The Best Mountain Bike Helmets of 2025

Giro has been a leader in the mountain bike helmet industry for years, and that continues with its flagship model, the Manifest Spherical ($260). This well-rounded helmet quickly earned high regard among our testers and rose to the top of a stacked selection of models in this review. 

Boasting a 5 out of 5-star rating in Virginia Tech’s independent helmet impact testing, the Manifest brings high protection. It employs MIPS Spherical for rotational impact protection and has dual shells connected with elastomers that function as a slip plane during an impact. It has a relatively deep fit with extended coverage at the back of the head and temples, and a snug fit enhanced by Giro’s Roc Loc Trail harness that tensions evenly around the head. 

Ventilation was among the best we tested, with a whopping 19 vents and wide open channels that allowed air to freely pass over the scalp and out the back of the helmet. Comfort was enhanced with well-placed antibacterial Ionic+ padding and strap splitters that held the straps flat around the ears. At 362 g (size Medium), it’s also relatively lightweight considering its coverage and went largely unnoticed on the trail. 

Features like an adjustable visor allowed us to effectively position the helmet to keep the sun out of our eyes or stash sunglasses or goggles under it when not in use. Integrated rubber grippers worked with most (but not all) sunglasses, and an additional patch of grippy rubber at the rear of the helmet helped keep goggle straps in place. A Fidlock magnetic buckle secured the chinstrap and allowed for easy one-handed operation.

The Giro Manifest Spherical is available in various colors to suit your taste or match your kit. It is also offered in three shell sizes, S, M, and L, to fit heads between 51cm and 63cm. Although it has a high price tag, the cost is justified considering its well-rounded performance, protection, and features.

Specialized isn’t exactly known for making budget-friendly products, but they’ve chosen to create a helmet that everyone can afford with the Camber MIPS ($75). This helmet is easily the best value we’ve ever seen, with a look and feel far exceeding the asking price. It looks nearly identical to its more expensive siblings, the Ambush 2 and the Tactic. Adding to its appeal is the 5-star rating in Virginia Tech’s independent impact testing, besting many models that cost significantly more. 

The Camber has a standard MIPS liner for rotational impact protection inside the streamlined in-mold shell. It comes in a whopping five shell sizes to fit heads ranging from 49 to 63 cm, and our size Large test helmet fit true to size. The Headset SX fit system worked well to dial in the fit for unique head shapes.

The thin and minimal padding proved surprisingly comfortable, and the Y-shaped strap splitter yoke prevented unwanted and annoying contact with the ears. Though not advertised as a feature, we found some sunglasses could be stashed in the two lowest vents above the brow.

While the Camber’s price-to-performance ratio is very impressive, this helmet does have some quirks. The straps attach at three points inside the helmet, at the back of the head and above the temples, and while that didn’t seem to affect its impact protection, it felt less refined than higher-end helmets.

The 13 vents did a decent job keeping the head cool, but it felt a little stuffy compared to the best-vented helmets we tested. Finally, the non-adjustable visor placed high on the helmet did very little to block low sun angles compared to other visor designs. 

Still, the Specialized Camber truly impressed our tester for the price, and we feel it is an excellent option for anyone just getting into the sport, those operating on a tight budget, or anyone who appreciates a good value. Willing to spend just a little more? The Specialized Tactic 4 has a little more coverage, better ventilation, and a better strap design and retails for $120.

The Sweet Protection Primer MIPS ($150) is the Norwegian brand’s more affordable half-shell model. While it looks similar to the higher-end Bushwhacker 2Vi MIPS, the Primer costs $100 less, and we liked riding in it just as much.

One of the best things about the Primer MIPS was the comfortable fit. While many helmets seem to better fit oval or round head shapes, the Primer has a more neutral shell shape that should work well for most people. Our primary tester has a 59 cm head, so he often falls between shell sizes and swims in the larger size.

Fortunately, despite being at the upper end of the size range, the M/L (56-59 cm) offered ample space with zero pressure points. The 360 Occigrip Fit System pulled tension evenly around the head with the turn of a dial. It also has three vertical adjustment stops to optimize its position on the occipital lobe.

The Primer’s in-mold shell has a relatively deep fit and extended coverage at the back of the head. The lower edge of the outer shell completely wraps the EPS foam, and the finish, attention to detail, and quality control appear top-notch. Inside, the MIPS Evolve liner provides rotational impact protection, and we didn’t have any issues with it making any noise while testing. Unfortunately, Virginia Tech hasn’t tested this helmet yet, but other Sweet Protection models score well, so we expect similar results.

