TESTED: 7IDP M2 Trail helmet

Words: Will Shaw | Photos: TIm Bardsley-Smith

The 7IDP M2 helmet is an all-mountain/enduro focused open face helmet. When putting the helmet on you immediately notice the protection extending right down the back of the head. Despite this, the helmet’s overall size felt a bit small compared to other helmets I have been riding of late, such as the Bontrager Blaze and the TLD A2.  

The helmet was comfortable for me in a medium/large size, and I normally wear a helmet in the vicinity of 58cm. The helmet padding feels nice on the head, although I wouldn’t have minded slightly thicker padding to provide a little bit more cushion between the liner and the helmet itself.  

Tightening the M2 to the perfect tension is easy with the Boa dial in the classic right to tighten, left to loosen guise. I found that the Boa system has more micro adjustment available than many of the other dials on the market, so this is a definite thumbs up for the M2.  

The straps on the M2 are also a standout feature. Rather than sitting inside the helmet, the straps emerge from the shell of the helmet, meaning there’s one less friction point for your head as you’re riding along. 

The peak of the M2 is adjusted by two Philips head screws. Whilst I find plastic helmet screws can come loose regularly, the M2’s bolts held firm throughout testing. Whilst this sounds like a minor point, there’s nothing more annoying than losing a visor bolt and having your visor rattle around for the whole ride. Yes, I have been scarred by this. 

Protection wise, the M2 features 7IDP’s Conehead technology. Conehead features two different foam densities in the helmet, that are interlocked in a cone shaped pattern. The reason for this is to allow the helmet to absorb impacts better, increasing the amount of force the helmet can withstand compared with a single density foam helmet.  

Out on the trail, the M2 features 19 vents to keep your noggin cool. The cooling of the helmet considering its wrap around protection is quite good. Compared to the Bontrager Blaze helmet I have been spending lots of time in lately, the M2 comes out on top in the cooling department.  

Weight wise, our M/L helmet came in at 350 grams. This is pretty light compared with other all mountain/enduro helmets in the same price range. Comparable helmets to the M2, which retails for $164.95 include the Fox Speedframe, Giro Chronicle, and Bell 4FORTY.  

Despite my overall positive impression of the M2, there are some downsides. Firstly, whilst it’s by no means ubiquitous, many helmets these days are coming with integrated GoPro mounts. The M2 doesn’t offer this and attaching the mount as opposed to having it integrated is something you’ll notice on your head as you’re riding along, and it impacts on the safety levels of your lid. 

Secondly, if you’re the kind of rider who likes to put your sunglasses directly above your visor when you’re not using them, you’re out of luck with the M2. The M2 has a mesh liner underneath the front vents of the helmet, which stops bugs and debris getting in. Whilst this might be a positive for some, I'd wager the ventilation would be even better, and there’d be a safe spot for your sunnies if it wasn’t there.  

Overall the 7IDP M2 helmet offers a no fuss all-mountain/enduro helmet at a competitive price. If you’re the kind of rider who values micro adjustment and lighter weight in their helmet than the M2 could be the one for you.  

RRP: $164.95 

From: Echelonsports.com.au 

Hits: 

Boa system and great strap design 

Extended protection and good airflow 

Stable visor 

Misses: 

No in-built GoPro mount 

Bug mesh limits sunnies stowage