Best Mountain Bike Helmets of 2024

If your mountain biking gear budget has been stretched thin and you’re tempted to skimp on the helmet, don’t. Skip that extra bit of carbon instead. It’s true, mountain bike helmet prices are creeping up, but we find little reason to complain. For hurtling over rocks and dodging trees, spending a little extra on a good lid is a sound investment. Most quality designs nowadays nicely balance coverage, ventilation, and weight, plus safety advances like the Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) have become ubiquitous. For a breakdown of these important considerations, check out our comparison table and buying advice. Below are our top mountain bike helmets of 2024.
 

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Our Team's Mountain Bike Helmet Picks

• Best Overall Mountain Bike Helmet: Fox Speedframe Pro
• A Close Second (With Standout Comfort): Troy Lee Designs A3
• Best Budget Mountain Bike Helmet: Smith Convoy MIPS
• Great Mix of Price and Protection: Lazer Coyote Kineticore
• Best Lightweight and Ventilated XC Helmet: POC Octal MIPS
• Best Full-Face Mountain Bike Helmet: Troy Lee Designs Stage

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Best Overall Mountain Bike Helmet

1. Fox Speedframe Pro ($190)

Category: Trail/XC
Weight: 14 oz.
Vents: 19
What we like: Standout all-rounder with excellent ventilation, comfort, coverage, and quality materials throughout. 
What we don’t: Those with round-shaped heads could find it a little narrow.

With rapid growth in the sport, the mountain bike helmet category has become dynamic and highly competitive. Our team’s top pick has shifted a number of times over the years, but our current favorite is Fox’s Speedframe Pro. What separates the Fox from the rest of the field is its combination of features, comfort, style, and protection (including a five-star Virginia Tech Bicycle Helmet rating) at a reasonable price. Coming in under $200, you get all the niceties and tech expected from a top-end design, including dual-density foam for absorbing low- and high-speed impacts, a comfy and washable liner, and a wide range of color options (we also think Fox nailed the looks). It’s easy to make micro adjustments to the fit with the glove-friendly dial, and the helmet has a barely-there feel on your head. Added up, the Fox has proven to be a great match for everything from pedally XC days to light enduro work.

One of our favorite features on the Speedframe Pro is its ventilation system. In addition to large openings along the top, sides, and rear of the helmet, Fox smartly placed a set of three vents right at forehead level. This helps get air flowing right on the area you’re most prone to build up sweat. In practice, it’s extremely effective, and while the Troy Lee Designs’ A3 below technically does a little better job keeping sweat from dripping over your face with its EVA pad on the forehead, the Fox is far more adept at keeping you cool. In terms of fit, we found the Fox Speedframe works well with most head shapes, ranging from oval to moderately round. That said, if you have a very round head—as one of our testers does—you may find the Fox runs a little narrow (those folks should consider the TLD A3 or Giro Manifest below). Otherwise, the Speedframe Pro is the complete package and our top overall pick for 2024.
See the Fox Speedframe Pro

 

A Close Second (With Standout Comfort)

2. Troy Lee Designs A3 ($250)

Category: Trail
Weight: 13.9 oz.
Vents: 16
What we like: Fantastic comfort with a deep, wide fit and plush padding.
What we don’t: So-so ventilation and value.

All three iterations of Troy Lee’s A series of trail helmets have been favorites among our test group. Each have had their respective strengths—the A2 was light and a great ventilator, for example—and TLD has really honed in on comfort and safety with this latest model. From the moment you put it on, the quality is evident: There’s extremely plush padding covering the full interior, and the wide, accommodating shape (it's great with most head shapes, including round) and highly adjustable fit system give it all-day comfort. It’s also well tuned for rough trail use with extended coverage around the temples and back of the head, but they’ve managed to leave sufficient space so you can pair it with most goggles and glasses. Finally, the shell is co-molded with EPP and EPS foam to protect in both low- and high-speed impacts.

Where the A3 comes up a little short of the Fox Speedframe Pro above is in ventilation and price. The super comfy interior and smaller vent openings block more air than the Fox, although, on the plus side, we’ve found the A3’s sweat management system does a better job at keeping droplets from falling directly onto your glasses. And at $60 more than the Fox, it's enough of a price difference to give us pause on putting it in our top spot. But we’re talking about small quibbles here, and the reality is that Troy Lee Designs has thoughtfully assembled yet another strong trail offering.
See the Troy Lee Designs A3

 

Best Budget Mountain Bike Helmet

3. Smith Convoy MIPS ($85)

Category: XC
Weight: 11 oz.
Vents: 20
What we like: Great price for Smith quality; available in multiple sizes.
What we don’t: Not a leader in coverage or comfort.

As mountain bike helmet prices trend higher each year, it’s nice to see a quality yet budget-friendly option like Smith’s Convoy pop up. For $85, you get a solid lid for recreational riding that’s highly adjustable (you can tweak the fit both up and down and forward and backward), offers decent ventilation with a total of 20 large vents, and includes a MIPS liner. There’s nothing fancy about the design, and you do miss out on premium touches like soft and highly absorbent padding and there is exposed EPS foam around the base of the helmet (a common sacrifice with cheaper designs). But the Convoy is a nice option for those who don’t venture out on big rides or into the gnarliest of terrain.

