Updated January 14, 2021
The thrills that mountain biking can bring as you conquer challenging terrain are a major attraction. It’s important to bear in mind, though, the inevitability of accidents and the need to protect yourself from any impacts from collisions and falls on your body, especially your head. A concussion or fractured skull, not to mention bumps, bruises, or cuts, can put a damper on the fun not to mention potentially the rest of your life.
So a good helmet is a necessity. Selecting one that can assure you that it stands up to the task is essential. To help you sort through the myriad of models on the market for the various styles of mountain biking, some of the best helmets have been selected as an introduction. They are reviewed starting with a comparison table, followed by descriptions, key features, photos, some really demonstrative videos, and a basic buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom.
For more information on other categories of bikes, please check out these reviews:
Affordable Electric Bikes Women’s Mountain Bikes BMX Bikes Mountain Bikes Under $1,000 Budget Mountain Bikes Fat Bikes Single Speed Bikes Beach Cruisers
Best Mountain Bike Helmets 2021
- POC Tectal Race Spin Mountain Bike Helmet
- Giro Montaro MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet
- Giro Chronicle MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet
- Bell Super 3R MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet
- Bell Sixer MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet
- POC Octal X Spin Mountain Bike Helmet
- Oakley DRT5 Mountain Bike Helmet
- Troy Lee Design Stage MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet
- Smith Optics Forefront 2 MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet
- Fox Racing Speedframe Pro Mountain Bike Helmet
Mountain Bike Helmets Comparison Table
| Photo | Helmet | Weight | Vents | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | POC Tectal Race Spin Mountain Bike Helmet | 13 ounces | 15 | 4.7 | $$$ |
  | Giro Montaro MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet | 14.11 ounces | 16 | 4.6 | $$ |
  | Giro Chronicle MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet | 13 ounces | 14 | 4.4 | $ |
  | Bell Super 3R MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet | 27.65 ounces | 23 | 4.8 | $$$ |
  | Bell Sixer MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet | 14.46 ounces | 26 | 4.6 | $$ |
  | POC Octal X Spin Mountain Bike Helmet | 9.95 ounces | 18 | 4.9 | $$$ |
  | Oakley DRT5 Mountain Bike Helmet | 16 ounces | 13 | 4.7 | $$ |
  | Troy Lee Design Stage MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet | 24.34 ounces | 25 | 4.7 | $$$ |
  | Smith Optics Forefront 2 MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet | 13.4 ounces | 20 | 4.7 | $$ |
  | Fox Racing Speedframe Pro Mountain Bike Helmet | 13.4 ounces | 20 | 4.7 | $$ |
| Photo | Helmet | Weight | Vents | Rating | Price |
POC Tectal Race Spin Mountain Bike Helmet
The POC Tectal Race Spin Mountain Bike Helmet by the reputable Swedish manufacturer is a durable model great for freeriding or enduro with a molded polycarbonate shell, reinforced EPS liner, and a proprietary SPIN protection system that reduces the force of impacts.
Lightweight, it is well ventilated and comes in 3 sizes suitable for men and women with a 360° size and strap adjustment system for a precise and comfortable fit.
It has an adjustable visor along with a goggles clip for securing eyewear, and an embedded RECCO reflector that aids in search and rescue efforts if needed.
- Shell Material: unibody polycarbonate
- Liner: reinforced EPS with aramid bridge technology
- Visor: adjustable
- Vents: 15
- Other Features: embedded RECCO reflector, goggles clip, proprietary SPIN silicone pad impact system, 360° size and strap adjustment system
- Weight: 13 ounces (M/L)
- Sizes: XS/S, M/L, XL/XXL
- Unisex
- Colors: 4 combinations
- Price: $$$
Giro Montaro MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet
The Giro Montaro MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet is a well-designed, durable, moderately priced helmet great for trail riding with a number of quality features.
It has a sturdy polycarbonate shell with a roll cage reinforced EPS liner with hydrophilic padding that manages sweat to keep it out of your eyes.
It is MIPS equipped to enhance safety by reducing rotational forces and has their Roc Loc 5 air fit system with easy one-hand adjustment for a comfortable conforming fit.
With 16 vents and internal channeling, it is aerated and cool and it has an adjustable visor allowing placement of your goggles on the front of the helmet.
Other features include full camera mount integration for your GoPro and a strap gripper for goggles.
