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Whether you're riding chunky singletrack or crushing cross country trails, crashes are part of the game when it comes to mountain biking. Finding the right helmet not only protects your head, but it can also offer better comfort, breathability, and sun protection.
Our team began testing mountain bike helmets in 2014. Since then, we have researched hundreds of models and meticulously tested over 50 of the top options on the market. This selection represents 23 of the most compelling mountain bike helmets available today. We spent months riding in each model across several regions of the Western U.S to ensure our assessments were exhaustive, riding everything from Utah slickrock to Rockies singletrack. In this update, we're proud to introduce impact testing done in partnership with the ACT Lab, an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory, to offer you the highest quality mountain bike helmet reviews available today.
Our team's favorite helmet is the Specialized Ambush 2. Its impressive air flow characteristics and top rated impact performance make it our go-to helmet.
If you're on a tighter budget, our testers were big fans of the Lazer Coyote KinetiCore. The Coyote boasts impressive comfort and impact scores while being half the cost of many similar performing options.
If you seek more coverage and protection than a half-shell helmet, we have also tested downhill helmets and a wide variety of other best bike helmets. We have completed testing and reviews for a wide range of mountain bikes and accessories. See our overall review of bikes for a comprehensive look at all of our favorites.
Editor's Note: Our mountain bike helmet review was updated on April 25, 2025, to retest old favorites, implement a new and improved examination process, and include new models.
We tested a number of incredibly well-ventilated helmets, but the Specialized Ambush 2 stands out from the rest. Specialized used computational fluid dynamics modeling in this helmet's development to optimize the airflow from the front of the helmet, over the scalp, and out the back, and it's immediately apparent when you start rolling. One tester noted, “Even at low speeds, I can feel air moving through the helmet and cooling my head.” The Mips SL system in the Ambush 2 replaces the internal plastic liner, boosting ventilation. We experienced no excessive sweat or heat, even on long, hot climbs. Beyond breathability, this top-rated helmet features well-designed eyewear integration, allowing sunglasses to be stowed under the visor. Our lead tester said, “I love how easy it is to pop my glasses off and stow them on the helmet with one hand while riding.” Two small vent ports on either side of the brow have hidden rubber flaps that hold your glasses securely with no chance of accidentally rattling out on rough trail sections. The helmet also has a highly adjustable harness system and a burly visor.
The visor is not adjustable, but it does easily pop off and back on as an added safety feature in the event of a crash. However, one tester noted that “while I didn't have an issue with the visor position, some riders may prefer more sun protection at lower sun angles.” The adjustable harness works well to provide a secure fit, but its integration into the rear of the shell doesn't allow it to be positioned as low on the back of the head as some other models. Regardless, we feel this is a great model from Specialized with top-of-the-line features and performance that beats most of the other brands' flagship models on price. However, if you want a feature-rich helmet with an adjustable visor, the Giro Manifest Spherical is our top pick.
The Giro Manifest Spherical is one of our favorite helmets we've ever worn for comfort. This one-of-a-kind mountain bike helmet has all the bells and whistles we'd expect from a top-tier, half-shell model in a well-executed, sleek design. Giro's /Mips Spherical/ rotational impact system, which consists of two separate EPS foam shells connected by elastomers, replaces the standard plastic Mips liner in the Manifest. In the event of an angular impact, the shells are made of two different foam densities that rotate against each other like a ball and socket joint. The interior foam shell drops low on the back and sides of the head, providing extra coverage for the temples and occipital lobe, and comfortably fits a wide range of head shapes and sizes. Large front-to-back vents and interior channels in the EPS provide some of the best ventilation we've ever seen in a helmet, and our testers were impressed by the padding, with one saying, “This helmet feels more like a well-cushionined ski helmet than a lightweight mountain bike helmet on my head, even with the minimalist padding.”
