The 10 Best Mountain Bike Helmets | Safe and Comfortable
If you are looking for the best mountain bike helmets worthy of protecting your head, you are in the right place. No matter how good you are, you should always wear an MTB helmet along with other protective cycling clothing while on the trail because there are natural elements like trees and rocks that don’t move out of the way and it is only a matter of time before you crash your head into them.
But with so many models on the market, deciding which MTB helmet to buy can become difficult and overwhelming. Especially if you are not sure what to look for in a good helmet for mountain biking.
Materials, designs, MIPS “Multi-Directional Impact Protection System”, ventilation, impact foam, fit and retention systems continue to improve. Which makes it even more difficult to find a good mountain biking helmet for men.
To help you spot all the critical factors and also to make it extremely easy for you to buy the best mountain bike helmet, check out our MTB helmet reviews and comparison table along with some of our personal picks.
We are here to help you find the top MTB helmet for your head and budget, so you can use it for all your mountain bike adventures. We reviewed the 10 top MTB helmet models and tested them for ventilation, durability, protection, and comfort.
Editor’s Best MTB Helmet Choice!
Our expert team at BEMH has already picked the best mountain bike helmets in 2022 and reviewed them down below. This part is where I often search the market and pick what I believe is the best helmet for mountain biking. My choice for the best MTB helmet in this month is the Bell Sixer MIPS Adult MTB Bike Helmet. This mountain bike helmet is affordable, has a solid construction and MIPS equipped system, making it perfect for mountain rides.
In addition to its beautiful look, this 410-gram adult MTB bike helmet is built with 26 vents making sure you never feel overheated. Its sweat guide pad design pulls moisture away from the brow pads and away from eyewear. To provide a comfortable and correct fit, it comes with a lightweight fit system featuring seamless integration with MIPs, wide range vertical adjustment and padded width-adjustable cradles.
On top of all the features I mentioned above, this adult mountain bike helmet is equipped with a 4-position adjustable visor and a no-slip design that allows on-the-fly adjustment so you can position the visor at a desired angle with a simple touch. Thanks to its variable EPS foam density liner, this mtb helmet can better manage the transfer of impacts if the polycarbonate roll cage is exposed. All of the above plus good consumer ratings lead me to pick the Bell Sixer for the best mountain bike helmet in 2022.
Quick Overview: Best MTB Helmets For Men
1. Giro Chronicle MIPS Helmet For Men
With the MIPS and lightweight design, the Giro Chronicle is one helmet built with comfort and safety in mind. Giro mountain bike helmet is made out of high-quality In-Mold polycarbonate EPS impact foam materials.
Plus, if you want something that can provide a little more coverage when you need it, then this Giro MTB helmet comes with an adjustable/removable visor. On top of that, the Chronicle Giro mountain bike helmet is equipped with a Rock Loc Air system to provide a comfortable secure fit during your trail rides.
Additionally, this half-face enduro MTB helmet has excellent venting! It comes with 16 vents and a light camera mount that fits in securely. This number of vents and clever internal airflow channeling mean it’s cooler than many competitors on the market.
Considering the price, the lightweight of the Giro MIPS MTB helmet and consumer rating and the quality, the Chronicle has made it to the top of our best mountain bike helmet list. Giro is also very popular for their MTB shoes on the market.
2. POC – Tectal, Helmet for Mountain Biking
1 used from $95.33
The POC Tectal mountain bike trail helmet is a bit less expensive than the Giro bike helmets, but it still has some nice touches to make for a comfortable purchase. For the price, weight, MIPS, and name brand it should be at the top of anyone’s MTB helmet buying list.
This MTB trail helmet features 20 vents as well as an advanced EPS liner, outer PC shell, and unibody shell. The POC cool MTB helmet incorporates the aramid bridges system from POC’s proven and award-winning Trabec helmet.
With POC trail bike helmet, you also get to enjoy the adjustable/removable sun visor. The finishing touch to add extra protection and keep you comfortable on long rides is the interior anti-microbial Aramid fiber grid.
While POC may not be the first bike helmet brand you’d think about when it comes to MTB helmets, this manufacturer manages to offer all the extra coverage protection, low weight and cooling airflow of high-end trail lids but without the premium price tag.
3. Troy Lee A2 MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet
This is one of the lightest half-face enduro mountain bike helmets you will come across on the market. It is lightweight, durable and has a reinforced construction. A2 MTB top-rated bike helmet is also available in a wide variety of color options.
Another feature that makes Troy Lee one of the best men’s bike helmets is the patent-pending, industry-first dual-density EPP + EPS impact liner which provides first-class protection against high and low speed.
