The Finest Mountain Bike Helmets of 2024

How We Examined the Finest Mountain Bike Helmets

We take biking very significantly, and it doesn’t matter what sort of driving we’re doing, our security is of the utmost significance. For that purpose, a top quality helmet is crucial piece of substances we placed on earlier than each mountain bike experience. We’re all the time in search of essentially the most protecting, snug, and best-looking mountain bike helmets we will discover so we will have enjoyable on the paths with the peace of thoughts a very good helmet offers.

Our editorial employees has been testing the newest and best mountain bike helmets for over a decade. Certain, we’ve all received our favorites, however the market is ever-changing, with new and up to date fashions popping out on a regular basis. Thankfully, we get to strive all of them out, typically earlier than they’re even obtainable to the general public. This expertise has given us distinctive perception as to what makes an excellent helmet, together with the power to discern the variations in efficiency and performance between the totally different fashions we take a look at. For those who’re a roadie, our staff has additionally totally examined and reviewed the perfect highway bike helmets, too.

Overview writer Jeremy Benson has been professionally testing and reviewing mountain bikes and equipment for the previous 8 years. In that point, he has tried over 30 totally different helmets. Whether or not for XC rides, shuttle laps, or adventurous backcountry loops, he has honed in on the particular efficiency attributes that make an excellent helmet. For the needs of this assessment, he examined 10 fashions facet by facet to immediately evaluate issues like match, consolation, air flow, protection, and visors. These findings, mixed with fashions our editors have not too long ago examined, are offered right here to assist inform your vital mountain bike helmet buy determination. Along with helmets, Jeremy has additionally examined and reviewed the perfect biking sun shades to maintain your eyes protected when you experience, clipless mountain bike sneakers, and our favourite mountain bike shorts.

Mountain Bike Helmet Purchaser’s Information

There’s quite a bit to think about when selecting a brand new mountain bike helmet. Right here we break down some vital components that will assist with discovering the best mannequin to fit your wants.

Totally different Varieties of Mountain Bike Helmets

As there are a number of kinds of mountain biking, there are simply as many helmets to satisfy the wants of various riders. As the game has developed, so too has the protecting tools we use, and nowadays, helmets are safer than ever. Typically, mountain bike helmets fall into three totally different classes and we clarify the variations under.

Path, All-Mountain, and Enduro Half-Shells

Half-shells for path, all-mountain, and enduro driving are the commonest sort of helmets we see out on the paths. These “open-face” fashions cowl the highest of the pinnacle with trendy shell designs providing prolonged protection on the again and facet of the pinnacle to raised shield the occipital and temporal lobes. These helmets virtually all the time have a visor (peak), and plenty of are designed to work with each sun shades and goggles. The added supplies concerned with prolonged protection, visors, and different options usually lead to helmets which might be barely heavier than their XC-oriented counterparts. Examples of contemporary path driving helmets embody the POC Kortal Race MIPS, the Troy Lee Designs A3 MIPS, and the Specialised Ambush 2.

XC Helmets

Cross-country riders and racers typically prioritize light-weight and aerodynamics, so XC helmets are considerably totally different than their trail-oriented counterparts. In actual fact, {most professional} XC racers are utilizing what are technically thought of highway bike helmets. This model of helmet is often smooth, low-profile, and well-ventilated, they usually present a bit much less protection of the pinnacle than the prolonged protection fashions. In addition they usually don’t include a visor, though some riders will put on a biking cap beneath to behave as a visor in sure situations. Examples embody the Giro Aries and the POC Octal MIPS.

Full Face and Convertible Helmets

Full-face helmets present essentially the most head safety, with shells that reach over the ears and enormous chin bars that present safety for the entrance of the face. Convertible helmets are those who have a detachable chin bar, permitting the person to decide on when they need half-shell or full-face protection. This model of helmet has historically been worn by these in gravity-oriented disciplines like downhill and enduro racing, though a brand new breed of light-weight and well-ventilated fashions has expanded their attraction to a broader vary of customers. Full-face fashions now are available a spread of designs, kinds, supplies, and weights, with fashions geared towards just about each sort of rider or protecting wants.

