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MT Mugello: amazing value all-rounder budget helmet
Spanish helmet maker MT has built a solid reputation for making helmets that give excellent crash protection but don’t cost much.
Which means if you’re in a rush to buy a helmet and have a tight budget, then choose an MT and you’ll not go far wrong. You’ll not get the most sophisticated top-specced helmet around, but then you’ll also have saved a stack of cash. Which is always a good thing!
The Mugello is a polycarbonate-shelled full face crash helmet that’s one of the cheapest helmets on the market. So can it be any good?
- Polcarbonate full face helmet
- SHARP 4 star safety rated (out of 5)
- One shell size
- Pinlock-ready shield
- DOT and ECE certified
- Removable liner
- 3.2lbs (1.45Kg) – lighter than average
- Sizes XS-XXL
- Micrometric fastener
- Expect to pay $70-$80
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Safety
As mentioned in the intro, MT score pretty well when their helmets are tested by SHARP (note: MTs aren’t Snell tested yet).
To date, across all 6 helmets tested so far, they’ve scored an average of 4 stars across the range (out of 5) which is a spectacular result in anyone’s books – and even more so because MT’s helmets cost so little.
Like the Mugello, most of their helmets are made from polycarbonate. If you’re new to crash helmets, that’s essentially a shell made of thick plastic, which might sound a bit low-tech. But polycarbonate is actually a great material to make a helmet out of because it’s strong and durable, reasonably light weight – and cheap to form. And while it might lack the kudos of fancy carbon fiber or kevlar lids, some of the most effective helmets on the market are actually polycarbonate helmets.
The MT Mugello, like all helmets for sale in Europe has passed the rigorous ECE 22-05 test (and MT say it’s also US DOT certified) meaning it’s gonna give you a decent minimum level of protection anyway. But the UK SHARP testing lab has also independently tested the Mugello now and it scored a very respectable four out of a maximum five stars.
Obviously, it’s not quite top marks, but it’s very good. And if you want a maximum scoring helmet, you can find all the helmets we’ve reviewed that scored maximum marks for safety here.
Aside from this, the Mugello has a micrometric fastener (easy to use and nice and safe) and comes with a Pinlock Max Vision ready shield. Note: it doesn’t come with the actual insert though so you’ll have to buy that separately. We advise anyone riding anywhere that’s prone to cold and rainy weather (or hot and humid weather) to invest in a Pinlock to keep your vision fog free and safe.
There’s also a high-visibility version of the Mugello (see pic lower down). If you like to make sure you’re seen when riding, that’s the one to go for.
On the downside, the Mugello is only made in one helmet shell size. That’s not really great for optimizing safety or fit/looks – read more here.
Ventilation
In the chin bar there’s a central vent which can be opened/closed. That’ll bring air towards the mouth and onto the back of the shield. There’s also a pair of always-open exhaust vents on either side of the chin bar.
On the top of the head, there’s a pair of AGV-style sliding vents to bring air through the helmet and onto the scalp, and a pair of matching rear exhaust vents to create a path for the ventilation and draw the stale air out of the helmet. Both of these vents can be closed too.
To help with reducing fogging on the shield, the MT Mugello comes with a breath guard already fitted.
All in all, it’s a fairly standard arrangement of vents that you see on loads of helmets these days but it should do the job of keeping you cool and well ventilated. Though if you ride in cold weather a lot, it’ll not be enough to keep your shield fog-free.
Shield
The shield is a 2mm thick Pinlock Max-Vision ready shield with a quick release system.
For a $70 helmet, that means you’re getting lots of bang for your buck and it looks like MT has put a good deal of attention into making an effective shield system.
The quick change shield means it’s easy to quickly remove your shield to give it a clean after a ride – just open the shield, pull on the red lugs on either side and wiggle it off.
Shields always fog in the right (wrong!) conditions. So the fact that the Mugello’s shield is Pinlock-ready is great – and the Max Vision version means that the Pinlock will cover all your vision and not get in the way. The only downside with the Mugello is that the Pinlock insert isn’t provided with the helmet, it’s an accessory you’re going to have to spend another $30 or so on top.
Having some form of anti-fog treatment or insert is important for most of us – so click the link if you want to see all our helmets that are either Pinlock ready or supplied with a Pinlock included in the price.
Comfort & Sizing
The MT Mugello comes in sizes XS-XXL though it’s only produced in one shell size. So if you’re at either size extreme, you might find that it looks either very large or too small on your head.
It’s got a removable and washable comfort lining which is handy if you’re going to be using it daily so you can stick it in the washing machine from time to time.
Looks & Graphics
If you’re looking for a plain Mugello, there’s a gloss white version and a gloss and matt plain black version. There’s also a grey ‘titanium’ and a plain gloss fluo hi viz yellow version for added visibility.
For graphic versions there’s the Vapour and Maker ranges (all available in red, blue, green, yellow and black/white variants) and the Jerome. There’s also the excellent green camo Military version.
You’ll find all these designs up and down the page – but for the latest graphics and any deals, check out our recommended retailers using the links below.
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MT Mugello Video
A guy from the Philippines takes us round his new MT Mugello (note I think this particular design is now phased out).
Other stuff – fasteners, weight, warranty
The MT Mugello comes with the tried-and-tested micrometric fastener. It weighs in at around 3.2lbs (1.45Kg) which is just slightly lighter than the average full face helmet and way lighter than the average polycarbonate full face (3.5lbs/1.57Kg) so you shouldn’t have a problem with it being too heavy.
MT helmets come with a 1 year warranty only (check here for helmets with a 5 year warranty).
Overall/Summary
Because of its low price, the MT Mugello is probably going to appeal to those who are new to biking or commuters. Which is undoubtedly where MT reckon they’ll pick up most of their sales.
However there’s a lot of spec to be had for that low price point – especially when you consider it’s got a decent Pinlock-ready shield and lots of other bells and whistles that you’ll find on much more expensive helmets such as quick-release shield and channeled ventilation system.
Couple that with the Mugello’s excellent 4 star safety score from the SHARP safety helmet testing labs and the Mugello suddenly seems to be a lot of a bargain.
So if you’re on a tight budget but after decent protection and a very usable helmet, then at this amazing price point, the MT Mugello is practically a steal.
There are some cracking alternatives around though, so make sure you check them out below.
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Good Alternatives to the MT Mugello?
The best way to find alternatives for yourself is to use our Smart(ish) filters page where you can select a few features you’d like on a helmet and we’ll show you which helmets you should check out.
Other than that, take a look at our LS2 Rookie review. This full face is lighter than the Mugello, is SHARP 4 star safety rated and comes with an optically correct shield. It’s only tad more expensive too.
Shark’s S600 is their entry-level helmet. And while it’s a bit more expensive than the MT, you do get a Pinlock antifog in the box – and a SHARP 4 star safety rating.
And of course if you’re willing to spend a bit more, there’s always MT’s own Revenge which is a maximum 5 star rated crash helmet that even looks cool (esp in the pricier carbon fibre version!)
For more alternatives, take a look at our budget crash helmets section.
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