Even better, this top of the line MTB helmet is equipped with the huge air intakes, connected to massive exhaust ports through deep internal channels which help to provide powerful cooling efficiency during your long summer rides.
Additionally, this adult bicycle helmet comes with an adjustable/detachable visor and easy to adjust the retention system. One of the best features about the Troy Lee A2 that makes it one of the best all-mountain helmets is the MIPS and its 3-position fit system with flexible, slimline arms.
4. Fox Racing Power Sports Mountain Biking Helmet
1 used from $109.95
Despite the 10 vents, you will stay cool when you wear the FOX Racing mountain bike helmet on the road and mountain rides. The Fox Racing low profile bike helmet is designed with lightweight and 10 big bore vents that provide improved airflow to prevent the top of your head from getting too hot.
Some other features you will enjoy about this MTB helmet include the Fox Varizorb multi-density impact reduction system that provides superior protection and the fixed anchor Y-Strap system that offers simple on/off and improved fit.
This particular MTB helmet will be a better fit for riders with round-shaped heads. If you want something more than just another black or flat black half helmet, the Fox Racing Powerspeed men’s mountain bike helmet is available with multiple different graphics to choose from.
Last but not least, this bike helmet has the premium liner with sealed edges for increased comfort and moisture management. An additional good feature to this men’s mountain bike helmet is its adjustable visor and MIPS system. If they are not a factor for you, you can opt for cheaper models but if they are (which they should be) the Fox Speed Power cool mountain bike helmet will give your head years of safe rides.
5. Smith Optics Forefront Off-Road Cycling Helmet
Rated as one of the best adult MTB bike helmets, the Smith Optics is arguably one of the top high-quality yet affordable mountain bike helmets you will come across. Thanks to its co-polymer tubes, this inexpensive MTB bike helmet can absorb about 30% more impact than traditional foam.
With this half helmet, you can enjoy road and mountain rides thanks to its adjustable visor, compact and lightweight construction. Weighing about 285 grams, this men’s MTB helmets manages to be one of the most lightweight on the market.
Due to the hollow nature of the materials used on this safe bike helmet, the air flows freely in a way that foam simply can’t. Smith Optics’ all-mountain helmet also has a VaporFit system for adjustment and a lower coverage on the back of the head for added protection.
The only downside to this top budget MTB bike helmet is the lack of MIPS. While it may be a bit pricier than a few other mountain bike helmets, with all the features you get, the Smith Optics bike helmet is an investment worth making.
6. OUWOR Mountain Bike Helmet For Men
The OUWOR is packed with good features and it is available in many colors. This good-looking mountain bike helmet is highly affordable and lightweight using clever technology to keep you safer and more comfortable than ever.
TheOUWOR mountain bike helmet offers optimal cranial coverage and security by cradling the occipital bone for full protection, which translates into more confidence on rough, technical terrain.
Thanks to the large channels, this MTB helmet is ideal for anyone looking for a comfy, lighter trail lid with extra airflow and protection. The shell is made of durable construction that can put up with the rough and tumble of mountain biking life very well too.
Listed in many top ten MTB helmets,OUWOR is equipped with a removable visor. It is suitable for head circumferences from 22.5 to 24.5 inches and it fits most standard adult sizes thanks to the SH-18 Fit System. The main downside to this men’s MTB helmet is the lack of MIPS which is understandable considering the price.
7. Schwinn Excursion Mountain Bike Helmet
It’s one of the budget MTB helmets on the market, thanks to its tough and durable PC & EPS foam material, Schwinn is on many best men’s mountain bike helmet reviews across the web. This top-value MTB helmet is designed for cross-country, all-mountain and also urban riding.
Clearly, they spent a lot of time in ventilation which is very important for summer rides. Schwinn Excursion MTB has large vents that provide adequate airflow. While it is not quite as good as say the Giro Montano or Troy Lee A2, it can still be considered a good investment.
The visor is pretty small, offers a good amount of adjustment and you can also easily remove it completely. Additionally, it has an insect net, comfortable cushion chin protection, and an adjustable dial system. TheSchwinn Excursion comes down far over the back of your head offering full coverage and protection.
Last but not least, this budget best men’s bike helmet is equipped with detachable and washable padding which helps fight bacteria growth. Overall, the helmet is very durable with a polycarbonate shell that can take lots of abuse, which, being a mountain bike helmet, it inevitably will. The main downside to this MTB helmet is the lack of MIPS.
8. Exclusky BMO Mountain Bike Helmet For Male
Another perfect budget choice for aspiring off-road adventurers is the Exclusky BMO helmet. This helmet has been listed in several top-rated MTB helmets in the budget category and boasts more than 100 consumers that highly recommend this product.
