Best mountain bike helmets are necessary protective gear for any mountain biker. With various models available on the current market, it is not easy to choose the right one.
Today’s article will cover the top 10 best mountain bike helmets for you. We will look into certain features, including types, weight, safety, and comfortability. Now, let’s start!
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Table of Contents
10 Best Mountain Bike Helmets Available on the Market
1. Giro Chronicle - Best Overall
Pros
Cons
Coming first as one of the best mountain bike helmets is Giro Chronicle. The helmet has an open-face design suitable for cross-country riding. At an affordable price, it offers essential performance and protective capability.
Safety
This helmet uses the MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) technology. By diverting the rotational force from accident impacts, it will reduce the collision on your head.
Weight
The Giro Chronicle is pretty light, making it suitable for cross-country and trail riding. The helmet weighs up to 1.32 pounds in total.
Ventilation
The Chronicle has a ventilation system with 14 vents, allowing easy radiation of body heat from within the helmet, particularly helpful in the summer. These air vents contribute to making this helmet the ideal choice to wear while riding uphill.
On the flip side, the helmet’s design won’t stop sweat from getting in your eyes during extensive exercises. It is, however, minor and fixable with a pair of riding glasses; hence this helmet remains its title of best overall.
2. Bell Super DH - Runner-up
Pros
Cons
Next, we give you an alternative that is absolutely versatile; you can change it from the open-face to full-face mode and vice versa. Are you ready for the Bell Super DH?
The Bell Super DH is famous for its detachable chin guard, which you can remove in less than 1 minute to switch from trail riding to Enduro (downhill riding).
Safety
This helmet has an upgraded safety system, the MIPS Spherical. This new system replaces a plastic liner with 2 layers of EPS foam (expanded Polystyrene). These layers are located at 2 different zones and rotate independently, reducing forces more effectively than the standard MIPS.
Weight
Despite bringing the safety, the MIPS Spherical and the chin bar add more weight to the helmet, 1.87 pounds. When we remove the chin bar, Bell Super HD becomes slightly lighter than the Chronicle, at 1.07 pounds.
Ventilation
Because it doesn't use a plastic liner, the Spherical system offers better airflow. Hence, it improves bikers’ ventilation and comfort.
Coupled with 19 vents, 2 brow ports, and no chin bar, you will be pleased with this helmet’s cooling system. At the same time, in the full-face mode, it provides 4 more mesh-free vents allowing you to feel comfortable even during the steepest ascent.
Aside from its excellent features, Bell Super HD is more expensive than the previous helmet.
3. Giro Hex - Best Price for Open-Face Helmet
Pros
Cons
If you are looking for a great open-face helmet with a reasonable price, the Giro Hex is for you. It is notable that an open-face design is not suitable for downhill riding.
Safety
Compared to the previous helmets, the Giro Hex doesn’t have MIPS technology. Giro claimed that they tested its safety in their category-leading helmet test lab. Yet, we recommend using this helmet in a casual condition, such as a town riding and not too extreme mountain riding.
Weight
Without MIPS, Giro makes the Hex recognizable with its outstanding lightweight, around 0.7 pounds, almost half of the Chronicle. This feature is a key point for many bikers to consider.
Ventilation
Not just lightweight, this helmet also allows you to enjoy your riding with its 22 vents. No matter how much heat you produce, the airflow through these vents will cool you down and give you more comfort.
Even with all these features, the Giro Hex offers the lowest price tag. Giro Hex surely will be a good addition to your collection without breaking your bank.
4. Giro Verce - Special Edition for Women
Pros
Cons
Although most helmets are suitable for both men and women, it’d be great if women have a more adjustable helmet for themselves.. Giro understands this and makes a special edition, the Verce.
This women series tailors to female riders’ demands with the full range of colors to fit your personal style.
The secure buckle straps and the Roc Loc system make it easy to adjust the fitting with one hand. But the straps are only adjustable at the chin, not around the ears. For this reason, some might be slightly unsatisfied with the fit of the helmet
Safety
The Verce keeps your head protected with MIPS. As mentioned, this technology helps divert the impacts and rotational forces on your head in the event of a crash.
Weight
Even with MIPS, this helmet still holds its first place as the most lightweight helmet at 0.68 pounds. Since this is a product line for women, Giro makes it as light as possible, giving fairly no heavy feeling when you wear it.
Ventilation
Compared to the Hex, Verce has fewer vents. Even so, 18 vents are enough to channel the airflow over your head to keep you cool during long trail rides. It also has internal padding, which dries quickly to provide a comfortable feel.