How does the Smith stack up to Bontrager’s popular Solstice below? Both helmets excel for occasional riders and cross country-style trails with their moderate coverage, non-adjustable visors, and fairly simplistic interiors. On the other hand, the two designs are lightweight, reasonably airy, and can pull double duty for road or gravel use. The Smith makes it easier to dial in a snug and comfortable fit thanks to its four available sizes (the Bontrager only comes in two), and it edges out the Solstice in back-of-the-head/neck protection as well. For $15 more, that's enough for us to give the Convoy the nod.
See the Smith Convoy MIPS

 

Great Mix of Price and Protection

4. Lazer Coyote Kineticore ($110)

Category: Trail
Weight: 12 oz.
Vents: 21
What we like: Kineticore tech offers rotational impact safety and excellent ventilation. 
What we don’t: Slightly narrow fit; visor is prone to popping out of place.

Belgium-based Lazer historically hasn’t been on the radar much in the US, but after getting acquired by Shimano (you might’ve heard of them) and pumping some R&D into the lineup, they’ve really landed on the map. Among their current MTB offerings, the Coyote Kineticore hits a really desirable mix of price, safety tech, and comfort. For a very reasonable $110, you get solid coverage that’s on par with most trail offerings (although a little less than more downhill-oriented designs like the Manifest below), a three-position visor that’s goggle-friendly, and easy adjustability with a twist dial at the back. There are some small signs of cost cutting—the visor is prone to popping out of place at the sides, and the pads only do a so-so job at sweat absorption—but overall, it’s a very solid lid for a daily driver.

The most intriguing feature on the Coyote—and the reason it’s ranked as highly as it is—is the Kineticore safety tech. Built into the helmet’s EPS foam along the interior, the block-like structure is designed to crumple from impact and reduce rotational and direct forces on your brain. Better yet, the large cutouts have a tangible benefit on ventilation. Riding with the Coyote back-to-back with a traditional MIPS-equipped helmet like the Giro Source, the improvement in airflow is very evident. And it doesn’t hurt that the Coyote earned a five-star rating from Virginia Tech's Bicycle Helmet Ratings. For fit, we found the Coyote falls slightly on the narrow end and may not work well with very round head shapes—similar to the Fox Speedframe Pro. But other than that, it’s a very compelling offering that hits at the core of the trail-riding market.
See the Lazer Coyote Kineticore

 

Best Lightweight and Ventilated XC Helmet

5. POC Octal MIPS ($200)

Category: XC
Weight: 9.5 oz.
Vents: 21
What we like: Huge vents, low weight, and surprisingly tough.
What we don’t: Less coverage and no visor.

For long, pedal-heavy days in the saddle, weight, comfort, and ventilation jump to the top of the priority list. And among the numerous options on the market, POC’s Octal MIPS is a standout. This crossover road and XC design is feathery light at 9.5 ounces, features 21 massive vents, and includes nice touches like an “eye garage” in the front vents to store your glasses when not in use. In terms of safety, the high-end Octal features a MIPS liner (they recently swapped to MIPS from their old, in-house SPIN tech), unibody shell for rigidity, and thickened sections of EPS foam in areas more likely to sustain a hit.

At $200, the clearest downside with the Octal MIPS is its price, especially when you consider that the focused and more minimalist build will only appeal to XC, gravel, cyclocross, and road athletes. POC targets the serious rider in general—the $250 Kortal Race below is similarly expensive but more of an all-rounder—and the quality and attention to detail are without a doubt impressive. But in the end, most trail riders will want to stick to one of the more traditional, visor-equipped options on this list. For a more affordable XC alternative, check out Giro’s $140 Artex MIPS.
See the POC Octal MIPS

 

Best Full-Face Mountain Bike Helmet

6. Troy Lee Designs Stage MIPS ($320)

Category: Downhill/trail
Weight: 1 lb. 8 oz.
Vents: 25
What we like: Light, well ventilated, and great protection.
What we don’t: Pricey and not as burly as some full-face designs.

Troy Lee Designs has been in the mountain bike helmet game for a long time and is known for making very comfortable lids. So it should come as no surprise that their first foray into building a lightweight full-face helmet is pretty darn impressive. Coming in at a scant 1 pound 8 ounces, the Stage MIPS is one of the lightest downhill-certified full-face helmets on the market. And it doesn’t sacrifice in terms of features: 25 well-placed vents maximize airflow, a MIPS liner increases protection, and a magnetic Fidlock system makes buckling quick and easy. If you’re an enduro racer or someone wanting to upgrade in protection from a standard half shell, we think the TLD should be at or near the top of your list.

The Stage packs a lot of the features into a good-looking helmet, but it’s certainly not a value leader. At $320, it's around $20-$40 more than popular competitors like Giro’s Switchblade and Fox’s Proframe below. The good news is that it’s another quality TLD product, and the comfort is top-notch. Further, the Stage MIPS includes extra interior pads to help customize the fit, which factors into the added cost. It’s worth noting that the Stage does prioritize weight and ventilation, and there are burlier options out there for dedicated park and very rough downhill use (including TLD’s own D4). But in the end, we think the Stage hits a great middle ground of build quality, protection, and comfort. Another standout in the category to consider is Smith’s Mainline. In our experience, the Smith’s buckle is a bit more finicky than the TLD’s magnetic setup but otherwise offers comparable levels of comfort, ventilation, and all-around build quality.
See the Troy Lee Designs Stage MIPS

 

Best of the Rest

7. Giro Manifest Spherical ($260)

Category: Trail
Weight: 12.2 oz.
Vents: 19
What we like: Nearly the whole package of protection, ventilation, comfort, and features.
What we don’t: Polarizing looks and steep price.

