Mountain bike helmet design has evolved significantly in the last few years, and they’re now safer and more comfortable than ever. If you’re looking for more protection – for bike park riding, enduro competition, or downhill racing – or just peace of mind, you’ll want to check out our pick of the best full-face and convertible mountain bike helmets – we’ve tested dozens of models over the years to bring you this guide.

Don’t need a full-face? If you’re more of a trail rider and aren’t looking for full-face protection, check out our list of the best mountain bike helmets that are ideal for riding your local singletrack, or wearing on all-mountain adventures.

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Best MTB full-face helmets – quick list

• Best overall full-face helmet – Troy Lee Designs Stage
• Best lightweight full-face helmet – Specialized Gambit
• Best full-face helmet for protection – Giro Insurgent Spherical
• Best convertible helmet – Leatt MTB Helmet 3.0

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1. Fox ProFrame RS

Best helmet for hot conditions

Weight: 830g | Sizes: S, M, L | Rating: 9/10

Reasons to buy:

• Downhill-certified
• Adjustable visor
• New MIPS Integra Split system
• Excellent ventilation

Reasons to avoid:

• High price
• Heavier
• Noisy when at speed

We loved the original Fox Proframe when we tested it, mainly for the generous airflow that kept our lungs inflated and our head cool. This second generation model is heavier and more expensive, but gains several features that make it worth the extra weight and cost. One is the MIPS Integra Split protection, to reduce injury from rotational impacts, a convenient BOA dial for the tension fit system, and an adjustable angle visor.

What remains from the old model we loved so much is the excellent airflow and ability to pedal all-day in total comfort. We noticed a bit of wind noise compared to some rivals, and it’s not the cheapest option on the market, but Fox has really ticked a lot of boxes with its latest ProFrame RS.

Read our full test review of the Fox ProFrame RS

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2. Troy Lee Designs Stage

Best for enduro and trail riding

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

Reasons to buy:

• Super stylish
• Comfortable
• Good ventilation
• MIPS liner

Reasons to avoid:

• TLD label comes at a premium.

When we first picked up the Troy Lee Designs Stage helmet we couldn’t believe it was fully DH-certified. It’s just so light for a full-face helmet. In fact it weighed only 90g more than the Bell Super Air open face helmet when we put it on the scales. Less weight doesn’t mean reduced protection. Far from it. The Stage gets a dual density closed cell-foam structure, with a softer EPS (expanded polystyrene) inner protected by a more resilient EPP (expanded polypropylene) outer layer. These two materials work in tandem to absorb different velocity impacts, maximising protection while minimising weight.

Inside you’ll also find a MIPs liner to help protect the brain from rapid rotational forces on impact. To buckle up the chinstrap there’s a quick and user-friendly Fidlock magnetic buckle. We did find that the Stage comes up a teeny bit small, and given that the only size adjustment is through different pads, it might be worth trying before you buy. In terms of ventilation, we found it ran a touch hotted than the Fox Proframe, but nothing that made us red-faced and dripping with sweat. It’s hard to resist TLD’s cache and handsome looks, but you can also choose the Stage confident in the knowledge that its highly protective and super comfortable.

Read our full test review of the Troy Lee Stage

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3. IXS Trigger FF

New generation lightweight, DH-certified full face lid

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

Reasons to buy:

• Good value
• Plenty of airflow
• Lightweight

Reasons to avoid:

• No rotational protection
• Only two sizes
• Cheek pads can pop off

One of the lightest fully DH-certified full-face helmets we’ve ever tested, the IXS Trigger FF makes a great choice if you prioritise freedom of movement and breathability. Only the Dainese Linea 01 made less of an impression on our scales. We were (literally) blown away by the ventilation on offer from the Trigger. In fact we’d say that it actually runs cooler than some open-face helmets, thanks to well-designed channels over the scalp. We even found it a bit chilly on winter bike park laps!

Comfort is on par with ventilation, and the retention system is easy to dial in without creating pressure points. There are only two sizes, so if you’re at the extreme of the bell curve you might struggle for a perfect fit, but average head diameters should be well covered. While IXS might not be the first name to come to mind when searching for a new full-face helmet, the Trigger’s excellent comfort, ventilation, and blocky good looks makes it highly recommended.

