Project 23 is 7iDP’s highest-end helmet yet, packed with features and all-new safety technology. This is well reflected in the price tag of $349.99, the most expensive helmet to sit in the 7iDP lineup so far, and by a long way. The carbon fiber shell will be one good reason for the expense. Another good reason is sure to be 7iDP’s new proprietary technology for reducing impact forces, the so-called Seven Energy Reduction Technology. Let’s take a closer look at the 7iDP Project 23 full face helmet for downhill mountain biking.
Update: Read on for more detail and data on the SERT impact & anti-rotation protection!
7iDP Project 23 Full Face DH Helmet
The 7iDP Project 23 full face helmet is ASTM certified for Downhill MTB, and surpasses CE, CPSC and AS standards. It is available in a carbon fiber shell, a more affordable fiberglass model and a budget-friendly ABS model. In size large, the Project 23 helmets weigh a claimed 922g, 1010g and 850g, respectively. The carbon fiber and fiberglass models both get 7iDP’s proprietary Seven Energy Reduction Technology, or SERT. More on that below.
Following the success of MIPS, the lauded brain protection technology that protects your head against rotational forces, many helmet brands have gone away and designed their own technology that will do the same thing. Take Leatt’s Turbine, for example, or POC’s SPIN. Despite their various different phenotypes, they are all trying to do the same thing; protect you from concussion injuries related to rotational impacts. Now, 7iDP have thrown their lid in the ring with their proprietary SERT.
It’s not very clear from the images provided by 7iDP how this technology actually works, and no video has been provided. I guess we will have to use our imagination a bit, until we get one in for testing. Here’s how 7iDP describe it.
UPDATE: For much more detail on the S-ERT system and the protection it offers, have a look at the Urge’s latest All-Air ERT enduro helmet using these special blue pads that the two brands developed together.
“SERT is a smart foam with two key functions: SERT reduces the amount of energy that reaches the brain on impact by absorbing greater levels of energy than an EPS liner alone and can reduce the energy transfer to the brain by up to 20%. Test data indicated that SERT also leads to a reduction in the rotational motion of the brain on impact.”
7iDP make the bold claim that the Project 23 helmet is the “the most ventilated full face hard shell helmet on the market”, with 23 big bore vents. The vents are not mesh-backed, allowing unhindered airflow throughout the lid. The rear of the helmet is shaped to securely hold a goggle strap. The visor position is adjustable. The chin strap uses a magnetic FIDLOCK buckle.
The carbon shell was optimised to reduce weight. The carbon fiber doesn’t extend over the entirety of the helmet, however. An injection-molded trim protects the edges. The AGION liner has antimicrobial properties to reduce nasty smells but if it gets overwhelmed the liner can be removed and washed.
Pricing & Availability
The three 7iDP Project 23 models, Carbon Fiber, Fiberglass and ABS are all available in no fewer than six sizes, from XS through to XL, covering head circumferences from 53cm to 64cm. The Carbon Fiber model retails at $349.99, the Fiberglass at $239.99 and the ABS at $149.99. Feature-wise the Carbon Fiber and Fiberglass models are identical but only the top-end Carbon fiber is shipped with 7iDP’s padded pro helmet bag. The Fiberglass and ABS models are shipped with a drawstring bag.