Giro’s Manifest was released a couple years ago to relatively little fanfare, but we think it’s a real winner. It was our primary lid for a full season, and we struggled to identify a true weakness. The open and wide interior fits great (it's a nice match for round-shaped heads), offers excellent all-around coverage, and has a just-right amount of padding. And safety is a real hallmark of the design: Featuring Giro’s innovative Spherical Technology (developed alongside MIPS), the shell is essentially made up of two pieces, which allows the top portion of the shell to move independently of the lower in a crash (minimizing rotational forces on the brain). And by building this into the shell’s design—rather than using a separate liner like most MIPS lids—you also get fantastic ventilation. Taken together, we think the Manifest is a standout trail-ready lid.

Unfortunately, that do-everything feature set—which also includes niceties like a magnetic buckle and highly adjustable fit system—comes with a steep $260 price. At $70 more than the similarly great Fox Speedframe Pro above, it’s a hard pill to swallow for comparable overall performance (although the Fox’s slightly narrower fit could be a problem for particularly round head shapes). The Manifest also has fairly polarizing styling—particularly in colorways that highlight that two-piece setup—but that’s mostly a matter of personal preference. If you can swing the steep cost, we think the Manifest is pretty hard to beat.
See the Giro Manifest Spherical

 

8. Fox Dropframe Pro ($225)

Category: Trail/downhill
Weight: 1 lb. 1.5 oz.
Vents: 15
What we like: Extra protection around the ears and back of the head.
What we don’t: No adjustment dial to tweak fit; tweener design is less protective than a full face yet heavier than a half shell. 

Splitting the difference between a half-shell and full-face design is Fox’s Dropframe Pro. At the front, you get a standard trail helmet look with large vent openings, but there’s additional coverage around the ears (with cutouts to allow you to hear) and back of the helmet. It’s a lid that’s well suited for those hitting bike park laps or if you have the luxury of removing your helmet on non-technical, forest service road climbs before a rough and rowdy descent. And at $225, we think Fox did a nice job incorporating a number of quality pieces, including dual-density EPS foam, a MIPS liner, a magnetic buckle, and soft yet supportive cushioning along the interior (although we'd prefer it had an adjustment dial at the back to customize the fit).

The Dropframe aims to be your be-all and end-all helmet, but the hybrid concept inevitably comes with concessions. A true downhiller will still want a full-face model in their quiver for maximum protection and racing (the Dropframe is not downhill-certified like Troy Lee’s Stage above). And for pedal-heavy days in the middle of summer, it’s quite a bit worse in terms of ventilation, weight, and overall bulk compared with the excellent half-shell models that top our rankings. But if you fall in that in-between spot, the Dropframe Pro is well worth a look.
See the Fox Dropframe Pro

 

9. POC Kortal Race MIPS ($250)

Category: Trail
Weight: 14.5 oz.
Vents: 17
What we like: Well-integrated safety features and extended coverage at the sides and back.
What we don’t: Added protection has an impact on glasses compatibility; somewhat narrow fit.

Still a young brand, POC is at the forefront of helmet safety. And their Kortal Race lid puts it all on display: You get MIPS’ minimalist Integra technology, a breakaway visor, an NFC medical ID chip, and e-bike crash certification—all in a sleek-looking and well-made package. We also liked the fit system, which cinched evenly all around the head, and ventilation was a strong suit with 17 large openings that kept air flowing. The fit is on the narrow side—unlike some of the picks above, it’ll favor a more oval-shaped head—but if it works with you, the design is comfortable and great for long days in the saddle.

In addition to its somewhat polarizing fit, another complaint we had with the Kortal was glasses compatibility (or lack thereof). POC increased coverage around the temples, which is a positive in terms of protection, but the extra mass meant that it didn’t accommodate our sets of standard glasses (including a couple Smith-brand models). If you want an integrated kit, POC’s own line of goggles and glasses are designed to work with the Kortal, but that strikes us as very limiting. This issue is enough for us to drop it to a midpack finish, despite otherwise enjoying the helmet's strong all-around performance. Another POC helmet to have on your radar is their Tectal Race MIPS, which we found compromises a little coverage for a more glasses-friendly shape... Read in-depth review
See the POC Kortal Race MIPS

 

10. Giro Switchblade MIPS ($280)

Category: Trail/downhill
Weight: 2 lb. 2.4 oz.
Vents: 20
What we like: Removable chinbar helps keep you cool on the climb.
What we don’t: Very heavy.

Giro’s original Switchblade, complete with removable chinbar, first made its debut over two decades ago but never really caught on. In more recent years, as bikes have become more capable and riders push the limits, Giro decided it was time to bring it back. The current model shares the original’s removable chin-piece concept, but ties in modern touches like a MIPS liner and superior all-around protection. The unique design means the Switchblade is essentially two helmets in one—take the front piece off to stay comfortable for the climb or on tame sections of trail, but snap it into place before dropping into a gnarly descent.

The Switchblade is not without its faults, however, and there’s a reason we have TLD’s Stage ranked higher. In full-face mode, we found that the Giro moves slightly forward on the head, which in turn pushed down Giro’s own Blok goggles. This restricted both vision and breathing through the nose—neither of which you want while racing. Further, the Switchblade is quite a bit heavier than the Stage above and Fox’s Proframe below when factoring in the chinbar. That said, if you’re able to get a good fit and the weight isn’t a deterrent, the Switchblade is one of the most versatile helmets available.
See the Giro Switchblade MIPS

 

11. Specialized Ambush with ANGi ($200)

Category: Trail/XC
Weight: 12.4 oz.
Vents: 20
What we like: ANGi Bluetooth tech provides a nice bump up in safety; very lightweight.
What we don’t: Just short of class leaders in durability and cushioning.

