Editor's Note: This review is part of the Mtbr All Mountain Helmet Shootout.

Overview

The Urge brand has a very unique look to all its products and that is probably how many customers get drawn to the Urge Endur-O-Matic. It has an All Mountain, skate, jet fighter pilot look to it and you'll either love it or not.

This helmet has ample coverage and there are quite a few attributes that separate it from the rest. It has a lot of coverage, dropping down to the rear neck and to the ears with only eight vent holes. But the shell is very thin and is thus very light at 336 grams only. The other part of the story is there's no retention system that is present in almost all helmets today.

So make sure your climate is not too hot and the shell of this helmet fits you well.



Fit, Pads and Retention System

As we mentioned, there is no retention system of straps, pads and wires that cradle your head with a halo to ensure proper fit. One has to ensure the shell shape fits well since there's no system to compensate for less than perfect fits. The straps are mounted on the sides of the helmet shell and they are integral to keeping the helmet in place with a fairly snug adjustment.

Ventilation

There's eight vents that are 30mm sized circles to address ventilation. They claim a 'Venturi' effect that channels the airflow from front to rear.

Does it work? Not really. This was the warmest helmet in our ventilation test, as the vents are simply not enough and not directed and positioned at the lower front of the helmet.

It's better than a skate helmet in our test and it really works quite well in cooler weather riding.

Continue reading for more on the Urge Endur-O-Matic and full photo gallery.



Goggle and Glasses Compatibility

Goggles compatibility is not an issue with the Endur-O-Matic. It works well and looks good. There's plenty of real estate for the google straps to rest as well.

The height of the helmet above the ears is perfect too, so compatibility with glasses is not a problem at all with little interference while wearing them or putting them on or taking them off.



Extras, Weight and Value

$110 for this helmet is a fair value as it's one of the lower priced ones. Weight is excellent as well, at 336 grams for this much coverage.

But there's a lot of lacking features like a rear retention system, ample ventilation or an adjustable visor. And with the lack of vents, it may be tricky to mount a helmet mounted light system.

Bottom Line

If you love skate helmets and you like the style and color schemes of Urge, give this one a try. But make sure the shell fits you perfectly since there's no retention system. And if you ride in hot summer weather and use the same helmet year-round, this may not be the one for you.



Specifications

  • Price: $110.00
  • Claimed Weight: 319 grams
  • Measured Weight: 336 grams
  • Number of Vents: 8 30mm vents
  • Visor: Fixed
  • Retention System: No adjustable lower head halo
  • Padding: Gangsta pad, anti sweat system

For more information visit www.urgebike.com.

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