Mountain bike riders prefer full-face helmets over open ones due to their enhanced safety, comfort, ventilation, and versatile capabilities. See, these shells protect the entire face, have a snug fit, and still allow unrestricted air circulation. These three attributes make full-face shells most appropriate for extreme MTB riding. So, which is your go-to full-face MTB helmet for 2023?
Let’s check out our top five picks below: –
Comparison Chart
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1. BELL Super Air R MIPS
The Bell Super Air R MIPS bike helmet is a high-quality helmet that offers great protection for your head. It features a MIPS system that helps to protect your head from impact. The progressive layering combined with a polycarbonate shell gives it a comfortable fit. The helmet is available in a variety of colors and sizes, so you can find the perfect one for you. The Bell Super Air R MIPS bike helmet is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, protective helmet..
The Details
Brand: Bell
Model: Super Air R MIPS
Category: Downhill Racing, Freeriding
Size: Small, Medium, and Large
Color: Multiple options
Vents: 18 Strategic Vents
Slip Plane: Yes (MIPS)
Inner Material: EPS foam liner
Visor: Adaptable visor system
Fusion In-Molding Shell
The BELL Super Air R MIPS Bike Helmet is a high-end helmet that offers great protection and comfort. The shell is made of polycarbonate, a long-lasting material. It also incorporates flex spherical MIPs, a thin shell sandwiched using elastomers between the helmet’s inner shell and your head. The role of this shell is to reduce injury upon impact by slowing down the rotational energy transferred to the skull by the helmet.
EPS Foam Liner
The inner layer is made of fiber cushioning, making it comfortable to wear. However, there’s a downside to such comfort. Despite having plenty of ventilation vents, fiber tends to retain heat, making the helmet generally hot and sweaty to wear. That’s excellent for the winters but quite uncomfortable in the summers, right?
Breakaway Camera Mount
If you love capturing stunts for Vlogging or keepsakes, this helmet is great for you. It has a strategically located camera mount that you can easily break away from in case of an impact.
Pros
- The helmet is made of high-quality materials that make it durable and comfortable to wear.
- It features a MIPS system that helps protect your head from injuries in case of a fall.
- It’s available in a variety of colors and designs to suit your style.
Cons
- The helmet is not as lightweight as some other options on the market, so it may not be ideal for long rides or races.
2. Smith Mainline MIPS Mountain Biking Helmet
Are you a female Enduro rider? Smith Optics presents you with their safest, high-performance full-face helmet with all the bells and whistles for a comfortable ride. Smith Mainline MIPS Mountain Biking Helmet is a super lightweight shell with versatile capabilities for a fun adventure.
The Details
Brand: Smith Optics
Series: The Mainline
Category: Enduro, DH Racing, Cross Country, Trail Riding
Material: Aerocore Shell, Koroyd® Coverage
Size: Small (51-55 cm), Medium (55-59 cm), Large (59-63 cm)
Visor: Detachable Visor
Slip Plane: Yes, MIPS
Vents: 21Strategic Vents
Color: White/Black, Matte Cinder Haze, Matte Black, AC / Rocky Mountain Enduro, Matte Sage/Red Rock
The Features
- Aerocore Featherweight Construction
Smith Mainline MIPS opts for an Aerocore ergonomic design comprising a featherweight Koroyd® coverage and an EPS foam liner. It features a durable advanced polarized lens at the face, protecting the rider from obstacles along the way, direct wind, and dust. Also, there is a permanent chin bar to minimize the chances of getting a concussion should riders fall and hit their heads while descending fast.
- MIPS & EPS Foam Liner for Safety
Like most MTB helmets, the Smith Mainline MIPS has a MIPS slip-plane that shields the riders from permanent brain damage. Here, the slip plane counters rotational forces to the head from angled collisions, preventing the brain from moving too much on impact. More so, the EPS foam liner stabilizes the MIPS layer, avoiding unnecessary noises from friction with the shell.
- D-Ring Chin Straps & Padding for Comfort
Smith Mainline MIPS has D-ring chin straps to attain a cozy fit for women with a head circumference between 51 cm and 63 cm. These straps adjust easily and accommodate additional cheek pads, crown liners, and neck rolls. That way, women with narrow and broad faces can attain a custom snug fit.
- D-Ring Buckle Retention System
Apart from the comfortable chin straps, this women’s full-face MTB helmet has a convenient D-ring buckle retention system in small, medium, and large shells. It adjusts to stabilize the helmet, allowing the riders to test their limits without dropping the helmet.
- 21 Strategic Vents
Do you find full-face helmets to be claustrophobic? Smith Mainline MIPS presents you with 21 strategic pores for an airy feel. The vents allow unrestricted air circulation for a fresh and sweat-free ride.
