The Mountain Bike Helmet is the single most important piece of equipment you can buy. If there is one thing you should be willing to spend the money on it is a good helmet. Look for helmets with Mips (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) design great ventilation and if possible more back of head protection. Leave the high sitting helmets to those roadies. As mountain biking is growing in popularity over the last few years the innovation has increased to all-time protection levels. Most manufacturers suggest you replace your helmet every few years even without a hard crash. If you are in the market for a new helmet here is our Outdoor Gear Guide for the Best Mountain Bike Helmet for 2021.
1. Bell Super 3R MIPS Adult Mountain Bike Helmet
Our pick for Best Mountain Bike Helmet for 2021 is the Bell Super 3R. It offers quick-adjust fasteners that help keep straps flat and properly positioned. With the leading slip-plane technology inside the helmet designed to reduce rotational forces that can result from certain impacts. The removable protective chin bar, designed for trail riding adaptability is a fan favorite. Overbrow Ventilation features intake ports on the brow of the helmet to usher in cool air and push it through the air-channel matrix for full-head ventilation. Finally, the adaptable visor system accommodates both goggles and glasses and works with or without the visor attached.
2. Giro Montaro MIPS Adult Dirt Cycling Helmet
Engineered in Giro’s category-leading helmet test lab you will get market-leading safety technology. It utilizes the Multi-Directional Impact Protection System to redirect energy in the event of a crash. With 16 Wind Tunnel vents, you will stay cool on the hottest days. The fully adjustable P.O.V. Plus Visor is a plus for those who like to ride with googles and sunglasses.
3. POC Tectal Race Spin NFC
The Tectal Race SPIN NFC protects you before, during, and after an accident. An integrated NFC Medical ID chip allows you to store your medical profile and emergency contact details in the helmet. Talk about a major plus! It also features a 360° size and strap adjustment system for a precise, secure fit and unique airflow channels to keep you cool and comfortable. Best of all? It still weighs under a pound!
4. Smith Optics Convoy MIPS Men’s MTB Cycling Helmet
The Convoy helmet provides mountain bikers an exceptional custom fit and elevated protection wrapped in Smith’s signature style. By integrating Smith’s proven VaporFit fit system with a MIPS liner system – the Signal delivers a tailor-made fit for every rider across four unique shell sizes. The Signal’s AirEvac ventilation system and engirneered eyewear storage delivers the ultimate integration you expect from a Smith helmet.
5. Bell Sixer MIPS Adult Mountain Bike Helmet
Fusion in Mold Polycarbonate Shell process pioneered by bell bonds the helmet’s outer shell to the eps foam liner to create a sturdier helmet. The process of engineering a helmet liner with variable eps foam densities to better manage the transfer of energies after some impacts. Equipped with MIPS Technology and XT2 Padding for Quick-drying materials, woven with real silver fibers, inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria and fungi.
This mountain bike helmet actively ushers cool air over the head and regulates temperature by drawing cool air into the intake ports and circulating it through a matrix of air channels. The biggest reason the Bell Sixer makes our list of best mountain bike helmets is for comfort and airflow. It offers a seamless camera mount, requiring no zip ties or tape, is engineered to break away upon impact to reduce the risk of injury.
6. Giro Switchblade MIPS Adult Dirt Cycling Helmet
Giro Switchblade offers market-leading protection engineered in Giro’s category-leading helmet test lab. It offers an easily removable chin bar and utilizes the Multi-Directional Impact Protection System to redirect energy in a crash. The Roc Loc Air DH fit system suspends the helmet just slightly off the top of the head allowing airflow to pass over the head and exhaust from the rear.
7. Smith Powersports Helmets Session MIPS Helmet
Style meets ventilation for total comfort in all-mountain applications in the new Smith Session MIPS Helmet. This all-new cranium coverage keeps your head on lockdown with a combination of Smiths Koroyd technology. Smith doesn’t hold back on the good looks either, with a modern and sleek style that falls neatly between the previously loved Rover and Forefront, giving just a little more coverage. Since your crashes rarely happen at a straight-on angle, MIPS addresses the specific pressures of an oblique, or non-direct impact, by separating the outer shell from the inner, MIPS layer. Best mountain bike helmet for total comfort, Smith equips the Session with 15 optimized vents that channel air in and AirEvac at the front edge that sends cool air in.
8. POC Coron Air Spin Helmet for Downhill Mountain Biking
Developed in collaboration with leading professionals and POC team athletes the Coron Air SPIN helmet offers the ideal blend of performance, protection, ventilation, and all-day comfort. The helmet has been designed for competition use and has been certified for use in downhill and enduro racing. The Coron Air SPIN uses a fiber glass shell material paired with a multi-impact EPP liner which provides high impact performance, durability, and low weight. In addition, the ventilation design has been optimized for all-day use.
9. Bell Super Air MIPS Adult Mountain Bike Helmet
The Bell Super Air MIPS Adult Mountain Bike Helmet is a great option for everyone. It offers protection and style for the everyday rider. FLEX SPHERICAL + MIPS = Comprehensive energy management. Flex spherical enhances our ability to address high-speed impacts, low-speed impacts, as well as rotational impacts. The Float Fit and Sweat Guide offers a lightweight fit system and pad design that pulls moisture away from the brow pad and away from eyewear.
10. Oakley DRT5 MIPS Men’s MTB Cycling Helmet
The Oakley DRT5 MIPS Men’s MTB Cycling Helmet rounds out our list. Not the most comfortable helmet on the market, but it offers the protection you need and can’t be beaten on those days where temperatures skyrocket. The integrated eyewear dock securely stows your shades and keep them handy for quick and easy access. With its soft textile feel and flexibility, the TX1 Lace lies flat against your head, allowing for seamless eyewear compatibility. X-Static harnesses the power of silver to create a powerful technology that inhibits the growth of bacteria on fabric, eliminating odor for the life of the product.
Hope you enjoyed our Gear Guide for the Best Mountain Bike Helmet. All of our weakly gear guides are based on total sales, reviews, and real-life experience. Did we miss your favorite Mountain Bike Helmet in this week’s edition?
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