Read our full test review of the IXS Trigger FF

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4. Smith Mainline

Great ventilation, fit, and looks

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

Reasons to buy:

• Excellent protection, from Koroyd and MIPs
• Great ventilation
• Good fit and great looks

Reasons to avoid:

• Not as light as TLD Stage or Fox Proframe

The Mainline is an excellent example of how the enduro racing discipline has helped develop the modern mountain bike helmet. Sure, full-face lids of yore always paid lip service to lower weight and decent ventilation, but in practice we’d always take them off when not descending.

The Mainline eschews the 2-for-1 convertible design in favour of the greatly reduced overall weight and significantly increased ventilation of a fixed chinbar design. And we mean ventilation in respect to both breathing and not overheating. Getting the fit right is a bit agricultural – we ended up with thick cheek and one thin cheek pad. Equally, the D-ring chinstrap is fiddlier to attach and loosen than a buckle. Overall, it isn’t as light as the Fox Proframe or Troy Lee Stage, but it’s not far off and some riders will just prefer the Smith aesthetic. Which is fine by us.

Read our full test review of the Smith Mainline

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5. Leatt MTB Gravity 4.0

Great ventilation, fit and looks

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

Reasons to buy:

• Good padding and venting
• Decent price too

Reasons to avoid:

• Heavy for trail bike use
• Visor is fixed

The Leatt MTB 4.0 Enduro V22 can’t compete on weight with the lightest full-face helmets, but that doesn’t mean it’s heavy, or not worthy of your consideration. It’s certainly robust, for starters, and the Fidlock buckle makes it easy to put on and take off. Any fears that the extra weight would compromise ventilation proved unfounded it when we tested it.

We had some minor criticisms – we’d prefer an adjustable peak, and some of the 360º Turbine pads inside pulled our by accident – but overall we reckon Leatt has done a decent job with the MTB Gravity 4.0.

Read our full test review of the Leatt MTB Gravity 4.0

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6. Dainese Linea 01

Best for lightweight full-face protection

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

Reasons to buy:

• Incredibly light weight
• High protection rating
• Plenty of ventilation
• Flexible adjustable visor
• RECCO technology integrated

Reasons to avoid:

• DH racers might want less exposed EPS

Dainese has cooked up something special weight-wise with its Linea 01 helmet. At less than 600g, this is the lightest DH-certified full-face on market. To put that into context, most open-face helmets sit around the 400g mark. Obviously the more vents, the less material needed, so it’s no surprise that the Linea 01 is heavily perforated. But to engineer enough strength into the structure, Dainese has added a tough nylon exoskeleton. The Italian brand also uses different density EPS (expanded polystyrene) to target different impact speeds. And to top it all off, there’s a MIPs liner to help reduce rotational shocks to the brain. 

When riding, we loved the generous airflow and cool, airy experience. In many ways it was hard to distinguish the Linea 01 from an open-face helmet. In that respect, some hard charging riders will prefer the extra material and security of a heavier model. But if you want to pedal everywhere and yearn for greater protection than an open-face, then the Linea 01 is highly recommended. 

Read the full review of the Dainese Linea 01 full-face helmet

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7. POC Otocon Race

Best lightweight premium full-face helmet

Weight: 765g (M) | Sizes: XS, S, M, L | Rating: 9/10

Reasons to buy:

• Lightweight
• Superb ventilation, quick drying time
• Comfortable and stable
• Good view and unmuffled hearing

Reasons to avoid:

• Expensive
• Chin pads could be fixed in place better

When Mick Kirkman tested the POC Otocon in the spring of 2024 he claimed it was the best lightweight full-face mountain bike helmet he’d used. It survived a torturous week of being hammered down some of the roughest trails in Italy, in scorching weather, without flinching. And unlike so many other helmets Mick’s tested, there’s barely a single major design feature he’d change.

The Otocon is available in six colours and four sizes to ensure perfect fit, and also two different models, including this one with the popular MIPS system. There’s also a RECCO reflector, so your body can be found if you spanner yourself in the middle of nowhere, and the capacity to store medical data for your rescuers or co-riders powered by NFC and Twice Me buried inside the shell.

Every aspect of the design, from the subtle styling, to cooling, protection and fit, is first class – all the fixings, retention system and padding, are close to perfect. However, it’s the lightweight feel, ventilation, and rapid cooling properties that are outstanding. The Octocon’s only downside is the price, which at £300 is right at the upper end of the market for this MIPS version.

