Best Full Face Mountain Bike Helmets: Latest 2023 MTB Helmets Review

Mountain biking is often accompanied by unwanted injuries and harsh environmental conditions. Thus, I always prefer carrying a durable and properly ventilated mountain bike helmet that offers full face coverage. This not only prevents my face from getting injured but also protects the neck and head area, thanks to the neck padding and multi-directional shock absorption of full face MTB helmets.

After tons of research about full face helmets, interviewing MTB experts, and testing some popular full face mountain bike helmets at OGH testing lab, I came to a conclusion that the Troy Lee Stage Full Face Helmet is best for mountain bikers looking for an affordable full face helmet. It is very protective and comfortable to wear. No matter what full face helmet you choose, I have some tips on how to choose the best helmet for mountain bike rides.

Is a Full Face MTB Helmet Safe?

Yes, a full face MTB helmet is renowned for its extraordinary protection. It is specially designed to cover your neck, head, and face to protect it from injuries often caused by falling while riding at a fast speed. Various full-face helmets are convertible helmets in nature and can be transformed into a half-shell one while riding at slow speed.

What To Look For While Buying Full Face MTB Helmet?

The best full face mountain bike helmet is known for its adjustable visor, multi-directional impact absorption, remarkable ventilation, eye coverage, convertible nature, and better visibility. Thus, based on these factors, the following are best full face helmets for mountain bike rides.

Best Full Face MTB Helmets Overview

IMAGE	PRODUCT	DETAILS
Best Overall	Best Overall	Troy Lee Designs Stage Camo Full Face Helmet	Best for: Mountain Bike Rides Number of Vents: 25 Weight: 3.1 lbs Other Specs: MIPS certified, Adjustable Visor	Check Price
Best for Enduro MTB Rider	Best for Enduro MTB Rider	Bell Super DH MIPS Full Face MTB Helmet	Best For: MTB Enduro Rides Number of Vents: 25 Weight: 4 lbs. Other Specs: In-molding polycarbonate shell, removable chin bar	Check Price
Premium Pick	Premium Pick	Giro Switchblade MIPS FF MTB Helmet	Best For: All Type of Rides Number of Vents: 24 Weight: 1 lbs. Other specs: Removable chinbar, POV plus Visor.	Check Price
Editor’s Choice	Editor’s Choice	BELL Super Air R MIPS Full Face Helmet	Best For: Every type of ride Number of Vents: 30 Weight: 1 lbs. Other specs: Google Guide adjustable visor.	Check Price
Best Seller	Best Seller	Troy Lee Designs D3 Fiberlite US Helmet	Best For: Enduro and Trails Number of Vents: 20 Weight: 0.71 lbs	Check Price
		Bell Sanction Full Face Mountain Bike Helmet	Best For: MTB and BMX Rides Number of Vents: 15 Weight: 1.87 lbs.	Check Price
Most Durable	Most Durable	BELL Super 3R MIPS Adult Mountain Bike Helmet	Best For: Adult MTB Riders Number of Vents: 33 Weight: 1.73 lbs. Other specs: Overbrow ventilation, MIPS equipped, Googleguide Adjustable Visor.	Check Price
Highly Recommended	Highly Recommended	Demon United Full Face Helmet	Best For: Mountain Biking Number of Vents: 30 Weight: 1.8 lbs. Other specs: Head Cinch Adjuster & Extra Padded Fit Kit.	Check Price
Most Lightweight	Most Lightweight	Smith Mainline MIPS MTB Helmet	Best For: Trails Number of Vents: 21 Weight: 0.83 lbs. Other specs: Aerocore construction, MIPS Brain Protection System, D-ring chin strap.	Check Price
		Fox Racing ProFrame MTB Race Helmet	Best For: Every type of ride Number of Vents: 24 Weight: 2.2 lbs.	Check Price
		IXS Trigger Full Face MTB Helmet	Best For: Cross country Number of Vents: 26 Weight: 1.3 lbs. Other specs: Durable Material, Expanded Polystyrene.	Check Price

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Top Best Full Face Mountain Bike Helmets Review

Based on my experience and observation, this article offers the best full face mountain bike helmets and everything you need to know about them, from ventilation to chin guard and convertibility. So, keep reading for more information on your favorite option on the list!

The specialized design can absorb the shock efficiently and thereby prevent you from getting injured in case of an accidental fall. I advise considering this as a potential option if you are a speed rider and often ride at fast speeds. However, their application is not limited to this and can also be used for casual riders and beginners.