Inside, the padding is minimal but well-placed, and the cushy brow pad absorbed sweat well and didn’t drip too much on our sunglasses’ lenses. The strap splitter is well-executed and held the straps flat against the head. The Sweet Primer MIPS straps didn’t contact the ears, and a simple buckle under the chin secures them.

Thirteen vents do a solid job of ventilating, and we never found the Primer to feel too hot on the head. The visor offered easy adjustment to any of its three positions. It goes up high enough that you can easily stash goggles when not in use. The visor also has a breakaway feature that allows it to release at the hinges in the event of a crash.

We found little to dislike about the Primer MIPS, but we have some minor things to mention. The first is the adjustable visor. While it is better than some visors on other models, we found that the lowest position was still a bit high to block the sun at low angles.

One lower position would be great for riding around sunset, or anytime the sun is lower in the sky. The second thing is the lack of dedicated sunglass storage. Other helmets can easily and securely hold your shades, but we never found a good way to stash them on this helmet.

Beyond those concerns, the Sweet Protection Primer MIPS is an excellent helmet for a fair price. It looks good, fits comfortably, and provides excellent coverage for your noggin. If $150 is your spending limit, this is the helmet we recommend. And right now, it’s on clearance at many retailers, making it even a better value.

The just-released POC Cularis upholds the Swedish brand’s reputation for safety by nabbing the top spot on Virginia Tech’s trusted bicycle helmet safety ratings. This is no small feat, as this rating system is highly regarded and competition for the top spots is fierce. For example, the helmet with the top spot before the Cularis held that position for only a few weeks.

The highest safety rating would be hard to stomach if the trail-oriented helmet didn’t fit, was too heavy, or didn’t ventilate well enough. But the POC Cularis checked all the boxes and was exceptionally airy. We first noticed that the frontal coverage was generous, with the helmet protecting the forehead to our tester’s eyebrows. But, this could be a concern if you run goggles. The side and rear coverage is extensive, and overall, the Cularis felt like it comprehensively wrapped around our tester’s noggin.

The POC Cularis indeed looks open and airy, and this is true even in the hot and humid conditions of Central Texas. The front of the helmet gulped air at an impressive rate, and our tester perceived that the airflow easily passed through to exit out the back and sides. The super minimal Mips Air Node rotational impact mitigation system was unnoticed and didn’t block the passage of air like some other systems.

To top it all off, despite the generous coverage and wider dimensions, our large (medium and small also available) POC Cularis sample weighed a verified 440 g. This is impressive given the #1 safety rating, coverage, and feature set.

Other worthy additions include a magnetic Fidlock chin strap buckle, which, after some practice, can be operated by a single hand. POC embeds a RECCO reflector in the Cularis, aiding search and rescue teams in locating you should the worst happen. The adjustable visor is a breakaway version, and there are sunglass ports. Finally, POC offers the Cularis in nine colorways.

Not content to rest on its laurels and the success of its popular models, the A1 and A2, Troy Lee Designs (TLD) introduced its latest half-shell, the A3 MIPS ($250). Though it maintains the signature styling of those older models, the A3 is an improvement in virtually every way. Not only does it feature more coverage at the back of the head and the temples, but it also earned a 5-star safety rating from the independent test lab at Virginia Tech.

The A3 has more coverage than previous TLD helmets, extending further over the occipital and temporal lobes. It also has a B-Series MIPS liner to help dissipate rotational forces in a crash. They’ve also employed dual-density foam with co-molded EPP and EPS intended to better handle the forces of both high-speed impacts and low-speed impacts.

What stood out to our testers was the high level of comfort. TLD describes it as “so comfortable you’ll never want to take it off,” while that might be a stretch, it’s one of the most comfortable helmets we’ve tested. This has a lot to do with the agreeable shape of the helmet, the way the fit system wrapped around the head, and the generous padding inside. The X-static antimicrobial pads are also trimmable, so you can dial them exactly how you like. Plus, TLD includes an extra set.

The ventilation of the A3 MIPS was quite good as well. It’s not the best we’ve ever tested, but it’s not far off either. When things get sweaty, the TLD Sweat Glide System (an EVA foam pad at the brow) actually helps to direct sweat off to the sides of your face instead of into your eyes. The 3-position Magnajust visor allows you to leave it low to block the sun, up out of sight, or to stash goggles. A FidLock chinstrap buckle, a set of extra visor screws, and a helmet bag round out the features of the Troy Lee Designs A3 MIPS.

While it is technically a road cycling model, the Giro Aries Spherical ($300) is a great cross-country mountain bike helmet. Chosen by some of the top pros in gravel and XC mountain bike racing, the Aries is a super lightweight and well-ventilated helmet that doesn’t skimp on protection. In fact, it has a 5-star Virginia Tech rating with one of the lowest scores (lower score = better protection) of the 268 models they have tested.

