Mountain biking helmets have come a long way since the clunky hardhats of the 80s. Elements such as comfort, aesthetics, and safety have been ramped up. Today, MTB helmets are as protective to your noggin as they are stylish.
After evaluating the best mountain biking helmets of 2024, we’ve narrowed down the best six in this guide. The Smith Optics Forefront 2 Helmet is our top choice for its price, durability, and the robust protection it offers.
When choosing the “best” mountain biking helmet, it’s about your personal riding style, head shape, and stylistic preferences. We’ve included the best mountain bike helmets of 2024 in this guide based on protective features, comfort, and convenience. Whether you’re on a budget or ready to spend big on top-notch products, this guide has you covered.
Best Mountain Biking Helmets Reviewed
Best Overall Mountain Biking Helmet
If you want a high-quality mountain biking helmet that's ultra-comfortable, look no further. The Smith Optics Forefront 2 Mips Helmet wins best helmet overall. Its flexible design offers a versatile fit and the MIPS technology makes it a good choice for all cyclists.
Aside from being very comfortable, the Forefront 2 helmet has an adjustable and practical visor that pleases most riders. Its AirVac ventilation system offers increased breathability, ideal for hot weather.
More than all its other factors, it's the protection system of the Forefront 2 helmet which gives it the first place. The most advanced MIPS technology on the market protects the brain from damage in the event of multidirectional impacts.
But that's not all: the Forefront 2 helmet is equipped with a camera and light mounts to record your adventures hands-free.
What People Love About It
Cyclists love the superior impact protection of the Koroyd technology and MIPS Brain Protection System, as well as the helmet's integration with Smith eyewear for optimal fit and functionality.
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Best Runner-Up Helmet
Our runner-up sets a new benchmark for top-notch mountain bike helmets. The Troy Lee Designs A3 MIPS MTB Helmet delivers luxurious comfort and innovative safety features. Engineered with B-Series MIPS Rotational Brain Protection and a co-molded EPP and EPS construction, it offers exceptional impact protection.
The advanced layering 3-piece shell and TLD Sweat Glide System-EVA wicking foam keep you comfy on long rides, while the 3-Way Magnajust visor provides versatile adjustment for varying light conditions. Rated 5 stars by the Virginia Tech helmet safety lab, the A3 instils confidence across all rides.
What People Love About It
Riders adore the A3 MIPS MTB for its unmatched comfort, B-Series MIPS Rotational Brain Protection, and finer details.
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Best Budget Helmet
The Giro Fixture Helmet earns its title as the best budget-friendly choice for mountain bikers with a blend of durability, comfort, and style. Featuring an In-Mold polycarbonate shell and EPS liner, it offers solid protection without compromising on weight.
The Roc Loc Sport fit system ensures a snug and personalised fit—key to comfort on long rides. With 18 vents strategically placed for optimal airflow and quick-dry padding to manage moisture, the Fixture keeps riders cool and dry even on challenging trails. Its removable visor enhances versatility, allowing riders to adjust for varying light conditions.
What People Love About It
Bikers love the affordable price-point combined with essential features like the Roc Loc Sport fit system, effective ventilation, and removable visor.
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THE BEST MOUNTAIN BIKING HELMET FOR THE TRAILS
Thanks to its multiple protection systems, we rated the FOX Speedframe Pro MIPS Helmet as the best for hitting the trails. First, it features MIPS technology, a layer built into the inside of the helmet to protect the brain in the event of a fall or crash.
The outer shell is made of 4 types of polycarbonate for optimal protection. We also liked the precise fit of this helmet: with the 360 Fit system, it stays in place on the head. Of course, the Trailblazer MIPS offers excellent breathability thanks to its Digitally Optimized Ventilation System (DOV).
What else: The patented Varizorb EPS design works with a front ventilation opening to let air in through the temporal artery without exposing it to sunlight and injury.
What People Love About It
Mountain bikers love the Speedframe Pro for its advanced safety features, including MIPS and Varizorb EPS, designed to enhance protection on challenging trails.