The improved versatility is the reason for the high popularity of this helmet and adds five stars to its overall abilities. Along with this, the specialized air vents are associated with exceptional breathability, which leads to the minimization of sweat formation for longer time intervals.

Another advantage of breathability is the cool interior which helps you perform better than other full-face helmets that lack proper ventilation.

Why I Recommended TLD Stage MTB Helmet

Troy Lee Designs Adult Full Face Helmet never fails to amaze mountain bike riders with its outstanding attributes and remarkable abilities. The fid lock magnetic buckle system offers adjustment and grip, which prevents it from slipping during practice sessions. This, coupled with the mesh paneling, ensures utmost efficiency even after regular use.

Make sure to go through my guide about helmet laws by state to know your state laws

Giro Switchblade helmet has more to offer than any regular full face helmet. Giro helmet aims to provide full comfort and breathability with its wind tunnel design. When you remove chinbar, it adds more cooling and increases the airflow 2X as you ride your bike with full confidence.

Giro introduces the new Roc Loc air fit system which functions with a bumper protecting the dial to prevent it from moving unnecessarily when it makes contact with your back pack or neck brace.

Read a detailed answer about are Giro helmets good

However, its highlighting feature is the full-face coverage which protects your neck and head against injuries while riding at an extremely fast speed. I recommend using this if you are a downhill rider and prefer riding on rough terrains.

Similarly, Bell Sanction helmet is available in multiple sizes, and is suitable for a wide variety of mountain bikers, including kids and adults. You can choose the right size for yourself and enjoy an unlimited riding experience.

Why I Recommended Bell Sanction MTB Helmet

Bell Sanction Adult Full Face Bike Helmet stands out among the rest of its counterparts in terms of design and user-friendliness. It is incorporated with cooling vents that allow air to pass through, thereby keeping the interior cool and breathable. The vents also prevent the formation of sweat and thus, contribute to better visibility in the long term.

If you’re interested in cross country biking, have a look at best XC helmets

Watch Bell Sanction Helmet video Review

This, coupled with the breathable interior padding, reduces sweat generation and keeps you cool in extreme environmental conditions. Available in multiple sizes, it can be selected depending on the requirement and is suitable for a diverse range of users. I absolutely recommend it for all the downhill riders as well as casual riders that love to ride at low speed.

For the extraordinary fitting, a clinch tight dial is also embedded in the system and enables you to fit the diameter of the helmet according to your head size. Similar to the above-mentioned counterparts, the easily removable chin guard can be opened up by flipping it and is characterized by time efficiency. Thereby, making it my ultimate recommendation for all the professional mountain bikers out there.

Why I Recommended Demon United Full Face MTB Helmet

Demon United Mountain Bike Full Face Helmet, as the name indicates, is renowned for its full face design at an affordable price, which safeguards your head, face, and neck from severe injuries that might result from falling due to high bike speed. Furthermore, it possesses a durable exterior that is not prone to damage due to external factors and can last longer than expected.

If you’re looking for enduro ride helmet, you must read my review on best enduro full face helmets

Hence, it safeguards you from getting severe head injury during dangerous mountain biking accidents. This is attributed to the slip-plane technology, which leads to the reduction in rotational forces produced from impacts and might be fatal in some cases.

Additionally, a removable chin strap is also an integral component and can be used to secure the helmet in one place. This is often used to prevent it from slipping and can be opened up rapidly depending on the need.

On top of the helmet, various ventilation ducts are present that allow the maximum amount of air to pass through. Thereby keeping the interior cool and dry throughout the day. So, if you are searching for performance-efficient and durable mountain bike helmets, this version of BELL Super is my ultimate recommendation.

Why I Recommended Bell Super 3R MIPS Helmet

BELL Super 3R MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet is available with specialized goggles that are characterized by extraordinary grip and prevent your eyes from getting injured from all directions. Furthermore, the goggles also contribute to better visibility and increase the versatility of the unit for the majority of the users.

Watch Bell Super 3R MIPS Helmet Video Review

Inspired from the racing helmets, this one features a D3 Carbon body that imparts remarkable strength to its surface and safeguards it from getting damaged in harsh conditions. Furthermore, the lightweight fiberglass adds to the comfort and makes it bearable for longer time intervals.

