Sure safety is important, but hopefully you’ll never need to rely upon this most important aspect of a bicycle helmet. What you do want with every ride is not noticing you’re wearing a helmet while riding, and in this list of the most comfortable mountain bike helmets you’ll be given the ones that do that best.
Comfort is achieved with fit and ventilation. The first one ensures the helmet does pinch and/or wobble. Having to constantly put the lid back into place as you’re juddering down a trail is downright annoying, and maybe even dangerous. And if there’s one thing I hate even more is sweat accumulating in the padding, getting squeezed out into my eyes and onto my glasses.
The best helmets offer the best of the best in both areas. With great antimicrobial resistant silver-lined padding with exotic names, brow vents, sweat-wicking silicone pads, and both horizontal and vertical adjustment. Huge intake vents and move the air into the helmet, over the MIPS liner and out the back, keeping you cool on ascents and frosty when reaching terminal velocity going downhill.
So for the best of the best in comfort, take a look at the next most comfortable mountain bike helmets.
Fox Racing Speedframe Pro
The Fox Racing Speedframe is the same helmet as the Pro version in everything but a small number of features.
The Speedframe Pro is one of the best helmets in terms of safety, and the standard Speedframe inherits many of its safety features except for the multi-density EPS liner.
The helmet is known for having an excellent fit, and you can fit a pair of goggles underneath the 3-point adjustable visor, as well as stash your glasses.
A good fit without pressure points, and a huge number strategically placed vents funneling air into and over your scalp keeps the heat buildup at bay. The air flow is especially noticeable when you pick up speed.
To keep the price down when compared to the Pro version, there’s a cheaper liner and the Fidlock snap buckle is missing from the straps, in an otherwise similar 360 degrees fit system.
It’s a great-looking mountain bike helmet, available in many colors and 3 sizes to choose from.
- One of the safest mountain bike helmets, in lots of different color variations.
- None
Troy Lee Designs A2
The Troy Lee Designs A2 is one of the most affordable, high quality, open-faced mountain bike helmets worth your money.
It offers superb comfort and fit, with an anti-bacterial X-Static Pure Silver padding. The padding sits within a dual-density EPS liner. The polycarbonate shell wraps around the edges to further protect the rather delicate EPS.
The decade-old design has been updated to feature the MIPS technology. Safety is further enhanced with the bolt-on breakaway visor, and 3-point fit system.
Part of the popularity of the A2 can be attributed to the comfort it provides. Both with the excellent fit and its ability to keep your head cool when you try and get the most out of your ride. 2 vents on the side extend far into the front. Together with elongated vents on top they suck in cool air, which can exit through a number of vents located at the back.
It’s a great looking helmet, available in many colors, with a perfect track record in crash protection, for a price below many of the top-of-the-line offerings from its competitors. An unbeatable proposition when it comes to mountain bike helmets.
- Best-in-class safety for a reasonable price when compared to the competition
- None
Troy Lee Designs A3
The Troy Lee Designs A3 is literally the bigger brother of the A2, offering more coverage in basically the same package.
The A2 is one of the best helmets on the market, so it’s no surprise the A3 scores just as well. and does so with a helmet that extends lower at the back of your head.
Offering MIPS technology dual-density EPS foam, and the overall excellent fit with an additional liner included in the package.
The antimicrobial resistant liner covers the entire inside of the helmet and provides an extremely comfortable experience that makes you forget you’re wearing it. Something the Troy Lee helmets are known for. A handy Fidlock buckle can be opened one handed wearing gloves.
The visor is 3-way adjustable. I actually prefer such a ratcheted system. And when pushed upwards it leaves more than enough room if you like wearing goggles.
The ventilation setup is different from the A2. I don’t know why they’ve done this, since there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the air flow of the A2. Luckily the amount of ventilation is just as good in keeping you cool.
As a flagship product it’s very expensive indeed, and might prove to be too big a jump with the A2 being just as good and much cheaper. But if you want extra coverage in a well-designed, good-looking Troy Lee helmet, this is the one.
