Best Mountain Bike Helmets that Offer Complete Head Protection

The best mountain bike helmets must offer comfort, adjust-ability, adequate protection and proper ventilation. According to the statistics from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, cyclists account for nearly two percent of the total annual vehicle crash deaths. Again, in a majority of cyclist deaths, the most severe injuries are sustained on the head, a scenario that highlights the importance of putting on a mountain bike helmet.

In fact, according to the U.S Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, the use of mountain bike helmets can potentially reduce the odds of head injury by fifty percent. Furthermore, it equally reduces the odds of face, neck and head injury by thirty-three percent.

Perhaps all of us are now aware of the potential benefits of wearing a mountain bike helmet. Helmets are an essential piece of equipment for any serious rider out there. Thanks to the recent technological advancements in the mountain bike industry, riders are now going somewhat faster than ever, and perhaps this has led to a revolution in mountain bike helmet designs.

Even though all mountain bike helmets must meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission Standards, they all differ in one way or another. And this implies that different mountain biking helmets will come with their disadvantages as well as advantages, and will again suit different styles of riding.

Any mountain bike riding expert will tell you that the four most critical components of a good bike helmet are the strap, liner, ventilation slits, the shell, as well as the single mold construction. Apart from the ventilation slits, all the other parts are typically designed to help protect your head. The unique mold construction holds the parts in position, for a robust but lightweight helmet. Liners are specially designed to absorb impacts whereas the shells are constructed to hold together under stress.

Our Pick for the Best Mountain Bike Helmets

After a thorough analysis and testing of a series of mountain bike helmets, we came up with a list of arguably the best helmets for those who love mountainous off-road trails. Some of the features we examined were comfort, durability, performance, adjust-ability, protection, and ventilation.

Best Mountain Bike Helmet Reviews

Giro Manifest Spherical Mountain Bike Helmet

Giro’s Manifest Spherical Helmet is no ordinary helmet but rather a piece of superior engineering. Yeah, I know; you are probably rolling your eyes and thinking that this sounds like a tagline for a TV ad but it is actually true. This helmet was made in a very detailed manner.

To protect your head during any crash, it has MPIS to reduce the effect of rotational forces. It also has two different EPS foams to tackle impact as well. After safety comes comfort and the Manifest helmet is not lacking in this area at all.

You can adjust it in a myriad of ways to find a good fit for yourself and once you have arrived at that good fit, you can fasten it together in a secure manner with the fidlock magnetic snap buckle. 

There is also the ionic padding that deals with odor so that you don’t have to face it.  The helmet also has grippers that will keep your glasses from falling out. Now, the price of Giro Manifest Spherical Helmet is a bit steep but you can be sure that you will get it all back during usage.

Key Specifications

• Helmet Type: Half-shell (for trails).
• Material: Polycarbonate shell with EPS foam liner.
• Weight: 340G (Medium size).
• Ventilation: 19 wind tunnel vents.
• Visor: adjustable moto-style screw-in visor.
• MIPS Technology: yes.
• Padding: Washable, moisture-wicking interior padding.
• Chin Strap and Buckle: Roc Loc Trail Air and Fidlock Magnetic Buckle
• Warranty: NA

Reasons to Buy

• Thick but still comfortable padding.
• Nice magnetic chin clasps.
• Comes with built-in eyewear grippers.
• Comes in a selection of great colors and designs.
• Feels comfortable and breathable.

Reasons to Avoid

• Price is a bit steep.

3R Bell Super MIPS Bike Helmet

There are lots of features that make the 3R Bell Super a fantastic piece of bike accessory. However, one feature that stands out is the MIPS, Multi-directional Impact Protection System. Typically, the Multi-directional Impact Protection System utilizes a second internal plastic liner, close to the scalp and which can seamlessly slide over the inner shell by a few millimeters during impact. This may help reduce the so-called rotational brain injuries from glancing impacts.

This particular device is equally versatile and is designed for the many demands of all-mountain biking. The removable chin bar at its disposal makes it ideally suited for an all-mountain riding experience. For relatively longer climbs, you’ll remove the chin bar and stow it in your back. On the other hand, when you are in for some aggressive mountain riding, you can quickly lock it on to suit your demands. What’s more, it is exceptionally durable, and this is because the shell of the helmet is designed from an advanced Fusion In-Mold Polycarbonate material that equally offers the much-needed protection. Its Float Fit system is relatively lighter and comfortable.

