ABOUT THE MET TERRӔ HELMET
The Terrӕ is the mid-level helmet in the MET trail mountain bike lineup, sitting between the Revo and Shelter. Offering extended coverage down the back and around the temples, and tested to the NTA 8776 eBike certification for increased protection, the MET Terrӕ retails for $185.95 / £129.99 / €150.
The base of the MET Terrӕ is an in-mould polycarbonate shell fully enclosing the EPS liner to reduce the likelihood of damage day-to-day. Through this EPS liner, 19 vents were optimized in a wind tunnel to provide enhanced ventilation through an air channeling system. Between the liner and replaceable comfort padding, a Mips C2 system is in place to reduce rotational impact forces in a crash.
The MET Terrӕ helmet is secured to the rider’s head using the Safe-T Heta 360° retention system, with a micro-adjustable dial at the rear securing a 360-degree wrap belt. This system features three vertical positions at the rear to fine-tune the fit. The visor is adjustable, though its short design prevents it from effectively protecting against the sun. It is mounted to the helmet with a safety release system, ensuring it will release in a crash to avoid snagging. The ventilation ports were designed to provide a secure hold for storing glasses when they are not desired.
At the time of launch, the MET Terrӕ earned a 5-star Virginia Tech helmet safety rating, however this has since been downgraded to a 4-star rating as VT continues to develop its testing standard. With a STAR value score of 10.31, it was ranked #57 of 293 helmets tested at the time of writing this review.
The MET Terrӕ is offered in sizes Small to Large, covering head sizes from 52cm to 61cm, and available in a choice of seven colorways. A size Medium tips the scales at 380g.
ABOUT THE MET SHELTER MIPS HELMET
As the entry-level trail helmet in the MET mountain bike range, the MET Shelter Mips aims to offer stellar protection at a reasonable price tag, and for the most part it delivers. Using an in-mould polycarbonate shell with EPS liner – though sacrificing a little EPS coverage around the shell compared to the Terrӕ – this is still a quality helmet offering solid coverage down the back of the head.
On the inside of the EPS foam is a Mips rotational impact protection system to boost safety, which is great to see at this $116.95 / £89.99 / €100 price point. The shell is given 12 strategically placed air vents with engineered air channels to help keep the rider cool. Two of these vents double up as a dock for riding glasses storage.
Inside the helmet, a Safe-T Sport Fit System and a 360° head belt are in place to keep the helmet secure. This features an adjustable dial to tune the fit, though we had struggles obtaining a comfortable fit. The visor is integrated into the MET Shelter helmet, lacking the adjustment found on the Terrӕ, but still designed to break off in a crash.
At the time of launch, the MET Shelter (non-Mips) earned a 5-star Virginia Tech helmet safety rating, however this has since been downgraded to a 4-star rating as VT continues to develop its testing standard. Its STAR value score of 11.26 ranked the MET Shelter #93 of 293 helmets tested at the time of writing. One might assume the Mips version would perform better.
MET offers the Shelter Mips in a wide Small to XL size range, fitting 52cm to 64cm heads. There are a choice of nice colorways on offer, catering to most palettes. A size Medium weighs in at 290g.
THE DIRT
With both MET helmets supplied at the same time for testing, it seemed fitting to compare them to identify their differences and help you decide if it’s worthwhile spending the extra money to get the Terrӕ over the Shelter Mips. While these helmets share similar looks, there is a notable difference on the trail, which will matter to some riders more than others.
WE STRUGGLED WITH THE MET SHELTER MIPS FIT, YOU MAY NOT
The instant differentiator between the two helmets for me came from their fit system, and the resulting comfort on my head. It didn’t take long for me to dial in the fit of the Terrӕ, with the lower position of the rear dial being a comfortable fit for the shape of the occipital bone at the back of my skull. With this in the correct place, adjusting the chin strap length and turning the dial until a suitable tension around my head was reached instantly had me feeling comfortable with no strange pressure points.
The MET Shelter Mips proved more of a challenge to fit comfortably. In fact, I was never able to get this helmet to sit comfortably on my head. Of course, helmet fitment is a very personal subject and I have a fairly tall head for a size medium helmet wearer. However, part of the issue is the way the Safe-T Sport Fit System combines the chin strap with part of the retention system, making them somewhat co-dependent.
These helmets reinforce the importance of trying before you buy, as it’s vital that a helmet’s shape and adjustability allow you to obtain a comfortable and secure fit on your head.
THE MET TERRӔ AND SHELTER MIPS ARE SOLID TRAIL HELMETS AT THEIR PRICE
Fit quirks aside, both of these helmets felt suitably well made, with well considered designs. The premium features of the Terrӕ – its improved coverage, fit system, visor adjustability and ventilation – delivered subtle wins throughout for the user experience, but the Shelter still felt like a helmet that would serve its purpose for less aggressive riding applications provided it offered a suitable fit.
The Terrӕ still fell short of the excellent Revo from a comfort and general performance standpoint, but it put up a reasonable fight. My priviliged bike testing head would save up the extra money to obtain this slight boost in performance, but riders with a little more consideration for budget are likely to be pleased by this eBike certified lid.
The Wolf’s Last Word
If you’re a cross county to trail mountain biker looking for a solid Mips-equipped helmet at a more affordable price point, the MET Shelter Mips could be worth considering, but make sure you verify that it’s fit is going to work for your head.
The MET Terrӕ is a stellar mid-level eBike certified helmet, which hits the mark for a protective yet comfortable lid in its price point. 
Price:
Terrӕ – $185.95 / £129.99 / €150
Shelter – $116.95 / £89.99 / €100
Website: Met-helmets.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
Robert’s habitat is the Tweed Valley, Scotland, which is renowned for its root-littered enduro mountain bike trails. Robert has been developing his bike handling skills for the last 16 years. Since he was a pup, he’s been riding everything from BMX through to enduro and downhill bikes. Combining a playful style with occasional speed-focused aggression, he favors supportive bikes, and does his best to push them hard.
Rank: European Tech Editor
Size: 6’2” / 189cm | 220lbs / 100kg
Social: @robert_johnston
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