- Bigger coverage version of the already fantastic A2 helmet
- Increase in price might be a bridge too far
Giro Manifest Spherical
The Giro Manifest Spherical offers the airiness of a road bike helmet in an open face mountain bike helmet package.
The general notion of this helmet is that Giro played around with the design of the helmet to ensure maximum air flow. With 19 air vents it seems to do the trick creating probably the best mountain bike helmet for hot summer rides.
In terms of protection it offers the same as the already very expensive Giro Merit Spherical, but tops it off with an added ring of polycarbonate called the Auro Arch, which serves as a kind of roll-cage for your head.
So it means you also get the MIPS Air technology, the Spherical ball-and-socket setup for the EPS liner, which has a dual-density characteristic.
The Manifest is not only one of the safest helmets on the market, it’s also one of the best-ventilated. A total of 19 huge vents in a relative low-weight package ensure maximum air flow and a reduced risk of heat building up. When you don’t do prolonged stretches of slow climbing the chances of the helmet feeling hot and uncomfortable is near zero.
Does that kind of tech win awards in the safety department? Yes it does. Does that kind of tech win awards in how fast it’ll drain your wallet? It does that equally impressive, being the most expensive helmet of its specific category.
- Jam-packed with award-winning crash technology to create the ultimate mountain bike helmet for hot summer trail riding.
- Extremely expensive
Giro Tyrant Spherical
The Giro Tyrant Spherical is Giro’s single offering of a mountain bike helmet with ear protection. The brand consistently scores high rates in crash tests and this helmet is no exception.
Besides the now standard MIPS technology, it has a reinforced polycarbonate to keep the helmet structural integrity intact in case of an impact. The helmet also features dual-density EPS foam, to increase the energy absorption characteristics.
Its shape also means that besides added coverage you get added weight. The 600 grams of this helmet means it’s the heaviest open-faced helmet I know.
In terms of design the helmet obviously distinguishes itself from your average half shell mountain bike helmet. It also has a much cleaner look, especially when you go for an all black one.
Since the helmet covers a larger area of your head it’s meant for those either seeking added protection over your standard half shell, or more ventilated version of a full-face helmet.
- The go-to compromise when you don't want to go for a full-face helmet.
- It's both heavier and warmer than a standard half-shell. The Fox Racing Dropframe has a better rating
Giro Radix MIPS
Giro has some of the best rated helmets, and the Giro Radix MIPS is another example of a great mid-tier helmet, that offers great protection, but lacks a number of features which would otherwise add up to the price.
Whereas the most expensive helmets in the Giro lineup offer reinforced polycarbonate shells, MIPS Spherical technology, and dual density EPS, you’ll have to make do with just the MIPS technology with this one.
It does mean you pay less than half the price and still get an incredibly comfortable and great-looking helmet, with a fully adjustable visor and Roc Loc 5 fit system. This system, like many others, works with a dial located at the back of the helmet.
At 315 grams it’s significantly lighter than the average helmet, which adds to the overall comfort. A thick anti-microbial resistant liner ensures there’s a tight but comfy fit and a staggering 25 vents make this one of the better ventilated helmets out there.
- Lightweight, well-ventilated, comfortable, and affordable.
- None
POC Tectal Race MIPS
The white/orange version of the POC Tectal Race MIPS has the honor of being my personal favorite bike helmet design-wise. But what’s more important than how I feel about design is whether or not it does the job it was designed for. And as with many POC products, it does.
Similar to its bigger brother, the Kortal Race, it offers the MIPS Integra version of this crash technology, aimed at the reduction of energy transfer caused by rotational forces during an impact.
It also features the aramid reinforcement attached to the EPS liner, otherwise known as Kevlar.
And where it ditches the NFC chip, it still has the Recco Reflector should you find yourself flying off the trail and ending somewhere in the ravine.
