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Trying to decide on the best new mountain bike helmet? After researching over 100 models, we have purchased and tested dozens for side-by-side testing and comparison. This selection represents 20 of the most compelling mountain bike helmets you can buy today. A helmet is the most important piece of bike gear, and finding the perfect model for your riding style and budget can be challenging. To clarify things, we spent months riding in these helmets while analyzing every aspect of their performance and design. After thoroughly testing each model, we rated them on six predetermined metrics: protection, comfort, ventilation, features, weight, and durability. We hope this detailed comparative review helps you find the right helmet.
Editor's Note: Our mountain bike helmet review was updated on May 6, 2024, to remove a couple of discontinued helmets and to add a section on how we tested. We're currently testing several new helmets and will publish our findings when testing is complete.
The Giro Manifest Spherical edged out some incredible competition in a hard-fought battle to earn our highest recommendation. 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 the interior padding absorbs sweat well on those long, hot rides.
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. 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 Giro Radix MIPS is the latest in Giro's functional, low-cost mid-range offerings. This affordable helmet, with the shell shape of a classic mountain bike helmet, a comfortable fit, and a well-targeted list of features, feels at home in a wide range of riding styles and conditions. As soon as you put the helmet on, you'll notice how versatile and secure it feels. Giro's Roc Loc harness is one of the best fit adjustment systems on the market, allowing you to dial in the fit to your preference. The MIPS internal liner provides extra protection from rotational forces if you hit the deck, and the EPS shell provides adequate coverage. The Radix MIPS is also one of the lightest helmets we tested, weighing only 360 grams for our size-Large test helmet.
While the Radix MIPS is a versatile and protective helmet, it isn't as robust as many of the all-mountain and enduro-oriented helmets we tested. The traditional shell shape does not have as low a drop on the back and sides of the head. Furthermore, the visor is a little small and flimsy compared to modern agro helmets. As a result, we wouldn't recommend this helmet for aggressive all-mountain riding, but it's ideal for cross-country and trail riding. So, if you are an aggressive rider looking to push your limits with a more robust option, the full face Fox Rampage Pro Carbon MIPS may better suit your style.
The Specialized Camber also fared admirably against much more expensive competition during our test session. This helmet is just about as basic as you'll find on the mountain bike helmet market today, with a fixed visor, single-density EPS, and no luxury features like eyewear integration. Still, it does include MIPS, a comfortable and highly adjustable harness, and adjustable strap splitters. Additionally, it features the same high-quality construction, top-of-the-line styling, and five-star Virginia Tech protection rating as its more expensive counterpart, the Ambush 2, for a startlingly low price.
If you're willing to forgo the added features found on the flagship models in our test for a basic, no-frills option, this helmet should be a consideration but don't expect the same level of performance. The Camber's ventilation isn't on par with the top helmets in the test, and it comes with a bit of a weight penalty over its more expensive pricier sibling, the Ambush 2. Regardless, for such a reasonable price, the Camber is a surprisingly well-rounded and good-looking lid. On the other hand, if you invest a little more you can enjoy the feature-packed Giro Manifest Spherical, which has all the bells and whistles, including an adjustable visor.
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. It feels light on your head and offers a secure, confidence-inspiring fit. 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. Additionally, the Speedframe doesn't provide the same level of coverage as the other top contenders. 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.
New MIPS Integra rotational impact protection system
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
May conflict with some sunglass arms
The Kortal Race MIPS from POC stands out for its impressive protective qualities. The Kortal builds off the success of the ever-popular Tectal, with a deep fit and even more head coverage. It also features a new rotational impact protection system called MIPS Integra, which is strikingly similar to POC's SPIN system, although now it features a low-friction slip plane integrated into the foam of the helmet. This low-profile MIPS system has the added benefit of not blocking any of the vents or air channels in this well-ventilated helmet. This is one of the airiest helmets we've ever tested. The Kortal also features a new three-position adjustable visor designed to easily break away in the event of a direct impact. Additional features like Aramid bridges for structural integrity, a Recco reflector, and an NFC medical ID chip further enhance its protective/safety qualities. The Kortal also carries the usual safety certifications in addition to the new Dutch standard for electric bikes.
