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Are you in need of the best bike helmet for road, mountain, recreational riding, or commuting? Our dedicated team of cycling experts has spent the last decade rigorously testing hundreds of bike helmets. Each model was meticulously evaluated for protection, ventilation, comfort, and durability.
The Giro Fixture II MIPS is our top pick for everyday riding. This versatile helmet offers a high level of protection, comfort, and great value. Whether you're on the trails or bike paths, it performs exceptionally well. The Retrospec CM-1 is our recommended commuting model for those on a tight budget. It not only looks stylish but also proves to be one of the most durable helmets we've tested.
If you like rippin' up or down the mountain or forest trails, check out our recommendations for mountain bike helmets. For road cyclists, our road bike helmet review is comprehensive and has today's lightest and sleekest options. If you're looking to save a few bucks, our budget bike helmet review has some great options that are light on the wallet.
Editor's note: On November 4, 2024, we re-organized this review to add more clear specs and recommendations.
We were so impressed with the Giro Fixture II MIPS that it earned our Best Budget Helmet pick. This mountain bike-style helmet impressed us with its deep fit, extremely adjustable harness system, and MIPS rotational impact system. The MIPS system features a plastic insert designed to rotate inside the foam shell upon impact to help absorb the blow, providing an extra layer of safety. This is an affordable helmet with MIPS protection, so it stands out among budget-friendly helmets. We were impressed by the polished and thoughtful design, especially considering how much extra head coverage this helmet has. Its look and feel are reminiscent of Giro's more expensive half-shell mountain bike helmets. The in-mold construction fuses the polycarbonate out shell with the EPS foam, giving it a clean finish and durable feel. With 16 vents, it is surprisingly well-ventilated, and the large visor works well to shield your eyes from the sun or keep the brush out of your face on tight and twisty trails. The Fixture II also comes in various fun colors to match your kit.
We looked hard to find flaws in the Fixture II's design but couldn't find much. While not cheap, it's still an impressive bargain, given its quality construction, protective features, and good looks. Some might find the non-adjustable, sewed ear splitter straps annoying, but we didn't find them problematic during testing. The only other potential issue we found with this helmet is sizing. Only two sizes are available: the 54-61-centimeter “Universal Adult” size and the 58-65-centimeter “Universal XL” size. All of our testers could find a comfortable fit with the Universal Adult size, no matter their head shape or size. However, we've seen universally sized helmets that don't work for everyone. This sleek all-around helmet works for any cycling, whether tackling mountain bike trails or the bike path to and from work. Another versatile helmet we love is the Smith Persist MIPS. It's a great value helmet that also comes with MIPS and an impressive lightweight construction. Similar to the Giro fixture II, the Smith Persist can be used across a variety of disciplines, providing excellent value no matter the type of biking.
The Fixture II MIPS is a killer value for a helmet with the looks, coverage, and protective features typically reserved for more expensive lids.
The Retrospec CM-1 is an inexpensive, classic, high-quality helmet. This is a straightforward helmet that will protect your head while you ride. We like this because it's incredibly versatile. It works for commuting, skating, biking, and much more, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a variety of cycling activities. It provides much value for a basic, reliable helmet to keep your head safe, with plenty of interior padding and a thick EPS foam shell attached to a scuff-resistant ABS outer liner. The simple design means there isn't much that could go wrong with this. The CPSC-certified EPS shell is the thickest in our testing, so it should do well to protect your head during impact. It comes in small, medium, and large sizes that fit heads from 51-63 centimeters in circumference. The CM-1 includes interchangeable pads, allowing you to customize the fit depending on your head shape. The chin buckle adjusts easily to get a secure fit, and the straps come with sliding adjustable ear-splitter clips to dial in the fit around your ears and sit flat on the side of your face. Our testers all thought this was one of the most comfortable helmets because of the thick padding.