Read our full review of the POC Otocon helmet

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8. Specialized Gambit

Best lightweight, highly ventilated full-face helmet

Weight: 631g (M) | Sizes: S, M, L | Rating: 9/10

Reasons to buy:

• Lightweight
• Excellent ventilation
• Great visibility
• Easy to take on and off
• Good value

Reasons to avoid:

• No magnetic Fidlock buckle
• A full-on DH helmet gives more protection
• Hair gets dusty in blown-out conditions

If the extra weight, bulk, and feeling of confinement puts you off wearing a full-face helmet, then check out the Specialized Gambit. Just a few hundred grams heavier than the best open-face trail helmets, and with excellent ventilation, you don’t have to give up that feeling of freedom to gain a useful level of additional protection. The Gambit is around 100g lighter than the similar Troy Lee Designs Stage helmet and 200g lighter than the latest Fox Proframe V2.

Another massive advantage with the Gambit compared to many other lightweight full-face options is that it incorporates a 360º retention device, instead of simply using different size pads to adjust the fit. This gives more even pressure on your skull, and means you can easily release the band’s tension, making it really easy to take off and put on. Proliferating the carbon shell, and energy-absorbing foam of varying densities, are a profusion of channels, holes and vents, boosting airflow and trimming weight.

Impressively light and airy compared to similarly priced rivals, the Specialized Gambit is easy to take on and off, comfortable for long days in the mountains, good looking, and packed with tech. The addition of a magnetic Fidlock buckle would make it close to perfect.

Read our full review of the Specialized Gambit helmet

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9. Giro Insurgent Spherical

Best full-face helmet for highest level of protection

Weight: 1,122g (M/L) | Sizes: XS/S, M/L, XL/2XL | Rating: 8/10

Reasons to buy:

• Highest level of protection
• Excellent fit
• Solid and dependable

Reasons to avoid:

• D-loop fastening is tricky
• Can get warm and steamy
• Heavy

The Giro Insurgent targets enduro riding and racing and is backed up with design input from EWS Champion Richie Rude. The Insurgent is 200g lighter and a claimed 50% more breathable than Giro’s Disciple downhill helmet. This is despite featuring the highest protection levels and all-new MIPS Spherical Technology, where dual foam layers slide over one another inside the shell.

This really solid feel brings a sense of security making it one of the most reassuring full-face helmets we’ve tested. Unsurprisingly this is reflected in it being the heaviest here (our sample weighed 80g more than Giro claims).

A strong DH helmet vibe is reflected in the motorbike-style D-Loop chinstrap, which takes a lot longer to fasten than a magnetic Fidlock buckle. It’s a bit of a faff, but acceptable, since this is more of a lid for uplifting, serious enduro racing and taking risks than recreational e-biking or trail riding at the bike park. The higher weight and steep price also underlines its serious intentions but if the ultimate level of protection is top priority, we all agreed that the Insurgent is the helmet we’d grab.

Read our full review of the Giro Insurgent Sperical helmet

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Best mountain bike convertible helmets:

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1. Bell Super Air Spherical

Best all-round convertible mountain bike helmet

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

Reasons to buy:

• Great ventilation
• Absorbent padding
• Fully adjustable visor
• Comfortable Plenty of protection
• Optional chinbar

Reasons to avoid:

• Old-school snap clasp
• Need to purchase chinbar separately

Bell’s new Super Air boasts Flex Spherical and MIPS technology. In essence it means the inner and outer shells of the helmet can slide 10-15mm during an impact. And because it’s built-in to the structure, it doesn’t screw up the sizing or ruin the comfort. In fact, we’d say that the Bell Super Air is a supremely comfortable half shell.

The other trick up its sleeve is that it can be converted into a full-face helmet. You do need to buy this separately, but it does mean that if you’re looking for a truly versatile convertible helmet, that works brilliantly as a trail lid too, this should be high on your list.

Read out full review of the Bell Super Air Spherical helmet

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2. Bell Super DH

Classic dual-purpose, convertible full-face helmet

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

Reasons to buy:

• DH certification
• Light enough and minimal enough in both modes

Reasons to avoid:

• Bit tricky to fit the chinbar with the helmet on

Bell was one of the first to market with a convertible helmet, so it’s appropriate that the evolution of that model delivers even greater protection and earned a perfect 10 rating. The helmet in question is the Super DH MIPS, now certified to ASTM 1952 DH full-face standards.

It uses a similar wrap-around chin bar and spring-loaded catches to the original Super 2R, but beefs everything up to create a super-sturdy and confidence-inspiring lid. Weight has crept up a result, but it’s still well ventilated and minimal enough to ride without the chin bar on long trail rides. Then clamp on the chin bar for alpine descents or laps at the bike park. Effectively offering two helmets in one, the Super DH is the first convertible helmet that doesn’t compromise in either configuration.

