Finest mountain bike full face and convertible helmets

Mountain bike helmet design has advanced considerably in the previous few years, they usually’re now safer and extra snug than ever. In case you’re on the lookout for extra safety, for bike park using, enduro and downhill racing, or simply peace of thoughts, you’ll need to take a look at our choose of the most effective full-face and convertible mountain bike helmets – we’ve examined extensively to convey you this information.

In case you’re extra of a path rider and aren’t on the lookout for full-face safety, take a look at our record of the finest mountain bike helmets that are perfect for using your native trails or all-mountain adventures.

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Finest helmet for decent situations

Weight: 747g | Sizes: S, M, L, XL | Ranking: 10/10

Execs: Good worth for cash, glorious air flow, MIPS, safe match, simple to placed on

Cons: Not as adjustable as some

You’ll be able to pedal in it with out feeling such as you’re on a turbo coach in a sauna, it’s mild sufficient that you simply don’t really feel restricted in your motion and it provides higher safety than an open-face path helmet. There a lot airflow to your mouth that it’s troublesome to consider that you simply’re carrying a full-face. For days within the bike park or journeys to the alps it’s the proper foil. For full-face safety with open-face air flow, we’d not hesitate to take the Fox Racing ProFrame.

Learn our full check evaluate of the Fox ProFrame

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Finest for enduro and path using

Weight: 708g | Sizes: XS-S, M-L, XL-XXL | Ranking: 9/10

Execs: Tremendous fashionable, snug, good air flow, MIPS

Cons: TLD label comes at a premium.

For a full face that’s correctly downhill licensed, the Troy Lee Designs Stage is extremely light-weight, – it’s solely 90g heavier than the Bell Tremendous Air open-face lid. TLD has been in a position to minimize the burden and nonetheless meet the certification as a result of it’s utilizing a dual-density closed-cell foam within the development – there’s a daily EPS internal layer with extra resilient EPP wrapped excessive. Inside you’ll additionally spot the distinctive yellow MIPs liner, which within the Stage strikes fairly freely as a result of there isn’t any retention gadget anchoring it in place. Because it does come up a bit small, and the one adjustment is with completely different thickness pads, so when you’re borderline we’d suggest going up a dimension.

The load is so low and the visibility is so good that it’s simple to neglect you’re carrying a full-face. With the large variety of vents in and across the chin bar, we additionally didn’t get as scorching using this helmet even working exhausting on the climbs. The one sticking level is the value. However when you’re on the lookout for a bit extra safety for enduro or path using, and the occasional day on the bike park, that is the one to get.

Learn our full check evaluate of the Troy Lee Stage

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New era light-weight, DH-certified full face lid

Weight: 679g | Sizes: S/M, M/L | Ranking: 9/10

Execs: Good worth, loads of airflow, light-weight

Cons: No rotational safety, solely two sizes, cheek pads can pop off

Light-weight and breathable, and really properly ventilated, the IXS Set off FF is a DH-certified full-face mountain bike helmet that’s one of many lightest we’ve examined, although not fairly as mild because the Dainese Linea 01. Air flow right here is ridiculously good, to the purpose the Set off is definitely cooler than loads of open face lids, and may even really feel too chilly on lengthy rides in wintry climate. Inner padding is properly positioned and tremendous soft towards your head. Unobtrusive cheek pads are available two sizes, however can come off too simply because the little ‘popper’ fixing methodology isn’t probably the most safe.

Learn our full check evaluate of the IXS Set off FF

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Nice air flow, match and appears

Weight: 812g | Sizes: S, M, L, XL | Ranking: 9/10

Execs: Glorious safety, from Koroyd and MIPS, nice air flow, match and appears

Cons: Not as mild as TLD Stage or Fox Proframe

The Mainline is a superb instance of how the enduro racing self-discipline has helped develop the fashionable mountain bike helmet. Certain, full face lids of yore all the time paid lip service to decrease weight and first rate air flow, however in observe we’d all the time take them off when not descending. The Mainline eschews the 2-for-1 convertible design in favour of enormously decreased general weight and considerably elevated air flow. And we imply air flow in each the easy-breathing and not-overheating senses. It isn’t as mild because the Fox Proframe or Troy Lee Stage however it’s not far off and, let’s be blunt, some riders will simply favor the Smith aesthetic. Which is ok by us.