The helmet is designed to work well for most types of mountain bike riding. It has a deep rear profile for added coverage and protection, along with 24 vents for better overall airflow and temperature control.
The addition of these vents can also make the ride more comfortable since you can keep cool. This low-price MTB helmet offers a removable and adjustable visor. It features a nice overall design that should please most riders.
You will also have plenty of choices when it comes to the colors for this mountain biking helmet. You can choose from dark green, Creo yellow, Creo white/navy, matte white, red, fluorescent yellow, and red/black. Overall, the Exclusky BMO is a good helmet at a reasonable price.
However, if I were buying a new MTB helmet, I would probably go with the Troy Lee A2 or a Giro MTB helmets for higher quality and MIPS technology. But if you want to go with the BMO mountain biker helmet, you won’t go wrong for this price.
9. PHZ Adult CPSC Certified MTB Helmet
Built with 23 large vents for maximum ventilation, this great budget all-mountain MTB helmet gives you everything you need to conquer enduro or all-mountain terrain in a comfortable, lightweight package.
One of the reasons the PHZ has been featured in many best looking MTB helmet reviews is its affordable price and superior ultralight EPS impact-resistant material. On top of that, thanks to its design and construction, the PHZ is multi-function which means you can wear this MTB helmet for the city, road, electric, trek, triathlon, or mountain biking.
This top cycling helmet is also unisex and designed for adults both men and women rider. Additionally, it complies with CPSC Bike and CE.EN1078 safety standards, which provides peace of mind for the riders.
Another reason this best looking bike helmet has received so many 5-stars rating from its consumers is the three-way regulator that adds up and down adjustment function, with more flexible adjustment, which makes it suitable for a wide range of people.
Lastly, this mountain bicycle helmet is equipped with 3 lighting modes Led rechargeable taillight for the safety of rider at night – constant light mode, flashing mode, tour mode that will help people behind you clearly recognize your direction.
10. Giro Fixture Bike Helmet with MIPS
7 used from $39.95
Listed number 10 in this best mountain cycling helmet review, the Giro Fixture is one of my favorite MTB helmets. It has everything I want in a good mountain bike helmet for less than $50.
Featuring the MIPS technology that offers extra protection against concussions, the Giro Fixture is a great all-around MTB helmet. It has 18 vents, generous rear coverage, and an easy-to-use micro-adjustable read dial for fine-tuning fit.
Its liner is designed to channel sweat away from your eyes and allow you to stay focused during the ride. This high-end, trail-ready helmet has anti-odor pads to minimize dreaded helmet stink while the large vents help keep you cool on hot days.
Additionally, this low profile mountain bike helmet is equipped with Giro’s Roc Loc retention system which is a snap to use. The only downside to the Fixture top budget mountain bike helmet is its visor.
Unfortunately, the visor is fixed and can’t be adjusted, but it is easily removable which allows you to accommodate goggles, and strap grippers on the back of the helmet to help keep goggles in place while bouncing over rough terrain.
So, if the lack of adjustable visor is not a problem, I highly recommend this comfortable MTB bike helmet because it is the best MIPS mountain bike helmet under $50. Last but not least, being the safest mountain bike helmet in its price class, the Fixture shell material is in-mold (polycarbonate) and the impact foam is EPS which makes it durable and tough.
Best Mountain Bike Helmets Comparison Chart:
| MTB HELMET NAME | VENTILATION | CATEGORY | MIPS | Visor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giro Chronicle MIPS Helmet For Men | 14 Vents | All Mountain/XC | Yes | Adjustable |
| POC - Tectal, Helmet for Mountain Biking | 20 | All Mountain/XC | Yes | Adjustable |
| Troy Lee A2 MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet | Multiple | All Mountain/XC | Yes | Adjustable |
| Fox Speed Power Mountain Biking Helmet | Multiple | All Mountain/XC | Yes | Adjustable |
| Smith Optics Forefront Off-Road Cycling Helmet | 21 | All Mountain/XC | Yes | Adjustable |
| OUWOR Mountain Bike Helmet For Men | 15 | All Mountain/XC | No | Fixed |
| Schwinn Excursion Mountain Bike Helmet | Multiple | All Mountain/XC | No | Adjustable |
| Exclusky BMO Mountain Bike Helmet For Male | 24 | All Mountain/XC | No | Adjustable |
| Adult CPSC Certified MTB Helmet | 23 | All Mountain/XC | No | Fixed Removable |
| Giro Fixture Bike Helmet with MIPS | 18 | All Mountain/XC | Yes | Adjustable |
Types of MTB Helmets:
You can divide mountain biking helmets into two basic categories — full-face and half-shell. The differences are exactly what the names imply. Full-face helmet models provide full coverage of the head, including a chin and face guard which wraps around the front of the helmet for additional protection.
