MET Parachute MCR 2: The classic full-face helmet reinvents itself

​Hardly any other helmet has shaped the convertible mountain bike helmet segment quite like the MET Parachute. Long before ‘convertible full-face’ became an established term in enduro cycling, the Italians combined the comfort of an open-face helmet with a detachable chin guard. With the new Parachute MCR 2, MET is now opening the next chapter in this success story: lighter, better ventilated and, above all, safer than its predecessor.

When the first Parachute was launched, the idea was still rather unusual: riding uphill with the ventilation of a trail helmet, and fitting additional chin protection for challenging descents. With the rise of enduro cycling and, later, the e-MTB category, this evolved into a distinct market segment. Today, almost every major manufacturer has a convertible full-face helmet like this in its range.

MET no longer sees the second generation of the Parachute simply as an enduro helmet, but explicitly as a solution for high-performance e-MTBs. Accordingly, the Italian manufacturer is placing much greater emphasis on protection standards that go beyond traditional mountain bike standards.

Greater focus on safety

According to MET, the new Parachute MCR 2 complies with the NTA-8776 standard for high-speed e-bikes and is therefore designed to withstand higher impact energies than traditional MTB helmets. It also has ASTM certification for the chin strap. According to the manufacturer, the design falls 40 to 50 per cent short of the permissible ASTM deflection values.

For added protection, MET integrates the latest generation of the MIPS Air Node Pro system directly into the Coolmax padding. This particularly lightweight version of the rotational protection system is designed to minimise any impact on ventilation.

More breathing space for long climbs

Anyone who wears a convertible helmet doesn’t want that sweaty full-face feeling; they want proper ventilation, even when riding uphill. Despite the increased level of protection, MET claims to have focused particularly intensively on this aspect.

The new Parachute MCR 2 features 24 ventilation openings and a redesigned airflow system. In wind tunnel tests, the helmet is said to have achieved 25 per cent higher ventilation performance than its predecessor. The Parachute has particularly large ventilation openings, especially at the front of the chin guard, so you can even cycle a few metres with the chin guard fitted.

New chin strap mechanism

The heart of the system has also been redesigned. The so-called Magnetic Chinguard Release is designed to make switching between full-face and open-face modes easier, particularly when wearing gloves. According to MET, the ergonomics of the MCR system have been completely redesigned for this purpose.

The lightest parachute to date

Despite the enhanced safety features, MET was able to reduce the weight.

In size M, the new Parachute MCR 2 is said to weigh just 730 grams. According to the manufacturer, this makes it the lightest Parachute ever produced. However, the MET is unlikely to match the Bell Super Air. According to the manufacturer, the latter weighs just around 640 grams.

In addition, there is a revised Safe-T-Heta adjustment system with 360-degree circumferential adjustment, a height-adjustable fit and a new visor with an integrated mount for spectacles and goggles. In the event of a fall, the visor is designed to detach in a controlled manner to reduce the strain on the neck.

Technical specifications: MET Parachute MCR 2

Editorial conclusion

The Parachute is one of the few helmets to have helped pioneer an entire segment. With the second generation of the MCR, MET is focusing on the key criteria: greater safety, better ventilation and reduced weight. The combination of ASTM certification, NTA 8776 approval and a weight of just 730 grams is particularly intriguing. However, at a price of 370 euros, the new Parachute MCR 2 is by no means a bargain.