Scotland’s Endura recently announced several new pieces for their MT500 line of MTB protection, and divulged all the details on the new full face helmet we’ve had a few peeks at already. The MT500 full face features a ton of ventilation, and weighs in as one of the lightest full faces out there.
In this article we’ll also cover the new MT500 Hard Shell Knee Pads and soft shelled Lite Knee Pads, plus the updated Protector Undershorts II.
MT500 Full Face Helmet:
Bikerumor got a recent peek at the MT500 full face helmet at Eurobike, and while checking out the latest MT500 clothing, but Endura just made their official release announcement so we now have all the details on this new lid. The DH-certified MT500 full face is aimed at downhill and enduro riders looking for full head and face protection. It is heavily ventilated, so enduro riders can leave it on during the climbs without overheating.
Much of that ventilation comes from the heavily cut-out chin bar (which bears some similarities to Fox’s Proframe helmets). The chin bar is built around an internal skeleton for strength, and the surrounding shell was left as open as possible to ensure excellent airflow. I think Endura was wise to place a patch of Koroyd in the front panel of the chin bar, as it should help keep dirt and bugs off your face and out of your mouth. In addition to the open chin bar, Endura’s fast wicking antibacterial spacer padding also helps keep your head cool. Padding is included for the inside of chin bar, but can be installed or left out.
The core of the MT500 full face is made from Koroyd technology, and Endura says this is the first helmet ‘on the burly end’ of the helmet market (DH?) to include this protection. Not only does Koroyd absorb more impact force than other existing helmet technologies, but its unique structure also encourages air to flow in and out of its welded co-polymer tubes to keep you cool. The Koroyd structure, which is technically 95% comprised of air, definitely makes for a lightweight lid as a size M/L MT500 full face weighs just 640g.
As for fit, the MT500 full face offers a micro-adjusting retention system that can be operated with one hand. The rear retention system can also be adjusted between multiple anchor points.
The MT500 full face will be available in mid-July, with an MSRP of $250. Color options will be Forest Green or Black, and three sizes will be available. The MT500 full face is covered by Endura’s 90 day satisfaction guarantee, Crash Replacement Policy and Product Guarantee.
MT500 Hard Shell Knee Pads:
DH or enduro/trail riders looking for a high level of protection should check out the new MT500 Hard Shell Knee Pads. These pads feature a custom-molded hard shell to protect your kneecaps from the harshest and sharpest impacts. Behind the hard shell, a D3O insert provides shock absorption. The D3O pad’s cut-out triangular structure keeps its weight to a minimum and allows air to flow between your knees and the solid outer shell.
The sides of the pads are bolstered with PU foam padding for additional protection, and a loop on the lower strap allows you to cinch these pads down good and tight for a secure fit.
Sizes S/M and M/L are available, and (like all MT500 products) these pads are covered by Endura’s 90 day satisfaction guarantee. The MT500 Hard Shell Knee Pads sell for $114.99, and come in Black only.
MT500 Lite Knee Pads:
The MT500 Lite knee pads look like a close relative of the Hard Shell Knees, but offer a lighter overall package. The Lites rely solely on impact-reactive D3O padding to provide their impact protection. The pad is mostly covered by a highly abrasion-resistant fabric, but Endura left the outer side of the D3O pad exposed to enhance ventilation (and perhaps to show off its cut-out structure).
The LP1 D3O protector in the Lite knees features vented geometry to provide good ventilation. Endura claims the insert’s shape increases breathability by 45% without sacrificing its impact protection capabilities. The insert’s thin, low-profile design and inherent flexibility offers a comfortable, unobtrusive fit.
The Lite knee pads include PU foam padding on the sides, but do away with a lower strap in favor of a streamlined stretch fit. Their top straps use a Jacquard loop system to keep the pads in position.
The MT500 Lite Knee Pads are available in sizes S/M and L/XL, in Black only. They haven’t yet appeared on Endura’s USA website, but the UK site shows them at a price of £69.99 ($89).
MT500 Protector Undershorts II:
Endura has also updated their men’s MT500 Protector Undershorts with a new “II” model for 2019. The new Undershorts upgrade the old version’s padding to D3O inserts. The pads are located on the hips, lower leg and tailbone to reduce the severity of impacts to these areas.
The main body of the shorts is made from a durable nylon Lycra fabric, and features flat-lock seams for durability and comfort. Endura also kept the crotch area of the shorts completely seamless to eliminate any chance of chafing your sensitive bits and pieces.
The Protector Undershorts include Endura’s 500 Series Mountain chamois. This pad is made from breathable reticulated foam, provides a degree of stretch and is antibacterial to keep the funk down. Other finishing touches include Jacquard soft-touch waistbands and hem grippers, and Clickfast snaps which connect the Undershorts to Endura’s baggy shorts or riding pants.
The MT500 Protector Undershort II is available for $99. Men’s sizes range from S-XXL, and they come in Black only.
