The 10 Best Mountain Bike Helmets of 2023
By: Colin Edwards: Bike Buyer | April 27, 2023
Finding the perfect mountain bike helmet is a game-changer, but with so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. That's where we come in. We're all about keeping your noggin safe and looking good while doing it. Our guide to the best mountain bike helmet for you ensures that you have the right information to make an informed decision when choosing a bike helmet. Although all helmets must meet minimum safety standards, there's a world of difference in fit, features, and additional safety tech. When searching for the perfect lid, don't forget to consider factors like ventilation, weight, comfort, and extra protection like MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System).
New This Year:
This year, MIPS continues to reign supreme, providing riders with top-notch protection. Among our curated selection, Troy Lee Designs and Oakley have stepped up their game with exciting product updates, while other fan-favorite brands have spiced up their lineups with fresh colors. The 2023 mountain bike helmets are all about balancing lightweight design, breathability, and stellar protection. Stay ahead of the curve with the latest helmet tech and make a smart choice for your off-road escapades.
Troy Lee Designs Flowline SE MIPS
The Troy Lee Designs Flowline SE MIPS Bike Helmet improves upon their fantastic A2 with even more features at a lower price. Known for superior fit and comfort, Troy Lee Designs has outdone itself with this half shell, updating--but maintaining--its signature style. Like the Flowline, the SE has MIPS, excellent ventilation, and that signature TLD look but adds dual-density EPS foam, a magnetic Fidlock buckle, and an anti-microbial liner. There's no better helmet at this price!
| Vents | Extra Features | Original Price |
| 14 | Dual-Density EPS Impact-Absorbing Liner | $159.99 |
Oakley DRT5 Maven
The Oakley DRT5 Maven Bike Helmet is the ultimate mountain bike headgear for adrenaline junkies and style mavens alike. With its sleek and aerodynamic design, this lightweight helmet (60 grams lighter than the regular DRT5) will turn heads on any trail. And with Oakley's signature attention to detail and quality craftsmanship, you can ride confidently knowing you're protected by the best in the biz. Get ready to conquer the mountains in style with the lighter weight and Iridium® coated badging of the elevated DRT5 Maven.
| Vents | Extra Features | Original Price |
| 19 | Eyewear Storage | $205 |
Smith Forefront 2 MIPS
This season, Smith took their best-in-class Forefront helmet back to the drawing board. Extending the lightweight Koroyd protection to the back of the head, all while adding a 3-point visor and perfectly placed channels for optimized adjustability and goggle or sunglasses storage, the all-new Smith Forefront 2 MIPS Bike Helmet is better than ever. The refined, top-tier design and incredible materials used in the Smith Forefront 2 MIPS Bike Helmet make it one of, if not the most complete mountain bike helmet in the game!
| Vents | Extra Features | Original Price |
| 20 optimized vents | Lightweight Koroyd construction | $250 |
Sweet Protection Bushwhacker 2VI MIPS
The all-new Sweet Protection Bushwhacker 2Vi MIPS Bike Helmet is packed with tech and is even triple-certified to meet and exceed e-bike standards. Built on Sweet Protection's high-performance 2Vi® platform, this latest and greatest Bushwhacker boasts a 4-piece shell construction with the lightest and most advanced MIPS® Air technology, integrated Impact Shields, and an updated 360 Occigrip Fit System for fine tuned comfort. So whether you're smashing DH trails or digging deep to top out on a climb, you can rest assured that the Bushwhacker 2Vi MIPS Bike Helmet has everything you need for the highest level of mountain biking.
| Vents | Extra Features | Original Price |
| STACC Ventilation | MIPS Air | $250 |
POC Kortal
The POC Kortal Bike Helmet offers complete protection for trail and enduro riding with a 360° adjustment system and seamless integration with your goggles and sunnies. Add uninterrupted ventilation and a patented break-away visor, and it's clear this is one of the best choices around for serious riders.
| Vents | Extra Features | Original Price |
| Uninterrupted Ventilation | Break Away Visor | $200 |
IXS Trigger AM MIPS
A fully certified all mountain helmet with massive venting and tons of on-trail adjustability, the IXS Trigger AM MIPS Bike Helmet keeps your noggin protected in style. The integrated suspension system ensures total comfort on the rowdiest descents. MIPS technology protects you from collisions at unexpected angles, and the 3-level visor makes it easy to pair the Trigger AM with your favorite sunnies or goggles.
| Vents | Extra Features | Original Price |
| External and Internal Channels | ERGOFIT ULTRA fit adjustment | $199 |
Giro Montaro II MIPS
The Giro Montaro II Mips Bike Helmet is the proven classic you want on your noggin. MIPS® technology reduces the impact of rotational forces on your brain, and the in-mold polycarbonate shell with EPS foam is compact without sacrificing coverage. In addition, 16 vents and the new Roc Loc® 5 Air System create airflow between your head and the shell for easy breezy riding all year.
