Best Mountain Bike Helmets

Review & Comparison, Last Update October 11, 2024
From daredevil youth to seasoned veterans, mountain bike helmets are necessary to make sure that the next trip to the mountains does ...Read more
PROS

The GoggleGuide Adjustable Visor system lets you use the helmet with both goggles and cycling glasses. The padding is woven with silver fibers that prevent fungi and bacteria from growing. The seamless camera mount lets you adjust different cameras without tapes and zip ties. 

CONS

The helmet's pretty heavy.

OUR VERDICT

The Bell Super 3R, with its convertible design going from full-face to open-face, will be able to adapt to any trail, from long and steep climbs to all-out descents. With this helmet, you can challenge any terrain without worrying about serious injuries.

detailed parameters
Type

Full-face (convertible to open-face) 

Shell

Fusion in-mold polycarbonate 

Padding

X-Static™ padding (quick-drying materials, woven with real silver fibers) 

Ventilation

23 helmet vents, 4 brow ports, 6 chin bar vents 

Extras

Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS™), GoggleGuide Adjustable Visor system (accommodates both goggles and glasses), integrated camera mount, Float Fit system, quick-adjust chin strap

Warranty

3 years

PROS

The sun visor will allow you to ride face-first towards the sun without wearing sunglasses. The break-away screws will reduce the snagging likelihood even when you do not manage to avoid serious collisions. The dual-density EPP and EPS liners protect against high- and low-speed impacts. 

CONS

Some colors look different from advertised. 

OUR VERDICT

The Troy Lee Designs A2 Jet will be able to enable and facilitate the most dangerous riding endeavors, with extra protection in and around common impact zones, while the X-Static™ padding with the low-profile strap dividers will create an optimized and customized fit, accommodating different head shapes.

detailed parameters
Type

Open-face

Shell

Aerospace filament-reinforced polycarbonate 

Padding

X-Static™ padding (quick-drying materials, woven with real silver fibers), dual-density EPP + EPS liner

Ventilation

Multiple vents

Extras

Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS™), innovative break-away visor screws, rear stabilizer fit system, low-profile semi-adjustable chin strap

Warranty

3 years

PROS

The UniversalFit™ sizing is sculpted to boost the model's appearance and ensure an excellent fit for most riders, while the Roc Loc Sport fit system and the adjustable chin strap will allow those few who are not initially comfortable with the helmet to customize the fit.

CONS

The padding loses its volume with time. 

OUR VERDICT

From tackling fire-road adventures to swooping singletrack trails, the Giro Fixture gives you the necessary confidence to give it all you've got without holding back. Thanks to Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS™), even serious accidents are unlikely to lead to severe injuries.

detailed parameters
Type

Open-face

Shell

In-mold polycarbonate

Padding

EPS liner

Ventilation

18 wind tunnel vents with internal channeling

Extras

Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS™), UniversalFit™ sizing, removable visor, Roc Loc Sport fit system, adjustable chin strap

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The EPS padding is removable and washable, with its quick-drying properties enabling you to wash the lining before going to bed and hit the trails the next morning. The vents have been strategically placed to ensure excellent circulation even when it is scorching hot outside.

CONS

The sizes run small. 

OUR VERDICT

The Demon United Podium protects the entire head, from the chin to the jawline, so you can go downhill at full speed without any hesitations. This is the helmet that you bring to the bumpiest trails, where face plants are almost inevitable and where you need that extra protection.

detailed parameters
Type

Full-face

Shell

In-mold polycarbonate

Padding

EPS liner (removable, washable)

Ventilation

13 convenient airflow vents with an insect-proof net 

Extras

Fully adjustable visor with aluminum side visor screws, adjustable chin strap, helmet bag included 

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

The rear has been extended here to keep the cranial part protected too. You can adjust the visor to make the view as unobstructed as possible without removing the helmet. The single-hand dial retention system lets you customize the fit without putting too much effort into it.

CONS

The chin strap does not last. 

OUR VERDICT

The Exclusky Adult Mountain Bike Helmet weighs around 0.6 pounds, minimizing the strain on the neck during long rides and allowing you to forget the helmet is there in the first place. Nevertheless, it is there, protecting you from most impacts and even some elements.

detailed parameters
Type

Open-face

Shell

In-mold polycarbonate

Padding

EPS liner (removable, washable)

Ventilation

18 air vents with an insect-proof net

Extras

Fully adjustable visor with aluminum side visor screws, chin strap and rear dial adjustment

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

Bike Helmets Mountain Bike Helmets

Adapting to the Ride

The Bell Super 3R is expensive, there are no two ways about it. This is the model that's been designed to accommodate not only MTBs but also electric MTBs and even motorcycles. The full-face construction is convertible to open-face, so you can switch between extra comfort and extra protection. The no-twist tri-glides that are using quick-adjust fasteners make sure the straps remain flat and positioned properly. Meanwhile, the GoggleGuide Adjustable Visor system will be able to accommodate both glasses and goggles, working with as well as without the visor attached.

Above this system, there's an integrated camera mount that's so seamless you won't need zip ties and tapes to attach the camera to the helmet. Plus, the mount's designed to break away upon impact, reducing injury risks.

The MIPS™ system goes without saying since premium MTB helmets do not come without it these days. What does not go without saying is the silver fibers the padding is woven with, minimizing bacteria and fungi buildups. On the negative side, the helmet's pretty heavy but that's to be expected when you take into account the adaptable construction and its convertible design.

