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 2021, 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 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 2021 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.M

Best Overall: Smith Forefront 2 Mountain Bike Helmet

If you want a high-quality mountain biking helmet that's ultra-comfortable, look no further. The Smith Optics Forefront 2 Mips 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.

Price: 0.00$

Pros

  • Superior protection thanks to MIPS technology
  • Excellent ventilation
  • Integrated camera and light mounts

Cons

  • On the expensive side
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Runner Up: Smith Optics Session

The Session MIPS by Smith Optics is lightweight, comfortable, and perfect for long outings.  In addition to being ultra-comfortable, its large ventilation openings are ideal for keeping you cool when it's hot out. However, these openings are not lined with mesh to protect you from sunburn, but the adjustable 3-point visor does keep the sun out of your eyes.

But above all, it is so light that you will forget that you're wearing a helmet, even after several hours. Like the Forefront 2 from Smith Optics, the Session features MIPS technology to reduce the risk of brain injury.

This helmet is the best choice for those who are looking for something durable and high-quality.

Price: 0.00$

Pros

  • 3 point adjustable visor 
  • Large ventilation openings
  • Comfortable and lightweight

Cons

  • No mesh under the ventilation
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Best Budget - Smith Optics Convoy MIPS

Because of its breathability and versatility, we rated the Smith Optics Convoy MIPS as the best budget mountain bike helmet. It has many of the features of the Smith Optics Session mentioned earlier, such as large ventilation openings, MIPS protection and a compact design.

And...it comes at a fraction of the price! This affordable helmet is a robust choice for the budget conscious. It was designed for rougher terrain and has plenty of vents and an airflow system. You get the ruggedness and comfort you need to hit any trail. 

Price: 0.00$

Pros

  • Affordable
  • All-terrain compatible
  • MIPS!

Cons

  • Few colour choices
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THE BEST MOUNTAIN BIKING HELMET FOR THE TRAILS

Thanks to its multiple protection systems, we rated the FOX Speedframe Pro 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.

Price: 0.00$

Pros

  • Excellent ventilation system
  • Loaded with security features
  • Perfect for downhill riding

Cons

  • Only one color
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BEST HELMET FOR WARM WEATHER

Highly ventilated and manufactured according to a design that puts comfort first, the POC Ventral Race Mips helmet wins first place in the category of the best helmets for warm weather.

The POC ventilation system has been tested to offer superior breathability that outperforms other helmets on the market. Adjustable at the back and enhanced with a protective visor at the front, this helmet is ideal for sunny days and hot temperatures. Accelerated airflow zones increase the level of comfort.

The POC Ventral Race Mips helmet is a great choice if you are looking for a helmet to stay cool in very hot weather.

Price: 0.00$

Pros

  • Stylish design
  • Efficient ventilation system
  • Mips protection system

Cons

  • Overkill for most users
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Best Mountain Bike Helmet for Kids

Kids also need a helmet on mountain biking sorties. And the best is the Spunto helmet from Scott. Its protective features and the efficiency of the adjustment system make it a great choice to ensure the protection and comfort of any kid.

The polycarbonate outer shell (with In-Mold technology) is welded together, creating a protective barrier on the child's head. The low profile makes it perfect for child seat use. It also has a rear flashing light so you can always keep an eye on your child on the trail.

Price: 0.00$

Pros

  • Simple and easy to adjust
  • Robust construction
  • Perfect for kids

Cons

  • Still trying to find one...
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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.