I assure you would not feel any sort of discomfort while using it. To make things interesting, manufacturers have also included 3D cheek pads that secure your face properly and protect you from injuries to your cheeks and teeth in case of accidental fall. Similarly, the well-designed exhaust system and high-flow ventilation ducts allow for proper air exchange, which reduces the chances of overheating.

It also contributes to low sweat generation during extreme temperature conditions and enables you to perform to the fullest. Therefore, including it in the list of best full face MTB helmet 2023.

Why I Recommended TLD D3 Full Face Helmet

Troy Lee Designs D3 Fiberlite US Helmet stands out among its competitors in terms of durability and outlook. The full spectrum adjustable visor allows you to wear it in multiple configurations and thus, makes it suitable for consumers of diverse ages and facial features looking for bike helmet with visor. Lastly, it offers full face and head coverage and hence, is perfect for downhill riders.

For girls with long hair, it is recommended to get a women bike helmet with ponytail hole

Its dual-density EPS liner plays a vital role in keeping all the impacts and shocks out of the biker’s range. It has two layers which consist of a soft one and a bit harder one and together these two absorb all the outer forces and impacts.

The Kinetic Straight comes with a removable and washable liner and cheek pads which effectively absorb the moisture to keep inside dry and fresh. Moreover, it is DOT approved so it is likely to remain your partner for a long time.

Now comes the captivating part which is its TFV (true functional ventilation) this feature keeps the airflow going. The fresh air comes in through the intake vents making the insides cool and clean whereas the stale air goes out of the exhaust vents leaving no bad smells inside. Another worth mentioning thing about it is that the high-flow mouthpiece is replaceable for your ease.

Why I Recommended Fly Racing Kinetic Helmet

The Kinetic helmet not only gives the best performances but also its unique yet alluring look attracts people towards it. If you are up for a comfortable, stylish, good functioning MTB helmet that also offers a reasonable price then I would suggest you to go for Fly Racing Kinetic Straight Helmet.

Also have a look my review on best gravel bike helmets

Thus, lowering the chances of getting injured after falling. Another advantage of the helmet is the reinforced chin strap that can be tightened depending on the requirement and does not feel uncomfortable at all.

It prevents the helmet from falling off or slipping during the ride and ensures utmost efficiency in the long term. The quick-release buckle also makes it easier to take off when required and is associated with user-friendliness.

Besides the above-mentioned characteristics, it is also renowned for multiple air vents and removable inner lining, which contributes to improved breathability and comfort. Thus, I highly recommend it for those looking for budget-friendly yet durable full-face bike helmets.

Why I Recommended Yema Motocross/MTB Helmet

Motorcycle Motocross ATV Helmet is second to none when it comes to performance and efficiency. Its lightweight nature makes it perfect for traveling purposes and enables you to carry it from one place to another easily. The goggles also provide improved visibility and safeguard your eyes from getting injured in multiple directions.

This, coupled with the large vents on the exterior, allow for proper ventilation and keep the interior cool even in the hottest summer months. Similarly, the PVC foam padding ensures protection against harmful injuries and helps in impact absorption during accidents.

Along with this, adjustable straps are another significant attribute and can be used to secure the helmet on your head. Thereby preventing it from slipping during the practice session. You can adjust the straps depending on your face size and shape.

To our delight, it is available in three different styles which can satisfy the needs of a diverse range of consumers and is the reason for its immense popularity. I assure you would not feel disappointed after purchasing it for your child.

Concluding Remarks about Rockbros Full Face Helmet

ROCKBROS Full Face Bike Helmets for Kids is a low price range product and is integrated with a chin lock that helps in securing it. Moreover, the breathable sponge present in the system is associated with the reduction in sweating for long hours. Hence, keeping you dry and cool throughout the journey.

This full-face helmet provides protection to your neck, head, and face and prevents you from getting injured in a variety of conditions. However, my most favorite characteristic is the well-padded interior which possesses remarkable shock-dampening abilities. This helps in better impact absorption as a result of an accident and adds five stars to its overall abilities.

In addition to this, the removable cheek pads secure your cheeks and can be removed from the system for washing without any inconvenience. This offers hassle-free maintenance and makes it ideal for those that prefer trouble-free helmet cleaning applications.

Similarly, a removable neck role contributes to extra padding around the neck area and is associated with amplified comfort in the long term.

Why I Recommended Bell Servo Full Face Helmet

Bell Servo Adult Mountain Bike Helmet is integrated with an adjustable strap and buckle, which can be used to adjust it according to your head and face shape. Moreover, the lightweight nature and breathable inner lining keep the interior cool and breathable and reduce the chances of over-heating for best results.