The ventilation is similar to that of the Kortal Race, with the exception of the dual slits, which are missing in this model. Yet, the helmet offers the same fantastic air flow into the helmet.
The helmet offers a snug fit, but it is still highly ventilated offering great air flow capability. It has a standard helmet weight of around 365 grams.
- Fantastic design, great protection, snug fit
- Snug fit
POC Kortal Race MIPS
The POC Kortal Race MIPS is a trail and enduro open face mountain bike helmet offering above-average coverage and protection in a very premium package.
The Swedish company has made an exquisite-looking helmet with a Halo’s Master Chief blocky design. But rather than fighting the flood, you’ll be tackling the trail with one the most unique entries in the open face mountain bike helmet lineup.
With almost every helmet manufacturer choosing to integrate MIPS technology into their premium offerings, POC decided to ditch their otherwise excellent SPIN crash protection in favor of the newest MIPS Integra version. It means the MIPS system is customized for the specific helmet, which should improve its effectiveness in decreasing rotational impact damage.
Something they call an aramid bridge is part of the helmet, which sounded very much like the Kevlar breaker used in tires to make them more puncture resistant. Aramid, which is the non-brand name of Kevlar, is not meant to protect the tube in this case, but to protect your head. It’s not known for being inexpensive and neither is this helmet.
They also included a NFC medical ID, and Recco reflector. To me that means you’re either one of the most hardcore lone-wolf riders out there, or a tad too much. The stuff is usually reserved for people who’re being rescued unconsciously from underneath an avalanche.
Neatly placed dual slits in the front of the helmet keep your brow cool. This is the most important area to keep cool because much more than simply being a nuisance, sweat buildup can trickle over your glasses or into your eyes. Goggle straps don’t cover the ventilation holes and the helmet is designed in such a way that it does an excellent job of moving air into, over, and out the back of the helmet.
The 3-position adjustable visor sits quite high so you’ll have no trouble propping your glasses underneath them. On the other hand, when confronted with a low-sitting sun, you might still get blinded.
It’s a tad heavier because of the amount of coverage it provides, and fits snugly around your head with the 360 Fit system.
- Large coverage provides extreme levels of protection for trail and enduro riders.
- You pay the hefty price for tech you might not need
Bell Sixer MIPS
One tier below the Super Air sits the Bell Sixer MIPS.
In terms of value-for-money it’s significantly less expensive, while only sacrificing the full-face optional chin bar and Spherical technology.
It doesn’t mean this helmet is not expensive, it’s just that the Super Air is really expensive. But what you do get for that type of money is the same solid design and MIPS Evolve protection underneath a reinforced polycarbonate shell. This helmet also features the progressive EPS 3-part layering.
One of the things I especially like about this helmet is the 3-point adjustable visor. The ratcheting mechanism lets you easily click the visor in the right position. You can store your eyewear at the front or back.
For an open faced mountain bike helmet it’s really well ventilated. I don’t know exactly how this Dual-flow Ventilation system works, but it does, and that’s what matters.
The Float Fit system lets you adjust, tighten or loosen the fit with a dial, and includes 4 positions for vertical adjustment as well.
- Offers ample protection with very little compromise in a gorgeous design.
- None
Bell 4Forty MIPS
The Bell 4Forty MIPS is a solid contender in the mid range open face mountain bike helmets.
As many other helmets in this category it offers the latest MIPS Evolve crash technology, but lacks a dual-density EPS liner. In mid-tier helmets you see that a lot, where MIPS is included for its marketing and sales value, and obvious improvement of safety, and less known but expensive other technologies are left out.
Bell usually makes great but slightly heavier helmets, and at 380 grams this one sits 30 grams above the average of 350. The helmet is fastened with their Float Fit system, which is used in all of their helmets, even the most expensive ones. As with the mid-tier Fox Speedframe, you don’t get the Fidlock buckle.
The non-indexed adjustable visor leaves ample room for both glasses and goggles.