Read our full test review of the Bell Super DH

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3. Leatt MTB Enduro 4.0

Top notch dual-purpose, convertible full-face helmet

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

Reasons to buy:

• Burly construction
• Great open-face mode

Reasons to avoid:

• Not the cheapest convertible helmet

The Leatt MTB 4.0 Enduro convertible helmet is not the most affordable option on the market, but we put it right up there with the best convertible helmets we’ve tried when we tested it. It boasts a rock-solid chin bar, the reassurance of a DH rating and an open-face mode that’s good enough to be your everyday helmet. Even in full-face mode ventilation was generous, and we never felt the need to yank it off the moment we got on the uplift.

Performance in both modes is impressive, which means we’d consider it a viable two-in one product, and that goes a long way to take the sting out of the tail when it comes to the price.

Read our full test review of the Leatt MTB 4.0 Enduro

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4. Bell Super Air R

Way lighter and better ventilated than Bell’s previous offerings

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

Reasons to buy:

• Good weight
• Works well as both an open face and a full face
• Excellent airflow

Reasons to avoid:

• Expensive
• chinbar is a fiddle to fit

Bell’s new Super Air R helmet is stylish, versatile, comfortable and lightweight. It’s nowhere near as hot and stuffy as a proper DH full-face helmet, and comes with the versatility of being quickly and easily convertible from an open-face to a full-face. This makes it ideal for lapping enduro tracks, hitting the bike park, or just trail riding when conditions are sketchy.

Inside there’s a smart retention system that’s easy to cinch open and closed for entry and egress. But the Bell Super Air R is not the easiest to transform between modes – it’s a job best done before you put the helmet on. While not the last word in protection, the Super Air R makes a great two-in-one product for trail and enduro riding.

Read our full test review of the Bell Super Air R

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5. MET Parachute MCR

MCR version is the best looking, most sorted Parachute yet

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

Reasons to buy:

• Well-built
• Feels sturdy

Reasons to avoid:

• Expensive
• Fiddly to convert and difficult to put on with the chinbar installed

Met’s latest do-it-all helmet certainly isn’t cheap, but quality and finish is top notch and it feels well built, with or without the chinbar. It’s the best looking and functioning Parachute yet, and feels properly sturdy and Alpine-ready in full face mode. Combine this with a good-looking, unobtrusive open-face option, and it’s a very versatile combination.

The chinbar attaches to the main helmet using magnetic plugs. We found it a bit of a struggle to locate the two with the helmet on, and a bit of a squeeze to get over your head with the chinbar installed. But when combined the whole helmet feels reassuringly solid. We loved the BOA retention adjustment, and it’s great to have MIPs integration to protect against rotational injuries. Overall, the Met Parachute proved to be a well-designed convertible helmet that does everything to a good level.

Read our full test review of the MET Parachure MCR

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6. Urge Gringo De La Pampa FF

Best budget convertible full-face helmet

Weight: 816g with chinguard, 408g without | Sizes: S/M, L/XL | Rating: 8/10

Reasons to buy:

• Lightweight
• Decent ventilation
• Good value for money

Reasons to avoid:

• Only two sizes
• Chinguard feels quite flimsy

French brand Urge doesn’t appear in our helmet reviews very often, but this convertible, lightweight full-face helmet ticks the value-for-money box. When we tested the Gringo De La Pampa in 2022 it was priced at just under £120, making it more affordable than most convertible helmets. The Gringo comes in two flavours; the most ventilated open ‘Pampas’ version here and a ‘Sierra’ model with a more downhill-style ‘filled-in’ mesh chinguard.

Urge has targeted this Pampas model at trail and enduro riders who want a bit more downhill protection, with the option of removing the integrated chin guard for improved cooling and ventilation. At 408g with the chin guard removed, its weight is comparable to the best open-face trail helmets. In terms of fit, Urge only offers only two sizes, but the Gringo comes with alternate thicker cheek and scalp pads to tune fit. A rear retention dial with a broad adjustment range tightens onto the back of the skull and extends down low near the nape of the neck.

The aesthetics of the Gringo didn’t please our tester, as the backside sticks out sideways too much, but he did rate its functionality and low weight. Overall this is a solid option at an excellent price, considering many other dual-purpose helmets cost double.