Specialized has made its name by producing high-quality bikes for decades, but they offer an impressive lineup of gear and apparel as well. The big story with the Ambush is their Bluetooth crash sensor, named ANGi, which provides live tracking information to emergency contacts and notifies them in the event of an accident. You do need to download and use their Specialized Ride app—each helmet purchase comes with a lifetime subscription—but we think it’s a small concession for a big bump up in safety and peace of mind. Specialized may not be the first to use this technology (POC helmets featured a similar device back in 2013), but they’ve certainly helped to streamline it.

While the Bluetooth ANGi tech is the main draw, the Ambush is nicely designed in general. Beyond the extended coverage in the rear, very lightweight feel, and 20 vents that do a great job of keeping your head cool, Specialized partnered with MIPS to create a new product: MIPS SL. In place of the large, plastic liner that inhibits airflow on other models are small pieces placed underneath each pad, which help to improve airflow and drop weight without sacrificing protection. The main hang-up with the Ambush is the quality of the competition: Giro's Manifest Spherical above is an even better ventilator and includes extras like two layers of foam to better absorb low- and high-speed impacts. Of note: Specialized released the revamped Ambush 2 for last year, although we’re not convinced all of the updates are positive (here’s our Ambush 2 review). Because the prior-gen Ambush is still available online, we’ve opted to keep it on our list for now... Read in-depth review
See the Specialized Ambush w/ ANGi

 

12. Giro Source MIPS ($130)

Category: Trail/XC
Weight: 12 oz.
Vents: 16
What we like: Safety, comfort, and performance at a great price.
What we don’t: Light on features and a step down in ventilation.

Giro’s Source MIPS is proof you don’t have to spend a ton to get a safe, comfortable, and lightweight mountain biking helmet. For starters, it has solid coverage for trail riding, a low-profile MIPS liner, and plenty of padding and decent ventilation for long days over variable terrain. Moreover, the helmet boasts features typically found on more expensive models: The visor is large enough to shield the sun but also adjusts to accommodate glasses and goggles, and the fit system is secure and easy to use even with gloves on (don’t let its small diameter dial fool you). Overall, the Source delivers what the majority of riders need at a great price.

The Giro’s value is what makes it so appealing, but there are a couple design compromises. For one, you get smaller vents than some of the high-end models on this list, including Giro’s own Manifest Spherical above. It’s still an improvement from the discontinued Chronicle, but the Source isn’t a standout in this regard (XC riders in hot regions will prefer a more ventilated option, including the Giro’s own $100 Radix). Further, you miss out on extras like a magnetic buckle and integrated light mount, plus the padding is a small step down in quality. To be clear, these are pretty minor complaints, and the Source’s impressive all-around performance at a discount is what makes it top mid-range pick.
See the Giro Source MIPS  See the Women's Giro Source MIPS

 

13. Bontrager Solstice MIPS ($70)

Category: XC
Weight: 11.8 oz.
Vents: 17
What we like: Nice combination of comfort, style, and price.
What we don’t: Not a standout in coverage and only offered in two sizes.

Bontrager’s Solstice is a top budget pick, combining MIPS technology and modern styling at a palatable price. For $70, you get the aforementioned slip plane liner (a non-MIPS Solistice is available for $50), surprisingly good ventilation from 17 total openings, and a simple but effective twist-style adjuster at the back. Further, Bontrager incorporated premium touches like a magnetic buckle for easy on and off as well as soft padding along the interior. Available in a wide range of colors, the Solstice is a solid option for those just getting into the sport or riders that stick mostly to non-technical terrain.

As with any budget product, the Bontrager Solstice has a few shortcomings when compared with premium models. To start, you only get a modest amount of coverage, particularly at the back of the lid (even Smith's similarly cheap Convoy beats it here). If you’ll be riding rough and rowdy trails with rocks and roots, it’s best to upgrade to an all-mountain-ready model. In addition, the Solstice MIPS is only offered in two sizes (most pricier designs are made in three), so it can be a little harder to dial in a perfect fit. That being said, we think Bontrager nailed the Solstice’s mix of features, safety, comfort, and style for the price.
See the Bontrager Solstice MIPS

 

14. Bell Sixer MIPS ($170)

Category: Trail
Weight: 14.5 oz.
Vents: 26
What we like: Impressive combination of comfort and performance.
What we don’t: A little heavier than the competition.

A few years ago, Bell replaced its popular Super 3 helmet with the Sixer MIPS. We were surprised they changed the name after three successful generations, but the updated lid quickly has developed a similar following. Importantly, Bell got the details right with the Sixer: the helmet has a modern, low-profile shape that doesn’t look or feel bulky, the padding along the interior is high-quality, and a total of 26 well-designed vents keep air flowing around your head. This versatile build means the Sixer MIPS is perfectly capable on anything from quick after-work rides to long, cross-country grinders.

For riders putting on a lot of miles, especially in the hot summer months, the Sixer has a lot of appeal. However, it’s heavier than most alternatives above and includes extras like an action camera mount that many people don’t need. We also think the Giro Source is the better all-around deal at $40 less, but stepping up to the Sixer does get you better ventilation and nice touches like a rubberized material at the back to keep goggle straps in place. For a simplified version of the Sixer with a step down in venting and features, check out Bell’s 4Forty MIPS for $110.
See the Bell Sixer MIPS

 

15. Smith Forefront 2 MIPS ($250)

Category: Trail/XC
Weight: 13.4 oz.
Vents: 20
What we like: Lightweight; comfortable fit.
What we don’t: Fairly disappointing ventilation for the price.

