MET Elfo Youth Helmet in review
In the “The Lab” we present the latest products and put them through their paces for you. Some undergo long-term tests, while we check others out only briefly. This time we reveal how the MET Elfo Youth Helmet fared.
The human race has ticked off many exceptional achievements, putting a man on the moon, conquering the air, reaching the poles. However, they all seem simple when faced with the monumental task of getting a toddler to wear a cycling helmet. As a bike-mad dad, Trev is focussed on two things. Helping his 1-year-old discover a love for bikes and keeping him safe while he does so. Fitting a wide size range of heads from 46–53 cm, Trev’s son Brook has been in his MET Elfo since he was 8-months-old. With the highly adjustable cradle, there is still good growing room. The helmet borrows many features from the adult range such as in-mould construction, an integrated visor, anti-allergenic interior padding and insect mesh over the vents. However, what’s most impressive is the intelligent fit system that uses a ‘Safe-T E-twist’ dial to gently and comfortably secure the helmet onto the head without applying pressure to the fontanel.
The MET Elfo is designed to have no contact with the fontanel, the soft part of your child’s growing skull.
The rear of the MET Elfo allows your kid to sit up straight in child seats.
The cradle in the MET Elfo is soft and very easy to tighten, essential to minimise fuss.
There have been zero tantrums when fitting the helmet. It’s easy to put on and then carefully rotate the dial to cinch down the cradle and perfect the fit. The Elfo is specifically designed with toddlers in mind and has no contact points with the fontanel, the vulnerable soft portion of babies’ developing heads. The MET Elfo also has a shaped back section that allows your kid to sit up straight on child bike seats without their head being pushed forward. While it is true that crashing with a baby on board is not really an option, if the worst were to happen, a helmet is essential. It also encourages helmet use from a very young age. Ten exciting colour options are available, so you can find one that your kid loves. The helmet also has an integrated flashing rear light which is great for entertainment and as leverage to get your kids excited to put on their lid. Trev will be buying the larger MET Genio (for heads from 52–57 cm) as soon as Brook grows out of his Elfo.
The MET Elfo is a fantastic helmet for your wee shredder. MET have invested the same considerable research and thought into their kids range of helmets as their adult range. We particularly like the consideration of the fontanel protection. It gets a firm thumbs up from 1-year-old Brook.
Tops
- cradle is soft and easy to adjust
- shaped rear optimised for child seat use
- no fontanel contact
Flops
- nothing, it’s great
Tester Baby Brook
Duration 4 months
Price € 38
Weight: 230 g
More info met-helmets.com