The Aries is very lightweight, at just 270 g in the medium size we tested. It’s so light that it almost felt like we weren’t wearing a helmet at all. It has an excellent fit with minimal but well-placed padding and an adjustable harness that wrapped tension evenly around the whole head. The Drycore padding above the brow wicked seat effectively and has Ionic+ antimicrobial treatment. It was one of the best-ventilated helmets we’ve ever used, with 24 total vents and massive channels that kept air flowing and our heads cool. 

The Aries uses the same MIPS Spherical design as the trail-oriented Manifest Spherical. This design is comprised of outer and inner shells connected with rubber elastomers that allow them to move independently to help dissipate rotational forces in the event of a crash. Given the Aries’ Virginia Tech rating and score, it seems like it must be pretty effective. 

Compared to trail or enduro-oriented half-shells, it doesn’t have as much head coverage, but it is comparable to other XC and road helmets. Like other XC helmets, it gives up a visor in favor of aerodynamics and weight savings. It’s also one of the most expensive helmets we’ve tested. That said, if you’re looking for a featherlight and extremely well-ventilated lid for XC racing or cross-country riding, the Aries Spherical is an excellent choice that works just as well on the road or gravel bike.

The Octal MIPS ($200) has been a mainstay in POC’s helmet lineup for years. This versatile model is used by XC mountain bikers, road, and gravel riders. It delivers with a super-light, 278 g weight (size medium) and excellent ventilation. Previous versions used SPIN for rotational impact protection, but POC has switched to a more standard MIPS liner. 

Coming in at a feathery 278 g, the Octal MIPS is so light that it barely felt like it was on our heads. The fit harness is highly adjustable to properly cradle the occipital lobe, plus it wraps the whole head for a snug, secure, and comfortable fit.

Factor in the impressive cooling properties of the recognizable ventilation design with 21 vents and deep airflow channels, which made it easy to stay cool on hot days and during hard efforts. The strap splitter also did a great job of keeping the straps flat and away from the ears, and the chin strap secures with a standard buckle.

POC designed the Octal to be lightweight and airy, but it still prioritizes protection. A fully wrapped unibody shell protects the EPS foam lining and gives it structural support, and POC optimizes the EPS to handle impacts with added thickness in important zones. The MIPS liner is relatively standard and helps dissipate rotational forces in the event of a crash. 

Much like other XC-style helmets, the Octal leaves more of the head exposed compared to modern trail-riding helmets. It comes in three shell sizes to fit heads between 50 and 61 cm. Our size medium claims to fit heads between 54 and 60 cm.

Our tester with a size 59 cm head is near the upper end of that range and found the fit to be manageable but tighter than expected. This is in contrast to the Kortal Race MIPS, which we found tends to run a little larger than advertised.

The POC Octal MIPS sells for $200 and costs a fair bit less than the Giro Aries, yet it only weighs a paltry 8 g more. We think this helmet is an excellent choice for XC-style riders looking for a lightweight and breathable lid for riding or racing.

Fox Racing is one of only a few brands that can outfit riders from head to toe with everything they could possibly need for mountain biking. They’ve been making helmets for years, but it wasn’t until they launched the Speedframe helmet lineup 5 years ago that they had a contender for the best half-shell model on the market.

Fox came out swinging in 2025 with a revamped lineup of three Speedframe models. While they look nearly identical to their predecessors, Fox made some updates and increased protective performance. In fact, the top-of-the-line Speedframe RS and the mid-range Speedframe Pro currently hold the second and fourth best Virginia Tech after rating scores, respectively.

We’ve been testing the Speedframe Pro ($200) for the past couple of months and have been quite impressed. The style and head coverage are roughly the same as the previous version, but with enhanced protection and design features to maintain its spot as one of the best all-around helmets on the market.

The Speedframe has the coverage you’d expect from a modern half-shell helmet, particularly in the back where it drops low around the occipital lobe. Inside, Fox chose the low-profile MIPS Air Node system for rotational impact protection.

This system is integrated into the padding. It kept the helmet closer to the head and didn’t impede any airflow. The dual-density EPS foam is visible inside the shell, aiming to handle the forces from both high and low-speed impacts. All combined, these features helped this helmet earn its coveted 5-star Virginia Tech rating.

Fit-wise, the Speedframe Pro was very agreeable and super comfortable. The padding is well-placed, and the BOA fit system made it easy to dial in the tension around the head. The Fidlock SNAP buckle made the chinstrap a “snap” to open and close, even one-handed. The straps were also well executed, with a Y-shaped yoke around the ears that held them flat and away from the lobes.

