# 16 percent more air, 40 percent more protection — the new MET Trenta 3K Carbon > MET did not revise the Trenta 3K Carbon, it rebuilt it. 260 grams, 24 vents, five stars at Virginia Tech. - Published: 2026-02-15 The Trenta 3K Carbon was already a good helmet. MET rebuilt it from the ground up anyway. The new generation weighs 260 grams in size M, has 24 vents and takes [five stars in the Virginia Tech test](https://bikerumor.com/met-trenta-3k-carbon-road-helmet-reborn-with-16-more-airflow-40-better-safety/). ## The 3K Airframe Inside sits a carbon support structure that MET calls the 3K Airframe. It replaces the EPS normally used in the frame of a helmet. Less foam means more open cross-section for the air. [MET puts the airflow 16 percent above the previous model](https://www.cyclingweekly.com/reviews/helmets/met-trenta-3k-carbon-mips-helmet-review-light-airy-and-beautifully-styled). The structure works in both directions. It lets more air through and it also takes up more energy. Added to that are a larger cover at the neck and a polycarbonate shell that wraps further around the helmet. ## The number that counts 40 percent better than the previous model — those are MET's figures from independent lab tests for linear and rotational impacts. Virginia Tech awards five stars. The rotation system is Mips Air. Virginia Tech matters here because the institute tests helmets independently of the makers and publishes the results. A five-star helmet does not only meet the standard, it clearly exceeds it. ## Who rides it [Pogačar and UAE Team Emirates ride the Trenta](https://www.rouleur.cc/blogs/desire-journal/the-new-met-trenta-3k-carbon-is-safer-cooler-and-is-already-the-worldtour-s-winningest-helmet). That is what you expect from a helmet of this class. The order of the goals in the rebuild is the more remarkable part: ventilation and protection came first, aerodynamics came after. For long summer days in the mountains that is the right priority. We stock the Trenta 3K Carbon (2026) in Black Matt and in White Glossy. --- Source: https://kilometro.ch/en/articles/met-trenta-3k-carbon-2026-rebuilt