Best mountain bike full face and convertible helmets in 2022

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Mountain bike helmet design has evolved significantly in the last few years, and they’re now safer and more comfortable than ever. If you’re looking for more protection, for bike park riding, enduro and downhill racing, or just peace of mind, you’ll want to check out our pick of the best full-face and convertible mountain bike helmets – we’ve tested extensively to bring you this guide.

If you’re more of a trail rider and aren’t looking for full-face protection, check out our list of the best mountain bike helmets that are ideal for riding your local trails or all-mountain adventures.

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Best helmet for hot conditions

Weight: 747g | Sizes: S, M, L, XL | Rating: 10/10

Pros: Good value for money, excellent ventilation, MIPS, secure fit, easy to put on

Cons: Not as adjustable as some

You can pedal in it without feeling like you’re on a turbo trainer in a sauna, it’s light enough that you don’t feel restricted in your movement and it offers better protection than an open-face trail helmet.

As there’s no retention device, you may need to play about with different pad thicknesses to get a perfect fit with the Proframe. The brow pad, neck roll and cheek pads are all available in a variety of sizes are spares are included in the box to let you customise your fit.

The best thing about the Proframe though? It’s the ventilation. There so much airflow to your mouth that it’s difficult to believe that you’re wearing a full-face. For days in the bike park or trips to the alps it’s the perfect foil. For full-face protection with open-face ventilation, we’d not hesitate to take the Fox Racing ProFrame.

Read our full test review of the Fox ProFrame

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Best for lightweight full-face protection

Weight: 570g | Sizes: XS-S, M-L, L-XL | Rating: 10

Pros: Incredibly light weight, high protection rating, plenty of ventilation, flexible adjustable visor, RECCO

Cons: DH racers might want less exposed EPS

Italian protection legend Dainese is back with the world’s lightest ever DH-certified full face cycling helmet. Called the Linea 01, it targets a new breed of long travel e-biker or trail rider looking for extra coverage. 

Linea 01’s heavily-vented shell uses a polycarbonate outer layer on top of an EPS liner, but inside, a key to the exceptionally low weight (100g or so less than rivals) is an embedded nylon exo-skeleton that bolsters penetration resistance and overall strength. Dainese also uses different EPS densities in different zones to optimise protection, thick foam cheek pads to protect against the chinbar getting smashed into your jaw and the latest (thinner) MIPs rotating liner.

A flexible (adjustable) visor can also distort in a crash to avoid accelerating forces or extra twisting loads. It also has RECCO and NFC TwiceMe technology carried over from snowsports. 

Extensive vents aid air flow and cooling, including on the chinbar, where a huge mouth port pumps cooling air into the face. The rear retention dial moves with a three-height headband, and there’s a padded chinstrap using FIdlock’s quick magnetic clasp system. 

The Linea 01 helmet is so lightweight and well vented, it’s only marginally hotter than some half shells and suitable for riding in all day (even in warm weather) if you want extra protection for e-biking, enduro or aggressive trail riding. While it’s fully certified, DH racers might still want extra material and less exposed EPS for riding usual uplifts where cooling and weight is less of a priority.

Read the full review of the Dainese Linea 01 full-face helmet

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Best for enduro and trail riding

Weight: 708g | Sizes: XS-S, M-L, XL-XXL | Rating: 9/10

Pros: Super stylish, comfortable, good ventilation, MIPS

Cons: TLD label comes at a premium.

For a full face that is properly downhill certified, the Troy Lee Designs Stage is incredibly lightweight, it’s only 90g heavier than the test winning Bell Super Air open face. TLD has been able to cut the weight and still meet the certification because it’s using a dual-density closed-cell foam in the construction – there’s a regular EPS inner layer with more resilient EPP wrapped over the top. Inside you’ll also spot the distinctive yellow MIPs liner, which in the Stage moves quite freely because there is no retention device anchoring it in place.

Instead to fine tune the fit, Troy Lee relies on an array of different pad sizes – you get two different thickness neck rolls, three jaw pads and two liners included in the box, and the Stage is also available in three sizes. That said it does come up a little small, so if you’re borderline we’d recommend going up a size.

At pretty much half the weight of the Giro Switchblade and Leatt Enduro 4.0, the Stage is an incredibly easy wear. The visibility is so good that we quickly forgot we were wearing a full face. With the massive number of vents especially in and around the chin bar, we also didn’t get as hot riding this helmet even working hard on the climbs.

Like the Fox Dropframe, the Stage uses magnetic Fidlock SNAP buckle, it slots together easily and you don’t have to pull it over your head like the D-ring system used in the Giro Switchblade. The helmet has an adjustable visor, anchored by a nicely machined thumb screw. At full height there’s just about enough space to park goggles but the strap gutter is not as well defined as some.

Due to the excellent ventilation and superb fit, it really doesn’t feel like you’re wearing a full face. The only sticking point is the price. But if you’re looking for a bit more protection for enduro or trail riding, and the occasional day at the bike park, this is the one to get.