The updated vents and internal channels provided impressive airflow and kept us cooler on warm rides. The 3-position visor effectively blocked the sun at low angles while moving high enough to accommodate goggles or sunglasses underneath. Fox also integrated sunglass-specific storage for a secure hold on your eyewear.

While Fox claims one-handed adjustability, we found the visor was a bit stiff when moving it between its three positions, often requiring two hands. We also found the sunglass storage to be secure, but it was a bit fiddly to get the sunglass arms into the right spot.

Overall, the Fox Speedframe Pro is a well-executed trail riding helmet that is well-designed, well-ventilated, and highly protective without any serious drawbacks. If you’ve got a little more to spend, the Speedframe RS ($280) looks identical, but uses the dual shell MIPS Integra Split system and is backed with the NTA-8776 e-bike certification. Or, if you’re on a tighter budget, the Speedframe ($110) uses a standard MIPS liner and isn’t quite as feature-rich, but it’ll keep some money in your account for bike parts.

With its unique looks and liberal use of the Koroyd material, Smith made waves when it launched the original Forefront helmet. Fast-forward about a decade, and Smith recently released the third generation, the redesigned Forefront 3 ($270). The latest iteration of this popular trail riding helmet gets a refreshed look, more coverage, and a different MIPS liner, improving on its predecessor while maintaining its futuristic aesthetic.

One of the main changes Smith made to the Forefront 3 was to increase its coverage. Not only does it have a slightly deeper fit, but the shell extends a bit lower on the sides and the back of the head. We appreciated the extra coverage while out on the trail and think that it is competitive with the highest-coverage half-shells we have listed here.

Smith’s use of Koroyd is still one of the main things that differentiates the Forefront 3 from most other helmets on the market. This honeycomb-like material is designed to crumple on impact while remaining air-permeable, therefore providing protection and allowing heat and moisture to escape from the head.

The majority of the helmet has a layer of Koroyd that is bordered by and then covered with a thin layer of EPS foam and the helmet’s outer shell. A “roll cage” supports all this to help distribute the forces from impact.

One large open vent down the center of the helmet aims to improve ventilation, and Smith claims it is 25% better than the Forefront 2 in that regard. That’s hard to quantify, but we found it felt just a little cooler on the head in comparison.

Inside, Smith upgraded to the MIPS Air Node padding for rotational impact protection. Not only is this MIPS system low profile, but it also doesn’t make any noise, unlike the MIPS liner in the previous version. Smith also updated the adjustment harness with a BOA dial, super low-profile lace, and a Flexible Fit System. This includes an occipital cradle made from a soft, flexible material that conforms to the head easily and is very comfortable.

The three-position visor, which can be adjusted with one hand, effectively blocked the sun at low angles. When not in use, it shifts high enough to fit goggles and glasses underneath. Sunglass arms fit into the halo-shaped vent that rings the top of the shell and can be stashed on both the front and back of the helmet.

The Y-shaped strap splitters are a step up from Smith’s previous strap designs. They held the straps comfortably flat and away from the ears. The straps are connected with a standard buckle, although a magnetic closure would be nice at this price.

While the Forefront 3’s ventilation is an improvement, it still can’t compete with the airiest helmets on the market. The Koroyd and lack of dedicated airflow channels simply didn’t allow air to move that freely from front to back. Some riders will also surely lament the loss of the fixed GoPro/light mount on top of the helmet, too. That said, the structural bridge in the center vent provided a good spot to mount bike lights.

Over the years, we’ve tried every version of the Smith Forefront. It’s always been a solid helmet, but the Forefront 3 is by far the best version yet. It’s still got the cool style and comfortable fit that’s its known for, but with extended coverage and an unobtrusive MIPS liner that further enhances its protective qualities.

POC has been producing quality protective gear for years, and the Kortal Race MIPS ($250) is its latest half-shell model that puts an emphasis on protection. Designed for aggressive trail and enduro riders, the Kortal has a deep fit and loads of coverage over the occipital and temporal lobes.

It comes packed with safety features integrated into the design, including MIPS Integra, which is an evolution of its previous SPIN system. POC also makes a standard version of the Kortal that doesn’t come with MIPS and will save you a few bucks.

Overall, the Kortal Race MIPS is a comfortable helmet, though we found its sizing to run a little bigger than advertised and slightly narrower than most. One of our testers has a 59 cm head and easily fits into the M-L, which is listed as 55-58 cm. Regardless, in the correct size, it had a snug fit with a 360-degree adjustment system that wraps around the whole head with soft and squishy MIPS Integra pads.