While the CM-1 is an excellent value, the design has some drawbacks. With a massive EPS shell, thick padding, and few air vents, this helmet can get hot on long rides or warmer days. We avoided it on the hottest days since it made us sweat so much on longer rides. Short morning and evening commutes were never a problem, but we avoided this for more intense cycling. We are concerned about the ABS outer shell separating from the EPS foam over time. Although we didn't see any evidence of separation during testing, this is an issue we've had with this style of helmet. Most adhesives will eventually stop working over time when exposed to heat. But if you avoid leaving this in the sun when you aren't wearing it, you can minimize this risk of separation. Despite those concerns, this helmet is an excellent value that will serve anyone, from aspiring BMXers to commuters. Another option we like for a wide range of different uses is the Giro Register MIPS. It's a budget-friendly helmet equipped with MIPS and a detachable visor, all in an affordable package.
We found the Retrospec CM-1 comfortable for urban rides or short commutes.
The Giro Manifest Spherical is our top choice for a bike helmet. “If you're looking for the best helmet available, look no further,” our tester said. Giro has created a unique model with everything we've expected from a high-end, half-shell helmet. It has a sleek, well-executed design. It uses the MIPS Spherical rotational impact system, which comprises two separate EPS foam shells connected with elastomers. These foam shells have different densities and rotate against each other in an angular impact, much like a ball and socket joint. The interior foam shell extends low on the back and sides of the head to provide extended coverage for mountain biking, and we found it to fit a wide variety of head shapes comfortably. Large air vents and interior channels provide some of the best ventilation we've seen in a mountain bike helmet, and the interior padding does a great job of absorbing and wicking sweat.
We had no performance issues with the Manifest during testing. Its weight is average, but we didn't notice it on the trail, and we feel that the dual-shell design's protection is worth the minor weight penalty. We're also not very concerned about some added weight for a trail helmet that does it all. The price tag might seem high at first glance, but realistically, it's comparable to other high-end mountain bike helmets. The price is justified since this helmet outperformed all the other premium mountain bike helmets. If you're in the market for a top-tier mountain bike helmet but would like to save a few dollars, a great alternative is the Fox Racing Speedframe Pro. Attributes such as a 5-star rating from Virginia Tech's safety study, MIPS rotational impact system, and tons of adjustability make it a viable alternative if you need a new high-end mountain bike helmet.
The Giro Radix MIPS is the latest iteration of functional, affordable, mid-range helmets from Giro. It has the shell shape of a classic mountain bike helmet, fits comfortably, and has great features for cyclists. This affordable helmet has a versatile fit and feels remarkably secure when you put it on. Folks with a variety of head sizes and shapes liked its fit. Giro's Roc Loc harness is one of our favorite fit adjustment systems that we've tested, allowing you to dial in the fit to your exact preference. The MIPS internal liner protects from rotational forces in case of a crash, and the EPS shell offers excellent coverage. The Radix MIPS is also one of the lightest mountain bike helmets we tested, with a large weighing just 360 grams.
While this is a versatile and protective helmet, the Radix MIPS isn't quite as burly as some beefier mountain bike helmets designed for going fast downhill. The traditional shell shape covers less of the back and sides of the head than other helmets. Also, the visor is smaller and flimsier compared to some helmets. We don't recommend this helmet for aggressive all-mountain riding; we find it best for more general cross-country and trail riding. If you need more protection for gravity-filled days, check out the Giro Tyrant Spherical, which bridges the gap between trail and downhill-oriented riding. It offers incredible value and protection without breaking the bank.
Velocis Updates
Bontrager has rebranded this helmet under their sister company, Trek. It's now called the Trek Velocis MIPS, and while the design is quite similar, there are a few differences. The new model is lighter weight (about 15 grams), and the ventilation channels have better airflow. We're linking to the Trek Velocis MIPS in our review.