Learn our full check evaluate of the Smith Mainline

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Nice air flow, match and appears

Weight: 918g | Sizes: S, M, L | Ranking: 8/10

Execs: Good padding and venting, first rate worth too

Cons: Heavy for path bike use, and the visor is fastened

At almost 1kg, the Leatt MTB 4.0 Enduro V22 is sort of double the burden of the Troy Lee Stage and Fox Dropframe, however clearly it’s extra sturdy. There’s a ton of padding on this helmet, all of it anti-odour however it’s surprisingly breathable as a consequence of 18 strategically positioned vents. It’s also possible to take away the hex-shaped grill on the entrance of the chin bar to create an additional air consumption.

Learn our full check evaluate of the Leatt MTB Enduro 4.0

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Finest for light-weight full-face safety

Weight: 570g | Sizes: XS-S, M-L, L-XL | Ranking: 9/10

Execs: Extremely mild weight, excessive safety ranking, loads of air flow, versatile adjustable visor, RECCO

Cons: DH racers would possibly need much less uncovered EPS

Italian safety legend Dainese is again with the world’s lightest ever DH-certified full face biking helmet. The Linea 01’s heavily-vented shell makes use of a polycarbonate outer layer on prime of an EPS liner, however inside, a key to the exceptionally low weight is an embedded nylon exo-skeleton that bolsters penetration resistance and general energy. Dainese additionally makes use of completely different EPS densities in numerous zones to optimise safety, thick foam cheek pads to guard towards the chinbar getting smashed into your jaw and the most recent (thinner) MIPs rotating liner. It additionally has RECCO and NFC TwiceMe know-how carried over from snowsports.

The Linea 01 helmet is so light-weight and properly vented, it’s solely marginally hotter than some half shells and appropriate for using in all day (even in heat climate) if you’d like additional safety for e-biking, enduro or aggressive path using. Whereas it’s absolutely licensed, DH racers would possibly nonetheless need additional materials and fewer uncovered EPS for using regular uplifts the place cooling and weight is much less of a precedence.

Learn the total evaluate of the Dainese Linea 01 full-face helmet

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Finest mountain bike convertible helmets:

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Finest all-round convertible mountain bike helmet

Weight: 484g | Sizes: S, M, L | Ranking: 10/10

Execs: Nice air flow, absorbent padding, absolutely adjustable visor, snug, loads of safety, elective chin bar

Cons: Previous-school snap clasp, must buy chinbar individually 

Sure, there’s one thing lacking from the picture above – the chinbar. Sadly you do want to purchase this individually, however it does imply that when you’re on the lookout for a very versatile convertible helmet that works brilliantly as a path lid too, this must be excessive in your record.

Bell’s new Tremendous Air is the primary path helmet with Flex Spherical + MIPS know-how. Crucially, it’s going to transfer 10-15mm throughout an affect occasion however it doesn’t affect on the sizing or the match – actually the Bell Tremendous Air is definitely probably the most snug half shell on check. Bell’s retention gadget can also be hooked up to the MIPS, so there’s no restriction of motion.

With 18 vents and 4 forehead ports, air move is great and when you do sweat there’s loads of padding to soak it up, particularly across the brow. The visor is adjustable with room for goggles. General it’s snug, breathable, mild and protecting. 

Learn out full evaluate of the Bell Tremendous Air Spherical helmet

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The very best dual-purpose, convertible full-face helmet

Weight: 891g | Sizes: S, M, L | Ranking: 10/10

Execs: DH certification, mild sufficient and minimal sufficient in each modes

Cons: Bit difficult to suit the chin bar with the helmet on.