Ventilation was also top-notch, with 17 wide-open vents that effectively drew air in, over, and away from the head. The MIPS integrated padding doesn’t restrict airflow. The strap splitter yoke held the straps flat against the side of the face with no unwanted ear contact, and a simple buckle secures the chinstrap. 

The large visor is adjustable to accommodate stashing goggles beneath it, and the rear vents fit a goggle strap without blocking them. The rear vents also function as an “eye garage” to stash glasses when not in use. While the visor does adjust, we found that its lowest position is already pretty high, so we mostly kept it down.

The visor also has a highly effective breakaway feature to help reduce the chance of a neck injury in a crash, and it snaps back into place if/when it comes off. The POC Kortal Race MIPS has an EPS foam lining surrounded by a unibody shell reinforced with aramid bridges for additional structural support. It also has a RECCO Reflector and a twICEme NFC Medical ID chip. 

POC designed the Kortal Race MIPS to work seamlessly with its Devour sunglasses, but we found that the extended temporal coverage could conflict with the arms of some other sunglasses. It’s not the lightest helmet around, but it’s pretty reasonable, given its protective qualities and features.

It carries all the standard safety certifications as well as the Dutch NTA 8776 e-bike standard. It’s not cheap, but we feel the Kortal Race MIPS is among the best and most protective half-shell models on the market.

The Bushwhacker 2Vi MIPS ($250) is an updated version of the Norwegian brand’s top-of-the-line half-shell mountain bike helmet. It packs the safety tech, coverage, and features you’d expect for the premium price.

While the new Bushwhacker 2Vi MIPS shares some of the distinctive styling of other Sweet Protection helmets, it ups the ante of protection in several ways. First, it has the most coverage of any half-shell in its line, competitive with the highest coverage models from other brands. It has a deep fit and extended coverage at the back of the head, at the temples, and unique sections over the ears.

Sweet Protection also incorporates the 2Vi Technology, which includes a variable elasticity shell, strategically placed EPS foam impact shields on the inside, and the MIPS Air rotational impact protection system integrated into the liner and padding.

While 2Vi Technology may sound like jargon, an independent impact test by Virginia Tech backs up the claims with a 5-star rating and one of the best scores of all the mountain bike helmets tested. Additionally, the Bushwhacker earned the Dutch NTA 8776 e-bike certification, meaning it has been tested for impacts at higher speeds associated with riding electric bikes. Compared to other helmets with this certification, which tend to be a bit higher volume in appearance, the Bushwhacker maintains a sleeker profile.

Like the less expensive Primer MIPS, the Bushwhacker 2Vi has a similar accommodating fit. Our 59 cm-headed tester fit nicely into the M/L (56-59 cm) shell, despite being at the top end of the size range. The Integrated 360 fit system was easy to adjust and pulled tension around the entire head.

The MIPS Air system is integrated into the helmet’s liner and padding, with small elastomers that allow for rotational movement. Not only was this type of MIPS silent, but it also didn’t impede airflow in any way.

Other great features include the eyewear storage system, which securely holds sunglasses below the visor. The Fidlock magnetic buckle allows for one-handed operation, and the well-designed straps lay flat, avoiding the ears. Speaking of ears, the unique flaps above the ears actually kept the sun off them to prevent burning.

Ventilation was pretty good, but this isn’t the airiest helmet around. The three-position adjustable visor worked well enough, but like the Primer, it could use one lower position to block the sun more effectively at lower angles. We also found that sweat dripped onto our sunglass lenses more than in other models. At 427 g (size M/L), it’s not the lightest helmet around, though it is similar to other e-bike-certified models.

Regardless, if you’re looking for a protective half-shell helmet for aggressive riding, the Sweet Protection Bushwhacker 2Vi MIPS stands out as one of the best. Not only does it look good, but it has a robust feel backed up by safety certifications and a 5-star test rating.

Smith’s latest half-shell mountain bike helmet, the Payroll MIPS ($200-220), ups the ante of protection for aggressive riders. The new Payroll has the most head coverage of any Smith half-shell, plus it comes with a MIPS liner, zonal Koroyd, and can be purchased with or without an Aleck crash sensor. 

Smith has been making mountain bike helmets for years, and the unique-looking Forefront 3 still sits at the top of its line of half-shell models. The Payroll is a completely new model geared toward aggressive trail, enduro, and e-MTB riders. In fact, it’s the first mountain bike helmet Smith has made that complies with the new Dutch NTA 8776 e-bike safety standards and is tested at higher, e-bike-assisted speeds. The POC Kortal Race MIPS and Sweet Protection Bushwhacker 2Vi MIPS are the only other models we’ve tried that also carry that certification.

