Best Full Face MTB Helmet (Updated for 2018)
Safety is absolutely paramount for any form of cycling, but mountain biking is up there with the most adventurous forms of riding, and you need to be prepared for whatever is coming your way. Though there is a mix of full face and half face helmets on the market, the most protection will come from the models we’ve mentioned below, as we explore the best full face MTB helmet for your own unique needs.
Fortunately, there are safety certifications such as the CE certification in place for helmets. The market is controlled and the relevant authorities know that peoples’ health is not something to mess around with. Cycling accidents can be more dangerous than you might think, and many people turn to full face mountain bike helmets when doing downhill riding. The speeds which can be reached are extreme, and no matter how much of a daredevil you are, getting an adequate level of protection for your head is just common sense. We are beginning to understand more about the impacts of head trauma and concussions from a variety of sports and it isn’t something to take any chances with.
As well as the need for safety, there are other criteria too, such as the fit of the helmet. You need to make sure that it fits properly both for comfort and ensuring the integrity of the helmet if you were to need its protection. When buying a hat, for instance, you might see a ‘one size fits all’ size. This is not the case for helmets, and the sizing is varied, and important to get right.
Comfort doesn’t just come from the fit of these mountain bike helmets and we will also be taking into account the padding, such as cheek pads, the visors, and weight of the helmet. There’s nothing more distracting than a bit of the helmet poking you in the face or the weight putting more strain on your neck. A poorly-made helmet could mean poor performance. Luckily, many are made with lightweight yet sturdy materials and have removable padding that can be customized and cleaned.
Price is also a consideration, but with any product which affects your safety, you probably shouldn’t just be going for whatever is cheapest.
So, there we have our main criteria for what we are judging the best on: fit, comfort, price, and, of course, safety. Looks may play a part in your decision, and many have multiple designs, but this is a matter of personal preference.
The Best Full Face Helmets, Reviewed
Demon Podium Full Face Mountain Bike Helmet
Demon is a company that started producing products for skiing and snowboarding in 1999, but now produces one of the most popular MTB helmets in the form of the ‘Podium.’
The brand’s very blunt slogan is “keeping you from an early grave since ’99.” Tongue-in-cheek it may be, but it is clear that the brand has safety high on their priorities. This is shown in the CPSC certification they have received for this product. It means that it has gone through rigorous testing to make sure you are protected and that your brain, your teeth, and the rest of your head are shielded by this very well-built helmet.
Some people have an issue with visibility when buying a full face helmet, especially if you are adjusting from a half face model. This product has been reported by numerous users to have exceptional visibility—something you don’t want to compromise if you are doing any sorts of tricks or fast riding. You need your eyes to be able to see as much as possible without there being a helmet in the way. The optional goggles will cost extra but could be an option for those who wish to shield their eyes from the conditions.
Some of the cleverest elements of this helmet are internal. It has air vents around the visor to keep an airflow around your head and keep it more breathable so that there aren’t any issues with your intake of air. There is a lot of padding which keeps you comfortable and well protected. All of this is possible with just a 2.2 lb weight, which is far from heavy by quality helmet standard.
Available in four different sizes and ships with its own bag, this is a good value and high-quality helmet which is worth a second look.
Fox Head Rampage Comp Imperial Helmet
The Fox brand is absolutely iconic in the world of cycling. They offer everything from tee shirts and accessories to more important products like helmets. The Rampage Comp may be mid-range in terms of price, but the brand has made a product with a real professional edge to it, perfect for those wanting full face protection whilst on their MTB.
An intelligent design combines three EPS dimensions with two fiberglass shell sizes for that professional level fit and comfort. The chin bar is made using polyurethane, making it strong but still lightweight.
Made with around 10 vents it keeps maximizes airflow and breathability while also helping to keep you dry or overheat. The padding inside is removable and washable so you won’t end up with a sweaty ride in the future.
This helmet comes in five different sizes and there is even a handy chart from the manufacturer to help you work out which size is for you.
Safety regulations have been considered and passed with flying colors and we’d honestly expect nothing less from the superb Fox brand. One thing that stands out about the Rampage Comp is the fact that in spite of being verging on professional quality, the price is relatively modest. This kind of value for money isn’t always easy to come by in the MTB world.
Though design is secondary in terms of our judging criteria for helmets, this is an awesome looking product. Six different color schemes all incorporate the iconic Fox logo. Choose the perfect helmet to go with your riding gear and you can look the part too!
