The Best MTB Helmets

Whether you are a Cross Country fan or an aggressive Enduro rider, you’ll need a reliable MTB helmet to protect your head. Naturally, there are other parts of your MTB gear that you can’t forget, such as MTB shoes, knee pads, elbow pads, etc. However, in the event of a fall, none is as important as a helmet.

As you’ll see, hundreds of models are available on the market, and making a choice isn’t easy. Don’t worry, though! In this article, I’ll talk about designs, types of construction, visors, ventilation systems, padding, and other factors to consider when choosing your mountain bike helmet. In addition, I’ll review the best models of the year so that you can find the one that best suits your style.

Take a look at other articles to find the best MTB shorts, MTB gloves, MTB backpacks, MTB shoes, MTB cameras, MTB GPS computers, MTB knee pads, and MTB jackets.

THE BEST MTB HELMETS

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POC TECTAL RACE SPIN

The Poc Tectal Race Spin features a sturdy construction and great coverage, including excellent protection around the temples as well as along the back of the head.

The ventilation system is quite good, though it’s not as efficient as the ventilation systems of other models. If you’ll be doing a lot of pedaling in hot weather, you may need a cooler lid. Otherwise, it offers plenty of advantages.

The helmet features POC’s innovative SPIN protection system, which uses the inner pads to absorb and reduce rotational forces on the head in the event of an accident. It has a very comfortable liner that fits well and a lightweight construction that makes it perfect for Cross Country, Trail, and All-around MTB.

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GIRO SWITCHABLE MIPS

The Giro Switchable is ideal for aggressive riders seeking great protection. This model offers fantastic coverage around ​​the ears and cheeks, which increases the rider’s confidence on difficult trails. If you attach the chin bar, you’ll get full protection for downhill use.

Among the main disadvantages is that it doesn’t have the best ventilation among the helmets on this list, so it’s not suited for intense pedaling. Also, it’s slightly heavier than other hybrid models. However, it’s still one of the most versatile and reliable high-end helmets on the market.

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TROY LEE DESIGNS A3 MIPS

This helmet is an improved version of the successful A1 and A2, but has extra features and greater safety. The Troy Lee Designs A3 offers great coverage along the back of the head thanks to its dual-density foam, which is perfect for the most aggressive Trail riders.

The Magnajust visor has three positions that allow you to quickly adjust the visor and accommodate your goggles when you don’t need to use them. It features a sweat glide system attached to the liner, directing sweat away from your eyes.

In addition, it has a fit system integrated into the MIPS system, an easy-to-use magnetic buckle, highly comfortable interior pads, and 16 optimized vents that make it one of the best options for Cross Country and Trail MTB on the market.

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TROY LEE DESIGNS STAGE

The Troy Lee Designs Stage is one of the best-valued helmets for MTB Enduro and Downhill. At 680 grams, it’s one of the lightest full-face helmets on the list. This model provides full head protection without sacrificing breathability; its 25 vents guarantee optimal air circulation, which is perfect for the long climbs that Enduro riders have to deal with.

Also, it includes a comfortable X-Static liner that absorbs moisture, dries quickly, and reduces odors; a Fidlock system for easy buckling; and various safety systems, such as MIPS (which absorbs rotational force), EPP (for low-speed impacts), and EPS (for high-speed impacts).

Unfortunately, its full-face design makes it less versatile than half-shell models, though it was never meant to be an all-around helmet. This model is designed for aggressive Downhill, Enduro, and Trail MTB (especially when the rider needs extra coverage).

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FOX RACING SPEEDFRAME PRO

Inspired by motocross helmets, the Fox Racing Speedframe Pro strikes a good balance between protection, weight, and airflow. It’s not the lightest on the list, but it does provide great coverage along the temples and the back of the head, which is essential for Trail riding. In addition, it includes other important features such as the MIPS system, an adjustable visor, 19 vents, a magnetic Fidlock buckle, and a fully adjustable harness system.

The liner is removable, dries quickly, and has a special treatment that reduces odors. Overall, this lid is perfect for Trail riders looking for a reliable model.

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SMITH FOREFRONT II

Based on the popular Forefront I, the Smith Forefront II stands out for its original, eye-catching design, which combines an EPS layer and a Koroyd layer, thereby significantly improving low-speed shock absorption. This construction also helps reduce weight, making it one of the lightest Trail helmets.