One of the first things that stands out about the Payroll is its extended coverage and deep fit. It covers more of the occipital lobe at the back of the head and drops lower over the temples than most other Smith models. The shell is also a bit thicker, adding to its robust, protective feel, which adds a bit of volume without looking excessively bulky.

Like most Smith helmets, the in-mold shell also has zones of Koroyd, a honeycomb-esque material that provides impact protection while still allowing air to pass through. Inside, a MIPS Evolve Core liner provides rotational impact protection.

We found the Payroll to be super comfortable. It has a deep fit that surrounded the head rather than sitting up on top of it, and the 270-degree Vaporfit harness system snugged up nicely. The padding is minimal but very well placed, and the Y-shaped strap splitter kept things annoyance-free around the ears.

A total of 19 vents provided great airflow over the head. It wasn’t the best-ventilated helmet we tested, but it was pretty breezy for how protective it felt. The adjustable visor worked very effectively to keep the sun out of the eyes and flips up high to stash goggles or glasses. The outermost vents at the front also have channels to hold glasses, and they did so securely.

Smith sells the Payroll MIPS for $200, or you can get it with an integrated Aleck crash sensor for $20 more. We tested the version with the sensor, which is integrated into the dial of the adjustment harness. This little disc-shaped sensor goes virtually unnoticed in this spot and weighs a scant 8 g.

It syncs to the Aleck app on your phone, and if it detects an impact hard enough, it will alert an emergency contact if you are unable to do so yourself. Whether that’s something you want is entirely up to you, but we think it’s nice to have the option.

Smith’s new Payroll MIPS helmet is the burliest half-shell model in its lineup and a great option for anyone seeking a stylish, protective lid for aggressive riding. With great coverage, the Dutch e-bike certification, and an optional crash sensor, the Payroll is about safety first and foremost.

The ABUS CliffHanger MIPS ($200) is one of the German brand’s latest models and sits at the top of their line of trail and all-mountain half-shells. Designed with the modern trail and enduro rider in mind, this helmet has a deep fit with loads of head coverage and a robust, quality feel. It also happens to look pretty darn good, and it retails for less than many other brands’ flagship models. It comes in three shell sizes to fit heads between 51 and 61cm and multiple colorways to suit your tastes.

ABUS didn’t skimp when it came to coverage, and the CliffHanger certainly covers a lot of your head. The shell sits fairly low over the brow, temples, and ears, and the rear extends way down over the occipital lobe and behind the ears. They incorporated ActiCage into the EPS foam, a system that is intended to provide structural reinforcement and strength while allowing them to limit the amount of material and weight.

On the topic of weight, our large test helmet tipped our scales at 423 g, which is fairly standard for its size and level of coverage. Inside, there is a relatively standard MIPS liner for rotational impact protection. It’s also compatible with QUIN, a crash-detection sensor that can be purchased separately and added to the helmet.

ABUS’s Zoom Ace adjustment system is incorporated into the MIPS liner and pulls even tension around the whole head, plus it can be moved up or down to find the perfect placement at the back of the skull. The fixed strap splitter yoke holds them flat and away from the ears and the magnetic chinstrap buckle makes for one-handed buckling convenience.

The large, 3-position adjustable visor works very effectively for keeping the sun out of your eyes, and it flips up plenty high to stash goggles when not in use. Ventilation is pretty good, but not amazing, with a total of 14 vents and deep channels that allow air to pass from front to back.

We found the overall comfort of the CliffHanger to be quite good, although our lead tester found that he could feel the shell pressing slightly against the top/back of the crown of his head. Fit and comfort will be different for everyone, however, so we don’t expect this to be an issue for all users.

Unlike many helmets that have dedicated sunglass storage, we found it somewhat difficult to stash sunglasses securely in the front vents. You can make it work, but it isn’t ideal. Otherwise, we think the ABUS CliffHanger MIPS is a great new option for aggressive trail and enduro riders seeking a well-made half-shell with loads of head coverage.

When Specialized redesigned its trail riding helmets, the Ambush 2 ($180) got a complete overhaul to the point that it doesn’t even resemble its predecessor. This helmet checks most of the boxes, feels light on the head, and virtually disappears while riding. It also manages to come in at a price that’s a little lower than many other brands’ flagship models. 

Specialized increased the level of protection with the Ambush 2, as evidenced by its 5-star rating in Virginia Tech’s independent testing. The coverage is impressive, with a deep fit that extends way down the back of the head over the occipital lobe. The MIPS SL system is integrated into the pads with little rubber elastomers that allow them to shift to reduce rotational forces in the event of a crash, and dual-density EPS foam has also been strategically placed inside the shell.

