TESTED: KED Pector ME-1 helmet

Words: Mike Blewitt
Photos: Gerard Lagana

What do you look for when you're shopping for a new helmet? Fit? Colour? Ventilation? Style? MIPS? An e-bike safety rating? Mountain bike helmets have come a long way in the past 10-15 years, especially in terms of specificity and safety ratings. KED are new to Australia, and the Pector ME-1 is the German brand's trail helmet, that also meets the NTA 8776 safety standard for pedelecs and speed pedelecs (so, e-bikes).

HEY! We've now reviewed the Ked Pector ME-1 – click here to read the review
 

A closer look

The KED Pector ME-1 is a well-finished helmet with a full hardshell covering over the expanded foam. 14 vents that are primarily focused on bringing air in the front and out the back via channels. There's a 3 position visor, a BOA retention system that is height adjustable, high quality straps and splitters and a Fidlock magnetic buckle. The straps attach on the inner edge of the shell which has less impact on eyewear for most riders. The shell is shaped to hold a goggle strap securely, and the helmet comes in 3 sizes. Our medium was true to size for the 52-56cm sizing and weighed 372g. There's a MIPS slip liner and extensive coverage from thing but dense padding for comfort. Our test model is black, but it also comes in red and 3 different fades.

The coverage extends low at the temples and further down the back than some trail helmets, and when you put the Pector ME-1 on you immediately notice a snug, stable fit into the helmet, without even touching the retention system. The fit of a helmet is always going to depend on head shape, which is why you need to try before you buy.

The NTA 8776 safety rating requires increased coverage and greater protection from impacts at higher speeds, which makes sense for e-bike use. In my mind, it makes a lot of sense for anyone looking for a new mountain bike helmet, as many trails are urging us to ride faster and harder, so the inevitable impact is likely to be greater as well.

On the trail

This is one of the most stable helmets I have used. It's up there with the TLD A3 and Specialized Ambush 2 for coverage and fit, although I prefer the aesthetics of the KED helmet. The visor gets top marks for the range of adjustment and how it locks into position, and it never moved from where I put it.

It's an easy helmet to set and forget, I never felt the need to readjust as the straps got sweaty, or to move it around to avoid a pressure point. The extra coverage is a real bonus, and there was no interference with my sunglasses, which is always appreciated. Maybe as I've just hit level 4.1 I think about safety equipment more than I used to. But when there is a safer option on the market, why wouldn't you opt to use it? 

The top of the helmet is mostly closed in, no doubt as part of the NTA 8776 requirements. You can't expect a higher rated helmet to be covered in holes after all. But thanks to the venting just below the visor, it still let lets of air move over my head, so the ventilation was great. Using the Pector ME-1 on a regular bike on steep climbs, I did notice it was a bit warmer than some very well ventilated helmets like the Lazer Jackal Kineticore, but it's on par with the Specialized Ambush 2, and in a way has a very similar layout for the venting. Neither of those helmets have the NTA 8776 rating. Having tested about 15 trail helmets in succession earlier this year, the KED Pector ME-1 would be in the top quarter.

My take

If you're after an open face trail helmet with high safety ratings, then I'd suggest visiting a dealer to try a KED Pector ME-1 on, regardless of whether you're on a trail bike or a trail eMTB. It hasn't been tested by Virginia Tech as yet, but I would be interested to see how it would rate. The ventilation is amazing at speed, and quite good at lower speeds, so will suit e-bikers best. But the high quality finish, very stable fit and adjustability are all the hallmarks of an excellent helmet. With suspension, wheels, tyres, saddles and more being eMTB rated – it makes sense that our safety items are designed for the changing demands as well.

Want more trail helmet reviews? Check out our mega group test! 

RRP: $289.95
From: 14co.com.au

Hits:

• Very stable, secure fit
• Extended coverage
• eMTB safety rated
• Good ventilation