Updated September 1, 2024
Mountain biking puts you on terrain that is exciting and challenging which brings with it the high probability of an occasional crash. The right helmet is essential to make sure head injuries are minimized or avoided altogether.
As a woman, when you shop for a helmet to best suit your needs in regard to size, weight, and features, it takes some considerable research to get it right. To help in your selection process, several helmets specifically designed for women along with several other unisex models that get great reviews from women have been chosen as an introduction. Starting with a comparison table, they are reviewed with descriptions, key features, photos, some very helpful videos, and a simple buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more information on other categories of bikes, please check out these reviews:
Mountain Bike Helmets 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 Women’s Mountain Bike Helmets
- Smith Venture MIPS Women’s Mountain Bike Helmet
- Giro Cartelle Women’s Mountain Bike Helmet
- Giro Montara Women’s Moutain Bike Helmet
- Bell Super 3R MIPS Women’s Mountain Bike Helmet
- POC Octal X Spin Mountain Bike Helmet
- POC Tectal Race Spin Women’s Mountain Bike Helmet
- Smith Forefront 2 MIPS Women’s Mountain Bike Helmet
- Troy Lee Designs A2 MIPS Women’s Mountain Bike Helmet
Women’s Mountain Bike Helmets Comparison Table
| Photo | Helmet | Weight | Vents | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Smith Venture MIPS Women's Mountain Bike Helmet | 11.99 ounces | 20 | 4.4 | $ |
  | Giro Cartelle Women's Mountain Bike Helmet | 30 ounces (listed but must be too high) | 14 | 4.5 | $ |
  | Giro Montara MIPS Women's Mountain Bike Helmet | 14.11 ounces | 16 | 4.6 | $$ |
  | Bell Super 3R MIPS Women's Mountain Bike Helmet | 27.65 ounces | 23 | 4.8 | $$$ |
  | POC Octal X Spin Women's Mountain Bike Helmet | 9.95 ounces | 18 | 4.9 | $$$ |
| POC Tectal Race Spin Women's Mountain Bike Helmet | 13 ounces | 15 | 4.7 | $$$ | |
  | Smith Forefront 2 MIPS Women's Mountain Bike Helmet | 13.4 ounces | 20 | 4.7 | $$ |
  | Troy Lee Designs A2 MIPS Women's Mountain Bike Helmet | 12.3 ounces | 13 | 4.6 | $$ |
| Photo | Helmet | Weight | Vents | Rating | Price |
Smith Venture MIPS Women’s Mountain Bike Helmet
It has the AirEvac system that uses 20 vents and internal channels for cooling aeration and the XT2 anti-bacterial lining keeps it fresh.
The integrated visor shields from the sun and this model is equipped with an impressive MIPS protective system for brain protection on impacts.
A good fit is assured using the convenient VaporFit adjustment which enables a custom fit for all women in the 3 basic sizes.
It’s a great choice for trail riding and is currently available in 8 attractive colors.
- Weight: 11.9 ounces (M)
- Sizes: S, M, L
- Shell Material: lightweight in-mold polycarbonate
- Liner: EPS foam with XT2 anti-bacterial lining
- Visor: integrated, non-adjustable
- Vents: 20 vent AirEvac ventilation
- MIPS protective system included
- Other Features: aerodynamic design, ultra-light single-layer webbing, VaporFit customized fit
- Colors: 8
- Rating: 4.4
- Price: $
Giro Cartelle Women’s Mountain Bike Helmet
Combined with the internal channeling and 14 vents, it is dry and well-aerated. Add on the Roc Loc 5 easy-dial fit system, and you have a custom comfortable fit.
MIPS provides extra impact protection and the adjustable visor gives you a spot above the brow to mount your goggles when not in place on your face.
This great women’s helmet comes in a choice of 10 lively colors at a very affordable price.
- Weight: 30 ounces (listed but must be too high, probably closer to the weight of the Giro Montara at 14.11 ounces)
- Sizes: S, M
- Shell Material: lightweight in-mold polycarbonate
- Liner: EPS foam with proprietary extra-plush Coolmax padding with wicking
- Visor: adjustable P.O.V. Plus, accommodates goggle placement
- Vents: 14 vents with internal channeling
- MIPS protective system included
- Other Features: Roc Loc 5 Air Fit system with one-hand dial adjustment
- Colors: 10
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $
Giro Montara Women’s Moutain Bike Helmet
The Giro Montara MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet is the sister model to the Montaro in S and M sizes suitable for women. It is a durable, well-designed, moderately priced helmet great for trail riding that is similar to the Women’s Cartelle model reviewed above but with a few more upgraded features.
