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The MET Terranova helmet is a solid contender for any trail helmet duties. Its lightweight, sturdy, well-fitting and equipped with MIPS. The colourways are limited, but as long as you can find a style to suit, it should be well worth a try. All at a very reasonable price point, it’s a hard offering to look past.

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The Terranova sits in the middle of MET’s line-up with the Roam helmet as the beefier enduro brother and Veleno as more of a lightweight cross country offering. The Terranova is aimed at “trail and e-mountain bike riding”, although if anyone knows what makes an e-bike specific helmet, please let me know!
 

MET_Terranova_6.jpg, by Ty Rutherford

The MIPS system has been designed alongside the air vents to help keep the helmet well ventilated. Equipped with MIPS-C2, the lining can slide, reducing rotational forces on the head and providing more protection for the brain. A handy feature and good to see even at this price point. There is a cheaper alternative without MIPs, but it's only £10 cheaper – a no brainer (excuse the pun).

MET uses their Safe-T DUO fit system, which allows you to adjust the retention system vertically at the back of the head and evenly draws around the head to get a perfect fit. MET also claim this system allows for a ponytail – this feature was not tested due to my lack of ponytail. Coming in three sizes ranging from a head circumference of 52cm up to 61cm, there should be something to cover most people.

MET_Terranova_5.jpg, by Ty Rutherford

The visor is also adjustable with a fully upright position which allows goggles to be stowed.

First impressions were encouraging. I’d say my head is more of an oblong shape and tend to find some helmets are too round, causing uncomfortable pinch points. The Terranova did a great job of providing a comfortable fit, and making the most of the vertical adjustment allowed it to sit perfectly where I wanted it. The padding is limited, but I’ve never found wanting more due to the excellent fit.

MET_Terranova_3.jpg, by Ty Rutherford

The helmet is light enough to not notice it when riding and ventilated enough to stay cool during hot summer rides. Generally, the helmet sits well, providing a reassuring amount of protection to the back of the head and leaves plenty of room on the forehead for riding glasses or goggles to not be interfered with. The highlighter yellow may not be to everyone’s taste; it does come in 3 other colourways, which are more subtle, although it would be nice to see more options to suit a wider range of styles.

MET_Terranova_4.jpg, by Ty Rutherford

Retailing at £100, it's an impressive price for the features on offer. At £95, the Smith Engage was reviewed here recently by our Jim, and he had nothing but great things to say about it. The IXS Trigger AM helmet can also be had for £100, and although it does have a magnetic chin strap, the lack of MIPS does make represent worse value than the aforementioned helmets – our Rach reviewed it here.

The MET Terranova helmet is a no-nonsense helmet that ticks all the right boxes. Packed with all the safety, adjustability and storage features you could need at a great price point, it really is difficult to look past. If you can find a colour option that suits you, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better offering for the price.

• MET Terranova