Read our full test review of the Troy Lee Stage

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New generation lightweight, DH-certified full face lid

Weight: 679g | Sizes: S/M, M/L | Rating: 9/10

Pros: Good value, plenty of airflow, lightweight

Cons: No rotational protection, only two sizes, cheek pads can pop off

Lightweight and breathable, and very well ventilated, the IXS Trigger FF is a DH-certified full-face mountain bike helmet that’s one of the lightest we’ve tested, though not quite as light as the Dainese Linea 01.

There’s no rotational protection like MIPS or other own-brand alternatives, in instead iXS relies on the more traditional in-moulded construction whereby expanded polystyrene is fused to a harder outer shell. It must be effective though, as the lid has passed extensive DH testing for impact resistance, fixing and security.

Ventilation here is ridiculously good, to the point the Trigger is actually cooler than plenty open face lids, and can even feel too chilly on long rides in wintry weather. Internal padding is well positioned and super cushy against your head. Unobtrusive cheek pads come in two sizes, but can come off too easily as the little ‘popper’ fixing method isn’t the most secure.

With class-leading airflow for a DH-certified lid, the Trigger makes a convincing case for a permanent lightweight full face.

Read our full test review of the IXS Trigger FF

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Great ventilation, fit and looks

Weight: 812g | Sizes: S, M, L, XL | Rating: 9/10

Pros: Excellent protection, from Koroyd and MIPS, great ventilation, fit and looks

Cons: Not as light as TLD Stage or Fox Proframe

The Mainline is an excellent example of how the enduro racing discipline has helped develop the modern mountain bike helmet. Sure, full face lids of yore always paid lip service to lower weight and decent ventilation but in practice they were always something you couldn’t wait to take off at any given opportunity.

The Mainline is a very modern enduro focused full face helmet. One that eschews the 2-for-1 convertible design in favour of greatly reduced overall weight and significantly increased ventilation. And we mean ventilation in both the easy-breathing and not-overheating senses.

It isn’t as light as the Fox Proframe or Troy Lee Stage but it’s not far off and, let’s be blunt, some riders will just prefer the Smith aesthetic. Which is fine by us.

Read our full test review of the Smith Mainline

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Best mountain bike convertible helmets:

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Bell Super Air Spherical

Best all-round convertible mountain bike helmet

Weight: 484g | Sizes: S, M, L | Rating: 10

Pros: Great ventilation, absorbent padding, fully adjustable visor, comfortable, plenty of protection, optional chin bar

Cons: Old-school snap clasp, need to purchase chinbar separately 

Yes, there’s something missing from the image above – the chinbar. Unfortunately you do need to buy this separately, but it does mean that if you’re looking for a truly versatile convertible helmet that works brilliantly as a trail lid too, this should be high on your list.

Bell’s new Super Air is the first trail helmet with Flex Spherical + MIPS technology. Crucially, it will move 10-15mm during an impact event but it doesn’t impact on the sizing or the fit – in fact the Bell Super Air is easily the most comfortable half shell on test. Bell’s retention device is also attached to the MIPS, so there’s no restriction of movement.

With 18 vents and four brow ports, air flow is excellent and if you do sweat there’s plenty of padding to soak it up, especially around the forehead. The visor is adjustable with room for goggles. Overall it’s comfortable, breathable, light and protective. 

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The best dual-purpose, convertible full-face helmet

Weight: 891g | Sizes: S, M, L | Rating: 10/10

Pros: DH certification, light enough and minimal enough in both modes

Cons: Bit tricky to fit the chin bar with the helmet on.

Bell was one of the first to market with a convertible helmet, so it’s appropriate that the evolution of that model delivers even greater protection and earned a perfect 10 rating. The helmet in question is the Super DH MIPS, now certified to ASTM 1952 DH full-face standards.

It uses a similar wrap-around chin bar and spring-loaded catches to the original Super 2R, but beefs everything up to create a super-sturdy and confidence-inspiring lid.

Weight has crept up a result, but it’s still well ventilated and minimal enough to ride without the chin bar on long trail rides. Then clamp on the chin bar for alpine descents or laps at the bike park.

Effectively offering two helmets in one, the Super DH is the first convertible helmet that doesn’t compromise in either configuration.

Read our full test review of the Bell Super DH

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Way lighter and better ventilated than Bell’s previous offerings

Weight: 674g | Sizes: S, M, L | Rating: 9/10

Pros: Good weight, works well as both an open face and a full face

Cons: Expensive, chin bar is a fiddle to fit.

Bell’s new helmet is stylish, versatile, comfortable and lightweight. Being nowhere near as hot or restricting as a proper DH full face, it’s nailed form and function for a trail bike or e-bike lid with added protection, but some riders will demand more security for the hassle of lugging a chinbar round. It comes with a seriously hefty price tag too.

The lid’s twist-to-tighten retention system cinches tight without wriggling and changes height to alter interior dish and tilt. Fit and padding is extremely comfortable, and sizing is as expected compared to other brands.

With 26 vents, the Super Air feels incredibly light on the head with tons of airflow. Under the three-way adjustable peak, four brow slots are especially effective.