Read our full review of the Urge Gringo De La Pampa FF helmet

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7. Leatt MTB Helmet 3.0

Best 3-in-1 convertible helmet

Weight: 462g open-face / 587g with ears / 718g full-face | Sizes: S, M, L | Rating: 9/10

Reasons to buy:

• Super-versatile 3-in-1 design
• Good value compared to three individual helmets
• Comfortable, stable, and easy to convert

Reasons to avoid:

• Difficult to take on and off with chinbar fitted
• Heavier than a specific open-face helmet
• Glasses rattle against the underside of the brow

Tot up the price of a Specialized Gambit, a Trek Blaze, and a Troy Lee Designs Flowline and you’d be looking at a total cost of £525. The Leatt MTB Helmet 3.0 effectively wraps up all three of these options into a multi-purpose lid that will set you back just under half that amount.

In that respect it’s amazing value for money and thoroughly recommended. However, it’s not quite as good as any of these helmets in their specific roles, so you have to be prepared to compromise a little on performance. In open-face mode it’s a bit overweight, and the peak is out of proportion. In full-face mode it’s difficult to take on and off. So, after extensive testing we found the MTB 3.0 works best with the ear covers clipped on – comfortable, stable, well-ventilated, and cosier for winter riding, it’s definitely the goldilocks format.

The bottom line is, if you regularly mix up your riding between trail, enduro, and bike park, the Leatt MTB Helmet 3.0 makes a decent fist of three different helmet styles, without tripling the price tag.

Read our full review of the Leatt MTB Helmet 3.0

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Other mountain bike helmets to consider: Full-face helmets

When we tested the new Abus HiDrop helmet in the autumn of 2024 we knew it was up against some serious and established competition in the MTB full face game. The HiDrop looks the part, is well-finished, and Abus claims it has safety features and comfort levels that can compete with rivals – at competitive price too.  Out on the trails in warmer weather, our tester found it to be poorly ventilated and one of the hottest helmets he’s ridden in. The fixed visor position and fiddly D-loop chin strap didn’t help the overall rating either.

The Lazer Cage KinetiCore was the first full-face to score a maximum 5/5 protection rating in Virginia Tech’s prestigious helmet lab tests in the US. Five sizes ensure a good fit, but there’s no retention system if you need to fine tune it for different head shapes. Sorted comfort, ventilation and looks are all plus points, and it scores highly for protection. However, stability isn’t great, with too much movement for our liking.

There’s lots to like about the 100% Trajecta Fidlock 2022 helmet – we found it to be solid and reassuring, with excellent ventilation and offers a DH-certified level of protection. When we tested this latest version – we tested an earlier version in 2020 – we noted it to be slightly larger overall volume, higher in weight than competing helmets and it sized up on the small side too. However, it sports stylish looks and considering the finish and quality, it’s decent value.

We tested the Alpina Roca in 2023, the first full-face from this German helmet brand. It’s aimed at enduro and e-bike riders looking for extra coverage, rather than full-on downhill racers or bike park use. Our tester found it to be heavier than many similar lightweight full-face helmets such as the Troy Lee Designs Stage and Fox Proframe, and the limited airflow was noted too. However, the £155 price tag (at time of testing) makes it a more affordable option.

An all-new model when we tested it in early 2020, the Endura MT500 Full Face was at that time the lightest fully DH-certified lid on test. With sculpted good looks, it’s aimed at enduro racing or simply hitting up downhill trails. The fixed chinbar design means the MT500 relies on vents and intakes for sufficient all day comfort, with minimal padding inside to aid cooling. However, our testing revealed it runs a bit hotter than the competition and can get steamy on warmer days.

The Bell Full-9 Fusion MIPS is a budget full-face DH helmet based on the top-of-the-range carbon Bell Full-9 model. It has the same shape, MIPS insert, breakaway peak and deep padding as the £425 version, but it is around 50g lighter. If you’re looking to expand your helmet collection with bike park-ready full-face, it would make a good option but it’s nowhere near as versatile as the latest crop of enduro helmets.

Other mountain bike helmets to consider: Convertible full-face helmets:

The Sweet Protection Arbitrator is this Norwegian brand’s full face helmet. It’s a two-piece convertible lid that has a unique fixing system, pairing the open-face portion with a full carbon chinguard. With futuristic, angular looks, it’s streamlined at the sides and is formed from distinct upper and lower halves, rather than front and rear segments. The Arbitrator is packed with a raft of safety features but our testing did highlight some quirks with the design, so dig into our full review for all the details.

