7iDP's Project 23 full-face helmet is designed to offer the same protection as a full-on downhill lid, at a decently low weight and with enough ventilation to wear for enduro riding and racing – no easy task, but 7iDP has done a pretty good job.
I tested the priciest model, with a carbon fibre shell that fully encloses the EPS liner. Integrated into that liner are sections of smart foam, claimed to reduce energy transfer to the brain on impact.
The magnetic FidLock buckle is quick and easy to use, and the angular peak offers three positions. There are six sizes, with no additional padding to tweak the fit. I had to swap from my usual medium to a small, so do try before you buy.
The overall feel is closer to an enduro-style full-face than a DH lid, although its 1,070g weight (small) does make it more noticeable on your head than lighter equivalents, such as Troy Lee Design’s Stage which weighs 690g.
That said, ventilation is impressive, with 23 decently-sized vents, and I even tackled long climbs wearing it without feeling like I was going to melt.
When you start panting, your breathing is louder than in a lid like the Stage, but removing the mesh guard at the front of the chin bar is an easy way to improve airflow and reduce the noise.
Overall, if you get the fit right, the Project 23 is comfortable – maybe not as plush as a full-on DH lid, nor does it feel quite as secure or protective, but ventilation is good and the weight and price are reasonable.
Product
| Brand | 7idp |
| Price | 280.00 GBP,350.00 USD |
| Weight | 1070.0000, GRAM (S) - |
Features
| br_helmetType | mountain_bike_full_face |
| Features | Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL Vents: 23 Colours: Raw Carbon/Gloss Grey; Raw Carbon/Gloss Electric Blue |