Bell was one of many first to market with a convertible helmet, so it’s applicable that the evolution of that mannequin delivers even larger safety and earned an ideal 10 ranking. The helmet in query is the Tremendous DH MIPS, now licensed to ASTM 1952 DH full-face requirements.

It makes use of the same wrap-around chin bar and spring-loaded catches to the unique Tremendous 2R, however beefs the whole lot as much as create a super-sturdy and confidence-inspiring lid. Weight has crept up a end result, however it’s nonetheless properly ventilated and minimal sufficient to experience with out the chin bar on lengthy path rides. Then clamp on the chin bar for alpine descents or laps on the bike park. Successfully providing two helmets in a single, the Tremendous DH is the primary convertible helmet that doesn’t compromise in both configuration.

Learn our full check evaluate of the Bell Tremendous DH

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The very best dual-purpose, convertible full-face helmet

Weight: 837g | Sizes: S, M, L | Ranking: 9/10

Execs: Burly development. Nice open-face mode.

Cons: Not the most affordable convertible helmet.

This new Leatt MTB 4.0 Enduro V21 convertible helmet is unquestionably on the premium finish of the value scale, however it’s the most effective convertible helmet we’ve used to this point, with a rock-solid chin bar, the reassurance of a DH ranking and an open-face mode that’s ok to be your on a regular basis helmet. Which means it’s actually two merchandise in a single, which takes appreciable sting out of the fee.

Learn our full check evaluate of the Leatt MTB 4.0 Enduro V21

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Approach lighter and higher ventilated than Bell’s earlier choices

Weight: 674g | Sizes: S, M, L | Ranking: 9/10

Execs: Good weight, works properly as each an open face and a full face

Cons: Costly, chin bar is a fiddle to suit.

Bell’s new helmet is fashionable, versatile, snug and light-weight. Being nowhere close to as scorching or limiting as a correct DH full face, it’s nailed kind and performance for a path bike or e-bike lid with added safety, however some riders will demand extra safety for the effort of lugging a chinbar spherical. It comes with a critically hefty price ticket too.

The lid’s twist-to-tighten retention system cinches tight with out wriggling and modifications peak to change inside dish and tilt. Match and padding is extraordinarily snug, and sizing is as anticipated in comparison with different manufacturers. With 26 vents, the Tremendous Air feels extremely mild on the top with tons of airflow. Underneath the three-way adjustable peak, 4 forehead slots are particularly efficient.

Learn our full check evaluate of the Bell Tremendous Air R

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MCR model is the most effective trying, most sorted Parachute but

Weight: 839g | Sizes: S, M, L | Ranking: 9/10

Execs: Properly-built, feels sturdy

Cons: Costly, fiddly to transform and troublesome to placed on with the chinbar put in.

Met’s newest do-it-all helmet actually isn’t low cost, however high quality and end is prime notch and it feels properly constructed, with or with out the chinbar. It’s the most effective trying and functioning Parachute but, and feels correctly sturdy and Alpine-ready in full face mode. Mix this with a handsome, unobtrusive open face choice, and it’s a really versatile mixture.

MCR refers back to the new chinguard mechanism, which makes use of magnets to orientate ‘plugs’ into ports on the principle helmet. It’s fairly strong in place, however wobbles and twists greater than different convertibles. It’s simple to put in as soon as you determine the locators, however a bit imprecise to repair too, so that you’re by no means completely certain when it’s locked down carrying the lid. Padding, straps and retention dials are of the very best high quality. The BOA cradle has actually exact increments, and the MIPS integration and plastic webbing is all properly designed. An enormous peak out entrance is flexy and might be tipped up proper out of sight, which suggests goggles will match beneath simply too.

Learn our full check evaluate of the MET Parachure MCR

 

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How we examined mountain bike full face and convertible helmets

In addition to one tester carrying every helmet on a number of rides over the previous few months, the lids have carried out the rounds between family and friends on varied check rides and picture shoots. This offers us a greater consensus as to what works finest on completely different head styles and sizes, and likewise feeds in data from riders that run at completely different temperatures or sweat completely different quantities.