Sitting atop Smith’s mountain bike half-shell collection is the $250 Forefront. What immediately jumps out about the design is its innovative build, which combines layers of EPS foam and Koroyd—a unique material that looks like a bunch of plastic straws glued together. The claimed benefit is a 30 percent improvement in absorbing low-speed impacts, plus the cutouts help make the Forefront among the lightest trail lids on the market. Just as importantly, we think they nailed the finer points with top-notch materials that are holding up great after two seasons of use and excellent all-around comfort.

Unfortunately, all of the small holes around the head do little for ventilation, and the Forefront 2 is among the warmer premium half-shell options. Even with some design tweaks for the second generation, it can't match alternatives like the Giro Manifest Spherical above in this regard. If you ride consistently in cool weather, this shouldn’t be a deal-breaker, but even in the Pacific Northwest, it’s important to have good ventilation for long climbs. The rest of the design is commendable, however, albeit very pricey. Another option from Smith to have on your radar is their mid-range Engage ($130), which we've found nicely splits the difference in price and performance between the Convoy above and Forefront here... Read in-depth review
See the Smith Forefront 2 MIPS

 

16. Bontrager Rally WaveCel ($160)

Category: Trail
Weight: 14.1 oz.
Vents: 13
What we like: WaveCel tech in an affordable and well-sorted package.
What we don’t: Interior could use more padding.

Coming on the heels of Bontrager’s high-end Blaze (listed below) is the mid-range Rally. Like the Blaze, this model incorporates Bontrager’s impact-absorbing WaveCel tech, which is touted to help limit rotational forces on the brain in certain types of crashes. But the big news with the Rally is its affordable $160 price tag, which happens to be around half the cost of the Blaze. Importantly, they’ve still managed to keep features like trail-ready coverage around the back and sides of the head, an adjustable visor, and Boa dial for tweaking the fit. Finally, like all Bontrager helmets, the Rally comes with their excellent one-year crash replacement warranty.

What do you give up with the more affordable Rally WaveCel lid? Bontrager swapped out the Blaze’s easy-to-use magnetic Fidlock buckle for a traditional pinch-release design, and you miss out on the built-in mounting point for lights or an action camera (also magnetic). Plus, the padding along the interior is pretty sparse, which means you can feel the somewhat rough WaveCel material along the top of your head. This comfort letdown means it can’t compete with the options above, but if Bontrager were to boost the amount of cushioning, this lid is well-poised to work its way up our rankings.
See the Bontrager Rally WaveCel

 

17. 100% Status ($175)

Category: Downhill
Weight: 2 lb. 1.5 oz.
Vents: 14
What we like: Quality construction and a very good price.
What we don’t: Prioritizes protection over ventilation.

100% may not be a household name like Fox, Giro, or Troy Lee Designs, but their background in the motorsports industry has given them years of helmet safety experience. For mountain biking, their Status full-face helmet immediately impressed with its reasonable weight, good looks, and affordable price. The fiberglass lid tips the scales at 2 pounds 1.5 ounces, which undercuts popular competitors like the Troy Lee Designs D3 by about 7 ounces, and its supportive padding provides excellent all-around comfort. Along with a modern look and a wide range of colorways, the 100% Status is a top choice for downhill riding.

Considering its approachable $175 price that beats most of the competition by $50 or more, it’s hard to be disappointed with the Status. But its ventilation system does fall short of hybrid enduro/downhill options like the Troy Lee Designs Stage above or Fox Proframe below. For warm summer riding, even on lift-assisted days, this can lead to a sauna-like effect. That said, it’s the price you pay for complete coverage and protection. If you’re looking for a dedicated downhill lid, the 100% Status provides a lot of bang for your buck.
See the 100% Status

 

 18. Bontrager Blaze WaveCel ($300)

Category: Trail
Weight: 15.5 oz.
Vents: 14
What we like: Big claims of increased safety and overall head protection.
What we don’t: Very expensive; rather bulky and heavy.

With a high price tag, bold claims in concussion reductions, and polarizing looks, Bontrager’s Blaze WaveCel helmet certainly made a splash when it hit the market. The big story was that Bontrager was touting the lid was up to 48 times more effective at preventing concussions when compared to a standard EPS helmet (they’ve since adjusted that to 5x based on a follow-up study and for “certain cycling accidents”). While we personally don’t have a way of testing this, here’s what we do know: The Blaze is among the most comfortable helmets we’ve ever worn, the magnetic Fidlock system found on the chinstrap is very user-friendly, and the included Blendr accessory mount makes using a light or action camera a seamless experience. If those happen to be your top priorities, then we have no problem recommending the Blaze WaveCel.

To be sure, the biggest downside to the Bontrager helmet is the super-steep $300 price tag, which makes it the most expensive model on this list. Another issue is its weight: Compared to the more affordable POC Kortal Race MIPS (14.5 oz.) and Smith Forefront 2 (13.4 oz.), the Blaze WaveCel comes in heavier at 15.5 ounces, and the added bulk and heft are noticeable on the trail. In the end, while the premium build has its merits, we recommend saving with the brand’s Rally WaveCel above. At around half the cost, you get similar safety tech and only compromise on some of the optional extras (like the Fidlock chinstrap and Blendr mount). 
See the Bontrager Blaze WaveCel

 

19. Fox Proframe MIPS ($285)

Category: Trail/downhill
Weight: 1 lb. 10.5 oz.
Vents: 24
What we like: Massive vents and full-face protection.
What we don’t: Non-adjustable visor and bulky looks.