The Trek Velocis MIPS is shockingly comfortable all day long, and its ventilation is some of our best, keeping your head cool on long, hot rides. The chin straps are easy to adjust, and you can easily center the adjustment buckle. We also love the simple BOA dial to adjust the fit around the head. It allowed us to evenly tension this helmet around our heads and create a snug yet comfortable fit. The minimalist 37.5 fit padding has fewer contact points than many helmets, which makes you feel like the helmet is floating just above your head. The Velocis has a full-coverage polycarbonate shell that doesn't leave any vulnerable EPS foam exposed to potential dings or dents. Plus, it has MIPS technology to add extra protection to that noggin if you crash. This helmet has a velcro visor and sunglasses port, which we found extra handy for evening rides. With all these features, this is still one of the lightest helmets we tested. The duotone color design looks fast, and looking fast helps you ride faster, right?
While the internal recessed vent design adds bulk, we loved the cooling ventilation system. Even our sweatiest testers noticed a significant difference in the cool air channels. They reduce wind roar, too, so we can live with the added bulk. The Velocis is quite expensive, but the innovative ventilation design is worth the price for long rides in the heat. If price is a concern and ventilation is not, check out the Lazer Tonic Kineticore, which is a little lighter and a fraction of the cost.
The Specialized S-Works Prevail 3 is a road bike helmet that stands out for its unique ventilation system. Woven aramid fiber bridges replace more traditional foam ones and create optimal airflow. During our testing, we didn't experience any hotspots and found that the liner pads wick away moisture easily. “If it's ventilation you're after,” our tester said, “you can't beat it.” We love the smooth dial and find it easy to make minute adjustments to achieve the perfect fit.
As with many innovative products, the unique design may not be the right choice for every rider. The sizing in this helmet may be tricky to get the hang of, and users with more rounded head shapes may not find the flatter top as comfortable, creating unnecessary pressure on the top of the head. We recommend trying on this helmet before purchasing it to ensure this will not be a problem. The Y-buckles on the Prevail 3 are not movable, limiting the helmet's adjustability. This helmet may not be the perfect choice for every rider. However, if you can find a comfortable fit and want maximum airflow around your head, the Prevail 3 is a great option. If cost is a key concern, the Lazer Z-1 MIPS is about half the price and has excellent ventilation.
At a much lower price than many competitors, Specialized Airnet MIPS achieves noteworthy ventilation. It feels solid and comfortable on your head while keeping you cool. It has all the standard features you would expect and some special extras like sunglass grippers and the ability to add on a soft visor.
While we love the comfort and ventilation, this helmet is not light compared to its pricier, higher-end rivals. We tested a size large, and it's roughly 60 grams heavier than many of the higher-scoring models. Nobody would describe this as a modern or sleek design. One of our testers says this helmet “looks a bit dated”. But if comfort and ventilation are your top priorities, this is the best helmet for the price. If weight is the top priority, see our other top-value pick, the Lazer Tonic Kineticore, which scored slightly lower but is much lighter.
We've tested many well-ventilated helmets, but the Specialized Ambush 2 is the best in this category. Specialized claims have been made to use computational fluid dynamic modeling to optimize the airflow with this helmet's design. This is noticeable immediately when you roll forward, and you'll feel the air moving over your head through the helmet. Even at low speeds, you can feel air moving from your forehead through the back of this helmet. Also, the MIPS SL rotational impact protection system doesn't require an internal plastic liner. This further enhances the ventilation effect since no plastic sheet blocks the wind. We had no sweating or excess heat issues while wearing this, even on long, hot, exposed climbs. But breathability isn't all this has to offer; this was one of the highest-performing mountain bike models in every category. It has some great features, such as a well-designed eyewear holder: two small vent ports on the front of the helmet have rubber flaps to hold your glasses securely. This lets you easily stash your sunglasses beneath the visor without accidentally dropping them on rough trail sections. The helmet also has a highly adjustable strap, a harness system, and a burly visor.