We were hard pressed to find anything to criticize about this model. We had no performance issues during testing. The only drawbacks are the high price and average weight. With a dual-shell design and all the features we could want, this helmet weighs a few grams more than the lightest models we tested. The difference isn't noticeable on the trail, thanks to the Manifest's secure fit, and we're not concerned about a little extra weight for a do-it-all trail helmet. The price tag may appear to be prohibitive at first glance, but it is comparable to the other top-tier helmets in the test. “This helmet scored at or near the top in every test. Despite the high price, I recommend this helmet to anyone looking for a daily driver,” says our lead tester. We believe the Manifest's performance more than justifies the asking price. But if you can't quite swing it, take a look at the budget-friendly Giro Radix Mips. It offers great value in a lightweight design.
The Lazer Coyote KinetiCore boasts decent scores in every metric at half the cost of several high-end options, making for an excellent helmet for bikers on a budget. From technical descents to lengthy pedals, this helmet offered decent comfort and ventilation for our testing team, with 22 vents and a generously padded interior keeping our testers happy. The Coyote utilizes an in-house design called KinetiCore, which competes with the Mips certification. Lazer claims KinetiCore protects against both direct and rotational impacts through EPS foam blocks. We were blown away by a high impact score of 9.3 from the Coyote, beating out every other option in our lineup, with the lighterweight POC Tectal Race Mips coming in just behind it. “I love having that much protection in a helmet that only weighs 13.80 ounces,” said one tester.
The Lazer Coyote KinetiCore has a bulkier profile than some of the competition, which some may dislike, particularly for more pedal-intensive days. One tester noted, “I wish it sat just a bit lower on my head,” a sentiment that was shared across users. The generously sized sun visor is also an acquired taste, both for style and functionality. The visor length does improve sun blockage, but at the cost of a slightly more impeded view, though it can be easily adjusted further up and out of sight. Take a look at the aforementioned POC Tectal Race Mips or the Specialized Ambush 2 if you're looking for a lightweight option that scored well during impact testing and offers better ventilation. Besides a few considerations, the Lazer Coyote is an exceptionally well-made helmet, especially if you're shopping on a budget, as this model doesn't compromise performance for price.
Despite its mid-range price tag, the Fox Racing Speedframe Pro was one of our top-rated and most highly regarded helmets. This model nearly bested several helmets that cost significantly more. It packs many of the features we would expect from a top-of-the-line trail helmet, including a Mips rotational impact system, dual-density EPS foam, a goggle-accommodating adjustable visor, and a highly adjustable harness system. Out on the trail, it was one of the most comfortable, well-ventilated models we tested. “This helmet feels light on my head and offers a secure, confidence-inspiring fit,” said our lead tester. Additionally, it received the “Best Available” 5-Star rating in Virginia Tech's independent helmet safety testing.
The Speedframe Pro is slightly heavier than the rest of the top-shelf models. It's not ridiculously heavy by any means, but it tacks on an extra fifty grams compared to the lightest models. The Speedframe doesn't provide the same level of coverage as the other top contenders, and one tester said, “I wish the height of the strap splitters was adjustable.” Regardless, it's still well worth a look for anyone in the market for a choice new lid at an approachable price. You should also check out the lightweight POC Tectal Race Mips, which offers great coverage at 365 grams.
The Smith Engage Mips is a lightweight helmet that's a joy to wear on even the longest of days. Smith has long been known as a leader in helmet manufacturing, and the Engage furthers this reputation, particularly excelling at trail and cross-country rides. “I love the small profile design of this model. It offers excellent mobility and visibility, whether riding through technical terrain or trying to enjoy the views,” our tester said. At just 13.10 ounces (371 grams), this option will keep your neck happy all season long, with the latest version of the Engage now utilizing Zonal KOROYD® to offer protection at a lighter weight. As you're bound to find with any Smith helmet, this option is easily worn with a variety of eyewear, and the AirEvac ventilation system reduces the likelihood of your glasses fogging.