I’ve read some reviews stating that as a negative the helmet can get hot when climbing. That’s stating the obvious, because all helmets get hot when climbing and air flow is reduced.
- A great value helmet that offers solid protection and comfort
- None
Smith Convoy
The Smith Convoy is one of the very few sub-100 dollar open face mountain bike helmets featuring MIPS technology.
That makes it worthy of inclusion here. It has a distinctive-looking, and lightweight design at 300 grams and features an integrated visor with eyewear ports.
Although I’ve read otherwise it does not provide comparable protection when compared to the most expensive mountain bike helmets on the market. Those helmets always offer multi-density EPS liners and some form of reinforcement to the polycarbonate shell. This helmet does not.
I never had an issue with EPS liners being exposed, which is the case for the lower edge of this helmet. Premium helmets wrap the polycarbonate shell around this edge. But if you’re less careful with your helmet, expect scratches and nicks in this area.
There’s a huge market for people who start out with mountain biking and want an entry-level helmet. Or people who like their everyday casual ride and looking for a nice looking lid. Those people should look at this helmet. If you’re not unfamiliar with crashing you might consider looking for a helmet that offers more crash technology.
- Good looking helmet that does the job.
- MIPS technology alone will not make this one of the safest helmets out there.
Specifications most comfortable mountain bike helmets
Name | Price | Technology | Shell | Liner | Visor | Fit | weight (gr) | eyewear port | rating | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fox Racing Speedframe Pro | 190 USD | MIPS | polycarbonate | dual density EPS | 3-position adjustable | 360° Fit System w. Fidlock buckle | 380 | yes | 10.84 | |
Troy Lee Designs A2 | 170 USD | MIPS | polycarbonate | dual density EPS | bolt-on breakaway | 3-point dial fit | 350 | yes | 9.99 | |
Troy Lee Designs A3 | 250 USD | MIPS | polycarbonate | dual density EPS | 3-position adjustable | 3-point dial fit w. Fidlock buckle | 411 | yes | 11.01 | |
Giro Manifest Spherical | 260 USD | MIPS/Spherical/Hardbody/Aura Arch | polycarbonate | dual density EPS | bolt-on adjustable | Roc Loc 5 Trail w. Fidlock buckle | 340 | yes | 12.20 | |
Giro Tyrant Spherical | 160 USD | MIPS/Spherical/Hardbody | polycarbonate | dual density EPS | bolt-on adjustable | Roc Loc 5 Air | 600 | yes | 11.22 | |
Giro Radix MIPS | 100 USD | MIPS/Hardbody | polycarbonate | EPS | adjustable | Roc Loc 5 | 316 | yes | ||
POC Tectal Race MIPS | 230 EUR | MIPS Integra/Aramid bridge | polycarbonate | EPS | adjustable | adjustable 360-degree fit | 365 | yes | ||
POC Kortal Race MIPS | 250 EUR | MIPS Integra/Aramid bridge | polycarbonate | EPS | 3-position adjustable | adjustable 360-degree fit | 407 | yes | ||
Bell Sixer MIPS | 170 USD | MIPS Evolve | polycarbonate | Progressive Layering 3-layer EPS | 4-position adjustable | Float Fit Race | 395 | 15.56 | ||
Bell 4Forty MIPS | 110 USD | MIPS Evolve | polycarbonate | EPS | adjustable | Float Fit | 380 | |||
Smith Convoy | 85 USD | MIPS | polycarbonate | EPS | integrated | dial | 300 | yes |
Johan van Seijen
FoundeR Restoration.bike
Johan van Seijen is the founder of restoration.bike. His passion for cycling in general, and restoring older bikes turned into a website to share his knowledge with a broader audience. Starting out on his father’s road bike and riding classics as the Amstel Gold Race and Liege Bastogne Liege he has shifted his attention to trail, XC, and gravel riding since. No matter how much he loves writing about everything related to cycling, nothing beats actually using his ever-expanding bicycle collection.
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