#10 Best Helmets for Mountain Biking 2023
The days of wearing heavy buckets on our heads with no or minimal ventilation are over. So, check out this list of the best helmets for mountain biking. Good helmets, good rides!
| 👤 Written by: | L. W. R. Ulla |
| ⏳ Updated on: | |
| 📋 List: | 10 items |
| 👀 Reader: | 53 views |
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A helmet is an essential piece of mountain bike gear. You wouldn’t even consider going for a bike ride without a helmet, would you? These helmets are supposed to protect the head, brain, and face in case of an accident. In recent years, helmet technology has evolved tremendously, such as MIPS.
The days of wearing heavy buckets on our heads with no or minimal ventilation are over. So there’s no reason not to wear one or to improve to a newer and safer helmet model now that they’re so readily available. Particularly if you have visited this article to read more about the best helmets for mountain biking, keep reading on!
Table of contents
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1.Giro Tyrant Spherical Adult Dirt Bike Helmet : Spherical technology and MIPS brain protection system
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2.POC Kortal Race MIPS : Store your emergency contacts within the helmet
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3.Giro Manifest Spherical Adult Mountain Cycling Helmet : Spherical technology and MIPS protection system
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4.POC Octal MIPS: Significant large vents and visor-less features
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5.LAZER Chiru MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet : A comfortable and secure fit
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6.Fox Racing Dropframe Pro DVIDE Helmets: 8 Big Bore vents and 7 exhaust vents keep you cool
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7.SMITH Forefront 2 MIPS Mountain Cycling Helmet: Ultimate integration with Smith performance eyewear
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8.Troy Lee Designs Stage Full Face Helmets: Technical descents that call for a full-face helmet
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9.SMITH Optics Session MIPS Mountain Cycling Helmet: Zonal Koroyd coverage with MIPS protection system
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10.SCOTT Stego Plus MIPS Helmet : Micro-adjustment dial and the adjustable visor
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Cant find the answer you’re looking for? Reach out to our Q&A community.
What makes the best helmets for mountain biking?
If you’re a mountain cyclist who spends most of their time riding long distances over the countryside, you’ll want a helmet that is;
- lightweight
- has excellent air ventilation,
- fit your head snuggly,
- compatible with google and sun visor,
- provides with mount accessories or cam,
- has MIPS or other safety features.
What are the safety measures for mountain bike helmets?
- MIPS or Multi-Directional Impact Protection System. It’s a low-friction liner within the helmet that lets it rotate freely. The liner helps reduce rotating pressures during an angled impact.
- Certain brands have developed proprietary MIPS-like technology. For instance, POC employs SPIN (Shearing Pad Inside), which functions essentially the same as MIPS but with silicone pads in place of liners.
- MIPS developed Spherical Technology. Instead of a single plastic MIPS liner, MIPS Spherical has 2 layers of EPS foam and a slip-plane. These foam layers move freely, like a ball-and-socket joint, to divert impact forces.
Are there any specified mountain bike helmets for women?
Most of these mountain bike helmets are gender-neutral and can be worn by both men and women. However, it is possible to find a design tailored specifically for women, which may be identified by the smaller diameter of the ring or a distinct color scheme.
For certain female riders, a ponytail-compatible helmet is a must-have feature. For the most part, a women’s-specific build does not alter the shell’s safety technologies, cost, or basic contour.
What is the average price for a mountain bike helmet?
The average price for mountain bike helmets is around $70 up to $150. The more features and well-known a brand will make, the helmet’s price goes up higher.
| Name | Rank | Check Prices |
|---|---|---|
Giro
Tyrant Spherical Adult Dirt Bike Helmet | #1 | Amazon Giro.com eBay |
POC
Kortal Race MIPS | #2 | Amazon Na.pocsports.com eBay |
Giro
Manifest Spherical Adult Mountain Cycling Helmet | #3 | Amazon Giro.com eBay |
POC
Octal MIPS | #4 | Amazon Na.pocsports.com eBay |
LAZER
Chiru MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet | #5 | Amazon Lazersport.us eBay |
Fox Racing
Dropframe Pro DVIDE Helmets | #6 | Amazon Foxracing.com eBay |
SMITH
Forefront 2 MIPS Mountain Cycling Helmet | #7 | Amazon Smithoptics.com eBay |
Troy Lee Designs
Stage Full Face Helmets | #8 | Amazon Backcountry.com eBay |
SMITH
Optics Session MIPS Mountain Cycling Helmet | #9 | Amazon Smithoptics.com eBay |
SCOTT
Stego Plus MIPS Helmet | #10 | Amazon Backcountry.com eBay |
10 List of Best Helmets for Mountain Biking
Have a problem
with this product?#1Giro Tyrant Spherical Adult Dirt Bike Helmet
Spherical technology and MIPS brain protection system
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Even at low speeds, the Giro Manifest Spherical is noticeably more airy than other trail helmets because of how well it is designed to let air in. Even though there’s a good amount of coverage, it’s still surprisingly light. The tension around the head feels good, and we had no hotspots during testing. For so, it is placed first among the best helmets for mountain biking!