5. POC Tectal Race Spin - Best Safety for Open-Face Helmet
Pros
Cons
POC Tectal Race Spin will be the last but best safety open-face helmet we review today.
Safety
Unlike other open-face helmets, the POC brand designs this helmet with a great shell shape, giving more headcover, especially the back of your head.
For the protection technology, this helmet has 2 remarkable systems, namely the Aramid Bridge and SPIN systems.
The former incorporate an Aramid weave that is bonded to the ESP liner on the inside to keep this helmet as one solid structure. In case of an accident, it will remain unbreakable and reduce damage to your head.
The SPIN (Shearing Pad Inside) system contains blue pats that shear the rotational force inside the helmet. This feature will protect your head against rotational and oblique injuries.
Weight
The extra materials and technologies will add more weight to the helmet (1.78 pounds). It is heavier but far better for cross-country riding with its outstanding protection.
Ventilation
On this particular helmet, there are 15 large intake and exhaust vents. This design pulls the air into the helmet and cools down your head effectively, helping bikers remain comfortable.
If you are looking for the best personal helmet, and budget is not your concern, go for the POC Tectal Race Spin. You sure will be astonished by how well the helmet does its job in protecting.
6. Giro Switchblade - Best Safety for a Convertible Choice
Pros
Cons
Giro Switchblade is the closest rival to Bell Super DH for its safety. In fact, this helmet provides the most safety for a convertible choice.
Like Bell DH Super, we can use the Giro Switchblade for all occasions, including cross-country, trail, uphill, and downhill riding. You can remove the chin guard to change from the full-face to open-face mode accordingly.
Safety
Unlike the Bell Super DH, the Giro Switchblade uses the standard MIPS, enough to ensure safety. We are certain that it’s the safest helmet, thanks to the extra protection for your ears. In fact, it has fully downhill certification, so you can rest assured of its safety.
Weight
Because of the extra ear protection, the Giro Switchblade is rather heavy at over 2.4 pounds with the chin bar and 1.7 pounds without it.
Ventilation
The Switchblade’s 20 vents can keep your head cool. This helmet adopts the Roc Loc Air DH fit system, allowing airflow to go through the head to the rear and force the hot air out.
Except for the heavyweight, the Switchblade is highly recommended for its safety and versatility.
7. Bell Super 3R - Best Lightweight for a Convertible Choice
Pros
Cons
Along with the Giro Switchblade, Bell Super 3R is a worthy consideration for its lightweight.
Bell Super 3R is also an Enduro-style helmet with a removable chin bar. Despite the chin bar being the same as Super DH's , the latches on the Super 3R are a bit stiffer when you start to use it.
Safety
Outside of the chin bar, the helmet features an in-mold polycarbonate shell to ensure its durability. The standard MIPS inside will direct forces and protect against rotational impacts.
Notably, this one is not certified for downhill racing level. Thus, we recommend using a better non-convertible full-face helmet for heavier activities.
Weight
Lightweight is the most distinct feature of Bell Super 3R among other convertible mountain bike helmets. In the full-face mode, it weighs up to 1.72 pounds and 0.9 pounds without the chin bar.
Ventilation
Along with lightweight, the Super 3R also has an effective ventilation system. Its 23 generous ports and 4 brow ports enable better airflow.
It still can’t beat the Super DH or Switchblade as a fully downhill certified helmet. Yet, the Bell Super 3R is a great alternative convertible helmet. It has lighter, cooler, and less expensive features.
8. Troy Lee Designs Stage - Best for Enduro
Pros
Cons
Talking about the best non-convertible helmet for Enduro, the Troy Lee Designs Stage meets all the best helmet standards for Enduro.
Safety
The Stage meets the downhill standard with the ASTM F1952 certification. It also acquires many safety certifications, such as CPSC 1203 and CE EN1078.
Inside the Stage is the MIPS, one of the best safety technologies to protect your head. As mentioned, it will reduce the rotational forces that reach your head in case of an impact.
Weight
As soon as you wear the helmet, you will be amazed by its lightweight. At 1.5 pounds, it’s the lightest non-convertible full-face helmet.
Ventilation
Despite the full-face design, the Troy Lee Designs is incredibly breathable with its many big vents.
There are a total of 25 air intakes and exhaust ports spreading all over the helmet. It also has 5 wide-open vents on the chin bar. This combination enables a great amount of airflow to push away the heat.
With the Stage, Troy Lee Designs surely bring a splendid helmet to Enduro bikers. Of course, it’s certainly expensive, but the quality justifies the price.