The range of 4 sizes suit men and women and it comes in 12 lively colors and color combinations.
- Shell Material: polycarbonate
- Liner: EPS with roll cage reinforcement and hydrophilic x-static anti-microbial brow padding for moisture management
- Visor: adjustable P.O.V. Plus (allows lifting of the visor to place goggles on the front of the helmet)
- Vents: 16 with internal channeling
- Other Features: full camera mount integration with a breakaway feature, strap gripper for goggle integration, MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact System) to reduce rotational forces on impacts, Roc Loc 5 one-hand air fit system
- Weight: 14.11 ounces
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Unisex
- Colors: 12
- Price: $$
Giro Chronicle MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet
The Giro Chronicle MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet is another quality model similar to the Montaro reviewed just above that is scaled-down a bit feature-wise with a lower price, as well.
It has the same durable polycarbonate shell and EPS liner, this time with different insulation described as extra-plus Coolmax padding which also has wicking capability.
The easy-adjust one-handed Roc Loc 5 fitting system is the same and there is also an effective venting system with a slightly different configuration and an adjustable visor that allows easy placement of goggles.
Equipped with the MIPS system for protection on impacts, it comes in 4 unisex sizes, in 6 color designs at a budget-friendly price.
- Shell Material: polycarbonate
- Liner: EPS with extra-plush Coolmax padding with wicking qualities
- Visor: adjustable P.O.V. Plus (allows lifting of the visor to place goggles on the front of the helmet)
- Vents: 14 wind tunnel vents with internal channeling
- Other Features: MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact System)to reduce rotational forces on impacts, Roc Loc 5 one-hand air fit system
- Weight: 13 ounces
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Unisex
- Colors: 6
- Price: $
Bell Super 3R MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet
The Bell Super 3R MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet is a versatile full-face model great for recreation and extreme trail riding with a variety of premium features.
Constructed with a super-sturdy fusion in-mold polycarbonate shell, it has a full-face design with a removable chin bar, an EPS foam liner, and comfortable quick-dry padding.
Ventilation is excellent and includes brow ports and chin bar vents.
It also has an adjustable visor that accommodates goggles and glasses and an integrated camera mount ready for your GoPro.
Available in 3 unisex sizes, a float fit system with an easy-adjust rubber dial ensures a precise comfortable fit.
The chin bar has been extensively tested demonstrating a high strength level and the MIPS reduces rotational forces from certain impacts making this a helmet with a good safety standard.
- Shell Material: Fusion In-Mold polycarbonate
- Liner: EPS foam with X-Static quick-drying padding
- Visor: adjustable, accommodating glasses and goggles
- Vents: 23 helmet vents, 4 brow ports, 6 chin bar vents
- Other Features: MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact System) to reduce rotational forces on impacts, float fit system with an easy-turning over-molded rubber dial for adjustments, wrap-around removable chin bar with no tools required, breakaway camera mount
- Weight: 27.65 ounces (M)
- Sizes: S, M, L
- Unisex
- Colors: 9
- Price: $$$
Bell Sixer MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet
The Bell Sixer MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet is the top of the line trail helmet from the iconic manufacturer.
It has a durable polycarbonate shell with an exposed roll cage with an EPS liner and quick-dry X-Static padding.
Combined with the MIPS protective layer and the fit race fitting system, it is a safe, comfortable helmet.
Well ventilated with a myriad of vents and brow ports it has a 4-position visor that can accommodate eyewear and a breakaway camera mount for GoPros and similar cameras.
Suitable for men and women in a range of 4 sizes, it comes in 18 colors and combinations at a moderate price.
- Shell Material: Fusion In-Mold polycarbonate with an exposed polycarbonate roll cage
- Liner: EPS foam with X-Static quick-dry padding
- Visor: 4-position, adjustable with no-slip design, eyewear compatible
- Vents: 26 helmet vents, 4 brow ports
- Other Features: MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact System) to reduce rotational forces on impacts, float fit race fitting system integrated with MIPS with an easy-turning dial for adjustments, breakaway camera mount
- Weight: 14.46 ounces (M)
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Unisex
- Colors: 18
- Price: $$
POC Octal X Spin Mountain Bike Helmet
The POC Octal X Spin Mountain Bike Helmet is based on the foundation design of the POC Octal road helmet with modifications that include an extended shell for more coverage of the liner suitable for the safety needs of cross-country riders.