- Accessories
Smith Mainline MIPS helmet retails with a detachable and adjustable visor that accommodates Squad XL MTB goggles, Squad MTB, and most MTB eyewear. Also, the package includes a handy cloth drawstring to wrap the helmet before cleaning it in the washing machine. That way, the drawstring protects the delicate exterior prints and aesthetics from scratches.
Pros
- Stable and lightweight, aerodynamic design
- Uses MIPS and EPS foam liner for safety
- Easy to use, comfortable straps and buckle retention system
- Moisture-wicking padding & liners
- 21 strategic vents for optimal ventilation
- Adjustable visor system compatible with most MTB eyewear
- Certified E.U.: CE EN1078 and the U.S.: CPSC BICYCLE FOR AGES 5+, ASTM F1952 DH for safety
Cons
- Fixed chin bar
3. Troy Lee Designs Adult
Here is a full-face MTB helmet for anyone who likes to stand out. Troy Lee Designs Adult presents you with a safe, comfortable helmet that you can personalize using custom lettering. Indeed, when you place an order for the shell, there is an option for printing the exterior with up to fourteen block or script characters. These are fonts available in at least ten eye-catching color options. The final look is stylish without compromising on the comfort of the high performance of the helmet.
The Details
Brand: Troy Lee Designs
Series: Stage Helmet
Category: DH, Enduro Racing
Material: Polylite Shell with Fiber Reinforcement, Polyacrilite Injected Chin Bar w/EXOskeleton
Size: X-Small/Small, Medium/Large, X-Large/2X-Large, Small, Medium, X-Large, X-Small, X-Small-Small
Visor: Adjustable Visor
Slip Plane: Yes, MIPS Slip Plane
Vents: 25 Strategic Vents
Color: Burgundy, Gray, Midnight, Olive, Ropo Green/Gold, White
The Features
- Lightweight Polylite Shell with Fiber Reinforcement
Mountain bike riders face low and high impact forces and sometimes multiple impacts on one ride. For this, Troy Lee Designs Adult Full Face Stage Helmet opts for a lightweight polylite shell with a chin bar. This sturdy shell redirects all these vibrations away from the head. And there is an EPP liner around the skull area and on the chin bar to reinforce the polylite shell.
- MIPS Slip Plane, EPP & EPS Liners
Troy Lee Designs Adult full-face helmet has three protective layers guarding the rider against head injury due to low speed, high speed, and multi-directional impacts. First, an integrated MIPS slip plane slows down rotational forces to prevent permanent brain damage during an angled impact. An EPP liner interrupts vibrations from slow collisions and, an EPS liner is suitable for high-speed linear crashes.
- Comfort
Like the Smith Mainline helmet, Troy Lee Designs Adult helmet has a moisture-wicking X-Static® inner liner to absorb sweat from the head. More so, it is an antimicrobial liner that keeps the helmet odor-free regardless of the weather condition.
- Fidlock® Buckle Helmet Retention System
The Fidlock® Buckle Helmet Retention System is a lightweight magnetic lock system that allows one-hand adjustment, even with gloves. Here, bikers can adjust the fit in a snap without pinching the skin beneath or having to stop along the trail.
- 25 Strategic Air Ports
Troy Lee Designs Adult helmet is one of the few full-face MTB shells with many vents. It features 11 vents at the front for incoming air and 14 exhaust ports at the side and back to remove warm air from the shell. They guarantee constant airflow around the head, chin, and cheek areas.
- Accessories
Do you prefer cleaning your helmet in the washing machine? If so, Troy Lee gives you a convenient drawstring cloth bag with your purchase. Have the helmet inside the bag before putting it in the washing machine. The cloth bag protects the delicate personalized prints to retain their luster for long. You also get anodized hardware and additional liners and pads.
Pros
- A lightweight, sturdy helmet with dual safety liners
- Uses MIPS slip-plane against rotational forces
- Optional custom lettering personalization when ordering
- Has the CPSC 1203, CE EN1078, ASTM F1952, ASTM F2032, and AS/NZS 2063 certifications for safety
- A 3-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Fidlock closure is less comfortable for Enduro riders
4. POC, Coron Air Spin, Helmet for Downhill Mountain Biking
POC Coron Air Spin Helmet is a certified full-face MTB shell for downhill and Enduro racing. It has an ergonomic whole-helmet style that is safe, breathable, and cozy and complements the rider’s skills and efforts.
The Details
Brand: POC
Series: Coron Air Spin
Category: Downhill & Enduro
Material: Fiber Glass Shell, EPP Liner
Size: X-Small/Small (51-54 cm), Medium/Large (55-58cm), X-Large/XX-Large (59 -62 cm)
Visor: Breakaway Visor
Slip Plane: Yes, Patent Pending POC SPIN Pads
Vents: 13 Strategic Vents
Color: Actinium Pink/Uranium Black Matte, Hydrogen White, Moonstone Grey/Uranium Black Matte, Uranium Black
The Features
- Lightweight, Whole-Helmet Approach
Many full-face MTB shells use the rigid polycarbonate skeleton structure. Yet, POC Coron Air SPIN opts for the lighter fiberglass material with a tankness feel to keep the helmet featherweight. This material pairs with an EPP liner to redistribute impact forces away from the skull.