Fox released their take on the growing lightweight full-face category a couple years ago with the Proframe MIPS. It’s a helmet we’ve started to see more and more of on the trails of the Pacific Northwest due to its appealing combination of protection, weight, and features. The massive vents dominate the styling and keep you decently cool (by full-face standards), and the MIPS liner adds a bit of security for a high-speed crash. Weight-wise, the Proframe is a couple ounces more than the TLD Stage helmet above, but easily undercuts Giro’s Switchblade (although it doesn’t have that design’s removable chinbar).

With similar venting as the Stage and a lower weight than the Switchblade, the Proframe hits a desirable middle ground in the market. But it comes with a number of limitations, including a non-adjustable visor. Fox claims this is intended to optimize airflow, but omitting this feature is a deal breaker for some riders. The Proframe is also quite bulky-looking compared with the sleek Stage, and the bulbous shape is rather annoying on the trail. In the end, the Proframe falls a little short as a best-of-both-worlds concept. It can’t match the Switchblade’s versatility, and the TLD Stage has the better all-around feature set.
See the Fox Proframe MIPS

 

Mountain Bike Helmet Comparison Table

Helmet	Price	Category	Weight	Vents	Slip Plane	Visor
Fox Speedframe Pro	$190	Trail/XC	14 oz.	19	Yes (MIPS)	Adjustable
Troy Lee Designs A3	$250	Trail	13.9 oz.	16	Yes (MIPS)	Adjustable
Smith Convoy MIPS	$85	XC	11 oz.	20	Yes (MIPS)	Fixed
Lazer Coyote Kineticore	$110	Trail/XC	12 oz.	21	Yes (Kineticore)	Adjustable
POC Octal MIPS	$200	XC	9.5 oz.	21	Yes (MIPS)	None
Troy Lee Designs Stage MIPS	$320	Downhill/trail	1 lb. 8 oz.	25	Yes (MIPS)	Adjustable
Giro Manifest Spherical	$260	Trail	12.2 oz.	19	Yes (Spherical)	Adjustable
Fox Dropframe Pro	$225	Trail/downhill	1 lb. 1.5 oz.	15	Yes (MIPS)	Fixed
POC Kortal Race MIPS	$250	Trail	14.5 oz.	17	Yes (MIPS Integra)	Adjustable
Giro Switchblade MIPS	$280	Trail/downhill	2 lb. 2.4 oz.	20	Yes (MIPS)	Adjustable
Specialized Ambush w/ ANGi	$200	Trail/XC	12.4 oz.	20	Yes (MIPS SL)	Adjustable
Giro Source MIPS	$130	Trail/XC	12 oz.	16	Yes (MIPS)	Adjustable
Bontrager Solstice MIPS	$70	XC	11.8 oz.	17	Yes (MIPS)	Fixed
Bell Sixer MIPS	$170	Trail	14.5 oz.	26	Yes (MIPS)	Adjustable
Smith Forefront 2 MIPS	$250	Trail/XC	13.4 oz.	20	Yes (MIPS)	Adjustable
Bontrager Rally WaveCel	$160	Trail	14.1 oz.	13	Yes (WaveCel)	Adjustable
100% Status	$175	Downhill	2 lb. 1.5 oz.	14	No	Adjustable
Bontrager Blaze WaveCel	$300	Trail	15.5 oz.	14	Yes (WaveCel)	Adjustable
Fox Proframe MIPS	$285	Trail/downhill	1 lb. 10.5 oz.	24	Yes (MIPS)	Fixed

 

Mountain Bike Helmet Buying Advice

• Helmet Categories: XC, Trail, and Downhill
• Helmet Weight
• Ventilation
• Helmet Fit
• Women’s-Specific Helmets
• Padding and Comfort
• In-Mold Helmet Construction
• Helmet Safety: MIPS, SPIN, Turbines, and More
• Mountain Bike Helmet Features
• When to Replace Your Helmet
   

Helmet Categories: XC, Trail, and Downhill

Cross-Country (XC)
One of the most significant shifts in mountain bike helmet design is the amount of head coverage real estate. Only a few years ago, reducing weight was the ultimate goal for most riders (and the big focus of manufacturers), so thin and open XC designs were the rage. Still today, when you’re covering a lot of ground and aren’t tackling anything too sketchy, airflow and a feathery feel win out over absolute protection. That’s when a helmet like the POC Octal MIPS is an excellent choice. It’s ultralight, airy, and still provides enough protection for less extreme conditions.

Trail
The more technical demands facing trail and enduro riders require a step up in protection from the XC category above. The ideal mix here is enough coverage around the temples, sides, and back of the head but with plenty of openings to move all that hot air on a climb. The Giro Source is a great example of reaching nearly XC helmet levels of lightness but with a noticeable bump in safety. Additional shared characteristic in the trail grouping include large visors, soft interior padding, and often price tags of $100 or more. This category is quickly growing in popularity, and most of the top designs on the market land here, including the Fox Speedframe Pro, Giro Manifest, and Bell Sixer.

Downhill
If you’ll be seeing a lot of aggressive downhill time, we highly recommend erring on the side of a lot of coverage. At the extreme end are full-face helmets, which are great for enduro, downhill, and racing but turn into an absolute sauna if you have to do pretty much any pedaling. The Giro Switchblade MIPS with its removable chin guard is a nice hybrid option, but it still falls short in terms of ventilation with most other half-shell trail helmets (the same goes for Fox's Proframe). For most riders, a full-face downhill lid won't be your primary helmet, but it can be a useful secondary option for park days and racing. Our favorites include the aforementioned Switchblade and Proframe as well as the burly 100% Status and well-balanced Troy Lee Designs Stage.

