Endura’s MT500 D3O Protector Vest has been built for ‘the most aggressive DH and trail riding’.
It has, reportedly, been developed with the Athertons and Danny MacAskill, so plenty of experience has gone into its design.
With more trail and enduro riders choosing to wear back and chest protection on rides, Endura has clearly seen the need for a well-ventilated vest that offers a decent level of protection.
Front and back panels are constructed with ventilated D3O pads, while there’s a highly adjustable neoprene and mesh vest holding it all together.
I found the vest comfortable to wear all day, despite its bulk, and while warm, it didn’t leave me dripping with sweat.
Endura MT500 D3O Protector Vest details
The main protective details are the two D3O inserts.
D3O is a non-Newtonian material that's flexible in regular use, but hardens on impact, spreading loads across a wider area.
The chest panel is a CP1 L1 insert, while the back is a BP4 L1 insert. This means it’s a flexible, ventilated insert there to offer protection from impacts.
Both chest and back panel offer EN 1621 Level 1 protection – this is not as high as the Level 2 protection some brands fit.
The front insert tops out just below the collar bone and goes as low as the upper-belly. There's some wrap around the torso, too.
The rear insert is both broad and longer, dropping to the top of the tailbone.
Both inserts are removable for washing purposes.
Surrounding the D3O inserts are fairly thick foam panels, offering additional impact protection.
The vest in which everything is held is built from mesh and neoprene, adding a bit of bulk and sturdiness.
At each side, two Velcro tabs, one broad and one narrower, offer fit adjustment, as well as making it easier to get the vest on and off.
Some stretch is built into the vest, most notably in a pair of stretchy mesh panels.
Endura MT500 D3O Protector Vest performance
I tested the vest on both uplift days and all-day trail rides, mostly in cooler conditions.
Three sizes are available (S-M, M-L, L-XL). At 182cm tall and moderately broad in stature, I opted for the M-L size, which seemed accurate.
The overall fit is good.
Though broad, the shoulder straps don’t encroach on the neck and the pair of Velcro straps on either side of the torso give meaningful adjustment to how the vest sits on your body.
With a large opening around and under the arms, I never felt constricted while wearing the vest.
At the back, the rear insert is noticeably longer than most trail-oriented body protectors, which gives a feeling of safety.
Despite this, there’s little interference with your other kit or mobility on the bike. I was able to wear a hip pack without issue and the rear insert didn't push on the waist of my trousers.
This is a relatively bulky piece of kit, and while I was unable to test it in warmer conditions, it feels as though Endura has got the ventilation sorted.
The front and rear inserts are backed by a thin, soft material, while there’s a very open mesh on the front. Through this, you can see how well-ventilated the panel itself is.
The foam protection surrounding the inserts will add warmth, however I was consistently surprised that I didn't get sweaty while riding in the vest.
It’s also nice that the top of the rear insert is relatively well-shaped and tapered – wearing it with an MTB jersey over the top doesn’t leave you looking or feeling like a turtle. Although the protection is clear, it’s not awkward-looking.
As with all D3O products, when cold the vest feels stiff, but once some body warmth makes its way into the material, it softens, reducing the impact on your mobility and boosting comfort.
As with all protective vests, I tend to wear a baselayer underneath. However, when worn against the skin, the vest is comfortable enough.
So far, so good. However, I have two criticisms of the MT500 vest.
First, I found a little gaping at the front, below the shoulders at nipple height. This didn’t cause any issues per se, however the fit there could be improved.
The other is Endura could have opted for an EN 1621 Level 2 back protector. D3O offers the same shape of protector in its range with the higher protection level.
This would bring it up to the same spec as back protectors from the likes of Fox (the Baseframe Pro D3O for example) and would make it a product worthy of downhill use.
Endura MT500 D3O Protector Vest bottom line
Endura’s MT500 D3O Protector Vest is a good option for those looking for additional protection on the trail.
It’s not a lightweight vest, however despite decent coverage and a sturdy build, it’s comfortable on day-long trail rides. It enables good mobility when throwing shapes in the bike park and seems to be well-ventilated.
Fit and adjustability is largely good, but I’d love to see a Level 2 back insert to maximise protection.
