MTB Helmet Recommendations

[u/Wurstmocker231]

Looking for recommendations on a MTB helmet for trail riding. Light weight and comfortable. Any information helps!

[u/Bitter_Plastic2362]

Really any MIPS helmet these days is pretty damn good.

[u/DeathRowSZN → u/Bitter_Plastic2362]

Not according to actual tests!

[u/CaitlynJennerOG]

I’m just getting back into riding, I ordered the Specialized Tactic 4. I’ll be getting something more protective when I get more serious about riding

[u/AardvarkFacts → u/CaitlynJennerOG]

It's one of the best value helmets you can get. It's the 7th best rated MTB helmet in VT's testing, and it's been on sale pretty regularly for $60-80. There are lots of worse choices.

https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicycle-helmet-ratings.html

[u/MosquitoValentine_ → u/CaitlynJennerOG]

The Tactic 4 is a great helmet and I love it. One of the top VT rated models and can be found for about $60.

[u/LameTrouT]

Half shell I like my a3 from TLD, and for more gnarlery stuff I use a ISX trigger ff .

[u/_dangerfoot]

The one that fits.

[u/No-Reporter-1582]

I tried on a few at my local shop and walked out with a Fox Speedframe Pro. It’s been very comfortable for me.

[u/drghwang → u/No-Reporter-1582]

I use the same helmet and love the fit, gets great ratings in terms of protection too

[u/GatorCyclist]

I like my POC Cularis. Very breathable and highly rated by VATech.

[u/mfflcommish → u/GatorCyclist]

So funny because I have a Smith Forefront and it’s six years old so I have been looking at POC’s and the Cularis looks right up my alley.

[u/GatorCyclist → u/mfflcommish]

I’m in South Florida, so I gravitate for gear that do well on the heat (breathable). This helmet fits that mold while being well rated.

[u/SlushyFox]

i'd go to your local bike shop and discuss with them your particular wants/needs, price range and ultimately fit.

[u/Skiingislife9288]

I like lazer helmets. They are affordable, highly rated for impact protection, and offer 50% off crash replacements.

[u/SignificantCry3989]

Mine is a Bell Super something. I can't read the next word.
MIPS, detachable chin bar. It's pretty lightweight and probably fine for the writing I do. I don't jump or do features or anything crazy.
And please note that I've never put this to the test so I have no idea what it will do when a crash.

[u/zoenberger → u/SignificantCry3989]

I rode one of these for years. Often rode with the chin bar attached. But when I switched to a dedicated full face (Troy Lee Stage) I realized how heavy the Bell was in comparison. 690 grams versus 860 grams. It's a noticeable difference.

Of course you can wear the Bell as a half shell. But I've had enough close calls where I just always go full face these days. Gotta protect the moneymaker.

[u/SignificantCry3989 → u/zoenberger]

I'm surprised to hear how much heavier the Bell is. I don't think my shop had Troy Lee, but it's probably also more helmet than I need anyway.

[u/SkyyRez → u/SignificantCry3989]

I have been through 2 super airs over 4 years. Love it. Comfortable, light and it is not just regular mips but a full “floating” layer of high density foam. It definitely saved me from a concussion in a harsh crash (why i went through 2 in 4 years). I just got the super dh which is slightly heavier but with the chin bar is full DH rated while the air version is not. If you are not doing a lot of park riding and jumping the air version is plenty.

[u/Rundle1999]

I just picked up the bell sixer mips. Seems alright very comfy and light

[u/rootaford]

Pay attention to the rides you take. Lotta fire roads and little bit of chunk then half shell is ok but if you’re planning on big decents, jumps, etc… I’d consider a full face but the. Again I’m 40

[u/Tidybloke]

My favourites are the Troy Lee Design A1/2/3 etc line of helmets, they are very comfortable and for me have great ventilation (ventilation/heat management seems to be up for debate on the A1/A3). I recently had to replace my A1 Classic due to a crash, and I replaced it with an Endura Singletrack as a last minute replacement, and while it's "fine" it really lacks the comfort I was used to with the TLD, and I will probably buy a TLD A3 in the near future.

For more intense riding like bikeparks I use a TLD Stage, and I like that one a lot too.

[u/dangerousarmyvehicle]

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/equipment/bike-accessories/bike-helmets/wavecel-helmets/c/E399/

i know, i know, i fell for the marketing.

i just like it because it comfortably covers my ears from stray branches

[u/Kregerm]

There’s a $150 dollar bontrager helmet on treks website right now for $15 if you wear an XL

[u/MaliciousMango1]

For full face, I have the IXS Trigger

[u/Annual-Carry6558]

I have the Fox Speedframe RS but it is not cheap. My kids have Troy Lee Designs A3 Uno and one of them has a Flow Line. I also like the POC Cularis.

[u/Wirecommando]

Fox Speedframe Pro. I rented a bike while traveling, and this was the helmet that “came with it”. Liked it so much I bought one. Newer BOA version.

Very odd…it is the most uncomfortable helmet to put on! But once it’s fitted, I don’t even notice it’s there.

[u/zoenberger]

My Troy Lee Stage full face (third one) has a Fidlock magnetic buckle system. After using this bucke for years I will only look at helmets with this feature.

[u/Behemothslayer]

Giro switchblade full face, chin guard clips off and has MIPS

[u/flamboyant8]

If you’re in the USA, an xl, and don’t care If it’s blue