Helmet Weight

A lightweight helmet that you hardly notice on a long ride is a beautiful thing, but you do pay more for the barely-there feeling. It’s unfair to simply compare helmets by weight—old XC styles will win out just about every time—but when they offer similar protection, it’s a useful spec. The core trail market is full of options in the 12- to 14-ounce range, which is a great match for most riders. And on either end of the spectrum, XC helmets are typically a couple ounces lighter, while downhill and full-face models can exceed 2 pounds. Further, how heavy the helmet actually feels on your head can be another thing altogether. In the case of the very light POC Octal (9.5 oz.), both the listed weight and feel are the same, but the similarly lightweight Bontrager Solstice can feel a bit more ungainly and heavier.

Ventilation

Nearly all forms of mountain biking require good ventilation. Even at lift-assisted parks, you can work up a good sweat on a pump track or pedaling on the flats (not to mention holding on for dear life on the downhill). Ventilation isn’t as simple as looking at the number of vents—although it’s a good place to start. A quality design will work as a system, moving air from the front to back. And this system should include the padding and slip-plane liner (such as MIPS) inside the helmet, both of which have the potential to interrupt the flow. In terms of top performers, we've found the Fox Speedframe Pro and Giro Manifest (for trail riders) and very open POC Octal MIPS (XC) are class leaders.

Helmet Fit

Fit is the single most important factor in a helmet purchase. When standing on your pedals and grinding up a hill, you don’t want the helmet to be constrictive and give you a headache at the end of the day. You also don’t want it to be so loose that it’s flopping around when trail roots and rocks make for a rough ride. Fortunately, helmets and their respective fit systems have made great gains. A single turn of the adjuster at the back of most helmets progressively cinches the fit around the head. Giro’s current Roc Loc and the ubiquitous Boa dial are standouts in terms of ease of use, with small but glove-friendly dials, as well as security. The goal is to click it in place and leave it alone until you wrap up your ride.

Another factor is shell size: upgraded models come in a variety of sizes to better match the overall shape of the helmet to a person’s head. Base styles will be one-size-fits-all, at least theoretically, which typically means the fit is good enough for casual use but not great for those who need serious performance. Those with larger heads are okay with these one-size helmets because the shell has to be large to fit everyone. But if you’ll be on your bike a lot or plan to push your limits, we recommend spending the $60+ that it costs to get a helmet that comes in multiple sizes.

Women’s-Specific Helmets

Most of the helmets we have listed above are considered unisex and are intended for both men and women. There are, however, some women’s-specific designs that are differentiated by smaller-diameter sizes, unique colorways, and sometimes a different name. Also, some women’s helmets are ponytail-compatible, which is an important consideration for some riders. Giro has long been known to incorporate this feature, and we’ve found the design on the Montaro MIPS II is particularly functional. Importantly, the safety technology, pricing, and basic shape of the shell do not change with a women’s-specific build. Fit is what matters most in getting a helmet, so start by measuring your head circumference and then make your decision between unisex or women’s-specific after. When available, we have included a link to the women’s version of the helmet in the product specifications.

Padding and Comfort

Getting a properly sized helmet is most important, but the padding along the interior plays a big role in overall comfort. And we’ve found the quality of the cushioning correlates closely with price, with more expensive models even including multiple sizes of pads for a custom-tailored fit (Troy Lee Designs’ Stage helmet is a perfect example of this). Cheap helmets lack the plush feel and can lead to occasional skin irritation over time. On the other hand, a soft interior like Troy Lee Designs' A3 has fantastic cushioning, allowing you to nearly forget about the helmet altogether while riding. Another benefit of premium padding is sweat absorption: more expensive pads do a better job taking in sweat while on the trail. Finally, one feature shared across price points is that you can remove your liner for occasional cleaning. While some brands claim that you can machine wash them, we recommend gently hand washing to reduce the chance of breakdown of the material.

In-Mold Helmet Construction

In-mold technology is found on nearly all mountain biking helmets. It combines a thin shell (often polycarbonate) with an EPS foam liner right from the start, and they’re molded together. What you get is an integrated piece that reduces weight, allows for cutouts for ventilation, and lets the helmet work as a single unit to absorb impacts (the densities of foam can vary, however, to address both low- and high-speed impacts). One area of compromise that you'll find on budget designs is how much of the outer layer of the helmet is covered with the polycarbonate shell. On models like the Bontrager Solstice ($70) or Smith Convoy ($85), the base of the helmet features exposed EPS foam, which is less costly but leaves that section vulnerable to damage (unprotected EPS is pretty brittle). Typically, stepping up to the $100+ price range extends the polycarbonate section to cover the base (see the photo below for more detail).

Some manufacturers, including POC, further beef up the in-mold helmet by inserting a grid of Armamid fibers into the core. The benefit of the synthetic material is extra durability and protection in a crash. Additionally, Troy Lee Designs incorporates EPP foam into the mold of their A3 lid to help with low-speed impacts. And finally, there are more outside-of-the-box construction techniques available, including Smith’s Aerocore that incorporates a layer of honeycomb-like Koroyd along the interior (it retains an external layer of EPS foam). But the majority of the market utilizes in-mold thanks to its great combination of impact absorption and venting capabilities.

Helmet Safety: MIPS, SPIN, Turbines, and More

You’ll find MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) listed on many helmet models like the Giro Source, along with a price hike of about $20 to $30. What are you getting for the extra cash? Extra noggin protection for angled hits is the claim. MIPS technology works by creating a low-friction layer between the helmet’s shell and soft liner. We’ve removed our MIPS liners and it’s impressively simple: there’s one thin plastic layer that connects to the helmet with a few small tabs. When hit at an angle, the MIPS layer in theory lets the shell move just enough to help relieve the rotational forces on the head and brain.