Half-shell helmets offer less protection and coverage than full-face models, covering the top of the head, down on the sides above the ears, and the back of the head. Depending on the type of ride and terrain some are better suited than others. This MTB helmet review focuses primarily on half-shell mountain bike helmets.
Half-Shell All Mountain Helmet
They are also known as the XC MTB helmet and used for cross-country, trail, all-mountain, and enduro riders. While for more intense and aggressive downhill, enduro and BMX riders opt for full-face bicycle helmet model.
These cross country mountain bike helmets (half-shell) are very similar to road bike helmets in terms of weight and ventilation which makes them also suitable for road rides.
However, if you are looking for a helmet dedicated to road cycling, I suggest you buy a road helmet instead of MTB. They have added ventilation, better field of view, and lighter weight.
Full-Face MTB Helmets
Full face MTB helmets offer more protection from noise, sun, wind, rain, cold, bugs, stones, and all the other elements. If you are wearing a full-face mountain bike helmet, you can use goggles for eye protection.
But the main advantage of a full-face downhill mountain bike helmet is the added protection. Unlike half-shell cross country bike helmets, they are designed to protect the rider’s chin, face, ears, and the head. Full-face bicycle helmets are perfect for downhill, BMX, and aggressive enduro riding.
The only downsides to MTB trail helmets are that you feel stifled and less free, limit your hearing, in hot weather they can also get very hot and limit the airflow to your face which can make them very tiring on long rides in summer. Even the best downhill mountain bike helmet provides a limited field of vision compared to the half-face enduro helmets.
MTB Helmet Buying Guide:
Comfort
The key to wanting to wear a mountain bike helmet is a comfortable fit. Just like a pair of MTB shoes, if it is not the right fit, too heavy or badly designed, rest assured that you will not be using it. The best MTB helmets mentioned in this mountain bike helmet reviews feature excellent designs and offer great comfort (thousands of “Verified Consumers” on Amazon confirm the quality and comfort.
Materials & Protection
In general, mountain biking helmets have more coverage and offer more head protection, than a road bike helmet. The best MTB helmets feature extend lower shells on the sides and the back of the head which covers more of the temporal and occipital lobes. What you need to look for when buying the best enduro mountain bike helmet or any other type of MTB helmets are Shell Material (preferably In-Mold polycarbonate), Impact Foam (preferably EPS Foam), and MIPS.
MTB Helmets With MIPS
In addition to durable in-mold polycarbonate shell and impact-absorbing EPS foam body, another essential feature is the MIPS to look for when purchasing men’s cycle helmets. MIPS, or Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, is added to the innermost layer of the helmet in the form of a thin lining that rotates slightly upon impact to absorb the dome-damaging rotational energy created in certain crashes. Unfortunately, many cheap MTB helmets lack in this feature which is why I suggest you spend the $30-$40 and get one with the MIPS. I have added a couple of cycling helmets with MIPS in this top MTB helmet review.
Helmet Weight
One of the key features of bike helmets for adults and kids is the weight. In addition to being a good value, the best bicycle helmet needs to be lightweight, otherwise, you might end up not using the product or going through the hassle of sending it back for a lighter men’s bike helmet. The weight of mountain bike helmets matters a lot, especially if you are used to riding a very light road helmet. Note that based on the size of the bicycle helmet that you pick from this MTB helmet reviews, the weight of the helmet varies.
MTB Helmets Price
Considering the price of bicycle helmets is important. There are some new brands that price their bicycle helmets unreasonably high while similar products from reputable brands are available for more reasonable prices. Note that all the mountain bike helmet brands that we have featured in this top MTB helmets review are reasonably priced and offer plenty of safety, comfort, and style.
Ventilation
The great fit is the key but good ventilation is a must for men’s MTB helmets. In order to be able to wear your bike helmet on any weather condition including on super hot days, you should search for the top mountain bike helmets with more vents, especially if you are buying a darker color cycle helmet with more coverage. Many of the best bike helmets that I reviewed in this article come with 15+ vents and internal channeling for efficient airflow.
MTB Helmet Size
When buying mountain bike helmets, you want to make sure you are getting a helmet that fits you properly. In order to understand your measurement for bike helmets, you will need to use a piece of string, wrap it around your head about an inch above the eyebrows (or 0.59″ above the ear), and then measure the string in inches to determine the circumference of your head. When choosing the size from the bike helmet reviews, use this circumference number.