However, the visor on the Ambush 2 is not adjustable. But it easily comes off and back on, so it shouldn't break in a crash. The visor's high position on the helmet doesn't provide as much protection from the sun at lower angles, though. The adjustable harness works well to give a secure fit, but how it connects to the back of the helmet doesn't allow you to position it as low as some models. Regardless of these minor flaws, this is an excellent model with awesome features that beat other brands' flagship models in price. If an adjustable visor is a must-have, another great ventilating helmet is the POC Kortal Race MIPS. A 3-position visor along with 17 total vents makes the Poc Kortal Race a viable alternative to the Ambush 2.
The Smith Mainline MIPS is a relatively new lightweight full-face model designed with Smith's professional enduro racers. For a full-face helmet, it's pretty light. Not the lightest. But close. It also has a more substantial, confidence-inspiring feel than some enduro helmets. Smith uses Koroyd in the construction to maintain high levels of coverage, impact protection, andand ventilation. This airflow is critical when pedaling hard uphill in the middle of an enduro stage or for those climbs in the middle of your shuttle lap. It feels robust and has a DH certification. It finds the ideal balance of weight, ventilation, comfort, and protection.
The Mainline isn't perfect. If you're most concerned about ventilation, there are better options in the full-face helmet world. Though this helmet has above-average airflow, some other models breathed even better. Also, this isn't the best option for dedicated downhill racing or getting big air at the bike park. While it is downhill certified, getting a heavier-duty DH-specific helmet is better for these applications. As you might expect, this option is pricey. But it's a high-quality, lightweight, full-face helmet, so the asking price is reasonable when you consider this. If you're looking for a helmet that provides the highest level of protection during extreme downhill use, check out the Fox Rampage Pro Carbon MIPS. Use it for downhill racing, park lapping, or any application that needs more protection and can sacrifice ventilation and weight.
The Troy Lee Designs D3 Fiberlite delivers high performance at a low price. It has many of the same features as the more expensive Troy Lee Designs models but packages them in a more affordable fiberglass shell. It nails the quality and price balance. It delivers loads of comfort with plenty of padding. And it has a fit all our testers loved. The heavier construction inspires confidence when firing down a trail. We felt secure and well-protected at high speeds and while hitting jumps in this helmet.
The D3 Fiberlite is one of the heaviest helmets in our review, but as our lead tester says, “the heavier weight makes it feel sturdier and more robust.” And since this helmet is purely for downhill riding, that extra weight shouldn't be an issue. It's at home in the bike park and advanced freeriding. Also, the ventilation was below average. And while it provides excellent protection, it doesn't come with any rotational impact protection system. If price isn't a concern and you are after a downhill helmet with more versatility, the Fox Racing Proframe RS is another great choice. The Proframe is downhill-certified while still being light enough to use when pedaling. While it's not the first choice for the most aggressive riders, it's a great option for those who value weight while still offering adequate protection.
The D3 Fiberlite has a robust and substantial feel and costs less than most other burly DH-oriented helmets.
Credit: Pat Donahue
How We Test Bike Helmets
Over the years here at GearLab, we've tested more bike helmets than we can count. We tested helmets on the trails, on mountain roads, on our commutes, and everywhere else our bikes could take us. For this review, we compiled test results from all of our bike helmet testing, all purchased at retail prices from many of the same popular merchants where you likely shop. Our team tested and rated all of these helmets for different qualities depending on the model type and its intended use. We put them on and adjusted them to fit. We inspected their construction. We weighed them all. And of course, we wore them while riding our bikes. In short, we put these helmets through the wringer to find the best.