Among the main improvements over the Forefront I, the Forefront II has a slightly more discreet design and larger vents. The three-position adjustable visor allows you to place your goggles on your forehead when you need to.

On the downside, and despite the improvements in the ventilation system, the Koroyd layer doesn’t allow for much airflow, making it one of the warmest top-end options.

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SMITH SESSION MIPS

The Smith Session is a more affordable, less futuristic option than the previous model, the Smith Forefront. With a more classic design, the Session MIPS also stands out for its comfortable and secure fit, as well as its great coverage.

This model includes a Koroyd layer that improves shock absorption too (although it uses less Koroyd than the Smith Forefront). This layer doesn’t reduce the effectiveness of the ventilation system because the lid features large top vents.

On the downside, the straps are quite basic, although not uncomfortable. Overall, it’s a lightweight, comfortable, well-ventilated, and durable model at an attractive price.

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GIRO SOURCE MIPS

The Giro Source is a top-rated model because it shows that sometimes you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a reliable, comfortable, high-performing product. Thanks to its good coverage and protection, it’s perfect for both Cross Country and Trail. It includes some practical features such as the MIPS system, an adjustable visor, and a secure fit system.

Note that the ventilation system is not the best on the list. Other models, like the Troy Lee Designs A3, have more efficient ventilation. However, it would be unfair to compare the Giro Source to high-end models because the price difference is also huge.

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BELL SIXER MIPS

The Bell Sixer is a middle-price-range helmet with high-end features and performance. This model features great coverage, an easily adjustable harness system, an efficient sweat absorption system, highly comfortable X-Static pads, a Dual-Flow ventilation system, a GoPro mount, and a four-position adjustable visor.

Although slightly heavier than some competitors, it’s comfortable to wear throughout the day thanks to its secure fit and efficient ventilation.

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SMITH CONVOY MIPS

The Smith Convoy is one of the best options in the budget range. Naturally, it doesn’t have as many advanced features as high-end models do (for instance, it has a fixed visor), but it performs well for its price. The Convoy includes the MIPS security system, 20 vents, an adjustable harness system, and great coverage.
In addition, it’s one of the lightest models on the list and is comfortable to wear even after a long day of pedaling.

Overall, it’s a great option for Cross Country riders looking for a tough, comfortable lid, without spending a lot of money.

IMPORTANT FEATURES OF MOUNTAIN BIKE HELMETS

PARTS OF A HELMET

MTB helmets are made up of three essential layers: outer shell, EPS foam, and padding.

Generally, the outer shell is made with ABS plastic, carbon fiber, or polycarbonate. The shell must be hard and resistant. However, its main function is not to absorb impact forces, but to protect the EPS foam from external elements such as rain and sun rays. This way, the foam will maintain its characteristics for much longer.

The EPS foam (high-density expanded polystyrene) is the inner layer of the helmet, and the one in charge of absorbing impact forces. Therefore, it can compress and deform, and even break, depending on the violence of the fall. Foam compression is essential to reducing the amount of force transferred to the rider’s brain.

Padding plays an important role in comfort. Internal pads can have different thicknesses and densities. Generally, the quality of the padding relates to the price of the helmet. Keep in mind that cheap pads can cause irritation and often don’t wick away sweat efficiently, increasing the warm sensation on the head. In most cases, the padding system can be removed for cleaning.

IN-MOLD CONSTRUCTION

Virtually all high-quality MTB helmets use in-mold technology. This system combines an outer shell (usually a thin layer of polycarbonate) with an inner layer of resistant EPS foam; the two layers are molded together. This results in a more resistant, rigid, and ultralight piece.

DESIGN AND PROTECTION

Different types of MTB helmets are designed to suit the main MTB styles, such as XC, Trail, Enduro, Downhill, etc.

Cross country

Open-face, thin, lightweight models are the most popular option on the market, as they are ideal for Cross Country MTB (known by the initials XC), which is the most common modality. XC bikers ride uphill and downhill along marked trails, so they need a well-ventilated, comfortable, and lightweight helmet.

Downhill

Downhill MTB involves speeding down dirt trails, often dodging trees, rocks, and other objects in the process. In this modality, safety and protection come first, as falls at high speed can have serious consequences.

Most Downhill lids have a full-face design, which includes a chin guard. The main downside of these models, known as full-face helmets, is poor ventilation. They are not recommended for activities for which you’ll need to do a lot of pedaling.

