A few months ago I reviewed Endura’s MT500 helmet, and quite liked its fit and broad coverage design. So when the more affordable and similar-looking SingleTrack II helmet arrived at the office, I was handed the petrol coloured lid and told to get on my merry way.
If you were to take a quick glimpse at both the MT500 and the SingleTrack II you’d likely notice that the SingleTrack II lacks the Koroyd honeycomb construction of the more expensive helmet. Aside from the Koroyd panels, there are a few more key differences between the two.
The SingleTrack II features 14 vents, including the “Subaru scoop”, that are of a totally different design to the MT500 and are overall much larger. These are very generous air channels that offer plenty of ventilation when on the move, and as there’s no honeycomb to impede the flow, the SingleTrack II is quite a bit more comfortable for use in warmer climates.
Like its more expensive brother, the SingleTrack II is goggle compatible. There’s a slight curve to the rear of the helmet that allows a goggle strap to nestle in, and the visor is easily adjustable out of the way for stowing your eyewear when climbing. However, there is no goggle strap retention system on the back of the SingleTrack II, which could be an issue depending on the goggle that you use and if they have some sort of rubberized grip system on the strap or not. If you wear glasses when riding then it is worth noting that the vent design doesn’t allow easy stowage when not in use.
Speaking of the visor, the short peak is attached via bolts that can be tightened with an Allen key if they become loose, something I did experience with the MT500. The visor has three positions which clicks into place and stays even in the most choppy of conditions.
While there are three positions in total, I would have preferred to see an additional position in between the lower setting and middle. I sometimes found that the visor was a tad too low for my liking when set in its first position, and looks a little awkward in the middle setting. That’s not to say that the visor ever caused an issue with visibility, but it is easily within view when riding and that extra in-between setting would have been perfect.
At the top of the helmet is the same accessory mounting system as we saw on the MT500 helmet. The SingleTrack II can be used with plastic clips that slot into the front mount then clips into position in the “Subaru vent”.
The design means that if you were unfortunate enough to land on your head with a camera or light attached, that accessory will unclip and fall away rather than puncturing through the helmet, and potentially causing extremely serious injury.
Unfortunately, at this price point, Endura doesn’t include the accessory mounts with the helmet so we weren’t able to test them.
Other features of the SingleTrack II include internal airflow channels to further improve the circulation of air through the helmet, antibacterial, fast wicking and washable padding and a micro adjust strap system.
We’ve been pretty fortunate this year to have really good weather and I was lucky enough to visit Malaga too, so the SingleTrack II has been tested in very hot, sunny and sweaty weather.
In my experience, the helmet performs very well with great airflow and wicks moisture effectively. It’s also a very comfortable and lightweight helmet with very well engineered straps and buckles. Once it’s properly adjusted it remains secure even after a few weeks of riding whereas I’ve found other helmets might need a readjust on a more regular basis.
While I haven’t had any issues with the Endura SingleTrack II helmet I do wonder if the very large side vents are a little too big? It’s only now that I am writing up the review for the helmet that I realise just how large those side vents are, and now I’m wondering what the chances are of a particularly pointed rock or branch making its way through are? It’s unlikely to happen and I suppose the same could be said of any helmet but doesn’t that extra large vent make the chance of injury more likely? It’s hard to say.
I did contact Endura, who stated that it designed the SingleTrack II helmet to be lightweight, comfortable and exceed relevant safety standards, so Endura must trust the design and be happy with its level of safety. Perhaps I’m worried about nothing, but it is something worth thinking about if you do ride in exceedingly sharp rocky conditions.
Endura SingleTrack II Helmet: Conclusion
The Endura SingleTrack II helmet is a very comfortable, lightweight and secure helmet. The large vents and clever channels make it great for riding in warmer conditions and the unique accessory mounts do give me some piece of mind when using a helmet camera, although it would be nice if Endura included them with this helmet.
If you’re after a helmet for under £100, want to benefit from extra large vents and the cooling they bring, the Endura Singletrack II helmet is certainly one to put on the list.
Review Info
| Brand: | Endura |
| Product: | SingleTrack II |
| From: | Endura |
| Price: | £74.99 |
| Tested: | by Andi for 8 weeks |
Comments (2)
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Just hope its better than the MT500.
that clip is a rubbish design for taking on and off.
Great value, well made. As ever, check it fits – I found it rubbed my forehead.
Big vents mean it’s good and cool, but the camera mount has a tendency to grab branches that you skim under jerking your head back. I had it happen a load of times with this helmet.
Peak is annoyingly large. in the lowest position it’s right in your field of view but it looks a bit gawky in both the others.