We use the following performance metrics for scoring:
Protection
Comfort
Ventilation
Features
Weight
Durability
Why Trust GearLab
Testing for this review is led by a team of avid road cyclists, downhillers, and trail mountain bikers. Pat Donahue is a former Senior Mountain Bike Review Editor at OutdoorGearLab and has been obsessed with mountain biking for more than 20 years and has worked in the bicycle industry for over 8. He has extensive experience in enduro and downhill racing, as well as riding for fun, and uses his knowledge to inform our full face helmet recommendations. Zach Wick can be found riding and racing bikes in Santa Cruz County, and he heads our mountain bike helmet reviews. Zach has been riding, racing, and fixing bikes his whole life and has spent several years working in product development in the biking industry. Our source of info for road bike helmets comes from Luke Hollomon. Luke has been racing bikes for over 20 years, and he lives and bikes in Richmond, VA, living a (mostly) car-free lifestyle with his dog Kiwi. Whether commuting, exercising, or playing, he gets on his bike at least once every day of the year, and when not on two wheels, Luke works as a physical therapist. In addition to these three, our team of testers includes men and women who race, coach, fix, sell, and otherwise live and breathe bikes, and all know how important it is to put a lid on it!
It's never a bad time testing mountain bike helmets!
Our tester's helmet was safe and secure as we searched for a camp site.
What Type of Bike Helmet is Best For You?
Choosing the right bike helmet for your intended use is essential. You'll probably be wearing this on your head for many hours at a time, so you want to make sure it has the features and is comfortable enough to fit your needs. Though some helmets work across many general types of riding, there are some specialty helmets you'll want to consider for activities like aggressive downhill mountain biking.
If riding for long distances in hot weather, having a helmet with great ventilation can keep your head cool, so you don't end up with sweat dripping down your face. In some cases, such as downhill mountain biking, where high-speed crashes are more common, having the right helmet can prevent you from getting a severe head injury. We'll walk you through all the different types of helmets available to help you decide which ones have the right features for your needs.
Where Do You Want to Ride?
Before choosing a helmet, it's essential to know what kind of riding you will do. If you want a helmet that will be good for commuting to work or school, it will be a very different size and shape compared to a larger full-face helmet for downhill mountain biking.
Many of the helmets here fit into the “standard bike helmet” category. What we mean by “standard” is not too specifically catered to one type of bike riding. Most of the helmets in this guide will meet your needs if you're a casual rider.
But while many of these helmets certainly look like standard bike helmets, most are intended for a specific use. You don't have to have the exact right helmet for every use case, but there are certain factors you should consider if you're serious about a specific type of riding.
Road Bike Helmets
Road-specific bike helmets are typically the most lightweight and well-ventilated helmets. They have specific features designed to fit the needs of road cyclists. They usually sacrifice a little protection to be as light and breathable as possible. Since road crashes less frequently involve colliding with an object after falling off a bike, they have less protection on the back of the head than some helmets. Also, road bike helmets usually don't have an integrated visor. This is probably just tradition more than anything, but it allows you to differentiate between road and mountain helmets easily. Since road helmets typically don't have a visor, road cyclists often wear a cycling cap under their helmets to keep the sun out of their eyes.
We have tested over 100 road bike helmets over the last 13 years. Below, you can see the lineup from our latest side-by-tests, and for further details on how each model performed, check out our full review of the best road bike helmets.
You can get to some beautiful places on a road bike.
Credit: Ryan Baker
Mountain Bike Helmets
Mountain bike helmets typically have more protection than road bike helmets. A mountain bike helmet covers more of the back of the head since it's more likely you'll take a tumble during a mountain bike crash. In general, mountain bike helmets provide more significant protection than road bike helmets. This also makes them heavier, though. Also, mountain bike helmets have the potential to be less ventilated than road helmets since they have the extra material for protection. Below, you can see the latest group of MTB helmets that we have tested. While the overall score is listed below, you should read our best mountain bike helmet review to see how each model performed in each specific metric.
Mountain bike helmets are designed for high speeds on variable terrain.
Credit: Sarah Strobel
Full Face Helmets
Full-face bike helmets or downhill helmets look like motorcycle helmets, and they're designed for speeds close to what you can reach on a motorcycle. Full-face helmets prioritize protection over everything else. They cover your entire head, including your chin, so even if you go face-first into the ground, you'll be protected. Full-face helmets are the heaviest style since they have the most material. And because they're not designed for the rider to be doing much pedaling, they have the potential to be quite hot.
