5 STARS for Project.21 HG Helmet!

We gave Vital MTB one of the first Project.21 Holographic Ltd Ed Series 1 open-face helmets to test, back in April, and they came back with a spectacular 5 Stars review! Now they are widely available here is a reminder of why they scored so highly:

Protection is serious business, and 7iDP has always been serious about it. We’ve had great results with many of their products over the years, from kneepads to helmets, so we are excited to see them release a new high-end half shell now. The Project.21 was designed with increasingly technical and demanding riding in mind, and it comes loaded with both comfort and safety features. Keep reading to learn more!

7iDP Project.21 Highlights (Holographic Ltd Ed Series 1)

• ERT™ System
• Conehead™ Technology
• 21 Cooling Vents
• Easy Position Visor angle
• CRV (Crash Release Visor) System
•  7iDP Rear Dial Adjuster
• AGION Anti-Microbial Liner
• TF (Through Flow) Goggle Ventilation
• Fidlock Magnetic Closure
• Two Pad Sets of Different Thickness
• Ltd Ed Padded Pro Helmet Bag
• Meets CE, CPSC, AS Standards
• Sizes: XS/S, M/L, XL/XXL
• Weight: 402g +/-10g (M/L)
• Colours: Black HOLOGRAPHIC
• MSRP: $229.99 USD / 199.99 GBP (Holographic Ltd Ed)

Initial Impressions

7iDP put a lot into the design of this new helmet, and it shows. The angular design language gives it a dynamic and modern look, with 21 vents that improve airflow in critical areas (and also serve as the helmet’s namesake). For example, one set of vents are dedicated to improving goggle ventilation, a clear nod to the intended use case of the Project.21.

The primary function of any helmet is to keep the rider safe of course, and 7iDP did not skimp here. Starting with the main shell construction, 7iDP went with their “Conehead” technology, basically a triple-layer construction that makes use of different foam materials combined together to ensure optimal shock absorption in various crash scenarios. This construction actually provides protection against both linear and rotational impact forces by itself, before introducing any additional type of rotational impact force mitigation solution.

In a crash, the energies generated from linear, rotational and angular impact forces are dissipated throughout the helmet structure, thereby reducing the forces directly transmitted to the brain.

In addition to the “Conehead” shell construction, 7iDP also uses “ERT” pads to further protect against impact force transmission. ERT (short for “Energy Reduction Technology”) is a 4-mm layer of soft polymer foam that can deal with absorbing both low-level direct impact as well as rotational impact forces. The visor can also release during a crash, to avoid causing the helmet to rotate unnecessarily. The Project.21 meets relevant CE, CPSC, and AS standards.

Looking over the rest of the helmet, there are plenty of features to point out. The generous comfort liner comes in two different thicknesses to allow the user to fine tune the fit. An adjustable harness ensures good retention, while the Fidlock buckle makes it easy to attach and remove the chin strap. The strap is anchored in two points, and can be adjusted to sit around your ears in the right position. The $229.99 USD limited edition version that is launching now comes with a zip-up carrying case to keep your helmet looking fresher for longer. 7iDP will also be introducing Pro and Trail versions of the Project.21 later this year, with pricing projected to land around $189.99 USD for the Pro version (which is identical to the Ltd Ed minus the zip-up carrying case and the holographic design) and $149.99 for the Trail version.

On The Trail

The Project.21 is a very comfortable helmet. The padding is soft to the touch, and the extended coverage really wraps around your head. In terms of the shape, it is what we’d consider a “round” shape as opposed to a more “oval” shape. It’s closer to a POC or Fox than it is to a TLD A3, for example (the TLD Stage is also a bit more towards the round end of the spectrum, for further reference). This tester’s head measures in at 58.5 cm, and it was a good fit for the size M/L Project.21, cinching it down just a couple of clicks from max extension of the ratchet dial. The height of the harness is adjustable which helps make room for ponytails as well…

The project.21 is very light, which together with the numerous vents provides for a very airy feel on the head. There are many channels for air to pass through, and it stays cool even when standing still. We were able to use several different riding glasses with good results, and goggles work too if you’re so inclined. The field of vision is good, not obstructed by the visor.

In action, the Project.21 is stable and secure on the head. We had no trouble adjusting the harness and finding the sweet spot between comfort and retention – we noted no hotspots during our testing, even during longer rides. As things get rowdy, the helmet stays in place too, aided by the aforementioned light weight but also the shape and overall balance of the construction. The Project.21 is also very quiet, the ERT padding is completely silent as opposed to certain slip-plane technologies that can be a bit creaky.

We tested the Holographic Limited Edition version, which as the name implies features 7iDP’s new holographic finish. To complete your kit, you can also opt for Holographic versions of the excellent Sam Hill kneepads and the Project gloves, both products that we hold in high esteem. This limited edition finish really looks good, and it will work well with pretty much any choice of riding apparel too.

What’s The Bottom Line?

As our sport evolves, your protective equipment needs to keep up – even a half shell helmet can be called upon to deal with some pretty rowdy situations these days. 7iDP has given the Project.21 about as many safety features as possible, and they’ve managed to squeeze it all into a light and very well-ventilated helmet. With modern looks and subtle styling, it should easily find its place in your wardrobe too. Certainly one to put on your half shell shortlist!

More information at: www.7idp.com.

About The Reviewer

Johan Hjord - Age: 51 // Years Riding MTB: 19 // Weight: 190-pounds (87-kg) // Height: 6'0" (1.84m)

Johan loves bikes, which strangely doesn’t make him any better at riding them. After many years spent practicing falling off cliffs with his snowboard, he took up mountain biking in 2005. Ever since, he’s mostly been riding bikes with too much suspension travel to cover up his many flaws as a rider. His 200-pound body weight coupled with unique skill for poor line choice and clumsy landings make him an expert on durability - if parts survive Johan, they’re pretty much okay for anybody. Johan rides flat pedals with a riding style that he describes as "none" (when in actuality he rips!). Having found most trail features to be not to his liking, Johan uses much of his spare time building his own. Johan’s other accomplishments include surviving this far and helping keep the Vital Media Machine’s stoke dial firmly on 11.

Photos by Johan Hjord