- Silicone Pad Technology System
POC Coron Air SPIN bike helmet has patent-pending SPIN (Shearing Pad INside) pads, an EPP liner, and an EPS liner for safety. The SPIN pads shield the rider from brain injuries in a collision. More so, the full EPP liner adds an extra layer of protection during multiple impacts. And the EPS liner further reinforces the other two layers. This triple safety layer design is suitable for MTB riders who use remote trails where changing helmets is impossible.
- Removable Cheek Pads & Breakaway Visor
A breakaway visor protects the riders from direct sun glare and detaches upon impact to prevent avoidable injuries. And removable cheek pads give the riders the flexibility of attaining a custom fit. These two accessories, plus noise-canceling ear chambers, are in the POC Coron Air Spin helmet for a comfortable and safe ride. Indeed, for a helmet with a tanky feel, the noise-cancellation negates any annoying resonating sound.
- Clip Straps Retention System
There are easy-to-use clip straps in the POC Coron Air SPIN helmet. These straps are secure and adjust easily for a snug fit.
- Optimized Ventilation Channels
POC Coron Air SPIN helmet has 13 strategic vents that circulate air in and out of it. They are at strategic points around the helmet, pulling in chilled and clean air and pushing out warm and humid air. That way, the riders stay cool, dry, and comfortable regardless of the prevailing weather.
- Accessories
Do you live stream your stunts and jumps? If so, POC Coron Air Spin accommodates GoPro camera mounts to capture all your maneuvers and entertain your fan. Plus, it gives you an accurate historical record that you can analyze using scientific tools to improve your riding skills. Second, the shell is also compatible with POC Ora MTB goggles, protecting the eyes from flying objects, dirt, and strong winds.
Pros
- Featherweight fiberglass construction
- SPIN pads, EPP liner & EPS liner for safety
- Removable cheek pads, breakaway visor & ear chambers
- Has the EN 1078, CPSC 12.03, ASTM F1952 certifications for safety
Cons
- Has a limited side view
5. ROCK BROS Kids Bike Helmet Toddler Full Face Helmet For Kids
ROCK BROS Kids Bike Helmet is a 2-in-1 detachable full-face helmet providing all-around protection for kids between 3 and 15 years old. This easy-to-wear shell has kid-friendly features to encourage young ones to stay safe. Hence, it is ideal for skateboarding, cycling, kick scooter, skating, and other rigorous outdoor sports.
The Details
Brand: ROCK BROS
Series: Allround Protective Kid Helmet
Category: Multi-Sports – Skateboarding, Inline Skating, Cycling, Kick Scooter, Other Outdoor Sports
Size: Small (18.9 – 20.9 inches), Medium (20.9 – 22.8 inches)
Color: Pink Purple, Black Titanium, Orange Yellow, Black Orange
Vents: 12 Large Vents
Slip Plane: No
Inner Material: EPS Foam Liner
Visor: Yes, Lengthened Visor
2-in-1 Construction
ROCK BROS Kids Bike Helmet is a full-face helmet with a detachable chin bar. The chin bar installs and detaches from the main helmet via a convenient push-button inside the shell. That way, a child can switch from a full face to an open face helmet unaided.
Lightweight, PC Shell & High-Density EPS Foam Liner
This kid’s helmet is of a durable hard PC shell lined with high-density EPS foam. Plus, there are strategic cozy inner paddings to absorb shock on impact and provide a snug fit. Indeed, the shell retails in small and medium-sized to fit head circumferences of 48 cm to 53 cm and 53 cm to 58 cm, respectively. That way, kids can add or remove the inner paddings as they like.
Ample Channeled Ventilation
ROCK BROS Kids Bike helmet has an aerodynamic design with 12 strategic vents and breathable foam lining. This design feels lightweight on the kids’ heads, hence, does not strain their cervical spines. The foam lining wicks away moisture for a fresh and dry ride.
360 °Adjustable Buckle Upgrade Adjustable System
This shell uses a simplified buckle system to adjust the fit. Here, there is a rotating button at the cheek area to tighten or loosen the nylon straps. Also, another plastic buckle at the chin area can adjust the length to the desired fit.
Pros
- Lightweight, durable, safe design for all-round protection
- Retails in a wide size range of 48 cm to 58 cm head circumference
- A detachable chin for easy conversion to an open face helmet
- Attractive, bright colors that appeal to kids
- CE certified for safety
Cons
- Restrictive vision
People Also Ask:
Should I buy full face helmet?