| Vents | Extra Features | Original Price |
| 16 | Roc Loc Air Fit System | $159.95 |
Fox Speedframe Pro MIPS
It's a small thing, but when you see yourself reflected in a window in the parking lot, the Fox Speedframe Pro MIPS Bike Helmet looks really good. You can head onto the trail confident that your helmet is stacked with MIPS and a comfy liner, or you can do another lap of the lot to look at yourself.
| Vents | Extra Features | Original Price |
| Optimized Venting | Varizorb EPS Liner | $189.95 |
Smith Engage MIPS
The Smith Engage MIPS Bike Helmet is the key to unlocking your potential and engaging in the ride. Lightweight Koroyd® provides energy absorption, and MIPS reduces rotational forces on the brain in a crash. In addition, AirEvac™ keeps your vision crystal clear, and your eyewear integrates seamlessly with the helmet for hassle-free focus and confidence on every trail.
| Vents | Extra Features | Original Price |
| 21 Fixed Vents | Lightweight Koroyd Construction | $120 |
Troy Lee Designs Flowline MIPS
TheTroy Lee Designs Flowline MIPS Bike Helmet improves upon the legendary A1, with more features at a lower price. Known for superior fit and comfort, Troy Lee Designs has outdone themselves with this half shell, updating--but maintaining--their signature style. With MIPS, ventilation, and dialed looks, this is the best entry-level helmet they've ever offered. Long live the A1, and all hail the Flowline!
| Vents | Extra Features | Original Price |
| 14 Hi-Flow | Extended Coverage Enduro Design | $119.99 |
Learn More With Our Other Bike Guides:
How to Choose a Mountain Bike
Mountain Bike Sizing and Fit Guide
How to Get Started Mountain Biking
How to Choose a Mountain Bike Wheel Size
Mountain Bike Suspension Basics
Women's Mountain Bike Buyer's Guide
How To Get Started Gravel Biking
Electric Mountain Bike Buyer's Guide
Classes of eBikes
Travel Guides - Where to Mountain Bike
Travel Guides - Where to Ride eBikes
Mountain Bike Cockpit Setup & Seat Height
How to Choose a Mountain Bike Dropper Post
How to Choose Mountain Bike Tires
How to Choose Mountain Bike Handlebars
How to Choose Mountain Bike Pedals
How to Choose Clipless Pedals, Shoes & Cleats
How to Choose a Bike Seat / Saddle
Women's Mountain Bike Gear & Clothing Guide
How to Choose MTB Knee Pads
Bike Helmet Size & Fit Guide
How to Choose Bike Shoes
Shimano Groupset Hierarchy Explained
SRAM Groupset Hierarchy Explained
SRAM vs Shimano Groupsets Compared
What to Bring Mountain Biking
What to Wear Mountain Biking
Mountain Bike Tire Pressure Guide
Mountain Bike Maintenance Schedule
How to Clean a Mountain Bike
How to Change Bike Pedals
How to Bleed SRAM Brakes
How to Bleed Shimano Brakes
How to Convert to Tubeless Tires
How to Replace Internal Cable Housing
How to Adjust Your Rear Derailleur
How to Replace a Bike Chain
How to Fix Bike Creaks & Noises
The Selection Process:
Our bike buyer has an endless amount of knowledge on all things bike stemming from years of experience in the bike industry in tandem with their countless hours out on the dirt, gravel, and tarmac. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Colin Edwards
Meet Colin Edwards, evo's in-house Bike Buyer and mountain biking aficionado. With 15+ years of e-commerce buying experience under his belt, Colin is the go-to guy for all things related to "Riding Dirt." He's worked across various categories, including bike, snowboard, travel, climbing, and surfing, giving him the know-how to recognize and select top-notch mountain biking products for evo's customers.
Colin's been shredding trails since he was a kid, starting on his trusty hardtail Trek 800 Sport. Born and raised in Utah, he recently made the move to Bellingham, WA with his partner, Kenz. Colin's real-world biking experience, combined with his background in product trends, relationship building, and sales analysis, makes him an invaluable asset to the evo team.
When he's not busy handpicking the raddest gear, you'll find Colin ripping through PNW trails or hunting for the world's best dirt. And when the snow falls, he's all about snowboarding. Colin also loves trail running and exploring the PNW's stunning landscape with his two dogs and Kenz.
With Colin's expertise and passion fueling evo's mountain biking selection, you can trust that his recommendations are spot-on and tailored to the evo community's adventurous spirit.