The Smith Engage didn't score as highly in the impact tests performed at the ACT lab, with one reviewer noting “It's a little disappointing to see this helmet towards the back of the pack in the impact testing. However, it does comply with the US. CPSC Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets for bikers 5 years old and older, as well as the CE EN 1078 standard.” If you're looking for a bit more robust helmet geared towards enduro and downhill biking, the Smith Payroll Mips is an excellent option. The Payroll is a bit heavier than the Engage, but it still boasts the same construction quality Smith is known for. At the end of the day, the Engage should be put on your finals list if you're seeking a comfortable helmet that is especially at home on long, cross country rides.
The Smith Engage was amount our testers favorites for comfort, with a low weight and an easy-to-adjust design.
Credit: Zach Lovell
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Testing the new Troy Lee Designs A3 Mips.
Credit: Laura Casner
How We Tested
Our bike experts keep a close eye on new product releases throughout the year to stay up to date on the latest trends. For this review, they spent days researching countless models and discussing options before selecting 20 of the best to test and compare side by side. They rigorously tested each model through hundreds of miles of everyday riding on various trails and in a wide range of weather conditions to test the fit and comfort, features, ventilation, and adjustability of each helmet. They also swapped helmets out regularly for head-to-head comparisons and learned that some minute differences only become apparent through back-to-back testing. See our How We Test Helmets article for more in-depth info on our MTB helmet testing processes.
We test mountain bike helmets using five performance metrics:
Impact Test (30% of total score weighting)
Comfort (20% weighting)
Ventilation (20% weighting)
Usability (15% weighting)
Weight (15% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
Our mountain bike helmet review team consists of Jeremy Benson, Zach Lovell, and Zach Wick. Jeremy is our Senior Mountain Bike Review Editor and a gravel and mountain bike racer who has been riding for three decades and has seen the progression of helmet technology over that time. He's also taken his fair share of diggers, suffering from more than one concussion and cracking a few helmets over the years. He knows from first-hand experience the importance of a quality helmet for both protection and comfort. Benson is a self-proclaimed heat of the day rider who appreciates the benefits of a well-ventilated helmet. Benson is also the author of Mountain Bike Tahoe, a mountain biking guidebook for the Lake Tahoe area published by Mountaineers Books.
Zach Lovell started mountain biking 20 years ago and has been grateful for mountain bike helmets ever since, saving him from an untold number of head injuries. Lovell has been involved in product development and testing for over a decade, easily applying his keen eye for detail to this helmet review. Zach Wick has been riding and racing mountain, road, and cyclocross bikes for the last 15 years and has gone through his fair share of single-impact mountain bike helmets in that time. He knows what comprises a good helmet and won't hit the trails in anything he doesn't have confidence in. Zach has also spent years working in product development in the bike industry, including five years in a test lab learning what makes a good product. He applies this experience and knowledge to our testing design to ensure our process is as rigorous as possible.
We have testers of all shapes and sizes try on the helmets to test fit and comfort.
The Vaporfit dial on the Smith Session is easy to use even with gloves on.
The Forefront 2 weighs in at 374 grams or 13.19 oz, slightly less than their claimed weight of 13.4 oz for the size medium we tested.
Analysis and Test Results
In recent years, the fit, style, comfort, and protection of helmets have all improved dramatically, and strapping on a helmet for a mountain bike ride has become as natural as buckling your seatbelt when you get in a car. And it's a good thing; they are the single most important piece of protective gear you can wear. No two helmets are made equal, and the helmets in our test vary in their design approach. This review covers extended-coverage half-shell helmets designed for cross country, trail, and enduro riding, along with a couple of “full cut”, open-faced helmets that offer even more coverage than your standard trail helmet.
We test these helmets in a range of conditions to get a feel for their fit, comfort, ventilation, features, and protection.
Credit: Kelby Spore
What's the Best Value?
The top-rated Giro Manifest Spherical and POC Kortal Race Mips are two of the most expensive and highest-performing models we tested. So you do get what you pay for in some cases. The Specialized Ambush 2 and Fox Racing Speedframe Pro represent the next tier of the price-to-performance ratio with a slightly lower price point and comparable performance with our top-rated helmets. Of course, price doesn't always reflect performance. Some of the mid-range models we looked at outperformed their more expensive counterparts. Riders looking for a good value from their helmet have plenty of options, including affordable models like the Lazer Coyote KinetiCore, Giro Radix Mips and the Specialized Camber.