MIPS put slip-plane technology on the map, but a growing number of alternatives have emerged over the past couple years. For instance, some POC helmets feature their SPIN system, which is beautifully simple, using the pads on the interior to reduce rotational forces on the brain. And most recently, Bontrager has released their WaveCel, which shakes up the market with big concussion prevention claims and a unique look. As with MIPS, it’s tough to say that one design is safer than the other—or even to definitively prove that the technology is worth it. But the science is continuing to mature, and we’re happy to see more companies investing in this important safety research.

As mentioned above, current safety standards just tell us whether or not a helmet passes their tests (every helmet on our list does), but they don’t go beyond that. There are independent safety tests, such as Virginia Tech's Bicycle Helmet Ratings, but it's still a developing field. And the topic of MIPS is hotly contested among industry experts. How often MIPS technology is a safety benefit is difficult to quantify, and we haven’t found any solid evidence-based research, but indications point to it being an extra safety measure to protect your head (how much that’s worth is up to you). For more information on MIPS, we’ve found this article by the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute to be an interesting resource.

Mountain Bike Helmet Features

Visor
Mountain bike helmets are differentiated from road biking models by their greater head coverage and the addition of a visor. Regarding the latter, a large visor is great for keeping the sun out of your eyes and offers extra protection from rain and even low-hanging branches. There are differences in the shapes—Troy Lee Designs’ A3 visor is wide and relatively short while that on Fox’s Dropframe Pro is narrow and long—but large moto-inspired bills that stick out nearly as far as a baseball cap are becoming the norm.

The second feature with a visor is adjustability. The benefit of this style of visor is that you can push it out of the way if you want completely unobstructed views of the trail or need to store your goggles on the helmet when not in use. This is a common feature on trail helmets, but less so on XC-focused designs (including the Smith Convoy). It’s important to note that not all helmets with an adjustable visor have the same amount of adjustability—Troy Lee Designs’ discontinued A2, for example, slides up and down but doesn’t leave enough space for goggles. Whether or not this is an important feature is a personal decision, but the differences are worth considering when choosing your next helmet.

Goggle Compatibility
Standard glasses are the most common type of eyewear for mountain bikers, but the increased coverage and protection you get with goggles are popular with enduro and downhill racers. To start, you don’t necessarily need a bunch of features to ride with goggles—if they fit under the bill of the helmet and the shape of the shell does a good job keeping the straps in place, you can wear them just fine. Troy Lee Designs' A3 is a great example of a helmet that isn’t technically optimized for goggles but still works well.

There are a couple helmet features, however, that can make it easier to accommodate goggles. To start, a highly adjustable visor makes it simple to place your goggles at forehead height when not in use (such as on a long climb). Moreover, some trail and downhill helmets include a retainer strap or system at the rear of the helmet to keep the goggle straps in place. One helmet that puts it all together is Bell's Sixer MIPS: the visor can be quickly moved out of the way and there is a rubberized piece on the back of the helmet to keep the straps in place.

Accessory Mounts
Mountain biking is closely linked to the rise in the action camera market, and a helmet mount offers a fun, first-person perspective. Most action cameras like the various GoPro models include a sticky mount that can attach directly onto helmets with a smooth space at the front. Heavily ventilated helmets may need a little modification to work, but GoPro, Sony, and others sell strap systems that slot through the vent openings to hold everything in place.

Taking this a step further, some high-end helmets have a built-in action camera mount. This takes some of the guesswork out of getting the ideal camera angle and saves you from having to use one of your sticky mounts. The system on Bell's Sixer MIPS is stable and designed to break away in a crash. We certainly wouldn’t make our helmet choice just based on this feature—keep in mind that you can attach an action cam to your handlebars or use a chest mount—but they are an unobtrusive and smart solution for those willing to pay a little extra.

Similar to the above considerations involving cameras, mounting a light to your helmet is a great way to extend your riding season. For these purposes, some models feature built-in mounts, like the Bell Sixer MIPS or the Blendr setup on Bontrager's Blaze. In general, we’ve found they provide a more secure fit and are pretty easy to attach. Some helmets over $150 include an adapter or integrated mount, but there are plenty of exceptions (including Smith’s Forefront 2, which requires purchasing a $15 mount kit). Another way to attach a bike light is feeding the straps that come with most lighting systems through the vents of your helmet. Depending on the size and location of the openings, this can be a fairly tedious but still effective way of securing a light.

When to Replace Your Helmet

The decision to replace an old helmet isn’t always a clear one—and there are still debates to this day about when’s the perfect time. To start, helmets do have a shelf life, so it’s never a good idea to grab your old lid that’s been collecting dust for the past decade without at least taking a good look at it. It’s a good idea to start with the following: can you see any cracks in the foam? Are there any signs of deterioration on the outer shell or inner lining? If anything looks questionable, we recommend erring on the side of caution and replacing it.

For the nitty-gritty answer, there have been a number of tests done to pin down the ideal lifespan. And while there isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, most manufacturers stick to 3 to 8 years. If you ride a lot, there’s a good chance you’ll be replacing it towards the earlier end. For the helmet that’s been sitting for a while, considering the changes in fit and safety technology, buying a new helmet will surely be an upgrade even if your old one still is technically functional.

The rule for replacing a helmet after a crash is far simpler. If you crashed and the impact is significant, the foam inside will be compromised, which diminishes its performance for future crashes. So replace it. In all seriousness, it’s not worth making excuses to avoid replacing a helmet. If it’s old or has been knocked around, get a new one.
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