As long as a full-face, convertible, or open-face MTB helmet has the basic certification riding, it is safe for mountain biking. Still, opt for the full-face helmet if you: –
- Want more coverage around the face and back of the head
- Need a helmet that is compatible with vast accessories for a fun experience
- Are tackling extreme stunts or using unfamiliar trails
- Tend to fall on your face during a collision
- Want discrete coverage that accommodates more color themes and personalization
- Need to switch to a full-face helmet during the climbs
A convertible MTB helmet has a removable chin bar, giving you the option of an open face or full-face helmet in a snap. Hence, it gives you a smooth transition if you are used to the open face shell.
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Why you should wear a full-face helmet?
Full-face MTB helmets have the best protection and optimal performance for mountain bike riders. They have the necessary certifications for mountain biking. Plus, they use the latest safety technologies, have more coverage around the head, and use sturdy shells for the best protection for riders pushing their limits. Hence, they are safer for downhill racing, freerides, and Enduro riders.
Thanks so much for such a comprehensive review of helmets for mountain biking. I’m an intermediate-level mountain bike rider and absolutely love it. There is not much better than cruising down a single track, trees, and bush flying by, getting air, or picking your way down a tricky slope. However, this only solidifies the need for excellent protection, of which the helmet is definitely the most important.
Your review provides excellent information and explanation. It helped me understand how WIPS works and also the EPP and EPS liners. I currently ride with a simpler helmet, although all my kids now have MIPS road helmets, so I will definitely go and get myself a MIPS approved helmet also. It is so important for mountain biking as the chances of an impact crash are so much higher.
Your options 3 & 4 seem most appealing to me. I would just have to see the price as this would also be a factor – what are these sorts of helmets worth?
Thanks again for a very thorough review. Richard
Hi, Richard, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
Great to hear about your benefit of the article too.
Yes, we need to defend the head as much as possible. And you are right; it is really important to have a MIPS-approved helmet, no question about it.
Don’t hesitate to contact me to help you with anything else or if you have any questions.
Hello Johann, and thank you for the thorough review.
I need to admit all these helmets look so great! Their design and color schemes just make them look as if they are some kind of jewelry or luxurious accessory.
I have never had the chance to wear one of those; unfortunately, I guess because I am not practicing mountain biking or any similar sport.
I was surprised to find out that these helmets can make you feel claustrophobic. To me, this feeling is mostly related when your whole body is trapped in some small space, but I guess it all starts with the head 🙂
Luckily the helmets provide the feature of air circulation; therefore, even people like me have nothing to worry about.
Thanks again for the article,
Tatiana
Hi, Tatiana, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
Great to hear about your benefit of the article too.
Yes, the most sensitive part of the body is the head. And getting a knock on it is not healthy, so we need to protect it as much as possible.
I believe an article we write about full-face helmets for women could be interesting for you. It could be tempting to give the mountain bike a try. It is always so nice to be like a bird in the mountain on your bike!
Don’t hesitate to contact me to help you with anything else or if you have any questions.
Great comparison article, I’m not currently looking to replace my helmet, but I have certainly checked out the Smith Mainline MIPS model after reading this. I think it offers everything I need in a helmet and looks pretty epic too.
How often would you suggest replacing a helmet, assuming only low impact collisions (Falling off the table and from the handlebars a few times but not much else) have been felt by the current helmet?
Hi, Danny, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
I understand very well that you like the Smith Mainline MIPS model, one of my favorite.
There are some things to have in mind when you are thinking about replacing a mountain bike helmet. We wrote a post about it, and I recommend that you have a look. You can see it here.
Great to hear about your benefit of the article too.
Don’t hesitate to contact me to help you with anything else or if you have any questions.
As mountain biking has increased in popularity, many riders have gone into many backcountry areas and are trying challenging events on their bikes. As in any sport, it is necessary to have the proper equipment to protect from injury. You have provided reviews on many quality helmets that people need for protection, and your assessment and comments help one understand why dome helmets are regarded as exceptional. This information is so worthwhile and timely as this sport undergoes a transformation and experiences a huge increase in bikers.
Hi, Toplink, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
Great to hear about your benefit of the article too.
Don’t hesitate to contact me to help you with anything else or if you have any questions.
I had no clue biking helmets had so many different features. I don’t bike competitively, but I think if I did, I’d value a helmet with shock absorption, one that minimized my chances of concussion. Do you bike for sport or competition? How likely are concussions in this area of activity?
Hi, Elisabeth, and thank you.
Thank you for your kind words.
I bike for sport and for good training! It is suitable for the legs and gives you a lot of good possibilities for training.
Unfortunately, there is a common concussion. But that is one of the vital reasons to have a good helmet! So you can protect your head as much as you can.
Great to hear about your benefit of the article too.
Don’t hesitate to contact me to help you with anything else or if you have any questions.