The POC Kortal Race Mips tops our charts for protection with loads of coverage, all the safety certifications, and lots of safety features.
Credit: Laura Casner
Impact Test
To help you make a more informed decision, GearLab partnered with the ACT Lab, a world-renowned laboratory, to conduct impact testing on every helmet. Each model is put on a fake head that has g sensors inside and is dropped once from 2.3 meters on one side of the helmet, and dropped from 1.8 meters on the other side. The data received from the sensors indicates the amount of force the head experienced and is distilled into a more digestible score from 1-10. All of the helmets tested meet or exceed the US's CPSC Bicycle standard, and please take note that GearLab is not a helmet certification body of any kind. Check out our how we test article to learn more.
Slow Impact Test Results
For our low-impact test, the top-scoring model was the Lazer Coyote Kineticore with a calculated score of 9.5 – a very welcome result considering this model's price. Other standouts were the Fox Racing Dropframe and the POC Kortal Race Mips, earning an 8.3 and an 8.1, respectively.
This graphic shows the various impact test performances between helmets that displayed outstanding results, showed a mediocre performance, and a couple that did not do so well.
Fast Impact Test Results
For the higher and faster drop, the Specialized Ambush 2 was the top scorer with a 9.5. The Lazer Coyote, again, scored well with a 9.1 – tying the Fox Racing Dropframe.
The Bell Sixer, relatively speaking, handled our rigorous impact testing at the ACT Lab well.
Credit: GearLab & ACT Lab
Overall Impact Test Results
Leading the pack is the budget-priced Lazer Coyote KinetiCore, with an impressive impact test score of 9.3. Followed closely behind are a grouping of 3 helmets with scores ranging from 8.8 to 8.6: the POC Tectal Race Mips, the Fox Racing Dropframe, and the Specialized Ambush 2.
The Lazer Coyote KinetiCore earned the highest overall score in the impact test metric.
Credit: GearLab and ACT Lab
Next, the Bell Sixer Mips offered an impact test score of 7.6, followed by the POC Kortal Race Mips at 7.0. One of our favorite options for comfort, the Giro Manifest Spherical, earned a score of 6.5 in this metric, and the Smith Payroll Mips received a 6.0.
While some helmets scored lower in this metric, it's important to remember that every model that is sold in the U.S has to earn the CPSC helmet certification, which involves rigorous examination, including their own impact testing.
Mips, Spherical, Turbine, ODS, Smartshock, LDL, WaveCel: Which safety standard is the best?
Rotational impact protection systems are now available in most helmets. Mips (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) was the first on the scene and used to be the only game in town when it came to reducing rotational forces in a crash. Recently, several other technologies have entered the fray, Leatt developed Turbine, 100% designed Smartshock, Kali implemented LDL, Bontrager made WaveCel, Lazer has Kineticore, and 6D designed ODS. Each of these systems aims to solve the same problem, but they approach it in a variety of different ways.
Comfort
Comfort is one of the most important metrics when examining a bike helmet. A comfortable model feels natural and helps you stay focused on the trail. It's important to remember that comfort is subjective, and what works for you may vary based on the size and shape of your head. When in doubt, try on different models to find the size and fit that works best. Some brands' shell shapes tend to work better for specific head shapes, while others are more versatile. Keep in mind that adjustable features like the retention system and chin straps play a role in how the helmet fits and our comfort rating.
All of the helmets tested use lightweight open-cell foam pads covered in moisture-wicking fabric to pad between the hard EPS foam and the rider's head. The thickness, quality, and placement of these pads play a significant role in a helmet's overall comfort. The most comfortable helmets have well-placed padding that covers the contact points between the polystyrene or Mips liner and your head. Over-padded helmets can trap air and quickly overheat, so judicious pad placement is important.