Well-placed padding, an adjustment system that pulls tension very evenly around the whole head, and a low-profile dial integrated into the shell ensure high comfort levels. The padding also effectively wicks moisture and helps keep sweat out of the eyes, and it doesn’t block airflow whatsoever.

On that note, the Ambush 2 has some of the best ventilation of any helmet on the market. The vents at the front of the helmet bring air in, and the large internal channels draw it over the head and out to the back. This ventilation is noticeable at any speed and was nearly too effective when riding on cool days. 

The Tri-Fix strap splitters keep the straps comfortably away from the ears. Goggles play well with the Ambush 2, and there is ample room to stash them below the visor when they are not in use. The two outer/lower vents at the front of the helmet also feature sunglass storage with rubber flaps that hold sunglass arms very securely when stored. Additionally, a Specialized ANGi crash detection sensor (sold separately) can be added to the helmet if you choose. 

Our biggest complaint about the Ambush 2 is the high position of the non-adjustable visor, which we found to do little to block the sun at low angles. We found you’ve really got to tip your head to keep the sun out of your eyes at certain times of day, which is not ideal. It also has somewhat bold, stormtrooper-esque styling (especially in the white color we tested), which may not suit everyone’s tastes.

Otherwise, the Specialized Ambush 2 is a protective and very well-ventilated helmet that we’d highly recommend. Look for last seasons colors for one of the best deals you can find.

Bell has been in the mountain bike helmet game since the beginning, and the Super Air Spherical ($235) is its current top-of-the-line half-shell model. This beefy helmet is also the basis of the convertible Super Air R Spherical, just without the removable chin bar.

It has great coverage, a robust, protective feel, and features like MIPS Spherical, a camera mount, and an effective sweat management system that makes it stand out from the crowd. It comes in three sizes for heads between 52 and 62 cm and is offered in a whopping 11 different color options.

Bell and Giro are two brands that incorporate MIPS Spherical into their designs for rotational impact protection. For the Super Air, this involves two distinct shells, inner and outer, that are connected with small elastomers that allow them to shift independently of each other. This adds a little bulk and weight, but it does seem to work quite effectively (at least in hand and when moving it atop the head).

The deep fit surrounds the head with great coverage, particularly at the back of the head. It also just feels beefy and well-made, adding to the sense of protection it provides.

We found it to be quite comfortable, with generous padding throughout that has a soft, pillowy feel. Bell’s Float fit system does a fine job of fine-tuning the tension around the head to achieve a snug fit. Bell has also managed to create a sweat management system that actually works with its Sweat Guide Pad. The padding extends slightly forward on the inner shell, which draws moisture out and away from the face, making it less likely to drip directly onto your sunglass lenses.

The Super Air has a large 3-position visor, and it works well with goggles. It even has a small rubber patch at the rear of the helmet to keep your goggle strap in place. The front vents easily accommodate sunglass arms, but they don’t feature grippers or anything to add extra security.

The Super Air Spherical has decent ventilation, but the dual-shell design hinders airflow a little compared to other models. At 478 g, it’s also the heaviest half-shell model we tested, and the weight is somewhat noticeable on the head. That said, it is designed to pair with a removable chin bar to work as a convertible full face, so the added heft makes sense.

Regardless, if you’re an aggressive rider seeking a fully featured half-shell and don’t mind a little extra weight, the Bell Super Air Spherical is a solid option to consider.

Trek made waves (pun intended) a few years ago when they introduced a new rotational impact protection system called WaveCel. They incorporated it into a number of their cycling helmets, including the half-shell mountain bike helmet — the Rally WaveCel ($160). The brand makes some pretty big claims about the effectiveness of this system, and given its 5-star rating in Virginia Tech’s impact testing, it seems like it must be relatively effective.

Otherwise, this mid-priced model has a relatively traditional style, and it comes in four shell sizes. The XL size is claimed to fit heads all the way up to 66cm, which is significantly larger than 62 or 63 cm, where most other models max out.

WaveCel is the primary thing that sets the Rally apart from the other helmets we’ve tested. This cellular structure resembles a bunch of tightly packed waves, and it comprises the majority of the inside of the helmet, which is surrounded by a thinner outer shell of EPS foam. According to Trek, WaveCel is designed to function in three steps — flex, crumple, and glide.

So, it is intended to absorb impact force like a more traditional foam lining while also functioning as a slip-plane for the reduction of rotational forces. At the same time, it allows air to pass through, so it remains breathable despite the full head coverage.

We found the Rally to have a very comfortable fit that seems like it should work well for most head shapes. The Boa adjustment system works well to snug it up around the head, and the thin Boa wires don’t conflict with sunglass arms as much as some other systems. The adjustable visor has three positions, one of which is very low, and we kept ours in the middle or all the way up while testing. The highest visor position doesn’t allow enough space for stashing goggles, but we were able to wedge our sunglass arms into the front vents under the visor.