Enduro and Trail

MTB Enduro riders will appreciate a well-ventilated, lightweight lid, though one featuring greater coverage (especially around the temples and along the back of the head) than XC helmets. Hybrid models, which include a removable chin guard, are gaining popularity within this style. You can use them as ventilated half-shell helmets when you’re riding uphill, then attach the chin bar when riding downhill.

VISOR

MTB helmets include a visor that protects your eyes from sun rays, rain, and even hanging branches that you may encounter on the trail. Some visors are long and narrow, while others are short and wide. Today, large visors are becoming more popular.

Most Trail MTB models have adjustable visors, so you can move the visor up for better visibility. Adjustable visors allow you to move your goggles above your forehead when you don’t need to wear them, although this will depend on the degree of adjustability. Basic Cross Country helmets generally have a fixed visor.

MIPS AND OTHER SAFETY SYSTEMS

Most mid-range and high-end models include safety systems such as MIPS, SPIN, WaveCel, etc., which reduce the severity of injuries caused by an accident.

MIPS is the most popular safety system and consists of a plastic layer placed between the EPS foam and the head. In the event of an impact, the MIPS layer follows the rotational movement of the head, preventing friction between the head and the foam and reducing the effect of rotational forces on the brain.

This system has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of brain damage following serious falls, so the number of helmets including MIPS liners has grown dramatically in recent years. MIPS is a registered trademark, so some manufacturers have created their own safety systems.

In some models, POC is incorporating the SPIN system (shearing pad inside). This consists of a series of pads that are placed between the helmet and the head, so the helmet can rotate slightly around the head, thereby reducing the impact of rotational forces.

VENTILATION

Mountain biking can be an intense sport. Therefore, you must avoid dehydration. Most models have front vents that allow air to cool the rider’s head, and rear vents that let air escape.

The degree of ventilation will depend mainly on the number and size of openings. However, you must pay attention to other factors, such as the design of the interior padding, which can affect airflow.

A helmet with too many vents will have less foam in contact with your head, which can concentrate the force of the impact on a single point. Therefore, I recommend that you get a model with the right balance between ventilation and protection.

FIT AND COMFORT

Along with protection, comfort is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a helmet. If the helmet is too tight, it will be uncomfortable to wear. If it’s too loose, it will bounce around when you’re riding along rugged terrain.

Today’s manufacturers use efficient fit systems that provide maximum comfort. First, you must find the right size, then make sure the straps are snug, but not too tight.

Some models include an adjustable rear dial that allows you to fine-tune the fit. Because each person’s head is different, some riders feel more comfortable with certain brands and models.

WEIGHT

Every rider wants a lightweight helmet that feels like they’re wearing nothing. However, weight is often related to protection. Therefore, weight isn’t the only factor you should consider when comparing two models.

Cross Country open-face helmets typically weigh around 11 oz, Trail MTB models weigh around 13 oz, and full-face Downhill models weigh around 17 oz.

If you like to ride technical trails, look for especially lightweight models that will help you save energy, so you’ll feel less tired at the end of the day.

Downhill and Enduro full-face helmets are built with thick, high-density foam, which inevitably increases the product’s final weight. That’s the price to pay for greater protection against impacts.

GOGGLE COMPATIBILITY

Many riders wear regular mountain bike sunglasses, which are generally compatible with MTB helmets. However, some people, especially Downhill and Enduro riders, prefer MTB goggles, which have larger frames.

Make sure your helmet leaves enough space under the visor, so it can accommodate your sunglasses or goggles. Some models include a retainer on the back to keep the goggle strap in place.

Models featuring adjustable visors are really helpful when you don’t need to wear your goggles, as you can place them on your forehead.

GOPRO MOUNT

Action videos recorded from an MTB helmet can be mind-blowing. Most lids don’t include a GoPro mount, but you can use adhesive mounts to attach your camera to the top of your helmet.

Most action cameras have accessories like straps (generally sold separately) that can be attached to the vents. If you’re not sure about mounting a camera on your helmet, you can attach it to the handlebar or your chest.

HOW OFTEN DO I HAVE TO CHANGE MY MTB HELMET?

Manufacturers recommend changing your helmet whenever it suffers a significant impact. If you take good care of your helmet and don’t have any serious crashes, you should change it approximately every three or four years (although this depends on the model). This is because moisture, sweat, and UV rays degrade the EPS foam and other components, thereby compromising their reliability and resistance.

Naturally, you must check your helmet from time to time for cracks, deformations, or impacts. If you identify any, you should replace the helmet immediately.