This time the polycarbonate shell has a roll cage reinforced EPS liner with hydrophilic brow padding that encourages sweat away from your eyes.
This model is also MIPS equipped with the Roc Loc 5 air fit system for easy one-hand adjustment for a customized, conforming, comfortable fit.
With 16 vents instead of the 14 of the Cartelle and internal channeling, it has enhanced coolness and aeration and the P.O.V. Plus adjustable visor permits placement of your goggles on the front of the helmet above your brow.
Two features not on the Cartelle are full camera mount integration for your GoPro and a strap gripper for goggles.
It also comes in a choice of 12 attractive lively colors and color combinations.
- Weight: 14.11
- Sizes: S, M
- Shell Material: lightweight in-mold polycarbonate
- Liner: EPS with roll cage reinforcement and hydrophilic x-static anti-microbial brow padding for moisture management
- Visor: adjustable P.O.V. Plus, accommodates goggle placement
- Vents: 16 vents with internal channeling
- MIPS protective system included
- Other Features: Roc Loc 5 Air Fit system with one-hand dial adjustment, full camera mount integration with a breakaway feature, strap gripper for goggle integration
- Colors: 12
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $$
Bell Super 3R MIPS Women’s Mountain Bike Helmet
It has a full-face design with a removable chin bar suitable for recreation or more extreme trail riding with an extra-durable fusion in-mold polycarbonate shell, EPS liner, and comfortable X-Static quick-drying padding.
Even with the chin bar in place, there is superior ventilation with 6 chin bar vents, brow ports, and a large number of helmet vents.
The float fit system adjusts easily with a rubber dial for a custom fit and the adjustable visor allows for the placement of eyewear when not in use.
It has MIPS for added brain protection and to top it off there’s an integrated camera mount ready to accept your GoPro or another such action camera.
This great-looking helmet available in 9 striking color options is a clear demonstration of your serious intent for riding adventure.
- Weight: 27.65 ounces (M)
- Sizes: S, M, L
- Shell Material: Fusion-In-Mold polycarbonate
- Liner: EPS with X-Static quick-drying padding
- Visor: adjustable, accommodating glasses and goggles
- Vents: 23 helmet vents, 4 brow ports, 6 chin bar vents
- MIPS protective system included
- Other Features: float fit system with an easy-turning over-molded rubber dial for adjustments, wrap-around removable chin bar with no tools required, breakaway camera mount
- Colors: 9
- Rating: 4.8
- Price: $$$
POC Octal X Spin Mountain Bike Helmet
The POC Octal X Spin Mountain Bike Helmet is a great lightweight model for women by the Swedish manufacturer based on its Octal road model enhanced by the addition of an extended shell for more coverage of the liner suitable for the safety needed in cross-country riding.
The polycarbonate shell and EPS liner use POC’s aramid bridge technology and proprietary SPIN pads for extra brain protection similar to MIPS, and 18 vents provide cooling aeration.
An easy-adjust strap system ensures a precision fit and there is what they call an eye garage for sunglasses.
A nice safety feature is the Recco reflector system useful in rescue scenarios.
Currently, there is a choice of 4 color combos and it comes with a 1-year warranty.
- Weight: 9.95 ounces (M)
- Sizes: S, M, L
- Shell Material: lightweight polycarbonate
- Liner: reinforcement EPS with aramid bridge technology
- Visor: none
- Vents: 18
- SPIN proprietary silicone pad impact system included
- Other Features: embedded RECCO reflector, eye garage for sunglasses, precision straps, and easy-adjust system
- Colors: 4 combinations
- Warranty: 1-year manufacturer
- Rating: 4.9
- Price: $$$
POC Tectal Race Spin Women’s Mountain Bike Helmet
The 360° size and strap adjustment system provides a custom, precise, and comfortable fit while 15 vents keep you cool and aerated.
Unlike the Octal Spin helmet, there is an adjustable visor for sun protection and it has a goggles clip to secure eyewear and the RECCO safety reflector.
With high marks from riders, it is currently available in a choice of 4 colors.
- Weight: 13 ounces (M/L)
- Sizes: XS/S, M/L, XL/XXL
- Shell Material: lightweight unibody polycarbonate
- Liner: reinforced EPS with aramid bridge technology
- Visor: adjustable
- Vents: 15
- SPIN proprietary silicone pad impact system included
- Other Features: embedded RECCO reflector, goggles clip, 360° size and strap adjustment system
- Colors: 4 combinations
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $$$
Smith Forefront 2 MIPS Women’s Mountain Bike Helmet
The Koroyd Aerocore shell is lined with molded co-polymer tubes and includes MIPS for formidable safety protection.