Our gripes with the Kortal are minimal, but we did find a few nits to pick. We found the fit of the shell to be slightly narrower than most other helmets we tested, which might be a problem for those with particularly round head shapes. We think the new adjustable breakaway visor is great, although its position higher on the helmet limits its effectiveness at blocking low sun angles. The Kortal was designed to integrate with POC's new Devour sunglasses, but we found that the shell by the temples could conflict with the arms of some other sunglasses. It's also pretty expensive. That said, we think the Kortal is worth every penny. We understand it may not be within everyone's budget, though. So you may also want to look at the Giro Tyrant Spherical, which provides excellent coverage and a great fit at a more attractive price point.
As part of a new wave of moto-inspired, open-face trail helmets, the Giro Tyrant Spherical provides significantly more head coverage than most of the standard mountain bike helmets we tested. Giro bills this beefy lid as a versatile option that can span the gap between gravity, trail, and dirt jump helmets. After weeks of rigorous testing, we support Giro's claim that it's an incredibly versatile helmet despite its heavy, protective construction. The first thing you'll notice when donning the Tyrant is that it shares a unique dual-shell construction with its half-shell counterpart, the Manifest. The inner shell is low-density EPP foam for minor impacts, and the outer shell is high-density EPS to absorb major collisions. Despite its double-shell composition, the helmet keeps a relatively low profile on your head, and the vents do a surprisingly good job of keeping things cool. Combine the innovative protection and coverage with Giro's Roc Loc harness system and refined shell shape, and you have a helmet that stays comfortable all day.
We majorly appreciated the extra coverage and protection of the Tyrant when things got rowdy, but it also comes with a weight penalty. This model is far heavier than your standard half-shell trail helmet. It doesn't make you feel like a bobblehead like some of the heavier full-face helmets out there, but you'll undoubtedly notice it has more heft than your average lid. Given the intended purpose of this helmet, we don't think the extra weight is a major issue. The Tyrant is perfect for having fun on the trails and testing your limits with the peace of mind provided by the protection from added coverage. Still, you may also prefer the lighter weight and ventilation the protective Kortal Race MIPS offers.
We tested a number of incredibly well-ventilated helmets, but the Specialized Ambush 2 stands out from the rest. Specialized used computational fluid dynamic 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. Even at low speeds, you can feel air moving through the helmet and cooling your head. The MIPS SL rotational impact protection system eliminates the need for an internal plastic liner and further enhances the ventilation effect. We didn't have any issues with excessive sweat or heat while wearing this lid, even on long, hot, exposed climbs. By no means is breathability all that the Ambush 2 has to offer. This was one of our highest-rated models across the board. Well-designed eyewear integration allows you to stow your sunglasses beneath the visor on the front of the helmet. 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, the visor's higher position in the helmet does not provide as much protection from the sun 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 brand's 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 Smith Mainline MIPS rose to the top of our rankings in our full-face helmet review, and we feel it is an excellent option for the majority of riders. Constructed with Smith's Aerocore technology and Koroyd material, this versatile model boasts a fairly light weight and well-ventilated design that makes it useable for trail riding or enduro racing where you need to pedal to the top of your descents. It also carries a DH certification and has been designed to withstand the rigors of downhill riding. The Mainline provides excellent coverage of the head, comes equipped with a MIPS liner intended to help dissipate the forces of rotational impacts, and a sturdy D-ring buckle at the chinstrap. Whether lining up at the regional enduro series, after-work shuttles, occasional bike park days, or rowdy trail rides, the Smith Mainline is our top recommendation.
Similar to other lighter-weight helmets that are DH-certified, the Mainline wouldn't be our first choice for riding lifts at the bike park frequently. Yes, it is designed to handle that type of riding, but we would opt for a more substantial and heavier helmet for true downhill riding. It will serve most people well for the occasional lift-served day, but for pure gravity riding, we feel there are better options. Beyond that, we feel the Mainline is an excellent, versatile helmet that should meet most people's needs. For bombing it on the descent, the Rampage Pro Carbon MIPS is the DH helmet we'd reach for first.
With a price tag significantly lower than the top-tier DH helmets we've tested, we feel the Troy Lee Designs D3 Fiberlite represents a great value for a burly and protective full face. This helmet has a rugged Fiberlite shell that surrounds a significant EPS/EPP foam lining with a heavily padded and plush lining. The snug fit and wide chin strap that is secured with a sturdy D-ring buckle make for a confidence-inspiring and stable feel when charging down chunky rock gardens or jump lines. It has classic styling and clean lines and a large adjustable visor that works well to keep the sun out of your eyes.