On prime of truly using within the helmets, the lids needed to take care of prolonged life at the back of a van that’s typically residence to muddy check bikes and package; one thing that represents an accelerated, real-world check situation for the sort of knocks and scrapes all helmets are subjected to over time.

What are the benefits of a full-face or convertible helmet?

Need additional safety with out getting hot-headed, then the most recent enduro lids are a smart choice. Light-weight full face – and convertible – helmets have been round for ages, however the rise of the do-it-all using self-discipline referred to as enduro has made them far more commonplace. One additional benefit being security acutely aware riders can take pleasure in fewer bizarre seems rocking a full face lid at path centres or native trails these days.

Like many different bike elements bitten by the enduro bug, the merchandise right here mirror this by merging additional safety, full face, downhill helmets with better-ventilated, open face, XC or path lids. And, whereas downhill helmets was too scorching, sweaty and heavy for pedaling round in all day, this new helmet breed is geared toward precisely that with additional safety over a path lid.

Why do mountain bike helmets have peaks?

MTB peaks assist maintain each solar and dirt and crud out of eyes and must be adjustable for tilt, steady and rattle-free. Any visor used higher look good too, though it’s hopefully not even seen by the rider whereas truly using. Versatile supplies and breakaway fixtures enhance security by stopping visors being a lever that may twist your neck in a crash.

Padding

Inner cushioning is crucial to helmet stability and luxury, and likewise to warmth administration. Pads take in a variety of sweat so must be detachable for laundry, and take note of supplies chosen, as all materials are usually not equal by way of subsequent to pores and skin consolation. Some lids depend on a number of pad densities to tune match as a substitute of heavier retention methods, and whereas thicker pads might be extra cozy, in addition they run hotter.

Air flow

Ports or vents are important to extend airflow to chill the top. Most helmets use a system of consumption (entrance) and exhaust (rear) vents to channel air by way of inner channels or grooves to manage inner temperature. Used cleverly, vents can even save helmet weight and enhance seems.

What’s the good thing about a detachable chinbar?

Detachable chinguards permit switching between uphill and downhill modes in chosen helmets. You’ll be able to take away the chinbar on the backside of a climb and place it in your pack, permitting the utmost airflow for cooling at gradual speeds. Or, you’ll be able to choose and select what mode to run your helmet in relying on what using you’re doing. Full-face if it’s steep and rowdy, otherwise you’re going to a motorbike park, and open-face for extra mellow trails. Every system has its personal distinctive clamp mechanism, with the most effective becoming rapidly and simply with the helmet in place. Security requirements on chinbars vary from path using to full DH certification.

Security options

In addition to more durable shells and a number of foam densities to soak up impacts of various velocities, many lids additionally provide additional rotational affect safety. The very best identified is MIPS, which is a slippy plastic liner that slides independently of the outer shell to dissipate affect power. Different own-brand variants exist too, all with related goals.

Chinstrap

Securing the helmet safely is crucial, however search for consolation and adjustability right here and straps that aren’t too itchy, flappy or dig in ears or the jawline. Many helmets use magnetic clasps to hurry up set up, though less complicated plastic clasps can generally be lighter and fewer obtrusive.

Match adjustment

A typical retention system takes the type of a compressible cradle that cinches down onto the scalp. The very best will tighten one-handed, exert strain evenly and be multi-adjustable by way of tilt and circumference to swimsuit all head shapes. Search for strong and durable adjusters too as small plastic items are susceptible to wreck over time.

Safety requirements

All mountain bike helmets should cross ‘minimal commonplace’ assessments to be bought publicly. Parameters embrace puncture resistance, strap integrity and dealing with impacts of various velocities. DH-certified helmets can resist larger power masses and stresses, however require extra materials (and weight) to attain this.

Goggle parking

The flexibility to park goggles below peaks is a should for some and requires the room to take action. Rear goggle clips could be a little bit of a gimmick although, contemplating elasticated goggle straps do a ok job anyway. Some helmets additionally provide eyewear stow factors that might be helpful for glasses wearers.