The ventilation system with 20 vents and the hollow construction of the tubes keeps you cool, and the Vaporfit dial adjustment system gives you a comfortable customized fit.
It has a 3-position adjustable visor and front and rear channels for eyewear placement when not engaged for use.
Highly rated by users, there is a choice of 11 colors.
- Weight: 13.4 ounces (M)
- Sizes: S, M, L
- Shell Material: Koyoyd Aerocore
- Liner: extruded co-polymer tubes, XT2 anti-microbial lining
- Visor: 3-position adjustable
- Vents: 20 in a zonal ventilation system
- MIPS protective system included
- Other Features: Vaporfit dial adjustment fit system, integrated roll cage for increased strength
- Colors: 11
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $$
Troy Lee Designs A2 MIPS Women’s Mountain Bike Helmet
It has a dual-density liner with the standard EPS foam along with EPP in the frontal lobe area, and MIPS for reinforced protection.
The X-Static liner aids in moisture-wicking and has an anti-bacterial action for odor control.
Perhaps the major feature with a difference is the ventilation with extra-large vents for 25% more cooling airflow than the A1 helmet.
There is an easy-fit dial adjustment for a custom fit and an adjustable visor with breakaway bolts which adds to safety for impacts. The visor unfortunately doesn’t move out of the way enough for you to mount your goggles there, however.
Nonetheless, the A2 gets good scores from riders and comes in 14 intriguing color designs.
- Weight: 12.35 ounces (M/L)
- Sizes: S, M/L, XL/XXL
- Shell Material: polycarbonate
- Liner: EPS plus EPP dual-density for high and low impact protection, X-Static Pure Silver anti-bacterial odor-prevention liner with moisture wicking
- Visor: adjustable (but doesn’t provide room for goggle storage)
- Vents: 13 extra-large vents
- MIPS protective system included
- Other Features: easy fit dial adjustment, breakaway visor bolts for impacts
- Colors: 14
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $$
View More From Troy Lee Designs
Women’s Mountain Bike Helmets Buying Guide
Protection & Materials
Mountain biking helmets are usually designed and constructed with the same basic foundation of materials in order to provide effective protection. The outer shell is usually molded polycarbonate which is relatively lightweight and resistant to impact. Just underneath is an EPS foam liner for added lightweight insulation that is crushable to absorb impacts. Some models also use EPP in conjunction, creating a dual-density formulation. On the interior manufacturers use different formulations of padding for further protection and added comfort. In addition, there are several systems that add a further layer of brain protection including MIPS and SPIN.
MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) – This is a popular system used on most of the helmets reviewed here. It employs a low-friction liner between the pads and foam which rotates and slips on impact which decreases the impact on the brain.
SPIN (Shearing Pad Inside) – POC, the Swedish company, designed this system which is used on the two POC helmets reviewed above. Similar to MIPS, it employs silicone-filled pads to protect against oblique or rotational impacts to the helmet.
Comfort, Fit, & Adjustment
Finding a comfortable good fitting helmet can be a challenge for women and some other individuals. A poor fit is not only uncomfortable but also impairs protection capability.
Manufacturers usually provide pretty specific fitting guidelines and measurements for you to draw from. The helmets reviewed here have all received high marks for meeting women’s sizing needs.
High-quality helmets like the ones above also have got adjustment mechanisms to further customize the fit to your head.
Trying on a helmet first is always best, if possible. Otherwise, when buying online you can check feedback and ask questions of the buyers and sellers for guidance.
Ventilation
Keeping cool under the exertion necessary for mountain biking can be a challenge. Make sure your helmet has a good ventilation system with a number of vents to create airflow letting fresh air in and hot air out.
Full-Face Helmets
Riders involved in more technical riding and downhill mountain biking use helmets that include chin coverage. One such model is the Bell Super 3R MIPS helmet reviewed above which has a removable chin bar. Look for models that provide vents in the chin bar as well to keep you cool and aerated.
For more information on other categories of bikes and gear, please check out these reviews:
Mountain Bike Helmets Affordable Electric Bikes Women’s Mountain Bikes BMX Bikes Mountain Bikes Under $1,000 Budget Mountain Bikes Fat Bikes Single Speed Bikes Beach Cruisers
Feedback and Comments
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