Pros (reasons to buy)
Dual-density EPS foam liner
MIPS brain protection system
14 vents with internal channelingCons (reasons to avoid)
Expensive
Lack of face shieldWhat other experts liked
Surprisingly, the 14 vents, open cheek areas, and front intakes do a great job of moving air.What other experts didn't like
According to our calculations, the Manifest Spherical from Giro is the trail helmet that can be purchased for the highest price.
Have a problem
with this product?#2POC Kortal Race MIPS
Store your emergency contacts within the helmet
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The POC Kortal Race MIPS helmet is an excellent mountain bike helmet. It has great coverage and protection all around the head, and it’s MIPS-certified to protect against rotational forces in a crash. Also, it is made to work with Twiceme Technology, which lets you connect your medical information wirelessly so that the first responder can get to you quickly in an emergency. Indeed, it is one of the best helmets for mountain biking.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Excellent ventilation
Fashionable look
Connected digitally for medical informationCons (reasons to avoid)
Tagged on a high-price sideWhat other experts liked
With this new, fully-featured, high-coverage half-shell, POC keeps pushing the limits of protection and safety.What other experts didn't like
One downside is that the extra coverage, especially at the temples, makes it harder to wear glasses.
Have a problem
with this product?#3Giro Manifest Spherical Adult Mountain Cycling Helmet
Spherical technology and MIPS protection system
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:This Spherical Giro helmet fits great, especially with the Spherical Technology developed with MIPS. They give this mountain bike helmet shell the look of being in two pieces. It lets the top part of the shell move separately from the bottom in a crash (minimizing rotational forces on the brain). Unlike most MIPS lids, making the separate liner also gives excellent ventilation.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Spherical technology and MIPS protection system
Dual-density eps foam liner
19 wind tunnel ventsCons (reasons to avoid)
Only one finger can reach the fit dial
High price pointWhat other experts liked
The Manifest has some of the most advanced safety features on the market. It uses Spherical MIPS, and it has proven to be durable, comfortable, and light.What other experts didn't like
The price of the Giro Manifest Spherical makes it one of the most expensive half-shell mountain bike helmets on the market.
Have a problem
with this product?#4POC Octal MIPS
Significant large vents and visor-less features
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The POC Octal MIPS has excellent coverage all around your head, but its large vents and visor-less features make it the best choice for speed and efficiency. Even better, the EPS foam liner and MIPS technology work together to ensure your brain is well-protected during a crash. This mountain bike helmet is also cool because it has a place to hold your sunglasses.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Great airflow
EPS foam liner
MIPS certifiedCons (reasons to avoid)
Minimal paddingWhat other experts liked
The Octal is Swedish-based POC's first go at a road cycling helmet. It is a well ventilated, comfortable fitting, and light helmet,What other experts didn't like
The minimal padding and a simple and lightweight adjustment system are some of this helmet's drawbacks.
Have a problem
with this product?#5LAZER Chiru MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet
A comfortable and secure fit
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Lazer Chiru MIPS helmet has a neutral fit and is very comfortable. When you wear it over rough terrain, it doesn’t move around. The retention system allows for small changes. Because it has MIPS, it is a very safe helmet. Also, this mountain bike helmet has an integrated visor that keeps the sun out of your eyes. It is one of the best helmets for mountain biking.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Super comfortable
Great airflow ventilation
MIPS liningCons (reasons to avoid)
Non-adjustable visorWhat other experts liked
The Chiru is a trail helmet with a clean, well-thought-out design and a fair price.What other experts didn't like
The Chiru lid won't fit on some glasses.
Have a problem
with this product?#6Fox Racing Dropframe Pro DVIDE Helmets
8 Big Bore vents and 7 exhaust vents keep you cool
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Dropframe Pro Helmet by Fox Racing has received the best rating from Virginia Tech’s Bicycle Helmet program. It’s the top choice among the best helmets for mountain biking that will give you more coverage, more confidence, and more fun. This open-faced enduro helmet is a game-changer because it has MIPSTM, VarizorbTM EPS liner with two densities, and more coverage for the ears, jaw, and back of the head.
