For downhill riding or racing, full face bike helmets are a requirement. The best mountain bike helmet for avoiding inevitable collisions is a full-face. You have several options for protecting your head from trail debris and during accidents thanks to the expanded coverage of the chin bar, improvements in structural integrity, and the introduction of manufacturers’ own unique patented safety technology. In addition to being significantly more comfortable, better ventilated, and generally easier to live with than earlier full face helmets, they are also available today.
Best Full Face Bike Helmets 2023
Full face helmets have traditionally been the go-to choice for mountain bikers seeking a little more safety. Initially, we simply used modified dirt bike helmets, whose chin bar and additional padding helped keep your head safe at faster speeds and in more treacherous terrain. Full face mountain bike helmets have advanced significantly since those early days. Instead of simply renaming motorcycle helmets, they have become lighter, new safety technologies have been developed, and manufacturers have tried to design helmets that meet our particular demands.
In the past several years, mountain bike helmet design has seen a tremendous evolution, making them safer and more comfortable than before. We’ve conducted rigorous testing to bring you this guide, so if you’re looking for greater protection for bike park riding, enduro and downhill racing, or just peace of mind, you’ll want to check out our selection of the finest full-face and convertible mountain bike helmets.
Check out our selection of the best full face bike helmets for your local trails or all-mountain excursions if you’re more of a trail rider and don’t need full-face protection.
Read on to learn more about the best full face bike helmets to buy right now:
Smith Mainline MIPS Full Face Helmet
Key Features
- Well Ventilated
- Relatively Lightweight
- Substantial and Robust Feel
- Excellent Comfort
Overview
The Mainline MIPS is one of Smith’s more recent models. The professional enduro racers for Smith provided feedback on the creation of this lightweight full-face. It feels more robust and instills confidence despite being a few ounces heavier than some of the other enduro-focused models we’ve tested. By using Koroyd, Smith can provide exceptional airflow while maintaining a high level of coverage and impact protection. This ventilation is essential when slamming on the pedals in the middle of an enduro stage or slogging up that annoying climb in the middle of your shuttle loop. The Mainline has a DH certification and felt more substantial than some of the other enduro helmets.
The Mainline has several concessions, but we enjoyed it for its robust feel and fantastic weight-to-protection ratio. If ventilation is a top priority, there are better solutions. The Mainline does, in fact, have above-average airflow, but other variants have slightly superior ventilation. We don’t believe this is the greatest choice for downhill racing or devoted bike park riding. Although it has DH certification, we advise considering a heavier-duty DH-specific helmet. On the expensive end of the range is the Mainline MIPS. Having said that, we believe the price is reasonable given the product’s performance and quality.
Troy Lee Designs D3 Fiberlite
Key Features
- Reasonable Price
- Comfort, Plush, and Protective
- Excellent Durability
- Value for Money
Overview
The Troy Lee Designs D3 Fiberlite high-end helmet has an outstanding price tag. Although this lid is reasonably priced, we believe it offers a good balance of both quality and cost. The D3 Fiberlite incorporates numerous features from the more expensive Troy Lee models into a fiberglass body that is more reasonably priced. With velvety padding and an eye-catching fit, this helmet offers a high level of comfort. Because to the more sturdy design, we felt secure and well-protected while travelling at high speeds and landing jumps.
The D3 Fiberlite isn’t completely faultless. This is one of the heaviest helmets we have tested; therefore, we wouldn’t use it for anything other than pure gravity riding. The bike park lifts, racing, and aggressive freeriding are the finest uses for it. Its ventilation and breathability were a little below average, in our opinion. Although we believe it to be a fairly protective helmet, none of the rotational impact prevention systems are included.
Fox Rampage Pro Carbon MIPS
Key Features
- Top-Notch Protection
- Breakaway Visor
- Confidence-Inspiring
- Excellent Comfort
Overview
The Fox Rampage Pro Carbon MIPS, which scored the highest among the robust downhill models we evaluated, is, in our opinion, the greatest full-face downhill helmet. This top-of-the-line helmet features a carbon fiber shell, dual-density EPS foam, and a MIPS rotational impact protection system. This is the helmet we would reach for every time we ride big, risky freeride lines or ride at racing speed.
It feels sturdy, highly protective, and provides outstanding coverage and fit. Another feature of this helmet is an innovative breakaway visor with screws that shear off and release the visor upon impact. Despite this helmet’s higher weight and thicker padding, the ventilation levels are still acceptable.
The helmet is not flawless. It certainly fits a little snugly but feels really safe and protective. This is the effect of the substantial, thick padding inside, which did gradually get a little looser. This helmet’s application spectrum is likewise somewhat less than that of certain alternative alternatives. This full-on DH helmet is appropriate for competition and challenging freeride lines. Other helmets are more adaptable, lighter, and have superior ventilation. Even while we think this helmet is the greatest of the best, not everyone will like it.
Fox Racing Proframe RS
Key Features
- Excellent Airflow
- Plush and Comfortable
- Substantial & Protective Feel
- Lightweight
Overview
The best frame for enduro racing is the Fox Proframe RS. Although there are a few somewhat lighter enduro-focused helmets on the market, the Proframe RS seems more solid, protective, and substantial than the featherweights. The superb ventilation in this DH-certified lid allows you to push the pedals hard during a quick mid-stage climb. The visor is excellent, and the field of vision is fantastic. This helmet has several cradle adjustments, a BOA dial, and a great fit that can be tailored to your head shape. We highly advise wearing this helmet if you’re going to the enduro start gate.