Read our full test review of the Bell Super Air R

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MCR version is the best looking, most sorted Parachute yet

Weight: 839g | Sizes: S, M, L | Rating: 9/10

Pros: Well-built, feels sturdy

Cons: Expensive, fiddly to convert and difficult to put on with the chinbar installed.

At £300, Met’s latest do-it-all helmet certainly isn’t cheap, but quality and finish is top notch and it feels well built, with or without the chinbar. It’s the best looking and functioning Parachute yet, and feels properly sturdy and Alpine-ready in full face mode. Combine this with a good-looking, unobtrusive open face option, and it’s a very versatile combination.

MCR refers to the new chinguard mechanism, which uses magnets to orientate ‘plugs’ into ports on the main helmet. It’s reasonably solid in place, but wobbles and twists more than other convertibles. It’s easy to install once you figure out the locators, but a bit vague to fix too, so you’re never entirely sure when it’s locked down wearing the lid. We found a quick chinbar jiggle reassuring.

Padding, straps and retention dials are of the highest quality. The BOA cradle has really precise increments, and the MIPS integration and plastic webbing is all well designed. A huge peak out front is flexy and can be tipped up right out of sight, which means goggles will fit underneath easily too.

Read our full test review of the MET Parachure MCR

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How we tested mountain bike full face and convertible helmets

As well as one tester wearing each helmet on multiple rides over the last few months, the lids have done the rounds between friends and family on various test rides and photo shoots. This gives us a better consensus as to what works best on different head shapes and sizes, and also feeds in information from riders that run at different temperatures or sweat different amounts.

On top of actually riding in the helmets, the lids had to deal with extended life in the back of a van that’s often home to muddy test bikes and kit; something that represents an accelerated, real-world test scenario for the kind of knocks and scrapes all helmets are subjected to over time.

What to look for in mountain bike full face and convertible lids:

Want extra protection without getting hot-headed? You need one of the latest enduro lids. Read our guide to mountain bike full face and convertible helmets. Lightweight full face – and convertible – helmets have been around for ages, but the rise of the do-it-all riding discipline called enduro has made them way more commonplace. One added benefit being safety conscious riders can enjoy fewer weird looks rocking a full face lid at trail centres or local trails nowadays.

Like many other bike components bitten by the enduro bug, the products here mirror this by merging extra protection, full face, downhill helmets with better-ventilated, open face, XC or trail lids. And, whereas downhill helmets used to be too hot, sweaty and heavy for pedaling around in all day, this new helmet breed is aimed at exactly that with extra protection over a trail lid.

Peak

MTB peaks help keep both sun and mud and crud out of eyes and should be adjustable for tilt, stable and rattle-free. Any visor used better look good too, even though it’s hopefully not even visible by the rider while actually riding. Flexible materials and breakaway fixtures improve safety by stopping visors being a lever that can twist your neck in a crash.

Padding

Internal cushioning is essential to helmet stability and comfort, and also to heat management. Pads soak up a lot of sweat so should be removable for washing, and pay attention to materials chosen, as all fabrics are not equal in terms of next to skin comfort. Some lids rely on multiple pad densities to tune fit instead of heavier retention systems, and while thicker pads can be more comfy, they also run hotter.

Ventilation

Ports or vents are essential to increase airflow to cool the head. Most helmets use a system of intake (front) and exhaust (rear) vents to channel air through internal channels or grooves to regulate internal temperature. Used cleverly, vents can also save helmet weight and improve looks.

Chinbar attachment (where applicable)

Removable chinguards allow switching between uphill and downhill modes in selected helmets. Each system has its own unique clamp mechanism, with the best fitting quickly and easily with the helmet in place. Safety standards on chinbars range from trail riding to full DH certification.

Safety features

As well as harder shells and multiple foam densities to absorb impacts of different velocities, many lids also offer extra rotational impact protection. The best known is MIPS, which is a slippy plastic liner that slides independently of the outer shell to dissipate impact energy. Other own-brand variants exist too, all with similar aims.

Chinstrap

Securing the helmet safely is essential, but look for comfort and adjustability here and straps that aren’t too itchy, flappy or dig in ears or the jawline. Many helmets use magnetic clasps to speed up installation, although simpler plastic clasps can sometimes be lighter and less obtrusive.

Fit adjustment

A typical retention system takes the form of a compressible cradle that cinches down onto the scalp. The best will tighten one-handed, exert pressure evenly and be multi-adjustable in terms of tilt and circumference to suit all head shapes. Look for solid and sturdy adjusters too as small plastic pieces are prone to damage over time.

Protection standards

All mountain bike helmets have to pass ‘minimum standard’ tests to be sold publically. Parameters include puncture resistance, strap integrity and handling impacts of different velocities. DH-certified helmets can resist higher energy loads and stresses, but require more material (and weight) to achieve this.

Goggle parking

The ability to park goggles under peaks is a must for some and requires the room to do so. Rear goggle clips can be a bit of a gimmick though, considering elasticated goggle straps do a good enough job anyway. Some helmets also offer eyewear stow points that will be useful for glasses wearers.