Thoughtful padding and vent configuration, like that which is found on the Smith Engage Mips, offers excellent comfort.
Credit: Zach Lovell
The most comfortable helmets in our test were the Smith Engage, Giro Manifest, Troy Lee Designs A3 Mips, Fox Racing Speedframe Pro, Giro Radix, Giro Tyrant, and Smith Forefront 2. All of these helmets seemed to fit every tester like a glove. The Giro Montaro Mips and the Bell 4Forty Mips also scored well by providing ample coverage while still offering an impressively comfortable fit. These helmets have an agreeable shape and feature padding covered with a wicking material.
A comfortable helmet can mean the difference between a grand adventure and a slog.
Credit: Zach Wick
Each helmet in our review employs a harness retention system. Commonly referred to as a fit or size adjustment, these enable riders to make micro-adjustments to dial in the fit of their lid. Retention systems typically come in the form of a two-sided plastic cradle at the back of the helmet with a dial in the middle that pulls tension evenly from both sides. This adjustment tightens or loosens to hug the head snugly for a secure fit. The size and shape of these adjustment dials vary considerably, as does their ease of use. Our favorite systems were those like Giro's Roc Loc that pull tension around the entire head with small indexed positions rather than just pinching at the back.
Another fit adjustment found on all the models in our test is the chin strap, including the strap splitter by the ears. Most chin straps offer a range of adjustability so that you can get the correct fit to secure the helmet on your head. More and more modern helmets use magnetic buckles that attach securely and can easily be opened and closed while wearing riding gloves. The strap splitter allows the user to adjust the position of the straps by the ears. Ideally, the straps shouldn't make contact with the ears. Our favorite strap systems are found on the POC Tectal Race Mips, POC Kortal Race Mips, Oakley DRT5, and the Specialized helmets with a Y-shaped strap yoke that holds them in the perfect position. Some of the simpler splitters, like those on the Smith Convoy, struggle to keep the straps away from your ears and sitting flat on the side of your face, which can create a nuisance over time.
Fit adjustment systems like this one on the Troy Lee A3 Mips allow you to get a precise fit with the turn of a dial.
Credit: Laura Casner
Ventilation
To rate each helmet's ventilation, we assess how well it works in real-world riding situations. We swapped helmets and rode with them back-to-back in the same conditions. Interestingly, our testers found that the number of vents doesn't directly correlate to how well a helmet's ventilation system works.
The size, shape, and placement of a helmet's vents are as important as the quantity. The Specialized Ambush 2, the Giro Manifest, and the Smith Engage were among the best in the test, with long front-to-back vents and an excellent internal air channel design that keeps the air flowing through the helmet. We also love the ventilation on the POC Kortal Race Mips.
The ANGi sensor is a unique feature that can be added to the Specialized Ambush and Camber helmets. This little unit can detect a crash and notify your emergency contact through the Specialized Ride App.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Other favorites included the Fox Racing Speedframe Pro, the Smith Payroll Mips, and the POC Tectal Race Mips, further offering shoppers a wide variety of options that boast decent breathability.
Usability
The features of mountain bike helmets are intended to improve fit, comfort, and protection while making your life a little bit easier out on the trail. One feature that all of the helmets we tested share is the visor—the main feature that sets mountain bike helmets apart from their road counterparts. Every model we tested has one, but they are certainly not created equal.
A visor's primary function is to shield your eyes from the sun, but they also serve as a little protection from rain and can help to deflect less consequential trailside obstacles. Helmet visors vary in size and shape, as well as in attachment method and adjustability. Many visors are adjustable and can be articulated up and down to improve visibility or accommodate goggles. Others are static and fixed in the lowered position. Our gear testers prefer adjustable visors for their versatility and so that they can better accommodate goggles.
