Review: MET Terranova MIPS – Canadian Cycling Magazine

MET produces a wide range of helmets for everything from World Cup downhill to road racing and commuting. The Terranova MIPS brings all the Italian brand’s experience to bear on a trail (and eMTB) helmet in a more approachable price range.

The basics of the MET Terranova MIPS is increased coverage, at the temples and back of the head, to suit trail riding. MET adds a MIPS liner for added protection. We’ve previously ridden the convertible Parachute MCR MIPS and found it to be well-constructed and comfortable to ride in. All of that continues in the Terranova.

MET Terranova MIPS: The helmet

The Terranova is a simplified version of MET’s top-end Roam model. That helmet has a few extra features, but the Terranova MIPS offers the same style of protection, which MET says is aimed at trail and eMTB riding, at a more approachable, $200 price point. The Terranova is actually slightly lighter, too.

MET extends the Terranova’s shell lower over the temples and the back of the head, compared to lighter-use helmets designed for XC. This adds weight (a medium weighs 355 grams) but also adds protection in areas relevant to more technical off-road riding.

Construction and features

There are a few details that make the Terranova construction stand out. MET uses a full polycarbonate wrap around the EPS liner, including on the brim and well into the vent holes, to make the helmet more durable. This keeps the protective foam from scratching as easily. There are 17 vents to keep air flowing through the Terranova, including channels inside the helmet to facilitate ventilation. Two of these function as a secure glasses storage space.

The Terranova has a slightly longer visor than some other helmets. It’s designed to bend and flex during a crash instead of shearing off. MET says this helps manage extra rotational forces and prevents any sharp plastic shards from protruding off the helmet after a crash.

A MIPS-C2 brain protection sits inside the helmet’s shell. It’s not built in, like some other brands, but it is still functional. The Terranova MIPS received a five-star rating from the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab. MET also offers a non-MIPS version of the Terranova that is slightly less expensive.

MET uses a 360-degree fit system, its own Safe-T Duo retention system, to keep even pressure and a comfortable fit. There are four vertical positions to make sure the retention system doesn’t sit on any pressure points. MET says the Terranova is ponytail compatible,…