Along with head protection, make sure to protect your knees and elbows, For more, read my MTB Elbow Pads guide

So you can use it in a variety of environmental conditions without worrying about damage. The eccentric aerodynamic design ensures that it can be used for high-speed applications and imparts shock absorption abilities to it.

Most of the impact absorption is also attributed to the inner padding, which protects you from getting injured in case of any mishap. Besides this, the top and back surface of the helmet is also embedded with air vents to allow for proper air exchange and keeps the interior breathable.

This also ensures that the helmets remains cool and dry in the summer season and decreases sweating throughout the day. The inner pads are also detachable in nature and can be separated from the main unit for cleaning purposes.

Concluding Remarks about ILM Adult MTB Helmet

ILM Adult ATV Motocross Bike Helmet is highly recommended for those looking for cost-efficient full-face mountain bike helmet. The adjustable visor present in the system can be used to fit it according to your head size and can be detached from the main unit depending on the conditions.

How to Choose the Right Full Face Mountain Bike Helmet?

There is a lot to consider before setting out to purchase a good full-face helmet for yourself. You definitely require a product that features remarkable protection and durability. Apart from that, ventilation, eyewear compatibility, structure, and convertibility are various other attributes that can improve its overall performance to a great extent.

In order to help you in making the correct decision, I have written a detailed buying guide about full face mountain bike helmet. So keep reading for more information in this regard.

Design of Full Face Helmet

The first and foremost factor is the design of the helmet. You should carefully decide at what speed you are going to ride the bike and whether you need a full-face or half-shell helmet for this purpose.

At a higher speed, the crash force becomes greater and can lead to severe injuries in case of an accident. Thus, I recommend going for a full face helmet because they provide complete protection and are lightweight in nature. Thus, they do not feel heavy at all.

The majority of the downhill riders and speed racers prefer full-face design for enhanced safety and security. However, you can also opt for the half-shell helmet if you are a casual biker and do not usually ride at fast speeds.

If you want to paint your old helmet that is full of scratches, read my guide about how to paint a helmet!

Convertibility of Full Face Helmet

Modern helmets have been manufactured specifically to fulfill consumer’s requirements and thus, are often convertible in nature. This means that a half-shell design can be changed into a full-face depending on the need. Previously, riders often reported the issue of breathability with a full-face helmet and the lack of ventilation which often became a problem during long practice sessions.

Hence, alternative convertible helmets were introduced into the market for better performance without compromising breathability. I highly recommend these for riders that prefer downhill or trail riding that love to switch between fast and slow speeds depending on the terrain and performance.

Protection of Full Face Mountain Bike Helmet

This factor is associated with the inherent function of a mountain bike helmet, i.e. protection. The major reason you bought the helmet in the first place was to protect yourself from severe injuries while riding on rough terrains. Hence, you should never neglect the extent to which the product is actually safeguarding you against potential harm.

Firstly, coverage is extremely important. If you are a regular speed rider, I advise going for a full-face helmet as it offers additional safety to your cranial area along with your face. Next, you should look at the material of construction and padding. Analyze whether the helmet can withstand the impact from falling or not.

A poorly padded helmet will not save your head from getting injured. For better results, the interior must be well-cushioned. This will help in the absorption of impact generated as a result of falling.

Similarly, over the years, the designs have been improved with more consideration to the medical point of view. Therefore, newly constructed full face helmets in 2023 are incorporated with neck braces and removable cheek pads for best results.

You may also be interested to know the difference between skate helmet vs bike helmet

Ventilation of Full Face Helmet

As discussed earlier, the breathability of the helmet is directly associated with its efficiency. Thus, manufacturers have paid more attention to the proper ventilation of these substances.

The majority of the helmets these days are embedded with cooling vents that allow the air to pass through. Thereby, keeping the interior cool and minimizing the sweat production to a great extent. However, these cooling vents often become an issue for riders as well.

Oftentimes, the debris present in the surrounding areas gets stuck in the holes and causes disturbance to the consumers while riding.

Although, it is not a major problem for those that live in colder regions as they can opt for helmets that lack ventilation. But, it might become a serious concern if you reside in regions with hot climates and can do without ventilation. You should properly weigh the pros and cons and then choose the appropriate MTB bike helmet for yourself.