Finally, bearing in mind that the copolymer tubes feature a hollow construction, you’ll experience significantly better airflow throughout the helmet. This ensures that you’ll always remain cooler regardless of the surrounding temperatures.

If you are someone that rides on rough trails on a regular basis, then you will love the 3R Bell Super MIPS Bike Helmet. It not only keeps you safe but also comfortable.

Key Specifications:

• Helmet Type: full-face (for downhill).
• Material: Polycarbonate (PC).
• Weight: 784G (SIZE M).
• Ventilation: over-brow ventilation.
• Visor: Adjustable visor with breakaway feature.
• MIPS Technology: Multi-directional impact protection included.
• Padding: X-STATIC and XT2 PADDING.
• Chin Strap and Buckle: removable chin bar and NO-TWIST TRI-GLIDES
• Warranty: I year

Reasons to Buy

• Lightweight and doesn’t feel heavy on the head.
• Won’t interfere with your ability to see the path ahead.
• Front face guard is easy to remove.
• Lots of holes that ensure good ventilation and airflow.
• Beautiful paint job.
• Extra fluffy cheek pads.

Cons

• A bit pricey.
• No DOT safety rating.

No products found.

Recommended: Best Mountain Bike Under 1000 Dollars

Proframe Fox Mountain Bike Helmet

The Fox Proframe is a full-frame, feature packed mountain bike helmet designed to keep your head protected on the trails at all times. It is an extremely versatile device and ideal for both extreme trail riding as well as recreational rides.

It is arguably the lightest mountain bike helmet made by Fox and weighs only 750g. Its highly integrated chin bar offers extra surface protection, while the 24 big bore vents at its disposal, a highly breathable liner with anti-microbial and moisture-wicking properties as well as a visor which ushers in airflow, all functions holistically to guarantee an all-around comfort.

It also boasts of the MIPS system technology that significantly reduces the rotation forces during a crash. It is equipped with a dual density Varizorb EPS liner that guarantees unrivaled protection. Simply put, it is a top-notch device that provides full coverage, can accommodate any size of protective goggles and is equally well-ventilated and durable.

Key Specifications:

• Helmet Type: full-face (for downhill).
• Material: Polycarbonate (outer material); expanded Polypropylene and expanded Polystyrene (inner material).
• Weight: 820 g (size medium).
• Ventilation: multiple vents for airflow and cooling.
• Visor: 3-position adjustable visor compatible with goggles.
• MIPS Technology: Yes.
• Padding: two sets of cheek pads as well as ionic liner.
• Chin Strap and Buckle: BOA fit system and Fidlock Magnetic Buckle closure.
• Warranty: 1-year manufacturer warranty.

Reasons to Buy

• Provides ventilation even in warm climate.
• Can be easily adjusted for a good fit.
• Comes with a GoPro Mount.
• Comes in different colors.
• Has MIPS protection system.

Reasons to Avoid

• Not so effective in wicking away sweat.

See Also: Best Mountain Bike Chain Devices

Giro Radix MIPS Bike Helmet

If you fancy the Giro Manifest Spherical Helmet but can’t get it due to the high price, then I suggest that you go for the Radix MIPS Helmet. It is also Giro that produced it. It is cheaper than the Manifest but has almost everything that the Manifest has.

Talk about the protective MIPS and EPS foam liners, it has it. What about the anti-microbial padding that takes care of sweat and odor? It also has it as well. What’s more? It even has more wind tunnel vents than the Manifest (25 to 19).

Just like the manifest, this helmet can be worn by people as young as 5 meaning that if you want to occasionally share it with your son, daughter, niece, nephew, etc., you can do just about that.

Yes, the Giro Radix may not have goggle grippers like the Manifest, or its shatter-resistant arch but it does a good job in all the areas that matter namely comfort, safety, and fit. So, definitely a great budget option.

Key Specifications:

• Helmet Type: Half-shell (for trails).
• Material: Polycarbonate shell with EPS foam liner.
• Weight: 316g (size Medium US)|300g (size Medium EU).
• Ventilation: 25 wind tunnel vents.
• Visor: adjustable P.O.V visor.
• MIPS Technology: yes.
• Padding: washable, quick-dry, and anti-microbial padding.
• Chin Strap and Buckle: Fidlock Magnetic Buckle for easy use.
• Warranty: 2-year manufacturer warranty.