It has a durable polycarbonate shell and EPS liner with POC’s aramid bridge technology and proprietary SPIN pads for the reduction of impact force.
The design does not include a visor, which is not as essential for cross-country riding, but it does have a handy eye garage for sunglasses, and 18 vents for cooling and aeration.
It comes in 3 sizes and has an easy-adjust strap system for a good fit and includes a Recco reflector system that aids in rescue situations.
Available currently in 4 color combinations it also has a 1-year warranty.
- Shell Material: polycarbonate
- Liner: reinforced EPS with aramid bridge technology
- Visor: none
- Vents: 18
- Other Features: embedded RECCO reflector, eye garage for sunglasses, proprietary SPIN silicone pad impact system, precision straps and easy-adjust system
- Weight: 9.95 ounces (M)
- Sizes: S, M, L
- Unisex
- Colors: 4 combinations
- Warranty: 1-year manufacturer
- Price: $$$
Oakley DRT5 Mountain Bike Helmet
The Oakley DRT5 Mountain Bike Helmet was designed and developed in collaboration with famed downhill rider Greg Minnaar and is a great choice for technical descent rides.
The standard sturdy polycarbonate shell has a thick EPS liner with X-Static brow padding and a silicone sweat guard to channel moisture away from the face.
It has MIPS integration for enhanced impact protection and a precise fit using the BOA 360 fit system.
Oakley, known for sunglasses, has incorporated a handy eyewear dock to secure your sunglasses on the backside of the helmet when not in use.
Moderately priced, the DRT5 comes in a choice of 7 colors in 3 sizes.
- Shell Material: polycarbonate
- Liner: EPS with X-Static brow padding
- Visor: 60° adjustable
- Vents: 13
- Other Features: MIPS brain protection system integrated, integrated eyewear dock on the back, BOA 360 height adjustable fit system, silicone sweat guard
- Weight: 16 ounces
- Sizes: S, M, L
- Unisex
- Colors: 7
- Price: $$
Troy Lee Design Stage MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet
The Troy Lee Design Stage MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet offers a high level of protection for downhill and enduro riding with a chin bar and durable polylite construction.
It is lightweight and well aerated with 25 vents and a large chin bar opening, and uses MIPS technology to enhance safety and a dual-density EPS liner co-molded with EPP for high and low-speed impact energy.
An interchangeable assortment of liners, cheek pads, and neck rolls helps ensure a custom fit and the innovative and easy to use Fidlock magnetic buckle makes connecting the chin straps a breeze.
Available in an array of 13 color combos, a drawstring bag is included.
- Shell Material: polylite with fiber reinforcement, polyacrylite injected chin bar
- Liner: dual-density EPS molded with EPP, washable X-Static liner and contoured cheek pads, comes with an assortment of 2 liners, 3 sets of cheek pads, and 2 neck rolls for a custom fit
- Visor: breakaway
- Vents: 11 high-flow intake ports and 14 exhaust vents
- Other Features: large chin bar with ventilation opening, MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact System) brain protection system to reduce rotational forces on impacts, easy to use Fidlock magnetic buckle, drawstring bag included
- Weight: 24.34 ounces (M/L)
- Sizes: XS/S, M/L, XL/XXL
- Unisex
- Colors: 13
- Price: $$$
View More From Troy Lee Designs
Smith Optics Forefront 2 MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet
The Smith Optics Forefront 2 MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet has an innovative combination of design features and materials that set it apart from other trail bike helmets.
The Koroyd impact protection system with molded co-polymer tubes along with MIPS provides impressive safety coverage.
20 vents and the hollow construction of the co-polymer tubes will keep you cool, and channels in front and back are provided for convenient eyewear storage.
It comes in 3 unisex sizes and 11 color combos with the Vaporfit dial adjustment system for a precise fit.
The pricing is moderate and reviews by owners are excellent.
- Shell Material: Koroyd Aerocore
- Liner: extruded co-polymer tubes
- Visor: 3-position adjustable
- Vents: 20 in a zonal ventilation system
- Other Features: MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact System) to reduce rotational forces on impacts, channels in the front and back for eyewear storage, Vaporfit dial adjustment fit system, integrated roll cage for increased strength, XT2 anti-microbial lining
- Weight: 13.4 ounces (M)
- Sizes: S, M, L
- Unisex
- Colors: 11
- Price: $$
Fox Racing Speedframe Pro Mountain Bike Helmet
The Fox Racing Speedframe Pro Mountain Bike Helmet earned a 5 Star rating from bike helmet testers at Virginia Tech and is a good choice for trail riding with a number of quality features.