Larger visors like the one found on the Lazer Coyote Kineticore offer decent sun shielding, but it's a bit of an acquired taste.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Our favorite visors are found on the Smith Forefront 2, Giro Montaro, and Bell 4Forty Mips. They're all large enough to block the sun effectively, and each rotates up far enough to be entirely out of view and to accommodate goggles on the front. The POC Tectal also has an adjustable visor but is less user-friendly. It requires you to loosen a small screw to adjust and secure it in place. The long length of the Lazer Coyote KinetiCore visor is a bit of an acquired taste- some will appreciate it, some won't. The Troy Lee A3 improves upon previous models with a 3-position Magnajust visor that can be pushed up high enough to accommodate goggles when not in use.
The large visor helps keep the sun out of your eyes.
And it flips up and out of the way for use with goggles.
Adjustable visors are a great feature on many mountain bike helmets like the Bell 4Forty Mips.
Many manufacturers are developing unique features as well. The Specialized Ambush 2 and Camber, for example, can be used with the ANGi sensor (available as an aftermarket purchase) that attaches to the back of the helmet and can be synced to your smartphone and the Specialized Ride App. The app can track your ride, provide people with ride start and stop notifications, and even notify your emergency contacts in the event of a crash. These interesting new features incorporate technology into your helmet and are likely to be seen more often in the near future. Likewise, POC has included a Recco reflector as well as an NFC medical id chip in the Kortal Race Mips, which can be read by first responders if you are unresponsive.
It's different, that's for sure. Testers had mixed feelings about this system, but it is a unique approach to eyewear integration.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
An emerging feature that has been showing up mostly on flagship models is eyewear integration. Whether for goggles or sunglasses, manufacturers are placing emphasis on allowing you to store your eyewear on your helmet while riding. The Specialized Ambush 2 offers our favorite storage system by using vent ports with hidden rubber flaps to secure your sunglasses under the helmet's visor. Almost every brand we tested offers some kind of eyewear integration on their top models, with varying levels of effectiveness. Beyond the Ambush 2, we also found the Manifest Spherical, Smith Forefront 2 Mips eyewear integration to work particularly well.
We weigh all the helmets we test for comparison to the manufacturer's claims. The Troy Lee Designs A3 tips the scales at 412-grams.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Weight
Our test helmets all fall into a fairly wide weight range from 12.35 to 25 ounces, or 350 to 718 grams. The Smith Convoy was the lightest helmet in the review at 12.5 ounces, while the Giro Tyrant was the heaviest at 25 ounces. For bikers who intend to spend longer days pedaling, weight is likely a more important consideration.
Other helmets that stood out included the Giro Radix Mips, which came in at 12.6 ounces, and the Smith Engage, which weighs 13.1 ounces. While many won't notice the weight nuances of a fraction of an ounce, the overall profile of a helmet can be far more noticeable. Leaner designs like the Giro Radix or the Smith Engage offer a modest profile that some may find to be easier to wear for long periods of time, particularly when considering visibility.
Options like the Smith Engage Mips offer a modest profile and are lightweight.
Credit: Zach Lovell
We also appreciated the excellent scores in this metric from the Specialized Ambush 2, at 13.4 ounces, and the POC Tectal Race, at 12.87 ounces. Slightly heavier models, such as the Lazer Coyote KinetiCore and the Smith Payroll Mips, range from 13.80 ounces to 14.40 ounces, though they offer excellent scores in other metrics that easily could make them worth the weight.
At 13.8 ounces, the Lazer Coyote KinetiCore is a fairly light option, particularly when considering its excellent performance in the impact testing.
Credit: Zach Lovell
How to Choose a Mountain Bike Helmet
There are a dizzying array of helmet options available on the market today, from featherweight designs that favor racing to robust constructions meant to handle larger crashes. Keep reading to learn about some key considerations to make before purchasing your first or next mountain bike helmet.
Before making a purchase, it's important to identify the types of riding you intend to use your next helmet for.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
How Much Protection does a Bike Helmet Offer?