In this day and age, we were a little disappointed that the D3 Fiberlite doesn't come with MIPS or a similar rotational impact protection system. Yes, it still carries a DH certification and feels very protective, but we like all the added protection we can get. This beefy helmet is also on the heavier end of the spectrum and doesn't have the best ventilation, though, for a dedicated gravity riding helmet, these concerns are relatively minor. Overall, we think the D3 Fiberlite is a quality downhill helmet at an affordable price. If you want a lighter weight full coverage option that features a rotational impact protection system, definitely check out the Kortal Race MIPS helmet.
If you're looking for a burly helmet for pure downhill riding or racing, the Fox Rampage Pro Carbon MIPS is what we recommend. The robust DH helmet has a very substantial feel with a carbon fiber shell that surrounds a dual-density EPS foam lining with a MIPS slip plane for rotational impact protection. Generous padding and a sturdy D-ring chinstrap closure ensure a secure fit on the head. The large visor is designed to break away for safety in the event of a crash, and it has decent ventilation considering its beefy, protective design. For riding lifts and pushing the limits of speed and terrain, the confidence-inspiring Fox Rampage Pro Carbon is the helmet we'd reach for every time.
The burly and protective nature of the Rampage Pro Carbon MIPS contributes to its overall weight, making it one of the heavier helmets in our review. The ventilation is decent, but it can't compete with some other lighter and more breathable models in terms of airflow. Both the weight and reduced ventilation mean it isn't quite as versatile as other options. We also found the sizing runs a little on the smaller side, so we'd recommend trying one on if possible and potentially sizing up for the best fit. Beyond that, we feel this is the best true downhill helmet we've tested. But if a versatile, breathable, and lightweight full-face helmet is what you're after, consider the Smith Mainline MIPS instead.
The Fox Rampage Pro Carbon MIPS is our top choice for DH riding.
Credit: Pat Donahue
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Testing the new Troy Lee Designs A3 MIPS.
Credit: Laura Casner
How We Test Mountain Bike Helmets
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 article for more in-depth info on our MTB helmet testing processes.
We test mountain bike helmets using six performance metrics:
Protection (25% of total score weighting)
Comfort (20% weighting)
Ventilation (20% weighting)
Features (15% weighting)
Weight (10% weighting)
Durability (10% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
Our mountain bike helmet review team consists of Jeremy Benson 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 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. 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 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
Protection
Since a helmet would be useless if it couldn't keep your head safe, protection is our most heavily weighted metric. We aren't crash test dummies, nor are we a certifying agency, so our protection rating is based on a helmet's construction, head coverage, and protective features like rotational impact systems. All of the helmets tested meet or exceed the US's CPSC Bicycle standard.
Head coverage plays a significant role in how protective a helmet is, and the amount of coverage varies from model to model. All of the helmets in this test are extended coverage half-shell helmets, though some offer a bit more coverage than others. The Giro Tyrant is one such helmet with a deep, “full cut” fit that drops down to provide more coverage on the temporal and occipital lobes. Lately, more and more “full cut” open face helmets have been cropping up. We also tested the Fox Racing Dropframe, which offers similar coverage and styling. The Giro Manifest Spherical, Specialized Ambush 2, POC Kortal, and Leatt MTB 4.0 AllMtn are the highest-coverage helmets we tested with a more traditional half-shell design.
More coverage = better protection. It's simple science, but it's still science.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
The construction of the helmet also contributes to its protection. Each model has an in-mold construction with a durable polycarbonate shell wrapped around an EPS foam liner. Several newer helmets offer dual-density foam designs with a mix of EPS and EPP foam intended to better manage impact forces from both high and low-speed impacts. The Giro Tyrant and Manifest Spherical feature an innovative dual-shell design in which EPP and EPS shells rotate against each other in the event of an impact. Other helmets, like the POC Tectal and POC Kortal, also use aramid molded into their EPS foam to add strength.
Rather than EPS foam, Smith uses a proprietary material known as Koroyd in their high-end helmets. Both the Session and the Forefront 2 employ this material in their construction. Koroyd looks like a honeycomb, or a bunch of straws packed tightly together and is intended to crush or crumple in the event of an impact. Since this material is porous, Smith claims it provides excellent impact absorption with the added benefit of allowing air to pass through it. The Forefront 2 boasts nearly full Koroyd coverage inside the helmet, while the Session has two smaller strategically-placed panels on the sides of the helmet.