Bottom line, from grinding climbs at low speeds to wide-open descends from rowdy trails, this mountain bike helmet will be there for you, adapting to different riding scenes and protecting from impact.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $224.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B07GT83ZSK

What customers say about this product

Key Specs(4.8)

Comfortable to wear, light and visible.

Features(4.7)

Great helmet, very comfy fit.

Where Comfort Meets Safety

The Troy Lee Designs A2 Jet is quite close to what most riders want when trying to find that perfect balance between comfort and safety. The helmet's pretty lightweight and not too obtrusive yet packing enough protection means to ensure that most falls lead to no major issues.

First and foremost, we have the Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS™) with low-friction padding reducing the rotational motion that's transferred to the brain from angled impacts to the head. To go with MIPS and the obligatory X-Static™ padding that are premium mountain bike helmets are using nowadays, the model's also adopting dual-density EPP + EPS liners that provide extra protection against low- and high-speed impacts.

Plus, aside from reducing impact, the above-mentioned padding will be reducing odor buildups and increasing moisture-wicking, all while ensuring an optimized fit. On the fit subject, there are also semi-adjustable chin strap dividers with their low profile that accommodate all head shapes.

All things considered, even without mentioning the company's awesome break-away visor screws, the Troy Lee Designs A2 Jet is among the best MTB helmets you can find, comfortable, secure, and well-ventilated to support and sustain the most ambitious riding ventures.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07FCTF5DY

Multi-Directional Impact Protection System

The Giro Fixture is that affordable helmet that you can even compare to premium models from some perspectives, with the helmet's price not even approaching these high-end, expensive models.

The biggest contributor here that makes the comparisons valid is the Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS™) that's usually reserved for pricey helmets, redirecting energy when you crash into something and minimizing the rotational force that comes from some impacts. Besides MIPS, the model's featuring UniversalFit™ sizing, sculpted not only with boosting the appearance aspirations but also making the helmet fit most heads on the first try. When that's not the case though, the Roc Loc Sport fit system will allow you to adjust this helmet within seconds.

With the product's low price and MIPS addition, trade-offs are inevitable. The model's EPS lining is not a trade-off in and of itself since that's what most mid-range MTB helmets are adopting these days but the padding loses its volume with time, so those riders who are prone to testing the helmet might be forced to replace the padding within the first ~2 years.

Apart from that, when the dirt is calling, the Giro Fixture is there to answer that call with you, offering reliable protection and a snug fit.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $63.94
Stock In stock
ASIN B075RW57W3

Uniting the Off-Road Demons

The Demon United Podium puts safety above anything and everything else. This relatively low-profile helmet is lightweight (~2 pounds) and durable but, before that, the in-mold polycarbonate makes the model tough enough to handle most impacts. You can choose not only between different paintworks but also helmets with and without MIPS. The sizes sometimes run small though, so we'd recommend taking that into account too.

Not unlike most mid-range models, this one comes equipped with EPS lining. Here though, the lining is removable and washable, so you'll be able to keep the helmet's inside nice and neat and, with the material's quick-drying properties, hit the trails without waiting ages for the lining to dry out.

The model's full-face design is not as lightweight as its counterparts with an open-face profile, that much is certain. What else is certain is that the helmet will be able to protect your chin and your jaws, something that you cannot say about open-face models. Also, with 13 strategically placed vents, the helmet will be keeping the air flowing even during the hottest summer months.

In short, the Demon United Podium is what you bring to those trails where face plants are more likely than most outcomes.

Last updated price $89.99
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00E5OMVAY

Even the Sun is not an Issue

The Exclusky Adult Mountain Bike Helmet is about as inexpensive as MTB helmets get without sacrificing safety and security. With multi-density EPS foam inside, the helmet will be effectively absorbing impact energy and reducing serious injury chances, while the extended rear-shaped construction will be protecting even the head's cranial part. On the other side, you have the fully adjustable visor that you can move upward when necessary to secure the broadest sight and reverse the movement when the sun gets too obstructive.

Besides the visor, you have the standard chip strap but also this single-hand dial retention system in the back, which are important since most injuries occur when the helmet is too small or too large. The chin strap does not last though but, considering the helmet's affordable price, you can replace the strap and still pay much less than you'd pay for most helmets with comparable specs.

Last but not least, the model's armed with 18 vents that promote great circulation. These vents are insect-proof, not only preventing most bugs but also some elements from getting inside.

To sum up, without paying through the nose, the Exclusky Adult Mountain Bike Helmet will let you explore the roughest, most rugged mountain trails with style and confidence.

Last updated price $37.99
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B07GYCT2PZ

What Is a Mountain Bike Helmet?

Mountain biking is where it's at, where memories are made and where you can see the difference between people who are all talk and those who are willing to take the risk and challenge the mountains. Even the most skilled riders are not invincible though, so some protection means are necessary. As much as we prescribe elbow and knee pads, even the biggest injuries towards joints are negligible compared to injuries to the head.

With that in mind, a mountain bike helmet is the first item you ought to (nay, must) take to the mountains with the bicycle. The best helmets will make sure that even the most epic face plants will not lead to significant fractures/wounds/complications. These trail helmets are designed to absorb shock and minimize impact damage so that you can explore the most rugged terrains without holding back.

More often than not, MTB helmets come equipped with vents to make wearing them during the hottest months bearable, with visors to prevent the sun from stopping you, and with various adjustment mechanisms to make the fit optimized.

The helmets we have added to this list are good enough to even support electric mountain bikes.

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