Eye Coverage of Full Face MTB Helmet

Eye coverage is yet another significant factor that can either make or break the deal, especially in the case of full-face helmets. I recommend going for objects that feature goggles instead of sunglasses. The reason for this is the superior coverage offered by the goggles, which protect your eyes from all directions. Hence, lowering the chances of injuries to a great extent.

Furthermore, you should look for designs that are integrated with a grip pad, clip, and grooves to keep the goggles in one place and prevent them from falling. It is essential because the last thing you encounter while riding is getting distracted by eye-protective pieces when they start to slip. This can also be very dangerous, especially for mountain bike riders, and can also lead to potential accidents if not addressed in time.

Price of Full Face Helmet

Last but not least, price is the determining factor in most cases. The majority of the individuals neglect the price and end up purchasing expensive items that strain their budget in the end. Trust me; you do not want to face this situation ever in your life. Thus, the first thing you should pay attention to is the budget.

You should calculate the amount of money you can actually spend on the product and then choose accordingly. It is wise to make a list of best full face MTB helmets that fall under the affordable price range and then compare them according to your requirements. You can compare different helmets on the basis of features they offer and their performance.

There are many cost-efficient and low priced range helmets available in the market that offer tough competition to some of the top-notch helmets produced by famous brands. Therefore, you should update your research every day and analyze the suitability of different tools according to your needs before actually making a purchase.

Thus, these were some of the components that act as limiting factors in guiding your choice of purchasing a full-face helmet. Apart from this, you can also consider the structure, material of construction, weight and size, portability, and environmental friendliness in this regard. For more detailed information, read about structure of helmet.

Also read a detailed comparison of full face vs open face MTB helmets

Watch a Video on How To Choose The Right MTB Helmet For You

FAQs about Mountain Bike Helmet

What kind of helmet is best for mountain biking?

For mountain biking, I recommend going for a full face helmet as they offer additional coverage around the neck and head region and minimize the chances of injuries in case of accidents. Most helmets are integrated with neck padding, which is associated with outstanding comfort and safety.

What is the lightest MTB Helmet?

Troy Lee Designs D3 is the lightest MTB helmet in existence. It weighs only 0.71 lbs. OR 325 grams. D3 Fiberlite helmet uses extremely lightweight fiberglass shell and a robust amount of EPS/EPP foam in the inner side of helmet.

Why do MTB helmets have visors?

Most of the mountain bike helmets are incorporated with either adjustable or detachable visors that can be separated from the helmet when not in use. These visors allow you to adjust the fitting of the helmet according to the size of your head. Similarly, it also safeguards your eyes and face from getting damaged.

Do full face MTB helmets get hot?

The only downside of wearing full-face MTB helmets is that they potentially lack the job of ventilation typically when the days are touching high temperatures. This means you will start to feel hot on your journey uphill. To allow maximum air to pass through the helmet, you have to maintain the specific velocity, which can sometimes be dangerous while climbing hard. Though a considerable number of professional bikers opt for decent climbs, hard riding, thus these full-face MTB helmets will not just be comfortable to wear.

Do you need goggles with full face helmet for mountain biking?

Eye protection is something that is evident when riding hard on the mountains as you never know when and what something gets into your delicate eyes and cause irritation. Rather than wear sunglasses, the MTB goggles can do a thousand time better job as they provide incredible coverage to the eyes. However, a few ergonomically designed MTB helmets feature grooves, grip pads, or clips that make sure your goggles straps stay in place throughout the ride.

Wrapping Up MTB Full Face Helmets Review

To sum up, the most important things you need to put in front of yourself when selecting best full face MTB helmet are durability, weight, design, ventilation, and comfort level. Based on the above-mentioned factors, following are our top three full face helmet recommendations for all mountain bike riders.

• Bell Sanction Adult Full Face Bike Helmet due to outstanding visibility, breathable interior, enhanced eye protection, lightweight and hassle-free maintenance.
• Troy Lee Designs Adult Full Face Helmet for its well-padded interior, exceptional shock absorption, specialized air vents, sweat reduction, and fiber reinforcement.
• BELL Super 3R MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet because of its utmost eye coverage, full-face coverage, multi-direction impact absorption, adjustable visor, and breathability.

Thus, they are ideal for those looking for performance-oriented and durable full face mountain bike helmets in 2023. Along with this, don’t forget to look for the one which is most durable helmet because the end goal of wearing helmet during mountain bike helmet is your safety.

Good Luck With Buying the Right Full Face MTB Helmet for your next ride