Met Manta MIPS helmet review - low profile and price for an aero lid

This lid received an aero redesign, MIPS liner for added safety protection, and is still remains a great value option

MET Manta MIPS helmet being worn by a male cyclist
(Image credit: Future)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

The MET Manta MIPS is a great value aero helmet, representing a solid improvement over the last iteration. It’s slightly heavier but that’s because MET has added in MIPS safety tech, which we like to see! As well as offering greater levels of protection against rotational impacts, it’s also faster than before (according to MET’s testing) - but details on its aero performance against competitors are sparse. The low-profile compared to other aero lids is a particular plus, not to mention the (relatively) low price. Ventilation is good, but not standout.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Great value

  • +

    Low profile look when worn

  • +

    Tasteful colour options

  • +

    MIPS C2 safety tech added

  • +

    Ventilation is good at speed

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Tests against competitors have little detail revealed about speed or which competitors

  • -

    Minimal front venting means warmer forehead

  • -

    No Virginia tech helmet safety rating

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

The Manta has long been one of the most recognisable aero helmets in the pro peloton. It was debuted by Mark Cadendish in 2015 and has now undergone redesigns to make it both faster and safer.

Does it drop weight? No. In fact the opposite is true: this new lid is slightly heavier due to the inclusion of MIPS safety tech, which is designed to provide protection against rotational impacts. Added safety is a big plus, and not many grams have been added in the grand scheme of things.

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Andy Turner

Andy is a Sport & Exercise Scientist, fully qualified and experienced cycling coach, personal trainer and gym instructor. He spent 3 years on the road riding for a UCI cycling team and 7 years as a BC Elite rider. 

 

After graduating in 2020 with first-class honours in his Sport & Exercise Sciences BSc, he continued to pursue his interest in research in the field of sport science alongside setting up his coaching business, ATP Performance, and working for USA-based firm, Wahoo Sports Science. He balanced this with racing at international level, competing in prestigious events such as the Tour of Britain and the Volta a Portugal.