How we tested mountain bike full face and convertible helmets

As well as one tester wearing each helmet on multiple rides over the last few months, the lids have done the rounds between friends and family on various test rides and photo shoots. This gives us a better consensus as to what works best on different head shapes and sizes, and also feeds in information from riders that run at different temperatures or sweat different amounts.

On top of actually riding in the helmets, the lids had to deal with extended life in the back of a van that’s often home to muddy test bikes and kit; something that represents an accelerated, real-world test scenario for the kind of knocks and scrapes all helmets are subjected to over time.

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

Want extra protection without getting hot-headed, then the latest enduro lids are a sensible option. Lightweight full face – and convertible – helmets have been around for ages, but the rise of the do-it-all riding discipline called enduro has made them way more commonplace. One added benefit being safety conscious riders can enjoy fewer weird looks rocking a full face lid at trail centres or local trails nowadays.

Like many other bike components bitten by the enduro bug, the products here mirror this by merging extra protection, full face, downhill helmets with better-ventilated, open face, XC or trail lids. And, whereas downhill helmets used to be too hot, sweaty and heavy for pedaling around in all day, this new helmet breed is aimed at exactly that with extra protection over a trail lid.

What is MIPs, and do I need it?

MIPs is an internal liner within the helmet that is designed to slide in the event of a crash, with the aim of reducing rotational motion of the brain. Rapid acceleration of the head can leave the brain lagging behind, which can cause brain damage, so MIPs is designed to allow the helmet to continue moving when it is involved in an oblique impact, rather than catching and forcing the head to spin. MIPs is not the only technology designed to reduce rotational injuries, but it’s certainly the most well known, with its distinctive yellow logo and plastic helmet liner. Many helmets now incorporate this technology, and while it carries a small cost premium, in our view it’s well worth the extra investment.

Why do mountain bike helmets have peaks?

MTB peaks help keep both sun and mud and crud out of eyes and should be adjustable for tilt, stable and rattle-free. Any visor used better look good too, even though it’s hopefully not even visible by the rider while actually riding. Flexible materials and breakaway fixtures improve safety by stopping visors being a lever that can twist your neck in a crash.

Padding

Internal cushioning is essential to helmet stability and comfort, and also to heat management. Pads soak up a lot of sweat so should be removable for washing, and pay attention to materials chosen, as all fabrics are not equal in terms of next to skin comfort. Some lids rely on multiple pad densities to tune fit instead of heavier retention systems, and while thicker pads can be more comfy, they also run hotter.

Ventilation

Ports or vents are essential to increase airflow to cool the head. Most helmets use a system of intake (front) and exhaust (rear) vents to channel air through internal channels or grooves to regulate internal temperature. Used cleverly, vents can also save helmet weight and improve looks.

What’s the benefit of a removable chinbar?

Removable chinguards allow switching between uphill and downhill modes in selected helmets. You can remove the chinbar at the bottom of a climb and place it in your pack, allowing the maximum airflow for cooling at slow speeds. Or, you can pick and choose what mode to run your helmet in depending on what riding you’re doing. Full-face if it’s steep and rowdy, or you’re going to a bike park, and open-face for more mellow trails. Each system has its own unique clamp mechanism, with the best fitting quickly and easily with the helmet in place. Safety standards on chinbars range from trail riding to full DH certification.

Chinstrap

Securing the helmet safely is essential, but look for comfort and adjustability here and straps that aren’t too itchy, flappy or dig in ears or the jawline. Many helmets use magnetic clasps to speed up installation, although simpler plastic clasps can sometimes be lighter and less obtrusive.

Fit adjustment

A typical retention system takes the form of a compressible cradle that cinches down onto the scalp. The best will tighten one-handed, exert pressure evenly and be multi-adjustable in terms of tilt and circumference to suit all head shapes. Look for solid and sturdy adjusters too as small plastic pieces are prone to damage over time.

Protection standards

All mountain bike helmets have to pass ‘minimum standard’ tests to be sold publicly. Parameters include puncture resistance, strap integrity and handling impacts of different velocities. DH-certified helmets can resist higher energy loads and stresses, but require more material (and weight) to achieve this.

Goggle parking

The ability to park goggles under peaks is a must for some and requires the room to do so. Rear goggle clips can be a bit of a gimmick though, considering elasticated goggle straps do a good enough job anyway. Some helmets also offer eyewear stow points that will be useful for glasses wearers.