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BEST HELMET FOR WARM WEATHER
The POC Kortal Helmet is tailored for peak warm weather performance. It’s perfect for trail and enduro enthusiasts seeking superior comfort and protection. Featuring an EPS liner and unibody shell, you get extended coverage without compromising airflow.
The helmet's patented breakaway peak enhances safety by minimising energy transfer on impact, while offering convenient storage for goggles or sunglasses underneath. The adjustable 360° fit system provides a secure, personalised fit without sacrificing ventilation. Plus, it’s certified to the Dutch NTA 8776 electric bicycle helmet standard.
What People Love About It
Riders love the Kortal for its advanced ventilation, breakaway peak, and seamless integration with POC's Ora goggles.
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Best Mountain Bike Helmet for Kids
The Giro Tremor Helmet is the perfect companion for young riders who love to explore on two wheels. Built with the same advanced technologies found in adult helmets (like the In-Mold construction and the Roc Loc Sport system), the Tremor is exceptionally versatile, comfortable, and easily adjustable. Whether they're cruising around the neighbourhood or hitting the local pump track, this helmet ensures a secure fit and peace of mind for parents, meeting the CPSC Bicycle Safety Standards for riders aged 5+.
Built with a full Hardbody shell, the Tremor nevertheless boasts 18 vents for optimal ventilation. The quick-dry padding enhances comfort, while the removable visor offers protection from the sun and elements. Reflective features boost visibility in low-light conditions, adding an extra layer of safety.
What People Love About It
Young riders enjoy the comfort and coolness of the ventilation system. The sleek design doesn't hurt, either.
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How to Choose a Mountain Biking Helmet
One of the most important things to consider when buying a mountain bike helmet is its ability to protect. We evaluated six different helmets, some with very innovative safety mechanisms and others based on traditional construction. Choose a helmet that meets your needs based on where you plan to ride and what kind of riding you plan on doing.
Mountain bike helmets have two main components: the shell and the interior construction. The outside shell is normally made of polycarbonate plastic, while the inside is often made of EPS foam. The exterior of a mountain bike helmet should be slightly harder than that of a road bike. Pay special attention to the thickness of the outer layer for maximum protection.
How to tell if the helmet is properly adjusted
The helmet should always fit snug, and that’s why the six models that we presented to you have precise adjustment systems. A helmet that moves over your head while riding will be likely to cause damage in the event of a fall or collision.
Security Standards
It’s best to opt for a helmet that offers increased protection on the sides and back of the head. If you fall on a bike path, these are the parts of the head that are most likely to be impacted.
Several mountain biking helmets have MIPS and SPIN technologies, both proven to significantly reduce the risk of brain damage. The outer shell is separated from the inner layer and pivots to absorb the shock in the event of a collision.
Ventilation
Always take ventilation into account when shopping for a mountain bike helmet – especially when cross-country riding. The best way to assess the ventilation of a helmet is with its openings on the top. Our best choice, the Smith Optics Forefront 2 MIPS, has more than one.
Other Considerations
The most important features in mountain biking helmets are ventilation, the weight of the helmet (which should be light) and protection. If your budget allows, choose a helmet with MIPS or SPIN technologies. It will give you increased protection in the event of a fall.
FAQ FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING HELMETS
Why do mountain biking helmets have visors?
The visor protects your eyes and face from the sun, but also from debris such as sand, dust, and branches.
How often should I change my mountain bike helmet?
A bicycle helmet does not have an expiration date, but it should be replaced after 5 to 10 years of use. It will also lose its effectiveness after any collisions or damage.
Can I use my mountain bike helmet for road cycling?
Mountain bike helmets have a visor while road bike helmets usually do not. The body position on a road bike is more advanced than on a mountain bike, so the visor may obstruct vision. For this reason, we recommend choosing a helmet for its specific use.
How are mountain bike helmets evaluated?
Downhill helmets go through rigorous testing on several types of terrain and trails.
Conclusion
We hope our buying guide makes it easier to choose one of the best mountain bike helmets for you. There are no specific rules to follow when shopping for a mountain bike helmet. Instead, choose one that has been designed specifically for your riding style and that fits your budget! If you’re still stumped, we recommend checking out our top choice, the Smith Optics Forefront 2 Helmet, which has superior technology and protection.
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