7iDP’s Project.23 GF helmet is designed to provide downhill-certified protection while still being pleasant when it gets pedally. It features a host of cool tech and is exceptionally comfortable, but it can get warm when the wind isn’t in your favour.
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We're testing the GF version of the Project.23, which uses a glass fibre shell (there are also carbon fibre and ABS versions). Protecting that shell is an injection moulded trim with a quick-release AGION anti-microbial liner, while 23 vents aim to keep you cool on the pedally bits of enduro – and provide the Project.23 with its name.
Keeping the helmet where it should be is a super-quick Fidlock closure, and it comes with a bonus drawstring bag for scratch-free transport. The lid exceeds CE, CPSC, AS/NZ, and ASTM 1952 standards for ultimate confidence.
Like many protective equipment brands, 7iDP has developed it's own unique form of MIPS-like rotational impact protection. What makes Seven Energy Reduction Technology (SERT) different from other systems is that it's a waffle-esque liner that runs along selected parts of the EPS.
To further reduce the risk of sudden twisting forces during a crash, the visor is a breakaway design that will pop off should it dig in.
The first thing I noticed is how supremely comfortable the helmet is. The padding hits the perfect point between squish and support, and the SERT system has a role to play in this, with contact patches that hug the skull. It fits really well, and once on feels very secure.
The adjustable visor is a very welcome feature. It has three positions but, unfortunately, none of them move the visor completely out of sight. A little more adjustment would be great here, although that’s likely just me being picky.
Although there are vents littered around the Project.23, unless you’re pinned, airflow is restrained as the channeling inside the EPS isn’t terribly deep. The front vents also taper as they get deeper into the shell, which should speed air up when you're moving fast, but limit cooling when there's no wind forcing its way in.
If you’re using this helmet for uplift days you’ll be perfectly happy with the airflow, but if you're regularly pointing uphill you might want something cooler.
The 7iDP Project.23 GF is a seriously comfortable and well-built helmet. It inspires ultimate confidence when charging through puckering terrain, although it's arguably less successful at the cool-for-enduro design brief as it can get warm if you’re on the pedals for long periods.
If you use an uplift a lot, the Project.23 GF will serve you really well (assuming you can look past the visor… literally).
Also, if you find 1010g (size Large) a little weighty, the carbon-shelled version is a claimed 945g; while if £180 (for this version) is a little too rich for you, it's also offered with a cheaper ABS shell.