Pros (reasons to buy)
EPS shell of dual-density
Full extended coverage
Large sun visorCons (reasons to avoid)
Adjustment fit option unavailable
Average ventilationWhat other experts liked
Fox Racing Dropframe is a no-frills helmet that gives you more coverage and protection for your head.What other experts didn't like
When it comes to protecting your head, the Fox Dropframe Pro mountain bike helmet is definitely Pro.
Have a problem
with this product?#7SMITH Forefront 2 MIPS Mountain Cycling Helmet
Ultimate integration with Smith performance eyewear
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:The Smith Forefront 2 is MIPS-certified and has a whopping 20 vents to help you stay cool on those sweaty climbs. This bike helmet has made a special mix of EPS foam and tubular structures that look like honeycomb to improve ventilation. If the airflow is the most important thing to you when looking for the best mountain bike helmet, this could be the best deal option you can take.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Comfortable helmet
MIPS and Aerocore for safety measures
Easy-to-use and adjustable secureCons (reasons to avoid)
Ventilation needs improvement
Minimal paddingWhat other experts liked
The top-of-the-line mountain bike helmet from Smith is light, comfortable, and has a lot of safety features.What other experts didn't like
The Forefront 2's visor is bigger than the one on the previous model. It's useful for keeping the sun out of your eyes, but if I had to be picky, it could be a little longer.
Have a problem
with this product?#8Troy Lee Designs Stage Full Face Helmets
Technical descents that call for a full-face helmet
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Enter the Troy Lee Designs Stage MIPS helmet. The Stage MIPS helmet is where technical descents that call for a full-face helmet are mixed in with climbs and long transfer stages. It has a very low weight and a lot of ventilation. Also, this mountain bike helmet can handle high-energy impacts if you’re riding DH or a bike park, but it’s lighter and more comfortable for rides where you have to work for your descent.
Pros (reasons to buy)
EPP lined chin bar
Detachable/adjustable visor
11 high-flow air intakes and 14 exhaust portsCons (reasons to avoid)
Less protective feelingWhat other experts liked
There isn't enough room for the goggles under the visor. We suggest putting them around your arm or in your backpack, but not on the back of your helmet.What other experts didn't like
This Troy Lee Designs Stage Stealth Helmet full-face is different because it weighs 702 grams and has better airflow than most.
Have a problem
with this product?#9SMITH Optics Session MIPS Mountain Cycling Helmet
Zonal Koroyd coverage with MIPS protection system
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:For safety, the Smith Session MIPS helmet uses two third-party protection technologies: MIPS, which reduces rotational impact, and Koroyd, which crumples to absorb impact forces. These features do a great job of cooling the head. Also, the retention system is easily adjusted vertically and with the index wheel. Even with goggles on top, the helmet didn’t move around too much.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Large vents let in a lot of cool air
Good comfort for the whole day
Works with both glasses and gogglesCons (reasons to avoid)
Pricey
Bigger size chartWhat other experts liked
This helmet has fantastic cooling, great comfort and a stylish, well thought out overall packageWhat other experts didn't like
The sizing with this helmet runs a little big.
Have a problem
with this product?#10SCOTT Stego Plus MIPS Helmet
Micro-adjustment dial and the adjustable visor
1 experts agree 1 experts disagreeWHY WE LIKE IT:Scott’s newest helmet has a strong polycarbonate shell and reassuring MIPS technology. It also has more coverage around the head for better protection on the trail. The micro-adjustment dial on the helmet makes it fit better, and the adjustable visor protects your face from glare and dirt. Attach your favorite action camera to the bracket on the visor and record every exciting moment on the trail.
Pros (reasons to buy)
Superb comfortable helmet
A lot of airflows
FashionableCons (reasons to avoid)
Stiff straps
No adjustments for visorWhat other experts liked
The Scott Stego Plus is a quiet helmet, that is unlike other helmets featuring MIPS that do have a tendency to creak a little.What other experts didn't like
I wish to see more adjustment from its visor, and its adjustment dial can catch on hoods.
Conclusion: Best Helmets for Mountain Biking
We know that mountain bike helmet prices are rising, but there’s not much we can do about it. Still, spending a little more on a good lid is a good idea if you want to go over rocks and around trees. The best helmets for mountain biking will provide you with the best fit, retention systems, and safety improvements. Good helmet, good ride!
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