Getting the Proper Match

A correctly becoming helmet is crucial for it to not solely be snug however to work correctly within the occasion of a crash. Whether it is too free or too tight, its protecting qualities could also be compromised or its protecting options could not perform correctly. Moreover, a correctly becoming helmet is extra snug, permitting you to focus your consideration on the path forward. You will need to observe that match and luxury are subjective, and never each particular person’s head form will work with each helmet. In case your head may be very spherical, very slender, or your brow very pronounced, you’ll most likely need to strive a helmet on earlier than shopping for it to make sure that it matches your particular head form.

Sizing

Identical to individuals’s heads, most helmets are available a number of sizes. Helmet producers virtually all the time have a measurement information on their web site for reference. Every helmet measurement usually matches a small vary of head sizes, and these are normally proven as head circumference in centimeter measurements. As a normal rule, the easiest way to find out if a helmet matches is to strive it on before you purchase. This may make sure you get the right match the primary time.

If you’re uncertain of your head’s measurement, all you’ll want to do is measure it. A versatile measuring tape is the perfect device to do that. In any other case, a size of string and a ruler will even do the trick. Measure the circumference of your head in a circle above the eyebrows, ears, and throughout the occipital lobe (again of the cranium). Document this measurement in centimeters, and it’s best to be capable of establish the suitable measurement helmet.

Most grownup helmets are available a number of sizes to cowl heads starting from 51-63cm in circumference (give or take), with every shell measurement protecting a smaller vary. For instance, the Giro Manifest Spherical is available in three shell sizes: S: 51-55cm, M: 55-59cm, and L: 59-63cm. Most individuals will fall inside considered one of these sizes. If you’re on the cusp between sizes, it’s usually higher to measurement up than squeeze into the smaller shell measurement, in our expertise.

For those who get a helmet that’s too tight or too free, attempt to alternate it for the proper measurement earlier than you put on it and get it sweaty or soiled.

Match Changes

Most high quality helmets have match adjustment techniques that will help you dial them into your precise head form to maintain them secure, safe, and comfy when in use. An adjustable harness is one such function that’s used to comfortable the helmet up towards the occipital lobe/again of the cranium. These harnesses normally have a small dial that you may flip to tighten or loosen it, and most have a vertical adjustment contained in the helmet so you’ll be able to you should definitely place the harness correctly underneath the occipital lobe as properly. When tightened correctly, the harness ought to really feel comfortable however not uncomfortable and it ought to preserve your helmet from bouncing round as you experience over tough terrain.

Likewise, the chin strap is one other vital adjustment that helps to maintain your helmet in your head within the occasion of a crash. Too tight, and it may be uncomfortable. Whether it is too free, your helmet can come off your head. Most chin straps will be tightened or loosened to suit your particular wants, and this adjustment is fast and straightforward to make. A normal rule of thumb is to have the ability to match a finger or two between the strap and your neck in order that it’s tight sufficient whereas nonetheless avoiding irritation. The straps also needs to cut up round the ears, and we want them to not contact our ears in any respect, if attainable. Many strap splitters permit for some adjustment, so you’ll be able to match them to your ears for consolation.

Put on It Accurately

Even for those who get a helmet that’s the proper measurement, you will need to put on it correctly for it to work as supposed. Trendy helmets are designed to be worn stage on the pinnacle and comfortable sufficient in order that they don’t transfer round. Most of your brow and the crown of your head needs to be inside the helmet, versus the helmet sitting up too excessive or off the again.

How Mountain Bike Helmets Work

Mountain bike helmets shield the pinnacle by offering a barrier from direct impression and dissipating the forces from impression. On the most simple stage, mountain bike helmets are comprised of two elements: an internal foam layer (normally EPS foam) and an outer polycarbonate shell. Mixed, these layers present a protecting layer that takes the brunt of an impression. The firmer outer shell performs the vital activity of defending the softer foam beneath and, when impacted, helps to unfold the drive of the impression over a higher space. The softer EPS foam compresses and absorbs these forces and it typically crushes, cracks, or deforms within the course of.