Bell Full-9 MTB Helmet
This is a brand which has been around for over half a century so they certainly know what they are doing. This is a lightweight model with a huge amount going for it.
The basics are all there: a vented design to allow breathability, superb padding, and six sizes to choose from to make sure you get the perfect fit.
The Full-9 also has safety in mind, meeting the requirements of both CPSC and CE tests.
On top of all this, the company has really started to try and innovate, with some incredibly cool and hi-tech features. These include magnetic cheek pads for easy removal and adjustment, an eject helmet removal system and even built-in speakers with routing for your audio device, so you can listen to your iPod or phone while you are on your MTB. On top of this, there is an optional camera mount! The brand has seen how many people are starting to film their rides and have accommodated it with a breakaway mount. If you don’t want to use it, simply take it off.
In spite of all these features, it manages to be relatively affordable (though more expensive than some others on this list) and even stays lightweight with its cleverly designed carbon shell. The peripheral vision is great and the brand even claims this to be the world’s most advanced BMX, MTB, or Downhill helmet.
Bell Sanction BMX/Downhill Helmet
Another quality helmet in the Bell range, this one a cheaper product perfect for beginners and pros alike. The Bell Sanction is a very high-selling helmet, partially due to the price, but also due to the features and the fact that this is one of the lightest MTB helmets out there. Though it has BMX in its description, don’t be put off as this has passed the same stringent tests as the others so you can rest assured it is safe for MTB and downhill riding.
It should be said that this runs pretty small. Though it is available in sizes up to large, this model is often used by those who have smaller heads. This is one of the ways the manufacturers have kept it so lightweight at just 950 grams.
Six standout designs further add to the appeal and you can see why this is preferred by many junior cyclists. The design has a lot of the features you see in far more expensive models. It is equipped with 15 airflow vents and the fiberglass shell gives protection in spite of the lightweight design. A flexible and affordable option for the smaller headed riders out there!
Giro Switchblade MIPS MTB Helmet
Now for something a little different to the other models on our “best of” list, the Giro Switchblade has a different look and feel with some equally excellent, if not superior, features.
A massive 20 vents which even internally channel air keep you breathing and feeling comfortable. It is certified to all of the standards we’ve come to expect, CPSC, EN, and ASTM tests have all been carried out.
The first thing you will probably notice about the Switchblade (and probably the inspiration for the name) is the fact that the chinbar is totally removable. The company claims that this is the only removable chinbar style helmet that lends itself to downhill riding. There are others out there that do similar things, but this has certainly been designed incredibly well. The chinbar is super easy to clip on and to take off. It even has a clever “Roc Loc Air DH” system to avoid adjusting the fit by accident, should it happen to make contact with something else you are wearing.
Its internal pads make the Switchblade really comfortable. They are removable and washable as we’ve come to expect from the top helmets. The ventilation is truly impressive and made even more impressive due to the size of the helmet. This is serious business, a chunky and hard-wearing helmet designed to withstand bumps and scrapes along the way, you’ll definitely know you are protected when you put on the Switchblade.
I’m going to break the rules about design again to discuss just how wonderful looking these helmets are. At the time of writing, there are eleven designs with everything from Camo to sleek, simple black designs. They look futuristic, well-made and they really will make you stand out when on your mountain bike. Looks aren’t everything, but having so many designs to choose from is another big plus point for the Switchblade.
This isn’t a cheap option, but the quality and flexibility, as well as unique design, go a long way to justifying the extra cost. This certainly fits the bill in terms of safety, looks, and adjustability. What’s more, if you want the flexibility of an adjustable chin, look no further. The only disadvantage? It isn’t the smallest helmet out there and some people choose to go in a different direction if they are looking purely for a lighter helmet.
Conclusion
As technology has improved, mountain bike brands have worked out new ways to keep the structure and rigidity of a helmet while making them lighter, and even incorporating features such as audio systems to listen to music while you ride, or mounts for your GoPro or other action cam!
No doubt you will have some of your own specific criteria in terms of what you are looking for. Many of the newer features could be overkill. You’re well within your rights to want something that looks awesome and doesn’t cost the earth, but whatever options you go for you need to know that you are safe. Each of the options above gives something a little different, but none of them put you at risk in doing so. Certification is paramount and is the system by which you can know you’re riding safely. The right helmet is an investment, following this guide to choose something long-lasting, hard-wearing and that fits you perfectly will mean years of worry-free riding.