While WaveCel is certainly an interesting feature, it does add a little weight and bulk to the Rally, and it is generally just a bit larger overall than most of the other models we tested. The cellular structure does allow air to pass through, but it does inhibit the flow of air somewhat. It is similar to the Smith Forefront 2 in this regard, where the airflow is okay but far from the best.

We also found the strap design to be a little quirky, as the single attachment point at the back of the head required a little extra care to be taken when donning the helmet so they didn’t hang up on the adjustment harness.

Beyond that, we feel the Trek Rally WaveCel is a quality helmet for everyday trail riding that brings a unique approach to head protection with the WaveCel system.

Lazer is one of several brands that’s making an effort to reinvent rotational impact protection through new designs with KinetiCore. They’ve implemented this design across many of their mountain and road helmets, including their flagship mountain bike half-shell, the Lazer Jackal KinetiCore ($220). Though it looks identical to the previous version with MIPS, it’s a bit lighter weight, and what’s going on inside the helmet is actually quite a bit different.

The easiest thing for most brands to do is just stick a MIPS liner in their helmets, so we applaud Lazer for stepping outside the box and developing their own new safety technology. KinetiCore is intended to work in a similar way to other rotational impact protection systems, though the design is completely different. Instead of a liner or elastomers, they have essentially incorporated it into the shell itself with controlled crumple zones built into the EPS foam.

These small, isolated blocks of foam are intended to crush and crumple both vertically and laterally in the event of an impact. Our tester even crushed some of them with her hand to see how it in action. New technology is great if it works, and it seems like it does based on the Jackal KinetiCore’s 5-star Virginia Tech rating.

Beyond KinetiCore, the Jackal has a modern shape with ample coverage. It has great ventilation with 19 well-placed vents, and the air is able to pass through the empty space between the KinetiCore blocks. The one-piece interior padding is comfortable and treated with Polygiene Biostatic, and the Advanced TurnSys adjustment system provides a secure fit.

The straps are highly adjustable, and the magnetic buckle makes for easy one-handed operation. It also comes with a camera mount that attaches to the top of the helmet with a Velcro strap, and Lazer’s Universal LED light can be mounted to the back of the helmet for enhanced visibility.

The Lazer Jackal KinetiCore has an adjustable visor that is designed to stow goggles when not in use and it has no problem accommodating them when flipped up in its highest position. At the back of the helmet, a rubber goggle grip pad keeps your strap securely in place. By the temples, they’ve specifically shaped the shell with recesses to prevent sunglass arms from making contact.

If you’re interested in trying something different, the Lazer Jackal KinetiCore is worth a serious look. It’s priced lower than most high-end models while offering good looks and highly rated protection.

Smith makes a full range of cycling helmets, with the Engage 2 ($130) falling at the lower end of the price spectrum in their line of mountain bike half-shells. Unlike the futuristic Forefront 2, the Engage 2 has a more traditional look with significantly less Koroyd in its design, and it costs less than half the price.

Still, it has everything we look for in a modern half-shell helmet with a look and feel that exceeds the asking price. It comes in four shell sizes to fit heads between 51 and 65 cm, and six color options, including the Matte Slate/Fools Gold we tested.

The shell has a fairly deep fit with good coverage at the sides and back of the head. The polycarbonate shell wraps all the way around the EPS foam, and there are two strips of Koroyd strategically placed on the sides of the helmet. Smith incorporated a MIPS Evolve Core liner for rotational impact protection, and the Vaporfit harness connects to it for a nice 360-degree adjustment system. It has a well-made feel and the judicious use of Koroyd isn’t a negative, in our opinion.

Less Koroyd in the construction means that more of the vents are wide-open, and the Engage 2’s ventilation is quite good. The 21 vents allow plenty of air to pass through, with the 4 at the front providing a nice breeze at the top of the forehead. It has an agreeable shape that should work for most heads, and we never experienced any pressure points or quirks in the fit. The padding is minimal but well-placed, adding to the comfort.

The visor is adjustable with three positions to suit your needs. The highest position makes it possible to fit goggles when not in use or stash some sunglasses. You can squeeze some sunglass arms into the outermost front vents as well, although we found this didn’t work with all the sunglasses we tried. The straps offer plenty of adjustability at the ears and the chin, but we found it difficult to get the splitter to make the straps sit completely flat by the ears.

Regardless, we feel the Smith Engage 2 is a great helmet that will suit most riders’ needs and sells for a budget-friendly price of just $130.