MET Vinci MIPS helmet review

Italian brand MET is the helmet provider for Tadej Pogačar and his UAE team, with the Trenta, Rivale and Manta regularly worn by WorldTour riders and reviewed largely positively by the BikeRadar team.

The Vinci is positioned closer to the bottom of MET’s road helmets range, just above the entry-level Strale and Idolo.

However, MET claims tech from its top-end lids has trickled down to its 269g construction.

MET Vinci MIPS details and specifications

Like the vast majority of road bike helmets we’ve tested recently, the Vinci boasts the Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS). Here, it’s the MIPS-C2 iteration.

The MIPS plate is inserted tidily and matches the ventilation channels, but this approach, while offering 10-15mm of travel in any direction, now looks a touch basic compared to the MIPS Air (seen on MET’s Trenta 3K) and Giro’s Spherical MIPS options.

The Vinci offers a range of seven colours, including the Titanium Metallic seen here and striking blue and yellow versions.

I’d prefer to see the exposed polystyrene on the rim covered by the in-mould outer shell, however, from both an aesthetic and durability perspective.

Two of the 16 ventilation channels act as an eyewear dock, although I would’ve preferred some kind of textured gripper tabs for added confidence here when using the docks while riding.

MET Vinci MIPS performance

The MET has a do-it-all road-riding feel and I’ve happily used it for hilly late-summer rides in the Mendip hills, in the south west of England, races in the Mumbles in South Wales, and for riding to work.

The 269g weight makes it competitive at this price point and heightens the helmet’s climbing appeal.

In testing, the 16 ventilation channels proved effective enough when the ascents got steep and my sweat levels spiked.

The internal removable gel padding is plush and comfortable, and has the welcome dual-pronged ability to soak up sweat while proving to be quick-drying.

MET says the Vinci has been inspired by the Tour de France-winning Trenta and there are clear visual similarities in the overall low-profile shape and positioning of the side vents.

While MET makes no claims about the Vinci’s aero abilities (and we haven’t had the fortune to test it in the wind tunnel), that Trenta-esque shaping makes it look like a swift lid.

In testing, I didn’t notice its low profile being affected significantly by crosswinds.

However, until you’ve mastered the process, it’s difficult to move between the quartet of internal positions for vertical adjustment, something that seems increasingly common on road helmets – possibly due to the MIPS plates getting in the way.

Once the position is set, though, the Safe-T Duo retention system offers a secure and confidence-inspiring fit, aided by an effective ratchet dial and straps that sit flush on your face.

Those straps are easy to adjust and should suit a wealth of face shapes.

Like MET’s top-end lids, you will need to think about sizing up if you’re between sizes (small, medium and large are offered).

Those with bigger heads might not find the large size accommodating enough.

This is perhaps the only substantial flaw here, because the Vinci MIPS ticks almost all boxes for road riders.

MET Vinci MIPS bottom line

It may have a mid-range price and mid-level weight, but the MET Vinci punches above its status, making this a helmet that’s very hard to fault.

Those with larger heads, however, may well need to look elsewhere.