Endura FS260-Pro MIPS II helmet review

Endura frequently punches above its weight in the world of helmet design, with the higher-end Koroyd-infused Pro SL (£164.99) a favourite of our reviews team.

As the name suggests, the new FS260-Pro MIPS II boasts the MIPS safety system instead, and it’s also covered by Endura’s crash-replacement policy and product guarantee.

Compared to higher-end road bike helmets, the integration of the classic yellow MIPS plate is pretty basic here, but it has been cut effectively to match the ventilation channels above it.

Endura FS260-Pro MIPS II details and specifications

At 266g for a size M-L, the Endura FS260-Pro II’s weight is pretty lean for a mid-level £109.99 lid.

That lightness remained evident on the road, making this an attractive option for sojourns in the mountains.

Despite Endura’s aerodynamic heritage, the Scottish brand makes no claims of drag reduction on the FS260-Pro MIPS II and there’s little sign of aero trickery on the rear.

There’s also a non-MIPS version for £89.99 if you’re ambivalent about the impact system. A Virginia Tech safety rating is also currently absent.

Endura FS260-Pro MIPS II performance

On the road, the retention system is effective and durable, and the dial is easily adjusted with one hand.

There are four internal options for height adjustment – the process of moving from one fit to another is a little nervy, but there are worse contenders around.

The finishing of the polycarbonate shell is high-quality, with a neat finish around the exposed foam of the rim especially. The buckle is basic but effective enough.

There was, however, a protracted struggle to get the straps to fit flush on the face before riding.

It meant that, no matter how much I fiddled with it, I couldn’t get in an optimum position without the straps bunching behind my ears.

The below-the-ears adjustment also proved frustrating, with some areas adjustable and others not, the result being I was never 100 per cent happy with the fit.

My chief test came in the heat and humidity of GFNY Cozumel in Mexico. That would be a tough test for any helmet, and it exposed the compromises in this sub-£100 lid.

On a 160km ride in 30°C temperatures, the ventilation proved effective, with the 20 ports encouraging airflow.

However, in the toughest ‘King of the Wind’ section in the Mexican midday heat, the internal padding proved unable to soak up my excessive sweat – a steady supply of taco-infused perspiration soon streamed down my face.

Those pads, despite being pretty sizeable, also became itchy, and I was happy to remove the helmet after six hours in the saddle.

Even when riding in the less intense environment of late-summer in the UK, I was never completely content with the forehead comfort offered by the FS260-Pro MIPS II.

As for competition at this price point, there’s the formidable Giro Agilis MIPS (£99.99, 292g) standing in its way. The Scott ARX Plus (£99.99, 269g) is also a strong contender for the mid-range dollar.

Endura FS260-Pro MIPS II bottom line

GFNY Cozumel was a formidable test of this helmet's capabilities, but for road, gravel and commuting stints in more temperate climes in the UK, the FS260-Pro MIPS II proved a lightweight and capable contender with classy finishing.

Let’s hope Endura updates the straps for V3, though.