Mountain biking is one of the scariest sports and that’s why it is risky too, especially on descending trails. So, we cannot negotiate with the safety.
And, When it comes to safety, a helmet is the first thing that you need to have for all types of trails.
So, in this article, we will discuss how to choose the right mountain bike helmet.
We will also discuss brands, styles, features, safety standards, and many more things so that you can choose a perfect and comfortable helmet for your safety.
Why Your Helmet Matters
The brain is one of the most important organs of the human body, and it works with other organs like the heart and nerves.
But, if the brain gets too injured, we may become the living dead. That’s why it is important to protect the head first.
However, it doesn’t mean that other body parts are not important. Of course, all are important, but the head is the first in mountain biking.
A study by the Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that helmets reduce 85% of the chances of head injury.
Besides this, helmets are not just for your head protection; they also provide comfort and improve ventilation, boosting confidence, especially on descending and tricky trials.
Also Read: Clipless Pedals vs Flat Pedals: which one should you choose?
Which Helmet Type Should You Choose?
There are different types of mountain biking helmets, and you have to choose one based on your riding style, trail demands, comfort, and other personal preferences.
Here are some helmet types based on various factors that you can choose for yourself.
1. Half-Shell Helmets: Best for XC and Trail Riders
Half-shell helmets are good for cross-country and trail riding because they are lightweight, comfortable, and breathable. Besides this, they provide good protection on less technical terrain.
Who should use a half-shell helmet?
- If you are a rider who wants comfort and efficiency for a longer ride, then you can have it.
- If you normally ride on moderate terrain where chances are low, you will be seriously injured, or the terrain isn’t really risky.
The key strength of a half-shell helmet is its lightweight construction
Many of these helmets come within 350 grams of weight, which makes it the perfect choice for endurance rides and climbs because lighter helmets allow you to avoid neck fatigue and focus on pedaling.
You can choose a material like an in-mold polycarbonate shell with EPS foam. But make sure the helmet is good for your head size. Plus, it has the ability to absorb impact.
Ventilation Designed for Climbs:
Half-shell helmets come with a ventilation system. They have 15 to 20 vents in most designs, which is good for good airflow and preventing overheating.
Many advanced helmet models nowadays come with EPS foam to direct airflow across your scalp.
Rear Coverage for Added Safety:
In the old half-shell helmet, you could only protect your head’s upper side.
But now, the modern models come with back head protection, which is very important for safety, especially when you are riding on risky trails.
Potential Limitations of Half-Shell Helmets:
Although half-shell helmets are good for regular bike riding, they have some potential limitations.
For example, they still don’t provide full face protection… Yes! They are good for the upper head and back side, but not the other side.
Especially when you are trying to ride aggressively on downhill or bike park rides.
Moderate durability is also an issue. As they are not sturdy, they are not designed to withstand high-speed impacts.
Even If you’re buying a mountain bike helmet for regular riding, I suggest you look for one that has adjustable features.
2. Full-Face Helmets: Built for Aggressive Riding
If you are an aggressive rider who likes to ride on technical rock gardens, bike parks, or unexpected trails, then you must go with a full-face helmet for protection.
These types of helmets can handle high-speed impact much better than the above half-shell helmet, and they will protect your entire head, including your jaw and face.
So, who should buy it?
If you are a downhill rider, a free-rider, or an enduro enthusiast who prioritizes safety more than breathability, which you get in a half-shell helmet, then you should have a full-face helmet.
If you want to ride on highly technical terrain where crash frequency is high often, then you should look for a full-face mountain bike helmet.
Key Strengths of Full-Face Helmets:
Ultimate Protection:
The first and most important thing about full-face helmets is that they safeguard your skull, chin, and jaw against several impacts.
Many high-end helmets come with a technology called MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), which reduces rotational forces that can occur during an angled impact.
Besides this, many helmets also come with a dual-density EPS foam layer to provide additional shock absorption ability.
Durability for Demanding Rides:
Full-face helmets come with a robust outer shell that is made of carbon fiber or fiberglass, which provides balance, strength, and weight.
The chin bar is reinforced to withstand direct hits, which is good if you ever fall on your face’s side.
Modern Ventilation:
Most traditional full-face helmets were notoriously hot. However, modern designs have a well-placed vent system to keep good air circulation.
If you are looking for a full-face helmet, I suggest you go with the one with sweat-wicking liners and removable padding. It is good to enhance comfort on warmer days.
Potential Limitations of Full-Face Helmets:
Weight: Full-face helmets are heavier, often weighing 800–1,000 grams, which can strain your neck on extended rides.
Reduced Visibility and Comfort: The enclosed design can limit peripheral vision and airflow, especially on uphill climbs.
They are often 800 to 100 grams, which can strain your neck on longer rides.
Besides this, full-face helmets can also reduce visibility and comfort because of their heavy weight and protection from all sides. You might face problems, especially on uphill climbs.