Reasons to Buy

• Dual protection system namely MIPS and EPS foam liner.
• Visor can be adjusted in a myriad of ways to achieve comfort.
• Great ventilation and cooling system.
• Padding is quick-drying and anti-microbial.
• Offers great fit and wide coverage.

Reasons to Avoid

• No catches or clips for attaching headlamps to the helmet.

Smith Forefront Optics All Mountain Bike Helmet

The Smith Optics are known to produce some of the most powerful ski goggles, but their mountain bike helmets are equally fantastic. This, in particular, is one of its typical products, carefully crafted from the ground up for superior protection.

It has an in-mold construction, featuring the Aerocore technology and this offers not only durability but maximum protection to your head better far much than a typical EPS foam bike helmet. It is not just about protection and design alone, and this bike helmet is also reasonably lightweight and cooler as well. This is because of the hollow design of the copolymer tubes which enhance improved airflow throughout the helmet.

Read: Best Mountain Bike Pedals

Its fitting system is almost perfect and will give you unmatched comfort and fit, thanks to the four-point harness that always keeps it in place even during crashes. It is an award-winning mountain bike helmet worth considering for a buy.

Key Specifications:

• Helmet Type: Half-shell (for trails).
• Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene – ABS (outer material) and Expanded Polystyrene (inner material).
• Weight: 285 grams for lightweight comfort.
• Ventilation: 16 vents for airflow as well as a breathable Koroyd tube structure.
• Visor: Adjustable visor
• MIPS Technology: not included.
• Padding: N/A
• Chin Strap and Buckle: VaporFit retention system.
• Warranty: 3-year manufacturer warranty.

Reasons to Buy

• Comes with brass inserts for mounting cameras, motion lights, etc.
• It is lightweight.
• It is breathable.
• Can absorb certain types of impact.

Reasons to Avoid

• Outer material is a bit difficult to clean.

POC Kortal Race Mips

If you are someone whose cycling comprises of paved paths and short distances, then there is no need to bring out more than a hundred dollars to buy this helmet. However, if mountain biking and riding on other rough terrains is your pastime, then you should get this bike. That price you pay is an investment in protection.

The POC Kortal Race Mips is built in a way to protect you should there be an accident. It has MIPS and EPS liner, and the helmet covers the head completely and also part of the temples. It is also thicker at the back to minimize impact.  The visor of the helmet is also built to break away in case of a crash minimizing injury to the face.

Additionally, the helmet has a chip that can be scanned by first responders to get medical info about the rider and thus be able to help them in case of an accident. It also has reflectors to make it easy for the search and rescue people to get to the rider.

The POC Kortal Race Mips clearly goes the extra mile unlike most bike helmets out there. Definitely a good investment.

Key Specifications:

• Helmet Type: Half-shell (for trails).
• Material: Polycarbonate shell with EPS foam liner.
• Weight: 390 grams.
• Ventilation: multiple vents.
• Visor: patented breakaway visor.
• MIPS Technology: Multi-directional impact protection included.
• Padding: interior padding.
• Chin Strap and Buckle: Adjustable 360-degree fit and buckle.
• Warranty: 1-year manufacturer warranty.

Pros

• Offers great ventilation.
• Can be used with e-bikes, pedelecs etc.
• Provides extended protection; covering both the head and the temples
• Vents at the back can be used to stow away sunglasses.
• Has reflectors which help during search and rescue.

Cons

• Color could fade over time.

Podium Demon Full Face Mountain Bike Helmet

If you are a rider who’s on a strict budget but wants a durable, versatile, high-quality and performance-driven device, the Demon Podium should be your ultimate option. It features a highly adjustable visor with aluminum side visor screws and a fairly robust injection molded thermal alloy polycarbonate shell for optimal protection. It also boasts of 13 convenient airflow vents to support the excellent circulation of air for your comfort.

It is lightweight and a CPSC certified device with an incredible polycarbonate shell which can take lots of abuse on the trail. Overall, the Demon Podium is a great mountain helmet at a reasonable price worth investing in.

Key Specifications

• Helmet Type: full-face (for downhill).
• Material: Polycarbonate – PC (outer material) and Expanded Polystyrene (inner material).
• Weight: 998 grams (medium size)
• Ventilation: 13 vents for airflow and cooling.
• Visor: Adjustable visor
• MIPS Technology: not included.
• Padding: Washable and removable helmet liner.
• Chin Strap and Buckle: yes.
• Warranty: 1-year manufacturer warranty.

