 – Composite
Weight: 929g (small)
Website:
7protection.com

We Dig

Looks Good
Stout
Tech Features
Vents
Shape/Aesthetics
Stealth Option
Carrying Bag

We Don’t

Could Use One Flashy Graphic Model
Pad Kit Offered Separately (Good and Bad)

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