3. Convertible Helmets: The Best of Both Worlds
Convertible Helmets are versatile. This type of helmet is a combination of a half-shell helmet and a full-face helmet.
Basically, they are half-shell helmets but with extra protection. You can remove the chin bar.
Because of that, they are good for riders who ride on mixed terrain or participate in Enduro races.
So who should buy Convertible Helmets?
Suppose you are an Enduro rider who wants a balance between uphill efficiency and downhill protection. Then you can look for Convertible Helmets.
Besides this, if you are the kind of a rider who sometimes rides on technical trails like rock gardens, etc., and sometimes rides on longer rides on simple roads or bike parks but doesn’t want two types of helmets like half-shell and full-face, then you can go with this convertible helmet.
This convertible helmet will provide you protection and comfort, as it is lightweight and also has good ventilation.
You can remove the chin bar whenever you are riding on a simple road or in a bike park.
Key Strengths of Convertible Helmets:
Versatile Design:
In the convertible helmet, this versatile design is the biggest main feature, as you can remove the chin bar and convert your full-face helmet into a half-shell helmet.
Besides this, they also have a quick-release system that allows you to attach or detach the chin bar within a second and even without tools.
One of the good things about this helmet is that you don’t have to spend too much to buy two separate helmets for regular and technical riding.
You can go with this simple one as it has both features; it can be converted into a full-face and half-shell helmet as well.
So if you compare them to both helmets, buying separately like one-half shell and another one full face, this convertible helmet is more affordable.
Even though it comes with an attached chin bar option, it still has some additional vents that need improvement as well.
Better Ventilation Compared to Full-Face Helmets:
Even though it comes with an attached chin bar option, it still has some additional vents to improve airflow.
Potential Limitations of Convertible Helmets:
Convertible helmets are a little heavier than half-shell helmets because they have extra material to protect your chin, which is the chin bar.
Plus, the removable chin bar is not really strong compared to a full-face helmet. So you can buy it for normal riding on both roads and some technical trials.
But if you specifically want to ride on technical trails like rock gardens, then I suggest you go with a full-face helmet. And only for road riding, then go with a half-shell helmet.
How to Decide Between Helmet Types
Once you have decided what type of helmet you should choose based on your riding style, such as full shape, removable chin helmet, or half shell helmet, the next step is to consider some features.
Here are some important things that you need to keep in mind when buying a helmet for mountain biking.
1. Safety Standards and Certifications
Helmet Safety needs to be your first priority because you are buying a helmet to protect your head, not just for fashion or comfort. So, here are some certifications that you can look for.
CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission):
This CPSC certification is mandatory for helmets that are sold in the United States. So, you want to ensure that the helmet has this certification to withstand significant impact without compromising your safety.
EN 1078 (European Standard):
EN 1078 is a safety standard particularly used in Europe. This certification shows that your helmet can absorb shock and has a retention system and field of vision.
ASTM F1952:
ASTM F1952 certification is applicable on all downhill and BMX helmets, and it’s a must-have for chin bar strength and high-speed impact resistance.
MIPS Technology (Multi-directional Impact Protection System):
It’s a modern feature which is found in many helmets that we buy nowadays.
This certification shows that a helmet can rotate slightly during an angled impact, which reduces rotational force on the brain.
Pro tip: You cannot compromise your safety, so always check these safety standards. Don’t just look for cheaper options to save some bucks.
2. Proper Fit and Adjustability
If the helmet doesn’t fit your head, you won’t feel comfortable, which is really awkward.
So, here are some tips.
Measure Your Head:
First, you can use a soft measuring tape to measure the circumference of your head, about an inch above your eyebrow.
Most helmets come in size ranges (e.g., Small: 51–55 cm, Medium: 55–59 cm). Now, you can measure your size and pick the right size; for example, you can choose a small one.
Retention Systems:
Many modern helmets also have dial fit systems, which allow you to adjust a little bit for a snug fit.
So, you can look for a helmet that has an adjustable strap system under the chin. It should be in a V-shape around your ears.
Coverage Check:
Make sure the helmet provides you proper protection, so it needs to be covering your forehead and your head’s backside.
Besides this, you also want to perform a shake test, in which you will wear the helmet and shake your head to test whether it wobbles or is too tight because both are not good.
So, based on that, you want to consider a different size if it does not fit.
3. Ventilation and Cooling
Many times, you will cover long climbs and intense descents, so in that situation, ventilation will be very important.
Here are some ways that you want to look for when buying a mountain biking helmet.
Usually, half-shell helmets have more than 15 to 20 vents for maximum airflow.
On the other hand, full-face helmets tend to have less than half-shell helmets, but manufacturers have strategically placed some vents to balance protection and ventilation.
High-end helmets have internal channels that direct airflow across your scalp. Ventilation is good for cooling and providing more safety.
Removable and washable liners are good for managing sweat and to keep you comfortable.