A specific enduro helmet is called the Proframe RS. Therefore, it isn’t the ideal option if you can only have one full-face helmet. Although it has a DH certification, this helmet isn’t just for downhill skiing. Building shady freeride lines or trashing bike parks all day are not the best uses of your time. The Proframe RS is a tad pricey for a specialized helmet at this cost. Additionally, there are better options for trail rides that need a significant amount of pedaling, even though it is rather light and breezy.
Bell Super Air R MIPS
Key Features
- Full-Face and Half-Shell Mode
- Good for Trail and Enduro Riding
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
Overview
We prefer the Bell Super Air R MIPS as a convertible helmet. This helmet has great ventilation and is quite light. We believe it is a great option for tough trail and enduro riders who pedal to the top of their favorite downhills. It performs admirably as a half-shell and, when required, quickly and simply transforms into a full-face. The chin bar is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for long ascents before a challenging descent. The Super Air R MIPS is an excellent choice for riders who only occasionally wish to wear a full-face helmet because it combines two helmets.
To be clear, this helmet isn’t ideal. It simply doesn’t feel as sturdy as other downhill-focused helmets because of its low-profile design and smaller weight. We advise searching for a heavier, more solid, DH-specific type for genuine downhill riding. Additionally, motorcyclists with more prominent jawlines could feel as though their chin is a touch too exposed. Having said that, we believe that this outstanding convertible helmet can function both as a half-shell and a full-face.
Specialized Gambit Full Face Helmet
Key Features
- Extremely Light and Airy
- Feels Like a Half-Shell Helmet
- A Truly Legitimate Option for Trail Riding
- DH Certified
Overview
The Specialized Gambit received high regard for its exceptionally small weight and top-notch breathability. The first headgear that is actually a good choice for wearing on challenging trail rides, this helmet is absolutely unique. When you’re trail riding and need to pedal a lot but are also thinking, “I should really be wearing a full face right now,” this helmet shines. Additionally, it is a fantastic option for e-bikers who climb up challenging trails. Because it isn’t as thickly padded and comfortable as other full face helmets, this lightweight one feels different. It actually resembles a half-shell helmet with a chin bar considerably more. This helmet still retains a DH certification and breathes unbelievably well.
Despite being incredibly light, low-profile, and breezy, this helmet isn’t the most protective or self-assuring. Because this helmet feels so light on your head, it might be a little unnerving to blast down rocky trails or boost jumps. The Gambit doesn’t feel as substantial as a large downhill helmet, which embraces your head. Additionally, we noticed that it moved a little bit more on the head than models with thicker padding. Having said that, take a look at the Gambit if you want full facial coverage without paying the price in weight or ventilation.
Giro Insurgent Spherical Helmet
Key Features
- Protective Helmet
- Excellent Comfort Levels
- Versatile Among True DH Lids
- Durable
Overview
The Giro Insurgent Spherical is a proper DH helmet with a cozy fit and adaptable personality. This lid fits very consistently, without any pressure points or slack regions, and has a typical, padded/pillowy feel. The Insurgent offers genuine, 24-hour comfort. The very low weight of this helmet makes it fairly adaptable, even if it feels like a downhill helmet exclusively. Although it is perfectly content bashing bike park laps, enduro racing isn’t out of the question. The Insurgent routinely outperformed a large portion of the competition in our testers’ full-face-worthy activities, which is the best compliment we can pay to this helmet.
This helmet isn’t entirely faultless. Although the padded pillow feel is cozy and safe, it can get fairly heated in warm weather. The Insurgent cannot match the airflow or breathability of enduro-oriented helmets when worn back-to-back; as a result, it can rapidly become damp. Another point worth highlighting is that the Insurgent uses a conventional D-Ring system to secure its helmets, in contrast to the increasing number of manufacturers that are switching to Fidlock magnetic closure systems. Despite being secure and bombproof, this design is undoubtedly more difficult to use, especially when wearing gloves.
7Protection M1 Helmet
Key Features
- Reasonable Price
- Lightweight Helmet
- Budget Friendly
- Excellent Comfort
Overview
The 7Protection M1 is quite reasonably priced. At a very affordable price, this helmet offers unbeatable performance. This lid is a great choice for someone who wants to try out the gravity scene but doesn’t want to spend a fortune. This helmet is remarkably light for a helmet designed with affordability in mind, and we believe it provides reliable protection.
The M1 isn’t entirely faultless. This helmet feels warm and stagnant and doesn’t have the finest ventilation. The chin bar’s ventilation openings are ineffective, continuing the theme of inadequate ventilation. The visor’s end is oddly narrow, which is another small oddity. Whatever the case, we think this is a great helmet for the money.
Final Words
There are undoubtedly many best full face bike helmets on the market nowadays. Being completely honest about your riding style and intended uses is essential when looking for the best full face bike helmet. It can be quite difficult to navigate technical language, marketing jargon, and standards. The best way to narrow the options is to decide how to use the entire face frequently. After that, our comparison analysis can help you find the ideal helmet inside the best full-face helmet category for your needs, budget, and riding style.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Should a Full Face Bike Helmet Fit?
Once it is on your head, a full-face helmet should fit snugly without any extra movement. It shouldn’t sway forward, backward, or side to side. When you move the chin guard toward your mouth, it shouldn’t move far enough to make contact; therefore, you can tell if the helmet fits properly by doing this.
Do I Need a Full Face Bike Helmet?
In general, wearing a full face mountain bike helmet while running slowly might be uncomfortable and hot. A full face helmet is necessary for added protection if you ride a mountain bike and enjoy running quickly, biking over rough terrain, and going downhill.
When a rider crashes, this style of helmet is designed to cushion the impact and protect the head. Additionally, it incorporates elements that safeguard the head, chin, teeth, and other areas, particularly in the event of a vehicle crash.