It's important to first understand how much protection one can expect from a bike helmet. While you might find various claims online, any mountain bike helmet simply reduces the likelihood and/or severity of a head injury in the event of a bike crash. The best way to protect your head is to not experience a wreck in the first place, though that's easier said than done. There isn't a single helmet available today that can guarantee the safety of your head, and you should discredit any source that makes such claims to describe a product. In our review, we share the certifications of each helmet and share our impact test findings performed at a lab, but it is crucial to remember that you can still experience a head injury while wearing any bike helmet.
Helmet protection does vary between models, but all helmets sold in the U.S should have a certification from the CPSC, which means it has met rigorous safety standards.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Helmet Certifications
There are two main helmet safety certifications you'll likely see while shopping: CPSC, the standard for cycling helmets in the U.S, and CEN / EN 1078, which is the European standard for cycling helmets. To receive one of these certifications, a helmet has to withstand a series of examinations ranging from a drop test to positional stability, which looks at whether or not a helmet will stay on a rider's head in the event of a collision.
What is Mips?
You will likely notice a yellow Mips® icon either in a product description or stamped on the outside of many bike helmets. Mips is a company that's been around since the 1990s, offering what they call a “safety system” that integrates into another manufacturer's helmet. Mips systems are intended to reduce the rotational motions of certain impacts, with a Mips insert allowing for a slight rotation of the helmet. Over 150 brands utilize Mips and are praised by many for their added protection against rotational forces. You will also see other designs that compete with Mips, these are most likely made by the manufacturer directly.
The yellow Mips logo is a common branding you'll likely see on a mountain bike helmet.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Types of Mountain Bike Helmets
While all mountain bike helmets perform the same basic function of protecting one's head, there are various options designed for the specific sub-categories of mountain biking, though one can technically use any helmet for any type of ride. For more gravity-oriented rides, downhill and enduro biking helmets can range from a full face design to a robust half-shell helmet, which we include in this review.
Full-face helmets are best for aggressive downhill biking with limited pedaling.
Credit: Luke Lydiard
Protection is the priority over weight or ventilation, though some models offer an excellent balance of attributes for pedaling. In the realm of trail biking (typically considered a blend of cross-country and downhill riding), you'll find the majority of half-shell bike helmets work well, with designs that focus on all-around performance. For cross-country rides, which commonly involve more pedaling, many models favor a lightweight construction with an emphasis on ventilation. Frequently, the differences between designs can be subtle, and which helmet is best for you is ultimately a personal decision.
Many half shell helmets will work for a variety of mountain bike rides, though there are nuanced design differences that you should be aware of before making a purchase.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Features
While a helmet is, first and foremost, head protection that attaches under the chin, there are various features that may impact your purchasing decisions. In the world of mountain biking, the most noticeable features include an adjustable sun visor and customizable chin/ear straps. The actual buckle of a chin strap is typically either a “classic” buckle or a magnetic side entry design, and many bikers have a preference between the two.
There are a few styles of chin buckles available, from classic designs like these to magnetic, side attachment options.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Another crucial feature that we love to see is eyewear integration, if you can't wear sunglasses while wearing a helmet, or the eyewear bangs against the helmet shell, it can make a ride very unpleasant.
Some helmets are designed to accommodate a wide variety of eyewear.
Credit: Zach Lovell
The rear support system of most helmets nowadays offers a plastic wheel to tighten or loosen the overall fit of the helmet, though each model has nuanced differences with how functional this system is. Lastly, the vent configuration can dramatically impact the quality of a helmet's breathability/ventilation. While you may find a few more bells and whistles listed from various manufacturers, the aforementioned features are what you should focus on, first and foremost.
Conclusion
Mountain biking has the potential to be a high-impact activity, and protecting your head while you rip over rugged trails is the most important thing you can do. Choosing a helmet that will protect you from the inevitable crash but that is also durable enough to last, light enough to not weigh you down, and breathable enough to make you feel like you could ride for hours can be an overwhelming task. Each of these helmets was put through the wringer by our testers in order to provide you with the best information possible before making your next purchase. We sincerely hope that this in-depth review helped point you in the right direction.