Plus, they also keep your helmet fresh, so you can look for a helmet that has antibacterial or odor-resistant liners, especially if you want to ride in humid conditions.
Pro tip: you can test ventilation just by wearing a helmet for 5 to 10 minutes. If you feel too warm, that means it is not going to be a good choice.
4. Visors and Eye Protection
For many mountain bike riders, a visor and eye protection are small features of a helmet. But in my opinion, it is good to have adjustable visors.
It will help you adapt to changing light conditions and will protect you against the sun’s glare, rain, and low-hanging branches if you ride in a place where there are too many bushes.
Besides this, some visors are removable, too, which offers flexibility for a rider to switch between open trails and dense forest trails.
This extra feature in helmets is a little similar to chin bar removal in convertible helmets.
Suppose you wear goggles, which are also essential mountain biking gear. So, you want to make sure the helmet visor doesn’t obstruct.
Many helmets also have a secure goggle clip; you can look for this option, too. Plus, you can look for a helmet with a breakaway visor mechanism. If you ever crash, the visor will detach to reduce the risk of injury to your neck.
5. Material and Build Quality
Checking the material and build quality is also important in a helmet, which also determines a helmet’s durability, weight, and overall performance.
There are basically three things that you can look for: outer shell, EPS foam liner, and dual-density foam.
Outer Shell:
Many helmets come with a polycarbonate shell for impact resistance, but it is mostly found in budget helmets.
If budget is not an issue for you, then you can look for premium models that often use carbon fiber or fiberglass to reduce weight, too, without compromising quality and strength.
EPS Foam Liner:
EPS, which means expanded polystyrene. It is a form standard in the mountain biking helmet industry. It shows that a helmet can absorb shock. It compresses upon impact to dissipate energy.
Besides this, some premium quality helmets have dual-density foam to handle both minor and sub-impacts. If your budget is not an issue, then you can look for dual-density foam. Otherwise, a single foam liner is okay, too.
6. Weight
When choosing a mountain biking helmet, you should pay attention to the helmet’s weight.
For example, in the long run, you might feel uncomfortable while wearing a full-face helmet, which can be around 1000 grams or 1 kilogram.
The half-shell helmets often weigh around 300-400 grams, while convertible helmets range from 600-800 grams.
A heavy helmet can strain your neck and shoulders during extended runs, so you can look for a convertible helmet.
Besides this, you can do some mountain biking exercises to build endurance. They will also help you become stronger and get comfortable with all mountain biking gear.
7. Budget and Value for Money
Mountain biking helmets start from $50 and go up to $500 for premium quality.
If you are a beginner, then you can look for an entry-level helmet, which is cheaper.
They provide some basic protection, but they lack advanced features like MIPS or adjustable visors.
Besides this, you can also invest in a mid-range helmet, which starts from $100 to $200. They come with better materials, ventilation systems, and better safety technologies.
These types of helmets are good for riders who need a balance between quality and affordability.
And lastly, you can buy a premium helmet if you are a serious enthusiast or professional.
High-end helmets start from $200 and go up to $500. These high-end helmets are lightweight and durable, plus they have all safety features.
Pro tip: You should always prioritize safety instead of just affordability and brand name.
Sometimes, even generic branded helmets with certification and good build quality are better than a $200 branded helmet with poor build quality.
Is a more expensive helmet always safer?
When you are buying an expensive helmet, chances are high that you will get good quality material. However, you need to have an understanding of high-quality materials and features.
For example, if you don’t know how to identify quality material and bought a normal helmet for $300 just thinking it’s expensive, so it’ll be 100% safe and good, then it won’t be safe because look at the price, not the material, and features.
So always look for material, features, certification, etc., and yes, expensive helmets are better, but make sure you choose the right helmet based on your size, build quality, and other features like ventilation, etc.
What’s the difference between visor and goggle compatibility?
You can find a visor on the front of the helmet. It helps in protecting your eyes from rain, sun, mud, and low-hanging branches.
They are adjustable and allow you to tilt them up or down depending on the condition you prefer.
Besides this, they are good for trail riding, cross-country, and general mountain biking.
On the other hand, goggles compatibility helmets are good for carrying goggles comfortably. These types of helmets come with features like a recessed rear section or clip to hold the goggle strap.
How often should I replace my mountain bike helmet?
There is no specific time limit on when you should replace your mountain bike helmet. But generally, it is said that you can change every 3 to 5 years.
However, there are some important things that you need to look for when replacing a helmet.
For example, you can replace it after a crash if you see any impact on it. Even if there is no visible damage, you can look for the manufacturer’s recommendation. You can also look for invisible wear and tear, etc.
What are the best mountain bike helmet brands?
Some reputable brands to buy a mountain bike helmet are Giro, Specialized, POC, Fox Racing, Troy Lee Designs, Bell, etc.
However, when choosing a helmet, you want to look for safety certifications like CPSC, ASTM, etc., and you also want to make sure they fit into your budget as well as your head.
