The thing that keeps you riding time after time is a helmet. If nothing else, invest in a good helmet to keep your noggin safe. From trail riding, to xc biking and even commuting in the city you never know when you’ll take a fall. In the past we had covered more cycling helmets in this roundup, so this year we switched gears to cover mountain bike helmets.
One thing to remember is anytime you take a crash and your helmet is impacted its going to be time to replace your helmet. With that being said here are our picks for best mtb helmets.
Best MTB Helmets
Smith Forefront 2
The new and improved Smith Forefront 2 Helmet is ready for you to take on all trails. With both Koroyd coverage and MIPS, this helmet will protect your head from impacts from all directions.
The Smith Forefront 2 MIPS also has a variety of plush features which will make your rides that much more enjoyable. Not only will you be kept cool with the 20 fixed vents, but there is also a ventilation system for Smith goggles and glasses to prevent fogging.
With a three-position visor, sweat-activated odor control lining, and a lightweight build, this helmet is a premium, one of the best selling mountain bike helmets in the industry thats worth every dollar.
Price: $250.00
POC Tectal
Once again, the POC Tectal Helemt is on this list. POC brings one of the best mountian bike helmets that provides all around protection and excellent ventilation. It also comes with a RECCO reflector in case of rescue.
The Tectal is a great helmet because its build provides protection surrounding the head. Not as much as a full-face helmet, but good enough for trail and enduro rides. The EPS liner and Aramid fiber grid can absorb impact well.
The POC Tectal is a great choice, and the price is worth the quality of protection.
Price: $180.00
GIRO Switchblade MIPS
Are you looking for a one-quiver helmet? The GIRO Switchblade MIPS Helmet has got you covered. With a removable chinbar, you’ll find that you can take this helmet on some easy flow trails or bomb the hills.
Built with comfort in mind, the Giro Switchblade Helmet features 20 vents including specially designed cheek pad ventilation. The padding is also hydrophilic, meaning that it will absorb tons of sweat. Don’t worry it has an antimicrobial liner, so your head won’t be as smelly.
This helmet is a great choice for someone who is looking to do it all on the trail.
Price: $279.95
Abus Modrop
The Abus Modrop Helmet is a clean and well-constructed helmet with great safety features. EPS is built into every helmet, but there is an option to get MIPS as well. Additionally, you can get QUIN crash detection installed into it.
It’s light and comfortable with good air ventilation. The helmet is constructed with lateral and height adjustments. It features goggle compatibility, so that you can fix them to the helmet when not using them. It is even built with ponytails in mind.
This helmet is great for the rider who is seeking comfort and protection without a steep price point.
Price: $120.99
Giro Source MIPS
A lightweight trail helmet for the casual rider. That’s what the Giro Source MIPS Helmet is. It is a well-built helmet for trails and commuting.
With MIPS construction and an EPS liner your head is protected against many crashes. There is an adjustable visor and there are 17 vents to keep your head cool.
Simplicity is the name of the game for this helmet. The Giro Source MIPS will provide everything you need in a helmet at a great price.
Price: $129.95
Bern Watts
Do too many sports and have too many helmets? Look to the Bern Watts 2.0 Helmet for your all-around head protection. Built with MIPS and ABS shell, you’ll know that your head will be protected well. Winterizing accessories lets you use this helmet in cold weather as well.
The Bern Watts is a classic design with great features for the rider. The crankfit dial will give you a perfect fit with ease. 11 air vents give you great cooling. Also, you can mount a rear light to help people see you in the dark.]
This fixed visor helmet is affordable and will be good to go no matter what sport you’re doing. What’s cool about this helmet is it easily fits in this best mtb helmet list, would work equally well as a skateboard helmets or even double as a snowboard helmet. You can do it all with this lid.
Price: $80.00
Outdoor Master GEM MIPS
If you’re looking for lightweight and good cooling, try the Outdoor Master Gem with MIPS. It offers good angles of protection and awesome airflow with 25 airflow vents.
The helmet can be fitted for your comfort. For a snug fit there is an adjuster dial to the rear. There is the option to put in extra thick removable lining which also makes it easy to clean. The visor is removable as well.
All around the Outdoor Master Gem MIPs is a great helmet to have if you’re looking for great lightweight protection at a price everyone can afford. Easily one of the best helmets on the market for the value, don’t let the price fool you.
Price: $69.99
POC CORON AIR MIPS
One challenge with full face helmets is ventilation. The POC CORON AIR MIPS Helmet solves this problem with engineered ventilation channels which work while going fast and slow.
Safety is another concern of downhill riders. Equipped with MIPS, a multi-impact liner, and a breakaway peak, POC tries to make that you walk away from a crash without head and neck damage. Additionally, the cheek pads can be removed so that the helmet can come off easier.
The POC CORON AIR MIPS is a great choice for any downhill rider.
Price: $280.00
Wildhorn Corvair
Affordable and stylish, the Wildhorn Corvair Helmet offers good looks and safety for a great price. With plenty of colorful options, you’re sure to find one that fits your look.
The Corvair comes equipped with 17 exterior vents and a EPS liner. This combines cooling and protection into a lightweight and low-profile helmet. The visor is attached with three adjustable positions.
Overall, the Wildhorn Corvair is an excellent choice is you’re looking to upgrade a helmet to being more mountain bike specific. Being only $60 this helmet is hard to beat.
Price: $89.99
Sena Smart Cycling R2X
Looking for a more dedicated cycling helmet? Are you finding that smart technology hasn’t been integrated into your bike helmet yet? Don’t worry, Sena has built a state-of-the-art helmet with the R2X.
Equipped with Amazon Alexa and Bluetooth connectivity this helmet comes ready to be synced with your digital life. The R2X also has built-in comms for you to talk to your riding buddies.
Coming in at $299 this is a premium open face helmet. If you and your friends are looking to have a connected experience with all the bells and whistles, the Sena Smart R2X is a great choice.
Price: $169.99