Reasons to Buy

• Compatible with ski goggles and sunglasses.
• Lightweight and comfortable.
• Offers a snug fit around the head.
• Great for winter riding as it keeps the head warm.
• Comes in a variety of colors.

Reasons to Avoid

• Feels hot in warmer months.

Recommended: Best Bike Rack for Cars and SUVs

FAQs

What is MIPS Helmet? 

A helmet that has the multi-directional protection system is what is known as an MIPS helmet. MIPS simply tries to protect the brain and head during impact. Most helmets nowadays have MIPS.

How to Measure Head for Helmet? 

To determine the size of your head, use a tape and wrap it around the largest part of your head. Note down the measurement. Repeat the process to make sure you are getting a consistent measurement. You can use that measurement and determine what size of helmet to buy.

You can also use your hat size to buy a bike helmet if you already know what it is. Some helmet companies include hat sizes in their size chart.

Can You Wear A Bike Helmet Skiing?

It is not good to use a bike helmet for skiing because it is not built to address the sort of challenges that you may face while skiing. Take something as simple as temperature for instance. When biking, you want a helmet that will let fresh air into your head but when skiing, you want something that will protect you from the cold.  

What is the Best Mountain Bike Helmet? 

The POC Kortal Race MIPS is one of the best helmets out there for mountain biking. Another great one is the Manifest Spherical Bike from Giro.

How to Wash Mountain Bike Helmet Liner

Before washing the liner in your mountain bike helmet, you first have to detach it and bring it out. After that, gently hand wash it with water and detergent. Allow it to dry very well (you don’t want it smelling funny later) and put it back into the helmet.

Is A Mountain Bike Helmet Strong Enough For Use When Riding ATVs? 

A full-face mountain bike helmet can be worn when riding an ATV but it is not really ideal. The best helmet to wear when riding an ATV is a motocross or a motorcycle helmet. It is such a helmet that will actually serve.

Do You Need A Full-Face Helmet When Mountain Biking? 

You don’t necessarily need a full face helmet if you are mountain biking; a half shell can also serve. The most important thing is that whichever one you choose should be strong and have multiple layers of protection such as MIPS and EDS foam liner.

Where to Buy MTB Helmet? 

You can buy MTB helmets at stores that sell cycling gear. You can also buy it online from the store of the specific company you want their product or general merchandisers such as Amazon.

Can You Use A Mountain Bike Helmet for Road Biking?

A mountain bike helmet can be used for road biking. Road biking is less dangerous therefore using a mountain bike helmet is a bit of an overkill but at least, the most important thing is that you are protected.

Is Bell a Good Helmet Brand? 

Bell is one of the companies that produce great helmets. One of their products that have good reviews from many people is the BELL Super 3R MIPS Adult Mountain Bike Helmet.

The Bottom Line

If you are an ardent fan of bike riding, then you know how your safety is important. This implies that you must invest in a high-quality headgear. The latest bike helmets boast of impressive features, including impact reducing liners, dual-density foam layers, highly innovative buckle and strap designs as well as multi-adjustable fit systems. We have provided you with some of the best mountain bike helmets currently available out there on the market.

How We Tested Mountain Bike Helmets

Our bike helmet testing process starts with several days of research and in-depth analysis to determine which helmets meets safety, comfort, ventilation, weight and usability criteria.

• Number of Helmets Tested: 12
• Testing Period: Five weeks
• Methodology: Helmets were purchased and tested on various terrains, including downhill, cross-country, and technical trails.
• Factors We Considered: Impact protection, fit, comfort, ventilation, weight, adjustability, strap design, build quality, aesthetics, and overall value.

Why should I trust this review?

Our authors, contributors, and editors are serious about the research work that we do here. We combine our own individual experiences with the products we recommend, with reviews that come from verified users like you. This is in addition to reviews from leading industry experts we consult to get you the best products to enable you choose with ease and confidence.

Meet Our Experts

In the course of our research, we consulted some highly experienced cyclists and safety gear specialists to help us in determining the best mountain bike helmets that provide complete head protection and comfort for all types of riders at affordable price.

• David Parker is a professional mountain bike racer with over 18 years of experience in high-intensity competition. He has worked closely with top helmet brands to develop designs focused on reducing impact and improving rider safety.
• Dr Rachel Thompson is a certified cycling safety instructor and expert in protective gear. Throughout her career that spans over 20 years as a researcher, lecturer, and instructor, she has tested a wide range of helmets and other outdoor gear equipments for safety, fit, and comfort.