At all times Change Your Helmet After a Crash

On account of the truth that helmets are designed to partially destruct when absorbing the forces of an impression, they’re meant to get replaced after a crash. Typically, cracks or different indicators of harm might be apparent, however not all the time. Even low-speed impacts may end up in harm that may compromise the integrity and protecting qualities of a mountain bike helmet. On your security, it is suggested that you simply all the time substitute your helmet after a crash. Fortunately, many manufacturers supply reductions for crash-replacement helmets.

Rotational Impression Safety

Because the introduction of MIPS (Multi-Directional Impression Safety System) a number of years in the past, rotational impression safety has turn into commonplace in mountain bike helmets. MIPS was the originator and remains to be the commonest, though it has developed over time into quite a few iterations, akin to MIPS SL, MIPS Evolve, MIPS Spherical, and MIPS Integra, to call just a few.

The fundamental concept, nevertheless, stays the identical. MIPS and comparable applied sciences attempt to boost head safety by lowering the rotational forces that attain the mind throughout sure impacts. They do that by making a slip-plane that permits the helmet to shift across the head and soak up a few of these forces earlier than they attain the mind.

Many different manufacturers have additionally developed their very own rotational impression safety techniques which might be supposed to work a lot the identical as MIPS. 100%’s SmartShock system, used within the 100% Altis, depends on small rubber elastomers constructed into the shell which might be supposed to soak up each rotational and direct impression, and Leatt’s Turbine 360 works equally. Bontrager’s WaveCel design has a zig-zag honeycomb-like construction that’s supposed to crumple and shear on impression, and KinetiCore was developed by Lazer to work in a lot the identical manner, with remoted columns of EPS foam.

Which considered one of these applied sciences works the perfect is difficult to say, however we’re glad that helmet producers are attempting to enhance helmet security. We don’t have our personal impression testing tools, so we confer with Virginia Tech’s Bicycle Helmet Rankings for extra perception.

For years, Virginia Tech has been a frontrunner in helmet impression testing, they usually do it independently and supply their findings free to the general public. They take a look at every helmet for its skill to cut back linear acceleration and rotational velocity with 24 totally different assessments. After all, they haven’t examined each mannequin in the marketplace, however they do have 190 fashions of biking helmets at present examined and rated on their web site.

Protection

As mountain bike helmets have developed over time, the quantity of head protection has elevated. For half-shell fashions like these reviewed right here, that is most noticeable on the edges and again of the pinnacle, the place the shells drop down additional to raised shield the delicate temporal and occipital lobes. That is notably obvious in path, all-mountain, and enduro-oriented fashions which might be sometimes called “prolonged protection” half-shell helmets.

In contrast to old-school helmets that sat excessive atop the pinnacle, trendy helmets now encompass way more of the cranium. Fashions just like the Abus Cliffhanger, POC Kortal Race MIPS, Smith Payroll MIPS, and the Specialised Ambush 2 are nice examples of this development. Typically, we usually equate extra head protection with higher head safety, and we really feel this can be a welcome development.

Air flow

Relying on the local weather the place you reside and experience and the way a lot you sweat, air flow could or is probably not a excessive precedence. For many who dwell in heat climates, experience within the warmth of the day, or just perspire quite a bit, how properly a helmet permits air to go by means of to chill the pinnacle could also be of the utmost significance. Not solely does good air flow cut back the quantity of sweat working down your face or dripping onto your lenses, however it helps to maintain you from overheating. Thankfully, most helmet producers do their finest to make their helmets well-ventilated, although they aren’t created equal.

Whereas vital, the variety of vents is just not the one issue in terms of air flow. As an alternative, a well-executed design that entails ample air consumption vents on the entrance of the pinnacle, inside channels that transfer air over the pinnacle, and exhaust vents in the back of the pinnacle for air to flee is usually the best.