Modern helmets are designed to absorb impact by allowing the helmet to partially self-destruct. The foam is to absorb impact, while the plastic shell protects the foam and distributes the force over a larger area. An impact typically results in crushing or cracking the helmet's foam and shell instead of your skull. Any of the helmets we tested is unsafe to continue riding after a significant impact and should be replaced.
A closeup view of the Koroyd in the Forefront 2. The structure looks reminiscent of a honeycomb and provides impact resistance and airflow at the same time.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Nearly every helmet in this review comes with a rotational impact protection system of some kind. Most use the industry-standard MIPS system, but a few companies have gone on to develop their own technologies or partnered with MIPS to create unique designs. Leatt's Turbine 360 is meant to work similarly, with several Armourgel Turbines integrated into the construction of the helmet. 6D's ODS and 100%'s Smartshock are unique in their use of elastomer shock absorbers to reduce g-forces on impact. MIPS created the MIPS SL system specifically for Specialized helmets, and it's built directly into the padding. POC now uses a new system called MIPS Integra in the Kortal and Tectal.
At the time of testing, the IXS Trigger AM and Fox Racing Dropframe were the only helmets in our lineup without a rotational impact protection system. (Editor's Note: the 2024 version of the Dropframe features MIPS.) IXS chose to stick to the traditional EPS construction with no added frills for the version of the Trigger AM that we tested but has since started offering a MIPS-equipped version. The Dropframe uses thick interior padding similar to traditional full-face helmet designs. While the science behind rotational impact protection isn't exactly settled, we think it's a logical system and are happy to have it when we're out riding.
MIPS SL technology is exclusive to Specialized helmets. It is integrated into the padding, which has rotational play in the thin black bands where the pads are connected to the helmet.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
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, and 6D designed ODS. Each of these systems aims to solve the same problem, but they approach it in a variety of different ways. Some systems, like Smartshock, LDL, and 6D, tout both direct and rotational impact protection, while traditional MIPS is designed strictly to help with rotational impacts.
Which technology is the best? The jury is still out. We recommend doing some research and deciding for yourself. The cost of these systems has come down in recent years, and nowadays, they only add about 5-10% to the price of a helmet. Since the whole point of a helmet is to protect the brain through a reduction of impact forces, we recommend paying the premium price for a helmet with one of these systems.
The well-designed straps on the new Ambush 2 hold them flat and don't interfere with your ears.
Credit: Zach Wick
Comfort
Beyond safety, comfort is the next most important aspect of a helmet. A comfortable helmet 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.
The most comfortable helmets in our test were the Giro Manifest, Troy Lee Designs A3, 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 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 just as important as the quantity. The Giro Manifest was one of 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. Our other top-performing helmet for ventilation is the Ambush 2. Despite having only 15 vents, it keeps the air flowing and your head cool. 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
Features
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.
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 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, while the Giro Tyrant was the heaviest. Many of our top-performing helmets weigh within a few grams of each other. Differences in weight that small are hardly noticeable. For this reason, we put less emphasis on this metric than others.
In some cases, we found that the perceived weight of a helmet has as much to do with how well it fits as with the actual weight on the scale. The Troy Lee A3, for instance, was one helmet that felt considerably lighter than what the scale showed due to its excellent fit.
Durability
Our testers don't go out of their way to crash during testing. Therefore, the durability score is not correlated to crash resistance. It evaluates a helmet's ability to withstand daily use and common wear and tear. All of the helmets tested are designed to protect your head through partial destruction of the helmet during a crash. It is imperative that you replace your helmet after a significant impact. Beyond crash damage, most helmets should provide a responsible user with years of trouble-free use.
Full-coverage helmets with outer shells that wrap entirely around the lower edge of the delicate EPS foam stand up better to dings and dents from daily use and abuse. Most of the helmets in the test share this quality. We also noted how wear affected all the moving parts, including fit adjustments, outer shells, and inner padding. The vast majority of the helmets that we tested are durably constructed and should span the test of time, assuming that you can avoid hitting the deck.
With modern helmets, it's more comfortable than ever to keep your head protected in the event of a crash.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
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.