9. DEMON UNITED Podium - Best Price for Full-Face Helmet
Pros
Cons
DEMON UNITED Podium stands out from other candidates on this list with its competitive price. Basically, it is a suitable helmet that meets the standard of full-face design while remaining budget-friendly.
Safety
The structure outside is polycarbonate, so it’s pretty durable. It has EPS foam inside, and the obvious MIPS protection system gives you no concern about its safety.
Weight
Weighing at 2 pounds, the Demon Podium is not exactly a light helmet. In contrast, this feature is a downside when comparing it to other Enduro helmets on today’s list.
Ventilation
The Podium doesn’t have as many vents as the Stage helmet does. The construction still has 13 vents providing enough ventilation. Along with a lightweight chin bar, the breath-ability is surprisingly good.
10. Bell Sanction - A Versatile Choice for Full-Face Helmet
Pros
Cons
Not any less than the Podium and the Stage, Sanction of Bell is a high-profile full-face helmet. It has lightweight, effective ventilation, and an affordable price.
Safety
Without the MIPS technology, the Sanction is still a safety helmet as it meets minimum European and U.S. standards. It has a heavy-duty ABS shell and EVA foam padding to absorb accident impacts.
This helmet doesn’t have the ASTM-F1952 certification, a standard requirement for an extreme downhill full-face helmet. Thus, we would only recommend you to use it on normal cross-country riding.
Weight
Without MIPS, the Sanction is slightly lighter than the Podium - 1.87 pounds, a reasonable weight for a full-face helmet.
Ventilation
Up to 15 ventilation ports, the Sanction provides enough exit paths for hot air and keeps your head cool when you're going on a long trail.
There are also flat channels molded into the interior of the helmet, enabling airflow from the front and top vents towards the 2 rear vents.
How to buy the Best Mountain Bike Helmet?
When shopping for a brand new MTB helmet, you may need to remember a pair of things to choose the best one for you:
Construction
The motivation behind wearing a head protector is not simply to look amazing. Its primary capacity is to secure the head in case of an unexpected situation by reducing the effect of the crash. The design of a high-quality head protector is vital. Technological headways in the area of insurance have empowered producers to make helmets that are more solid and much lighter.
Helmet is regularly developed from the foam of extended polystyrene which is strongly protected with polycarbonate to spread the effect over the extended foam. The interior development of bike helmet comprises of delicate foam or gel for much more comfort. Secure straps can be fastened under your chin.
A generally new security system for head protectors is called a MIPS which stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. This creative plan offers low-friction slip cage in the head protector which limits rotational powers brought by the effect.
Protective helmets sold in the United Kingdom ought to meet the standard of Britain, which will be labeled with the name of BS Kite Mark. You can see if the head protector meets the standards of Europe, it will have CE label.
Ventilation
You will lose a great deal of heat via your head, particularly when you conduct physical activities. So it’s imperative to enhance sufficient wind flow in order to let out the heat, and also to keep the head cool in the whole journey.
It doesn’t automatically imply that more is always better. Ventilation ought to be installed in both back and front of the head protector, spaced out effectively to permit air channels to function proficiently.
Fit
It is common knowledge that your protective helmet ought to fit perfectly – it should be snug and also must give adequate coverage to the discipline you are on.
A decent protective helmet will let you change the inner cage of boundary, and also the height in order to effectively support your head. Gel pads or foam lying inside the helmet ought to be evenly separated to spread the pressure and weight equally.
Head protector straps ought to be solid, sturdy and movable in order to fasten under your chin while looping around your ears.
Bonus features
Despite the fact that numerous MTB head protectors accompanying with flexible visors, these aren’t compulsory security standards. They won’t totally shield the eyes from sunlight, however, they do take out the glare, keep water from the rain out of rider’s eyes and they help remain the helmet much more aerodynamic.
Useful extra components consist of camera along with light mounts. They are considered as a basic standard for most protective helmets now.
Removable pads are extremely welcome. It is nothing but refreshing to remove and wash these sweaty pads in using them is the next ride.
One full face extra component is padding that is able to be embedded and removed in order to make the head protector fit all the sizes. Full face head protectors can’t be changed in boundary, height compared to trail head protectors, so extra padding can keep the full face snug.
Kinds of mountain bike helmets
Just as there are lots of kinds of mountain bicycles for various purposes, there are also many distinctive styles of protective helmets to suit. Which protective helmet you choose depends on what sort of riding you like.