It has a dual-density EPS liner combined with MIPS for good impact protection.
The ride is aerated and cool with 20 vents and it has a removable XT2 anti-microbial liner and the 360 Fit System to dial in a precise fit.
The 3-position visor leaves a spot to place your goggles and provide more air cooling with access to brow vents, and the Fidlock SNAP buckle permits easy one-handed connection.
Lightweight and comfortable, it is available in 7 colors and 3 unisex sizes at a moderate price.
- Shell Material: polycarbonate
- Liner: dual-density Varizorb EPS
- Visor: 3-position adjustable, goggle compatible
- Vents: 20
- Other Features: MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact System) to reduce rotational forces on impacts, removable XT2 antimicrobial liner, 360 Fit System to dial in a precise fit, Fidlock SNAP buckle for one-handed connection
- Weight: 13.4 ounces
- Sizes: S, M, L
- Unisex
- Colors: 7
- Price: $$
Mountain Bike Helmets Buying Guide
Types – Mountain bike helmets have differences in design to best accommodate the type of riding you plan to do based primarily on the amount of coverage for your head. The main types of mountain biking can be broken into 3 categories for the purpose of helmet design: cross-country (XC), all-mountain, and downhill.
- Cross-country (XC) riding involves less technical terrain and can include a lot of uphill pedaling where good ventilation is welcomed. More lightweight construction with less head coverage can be sufficient for safety.
- All-mountain riding includes more rigorous technical downhill terrain demanding more protection than XC riding. XC helmets typically provide more coverage for the back and sides of the head and around the temples. A thicker shell with more padding is typical and a large visor is included.
- Downhill riding is the most technical and potentially dangerous type of riding often taking place in bike parks and on rocky descending terrain. The helmets are full-face models to provide the best total head coverage.
Fit and Comfort – A good comfortable fit is paramount. If the helmet doesn’t fit well the ability to protect your head will be impaired and it will be uncomfortable. The best helmets will have 3 or 4 available sizes with the manufacturer giving head measurement guidelines to aid in selection. In addition, top helmets have adjustment mechanisms to hone in on a precise, tailored fit. If you have the opportunity to try it on first, that is your best bet.
Additional Selection and Fit Tips
Ventilation – To keep your head cool and relatively dry bike helmets have vents. Because speeds in mountain biking can be slower than in road biking more and larger vents are incorporated into the design to compensate for the decreased airflow. The manufacturers need to take care that the size of the holes doesn’t compromise the strength or impact resistance. The best designs have a durable shell with a liner and padding that facilitates ventilation while maintaining the necessary level of protection.
Safety Standards – Mountain bike helmets must meet safety standards to be on the market. This is helpful as it allows you to focus on the design and features you like without worrying about whether it is basically a safe model.
In the U.S. mountain bike helmets must meet the safety requirements of the American Society for Testing and Materials, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and/or Snell.
Special Safety Features – Several new age technologies are available that are incorporated into the design of the lining and interior of mountain bike helmets for enhanced safety.
- MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) – This is a commonly used system available on the Giro, Bell, Oakley, Troy Lee, Smith Optics, and Fox Racing helmets reviewed above. It involves a low-friction liner between the foam and the pads which slip and rotate on impact to lessen the impact on the brain.
- SPIN (Shearing Pad Inside) – This is a system designed by POC, the Swedish company, and used on the two POC helmets reviewed here. It is similar to MIPS and uses silicone-filled pads that protect the brain against rotational or oblique impacts.
- Koroyd – This system uses welded tubes that crumple on impact to minimize energy transferred to the head. It’s used on the Smith Optics helmet reviewed above in conjunction with MIPS.
- Wavecel – This one was developed by Bontrager for their helmets that use a synthetic gel to create a crumple zone between the shell of the helmet and the pads to absorb and redirect the impact which the company claims to be 48 times safer than standard EPS foam liners.
For more information on other categories of bikes, please check out these reviews:
Affordable Electric Bikes Women’s Mountain Bikes BMX Bikes Mountain Bikes Under $1,000 Budget Mountain Bikes Fat Bikes Single Speed Bikes Beach Cruisers
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