Extras
Some nice additions to men’s mountain bike helmets include built-in camera mount, visor, dial adjustment, and hydrophilic anti-microbial padding that absorbs sweat. The presence of these features along with the ones I mentioned above make the top-rated mountain bike helmets. One of the bike helmets that includes every single one of these features is the Giro Chronicle listed first in this men’s mountain bike helmet review.
Best Mountain Bike Helmet Brands
There are many brands that manufacture MTB cycle helmets but there are only a few bike riding helmet brands that stand out. These names usually come up on most people’s list of the most comfortable mountain bike helmets:
Giro: They make everything you can think of for cycling, and that includes a full line of lightest mountain bike helmets. Currently, the company has several MTB road helmet models but the one that we love the most is the new Motaro helmet with MIPS. It is listed first in this all-mountain bike helmet reviews. There is also a more affordable version of Giro low profile MTB helmet listed number 10 in our cool MTB helmets review.
Troy Lee Designs: A relatively smaller company that focuses exclusively on making mountain biking shorts, gears and other clothing. Having been on the market for nearly 40 years, it is safe to say they are one of the best in the industry. Two of their most popular men’s mountain bike helmets include the A1 and the A2 helmets. Ranked number two in this most comfortable MTB bike helmet is a lightweight bike helmet by Troy Lee.
Fox Racing: When searching for the lightweight MTB helmet or best MTB trail helmet, there is a big chance you will come across the Fox Racing MTB bike helmets. They are very popular and have been seen on countless best buy mountain bike helmet reviews. This name is best known for their protective racing apparel especially the MTB shorts. We made sure there was at least one Fox men’s MTB helmet in our MTB road cycling helmet reviews.
POC: When buying best trail helmets, there is no way you won’t come across a mountain bike helmet for men by POC. This brand makes some of the most durable and lightest MTB helmets on the market. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, they started with outdoor activity gears and later expanded their lineup to mountain bike protective gear and clothing. They are bit pricy but with no doubt, POC builds some of the safest MTB helmets. We included one of the latest mountain bike helmets from this top MTB helmet maker.
Benefits of Mountain Bike Helmets:
- Helmets protect your head and help to keep you alive – all around the world many people die each year from head injuries while cycling;
- Helmets provide extra visibility and a cool look for the riders;
- If you are under 14 years old, the law requires it (in the USA);
- Provide protection against weather elements;
- Wearing an MTB helmet can provide up to an 85% reduction in the risk of head injury.
Just like many other sports, mountain biking has a risk of a head injury involved. Thankfully, there are helmets designed to protect your head which is their most important function.
So, to avoid a serious injury, everyone should wear a helmet while on the trail, road biking, commuting, and lapping the pump track. Ranked in the first place, you see the top-rated MTB helmet review. Or scroll deeper for more helpful mountain bike helmet buying guide info and full reviews and other top-ranking options.
Last Word On Mountain Bike Helmets
We’ve assembled a good range of the best mountain bike helmets from a wide range of price tags, designs, and brands so you can find the right MTB helmet for you. Our reviews include some of the most protective, comfortable and attractive mountain bike helmets.
To protect your head against rocks and dodging trees, spending money on a good MTB helmet is a smart investment. This cycling gear is one of the most important pieces of equipment that can literally save your life. So, don’t take it lightly.
Also, with so many new indoor cycling clothing brands making improved nice-looking bike helmets, wearing this piece of mountain biking equipment is more convenient than ever.
Almost all the top industry names sell mountain bike helmets for men, and most offer tens of models. Faced with so many options, it is difficult for a rider to figure out which is the best mountain bike helmet for them.
But there is nothing to worry about because we have already picked the top 10 along with the important considerations when buying the best helmet for mountain biking. Check out our comparison table and buying guide above. Our ultra-thorough comparative analysis should guide you to the right MTB helmet to fit your needs.
Sayed Hamed Hosseiny
Hi, my name is Sayed Hamed Hosseiny. I am a professional health and fitness trainer with nearly 20 years of experience using ellipticals, rowing machines, and spin bikes. I also have my own EU-based Rock Fitness Pro fitness brand where I design, import and sell exercise equipment such as rowing machines and spin bikes. I and writers on my team also often receive fitness equipment to review and evaluate their functionalities and performance from tens of different exercise machines manufacturers. Fitness equipment tips, guides, reviews, and comparisons on this website are my opinion (and opinions of my fitness expert colleagues) based on tens of criteria. I never accept payment to write reviews of products or say positive things about fitness equipment products. If brands are interested to have me review their rowers, ellipticals, or spin bikes, they can get in touch with me via email provided on the contact page and send a sample of their product.