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XC
The cross country riding includes long time spending in the saddle, going up and down to the mountains along with across many vast distances.
Without handling super techy as well as soak segments, sometimes downhill tracks, XC head protectors have a tendency to be opened blankly and ventilated completely. Coverage can extend from a half to 3/4 lid, however, the primary point is the solid and super lightweight design.
ENDURO / ALL – MOUNTAIN / TRAIL
The most generally MTB head protector has a 3/4 protection and a more flexible visor. These protectors are the most flexible as they are easily used for all kinds of cycling, even for commuting since they give sufficient protection, assurance, and the visor is easily removable.
These protective helmets are also perfect to use with goggles. This is normal for enduro riding, yet, goggles are to be fitted with the head protector, under visor when not being used.
Full-face
In case you’re prepared to attack the challenging trails of the routes, a full face protector is suitable for you. These are created to secure your face and head in case of a substantial and quick accidence
These generally accompany with two pad sizes in order to wedge in for more fit, support. An extra chin strap helps fasten the helmet for more security, and visor is also flexible for stashing the goggles under when they aren’t being used
Having an appropriate head protector that fits perfectly and give sufficient security is fundamental to a suitable and decent ride.
FAQ about mountain bike helmets
Why purchase a mountain helmet for cycling?
Mountain helmet for cycling is an inevitable item for protecting your head from damages or impacts. This is so stylish, impede and durable that you can gain much fun when riding outside on biking pathways.
When should you replace your helmet?
Making decision for substituting your old helmet is usually vague, also there remain many debates today about what the right time is. To begin with, helmets contains the shelf life, so the idea grabbing your outdated lid, covered by lots of dust within a long time, without placing your vision into it at least once is definitely not good.
Instead, you should carefully check whether it contains any damages in its foam, together with all signs for deterioration on both the inner lining and outer shell or not. If the answer is pretty vague, you had better remove it and use the new one.
There contains a lot of tests implemented for pinning down its predictable lifespan. Also, whereas there does not have any fast and hard rules, most manufacturers likely stick between 3 and 8 years. In case you frequently ride a mountain bike, it must be a great chance for changing it. For all helmets which have been sitting for a short amount of time, you should check the change of safety and fit technology. Purchasing a new one can be likely an advance even when your old helmet still works well.
You have to replace your current helmet if a crash occurs. In case of the significant impact, the foam it contains will be compromised, which may reduce its protective ability for the upcoming accidents. Therefore, it is best to make a replacement. Actually, you should not make excuses for avoiding any substitution. As soon as your current helmet has some crashes or is outdated, it is worth buying a new item.
Why is this item so important?
It’s crucial for you to put on the right protective equipment when cycling. The greatest bike helmet for biking is the one which is durable, contains high-quality ventilation and brings excellent protection to all riders.
Today, producers use modern technologies to create this product. Therefore, it currently can give GPS singles to the very first receivers when needed and calculate how serious your crash is. Those modern technologies can totally create the greatest helmets.
What size of my ideal bike helmet is?
When choosing the size of your helmet, it is also similar to the size of your current hat. You can take its measurements by gauging your hats’ size. For instance, in case you are wearing the hats 6 ⅝ in size, you will wear the helmets offering small size.
All productions of helmets are suitable for all changes in the size of head from a kid to the adults owning a hat 8 ½ in size.
How to tidy your bike helmet?
- Do not divide your helmet into separate parts, keep the padding inside in order to wash easily.
- Put it into the sink, then clean in cold water or apply the mild soap like dish detergent.
- Keep your helmet out of dampness. Avoid any possible heat to enter your helmet, this can weaken all bonding materials and the shell inside.
How long does a mountain helmet for biking last?
A mountain helmet for biking can last within a large amount of time, which totally depends on how many times you plan to wear it.
In case you use your helmet frequently or has some accidents, most helmet producers advice that you had better buy a new one every triple year. Because of the constant sun sweat and exposure, this item can reduce the durability of all materials inside.
Why does a mountain helmet for biking contain a visor?
Containing a visor is definitely great to avoid the sun to directly beam to your eyes. This can assist you to prevent mud and avoid rain.
Conclusion
For an extreme sport like mountain biking, we consciously care for safety first. While considering it with other features and riding situations, we will opt for 3 choices among the top 10 best mountain bike helmets:
- Giro Chronicle - best for cross-country and trail riding at a reasonable price.
- Bell DH Super - suitable for anyone who wants to do all types of mountain biking.
- Troy Lee Designs Stage - the best choice if you end up with more Enduro.
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