If you're prone to riding aggressive terrain we recommend a quality full face helmet.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Skate Helmets
Skate helmets are helmets that cover the top and back of your head and look like the helmet you'd wear when roller skating or skateboarding. These helmets are usually heavier and less well ventilated. But, they have a less sporty look to them, so they're great for bike commuters who don't want to look like a competitive cyclist.
The skate-style Thousand Heritage helmet sports a unique look.
Credit: Zach Wick
How to Pick the Best Bike Helmet for You
Once you've figured out the helmet style that best suits your needs, looking at the specific design features of different individual models will help you narrow down the field considerably.
The classic style makes it an ideal choice for long rides or simply cruising around town.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Protection
The entire reason you wear a helmet is to keep your head safe. So, this is the most important category when it comes to helmets. Any helmet from a reputable manufacturer should protect your head to a minimum standard, but we aren't that certification agency. We're not crash test dummies, either, and aren't going out getting in crashes while wearing these helmets to see how well they protect our heads. Our analysis of a helmet's protection is based on its overall construction quality, head coverage, and additional protective features like a rotational impact system. Keep in mind that every helmet in our review is certified through the CPSC Bicycle standard.
Head coverage varies and affects protection in a crash. Some helmets we cover here protect more of the back of the head than others. Full-face helmets provide the most head coverage, followed by mountain bike and skate helmets. Road bike helmets offer the least overall protection, generally.
Most of today's bike helmets are constructed with Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam that is only designed to withstand one significant impact. The foam liner in these helmets is designed to compress and get crushed while absorbing the forces of impact. Once a helmet is cracked or impacted, you should replace it as it will no longer provide the same protection. Helmets made using Expanded Polypropylene (EPP), often found in skate helmets, have a more rubbery rebound with multi-impact capability. You can take more hits in these helmets without losing their form and performance, but your skull will absorb more of the impact on each hit.
The Tectal Race has excellent coverage.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
How a helmet is constructed also contributes to how well it protects. All models have an in-mold construction, with a polycarbonate shell wrapped around an EPS foam liner. A lot of today's newer helmets have dual-density foam designs with a mix of EPS and EPP foam. This is to better help with impacts at both high and low-speed impacts. Some helmets use multiple types of foam to help with rotational impacts, too.
Rotational Impact Protection Systems
Rotational impact protection systems are being incorporated in more and more helmets. MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) was the first type of rotational impact protection system to come to the market. Recently, many other technologies have been introduced in other helmets. Leatt developed Turbine, a 100% designed Smartshock; Kali implemented LDL; Bontrager made WaveCel; and 6D designed ODS. Some designs, like Smartshock, LDL, and 6D, employ direct and rotational impact protection, while the original MIPS system is designed strictly to help with rotational impacts.
Which technology is best? The jury is still out. We recommend doing some research and deciding for yourself, but they will all provide more protection than a helmet without rotational impact protection. The cost of these systems has come down recently, too. They only add about 5-10% to the price of a helmet, so we definitely think they're worth the increased price now. The whole point of a helmet is to protect your brain, isn't it?
Most helmets in our lineup have rotational impact protection of some kind.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Comfort
Some cyclists spend long days in the saddle, so a comfortable helmet is crucial if this is you. Ideally, you shouldn't notice your helmet once you put it on, and you shouldn't think about it during your ride. Even though head sizes and shapes vary from rider to rider, our testers consistently found certain design elements that helped a helmet fit comfortably on different shaped heads, adding to the overall comfort regardless of the user.
Padding design, full circumference headband adjustability, and chinstrap design all play an essential role in the comfort of a helmet. Since the headband adjustment systems on most helmets tighten in the back and push the head against the front of the helmet, good padding is essential in the forehead and temple areas. While quality padding is important, we have found during all our testing that the location and coverage of the padding, along with the shape of the foam liner, were more important than the thickness of the padding itself.
Comfort is more than just the foam padding on the inside of the helmet, but that's part of it.
