Top 5 Best Mountain Bike Helmets Review (Updated 2017)

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Your choice of mountain bike helmet is critical because biking, while great fun, can bring you awfully close to potential injury. In such a situation, wearing the best mountain bike helmet is the thin line that separates a minor injury from something much more serious.

Manufacturers of mountain biking helmets now offer a wide array of durable bike helmets that offer more than simply a thick lid over your head. The first decision you have to make is to choose between a full-face helmet or a half-helmet.

Full-face vs. Half

Many riders choose to ride half-helmets because they like the feel of the wind against their face as they zoom by. However, a blow against your chin or your face can be just as lethal as hitting the top or back of your head.

This is where full-face helmets win. A lot of bikers do not like wearing full-face helmets because they feel too restrained, but for those who depend on the highest level of protection possible for peace of mind, full-face is the only choice!

Other Deciding Factors

After deciding what kind of helmet to get, you have to think about factors like ventilation, visor, adjustments, and fit. The quality of a helmet’s ventilation is not only determined by the quantity of vents. Each helmet has a unique design that makes air flow in and out of it differently.

You may want to choose a helmet with a good visor that you can adjust and will fit well even when you have your goggles on. The best bike helmet should also be easily adjusted and able to securely fasten. Finally, make sure that it fits your head perfectly. A helmet is not like clothing that stretches over time.

Having said these, let us take a look at five of the best mountain bike helmets you can get your hands on today.


Best Mountain Bike Helmets

#1 Giro Hex Mountain Bike Helmet

The Giro Hex helmet appears ideal for all-mountain riding and marathons. It has 21 vents, a 5-fit system, a POV visor with 15 degrees of vertical adjustment, and an in-mold EPS liner, all wrapped in a polycarbonate shell.

It does well, but the positioning of the vents make it hard to put a camera or a headlamp right where they should be. You can still attach them; it just takes a bit more work than in other helmets.

Giro Hex Mountain Bike Helmet
Giro Hex Mountain Bike Helmet

#2 Demon Podium Full Face Mountain Bike Helmet

Demon Podium Full Face Mountain Bike Helmet
Demon Podium Full Face Mountain Bike Helmet

We think you will like the Demon Podium helmet because it feels quite light for its type (full-face) and price point. Observing its design, it looks like this bike helmet is best worn for downhill biking and dirt jumping.

The Demon Podium helmet also has a washable liner, which is great if you are like those of us who sweat a lot. You may just want to pay close attention to the sizing information, though. Read reviews from those who have bought this previously.


#3 Basecamp Specialized Bike Helmet with Safety Light

This mountain bike helmet from Basecamp looks great and feels great on the head because it is light. We also like that it already comes with its own light and it is easily adjustable. The fit is very snug, which is mainly why it is comfortable.

However, you will notice that it is not as thick as most bike helmets. Of course, thickness does not necessarily mean protection. A thin material can be strong, but we would hesitate to use this for some high-speed biking.

Basecamp Specialized Bike Helmet with Safety Light
Basecamp Specialized Bike Helmet with Safety Light

#4 Bell Super 2 Helmet

Bell Super 2 Helmet
Bell Super 2 Helmet
Bell Super 2 Helmet

We think you will like the Bell Super 2 helmet if you are not quite decided on the full-face vs. half helmet thing yet. This model has a removable chin bar! Sure, putting the chin bar on is still not exactly the same as wearing a full-face helmet, but it is close.

The only things you may not find very cool about this model is that the chin bar can make your breathing sound a lot louder. It is also not very easy to take a drink in one swift motion because of the helmet’s design.


#5 Team Obsidian Premium Quality Airflow Bike Helmet

This sleek helmet from Team Obsidian can be adjusted vertically and horizontally. The overall adjustment system is patented. You may want to give this a try if you have a uniquely sized head and regularly struggle finding a helmet that fits.

However, it is quite pricey and a little on the heavy side. You may also have a hard time getting this to fit if you have long hair. The material looks a little thin as well, which may make you hesitate to use this helmet for high-speed rides.

Team Obsidian Premium Quality Airflow Bike Helmet
Team Obsidian Premium Quality Airflow Bike Helmet

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this brief review as much as we enjoyed writing it. Do not be afraid to invest in the best bike helmet. It is the one thing that will save your life in unexpected accidents!

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About the Author Donny Minchillo

Hey everyone, by day I'm a developer, but my mind is always outside. I spend as much time as possible discovering new trails and mountain biking through the Costa Rican jungle!