Visors

Visors, generally known as “peaks”, are a standard function on most mountain bike helmets they usually serve a number of functions. Many visors are adjustable, permitting the rider to place them at numerous angles. This makes it attainable to drop them down low to assist preserve the solar out of the eyes at low solar angles or transfer them up and out of the sphere of view at excessive solar angles. In addition they serve to deflect trailside branches and might help preserve gentle rain from reaching the eyes whereas driving.

Adjustable visors and people positioned larger on the helmet usually additionally accommodate a pair of goggles or sun shades stashed beneath them when not in use. Some visors are additionally designed to interrupt away within the occasion of a crash to cut back the possibility of harm.

Eyewear Compatibility

Since most of us put on biking sun shades to guard our eyes whereas we experience, many helmet producers are designing and advertising and marketing their helmets with built-in sunglass storage and goggle compatibility. It has lengthy been the case that you might put on goggles with many helmets and stash sun shades within the entrance vents, however now, these options are sometimes part of the design.

The spacing of the entrance vents is fairly crucial for stowing sun shades, and a few producers have taken to including rubber grips or different supplies to raised maintain sunglass arms. On the rear of the helmet, many now function a rubber strip or pad of some type so as to add grip for a goggle strap. As talked about above, visor adjustability or placement can also be an element when stowing both sun shades or goggles when not in use.

Extra Security Options

The entire level of creating helmets for cyclists is to assist forestall harm, and producers are in search of extra methods to guard the individuals who purchase their merchandise. They do that in quite a lot of methods, together with the implementation of latest applied sciences. Manufacturers like Specialised and ABUS make small crash detection sensors, referred to as ANGi and QUIN, respectively, that may be connected to the helmet. These small models can sense the forces related to a crash and ship a notification to your contacts in an emergency scenario.

Likewise, Smith has partnered with Aleck and features a crash sensor on a number of of their helmets, together with the brand new Payroll MIPS. POC features a twICEme NFC medical ID chip in sure helmets, which will be learn by first responders to search out vital private, medical, and make contact with info if the person is unresponsive or unable to speak successfully.

As talked about within the visors part above, some fashions have visors which might be designed to interrupt away within the occasion of a crash, which can assist cut back the possibility of harm. Different manufacturers use structural reinforcement of their designs, akin to aramid bridges or ActiCage built-in into the EPS foam so as to add energy.

The froth itself will be various, with some firms utilizing dual-density foams like EPS and EPP, which soak up the power from excessive and low-speed impacts in another way. Koroyd is one other attention-grabbing materials utilized by manufacturers like Smith and Endura. This honeycomb-like construction is meant to crush and crumple on impression whereas remaining porous and permitting air to go by means of and warmth and moisture to flee.

Sturdiness

Except you crash typically or are careless along with your gear, helmets are likely to have a reasonably good lifespan. High quality helmets have in-mold constructions with the internal foam properly bonded to the outer shell, and most now have full shell protection over the decrease fringe of the froth. Uncovered foam is extra inclined to wreck, so the extra it’s coated, the higher. The sturdiness of the outer shells of helmets can differ, nevertheless, with some being fairly resilient and others being extra susceptible to denting if struck by a department or dropped in a truck mattress with an excessive amount of drive, for instance. Bear in mind, your helmet could forestall critical harm and even save your life, so deal with it with care.

For those who don’t experience that always, most helmets will final for a number of years with out problem. For those who experience every single day, you’ll most likely need to substitute your helmet extra steadily, each couple of seasons or so. At all times bear in mind, for those who crash and impression the helmet, it needs to be changed.

Worth

Mountain bike helmets differ wildly by way of value, with the fashions we examined ranging between $75 and $300. Certain, lots of the dearer fashions function the newest and best know-how, lighter weights, and flashier designs. The fact is that any of those helmets will shield you higher than none in any respect, and even the least costly mannequin we examined, the Specialised Camber, beats lots of the costlier fashions in Virginia Tech’s impression testing and appears fairly darn good doing it. So, you don’t must spend quite a bit for high quality head safety, however it’s your head and mind we’re speaking about right here, so that you make the decision.

Steadily Requested Questions About Mountain Bike Helmets