Credit: Zach Wick
The best internal headband system designs make a complete loop around the head. Some helmets only do a partial circle around the head and anchor into the helmet liner near the temples. This isn't as comfortable, generally.
Chinstrap design also plays a massive role in the comfort of a helmet. Our testing team appreciates helmets that incorporate thinner webbing straps and a Y-buckle, allowing the straps to lie flat against the face.
The Ambush 2 straps stay flat and give your ears room.
Credit: Zach Wick
Adjustability
A helmet must fit well to be comfortable and protect you in case of a crash. If it slips off your head during impact, it's not doing its job. Correct fore/aft positioning, headband tightness, and chinstrap adjustment will help your helmet stay on your head where you need it to be so it can protect your head.
The best helmets have a chinstrap system that attaches under the chin and splits into two straps in front and behind the ear, where the straps attach to the helmet. Usually, the straps are joined by a plastic Y-buckle just below the ear. On many helmets, the Y-buckle allows you to adjust the straps in front and behind the ear. Helmets that have an adjustable Y-buckle usually earn better scores in our adjustability metric. However, some helmets without an adjustable Y-buckle still seem to fit a wide variety of head shapes and sizes.
Most helmets have an adjustable dial near the back to tighten and loosen the helmet's headband. While the tension dials usually work as intended, some are harder to use, making them more challenging to use while wearing gloves or with cold hands.
The best dials are easily accessible and easy to operate with gloves. It's also crucial that these adjustment dials do not cause discomfort in the neck when the neck is flexed, like when you're riding.
The Roc Loc harness adjustment pulls tension evenly around the head for a secure fit.
Credit: Kelby Spore
Weight
Some cycling pursuits are more weight-conscious than others, but a lightweight helmet requires your neck to support less weight. Weight, therefore, will affect the comfort of a helmet. Yes, extra grams can slow you down on uphill climbs, too. But we think comfort is the most important benefit of a lightweight helmet.
However, the lighter a helmet is, the less material there will be to protect your head in a crash. More material equals more protection. Generally, road bike helmets are the most lightweight and least protective. Mountain bike helmets, which provide better head coverage, are typically heavier. Full-face helmets cover most of your head, so they give the most protection and weigh the most.
Our size M/L helmet weighed 401-grams. Not the lightest, but pretty light considering its coverage and robust feel.
Credit: Jeremy Benson
Ventilation
A well-ventilated helmet helps keep your head cooler, which keeps your overall body temperature down. Ventilation, therefore, enhances the comfort and performance of a helmet. The best-ventilated helmets are not always those with the most vents, either. Some helmets combine well-placed vents with channels built into the helmet's internal design to create the best airflow. On some helmets, the inner MIPS liner can block some air vents. The best MIPS helmets have a MIPS liner with holes that line up with a helmet's vents.
Look at all those vents!
Credit: Ryan Baker
Durability
Most helmets use a soft EPS foam liner that is susceptible to abrasion. Durable helmets use a design that wraps the shell around the base of the foam, which leaves very little of the liner exposed to dents and dings. This design keeps helmets relatively protected from minor everyday dings. However, this extra durability measure also adds to the helmet's weight.
All signs indicate that this helmet will hold up to regular use.
Credit: Zach Wick
No matter how well constructed, most bike helmets are designed to function for a single impact. So, if you get in a crash and your helmet makes an impact with something, you should replace it to be safe. Some helmet manufacturers even have a crash replacement program to encourage you not to keep wearing a helmet that might not protect you as well the next time you need it.
Since helmets are single-impact, our durability assessments look at how well a helmet can withstand the daily abuses of minor bumps and scrapes.
Happy riding!
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Conclusion
This guide should help make your helmet-buying decision a little bit easier. This list of helmets is the best of the best. So, choose the one from this list that fits your needs the best and get pedaling. Rest assured, we will keep buying, using, and reviewing the best helmets in the industry to keep this list current.
