The 10 Best Full Face Mountain Bike Helmets of 2023
By: Colin Edwards: Bike Buyer | May 13, 2023
Full face helmets have long been the go-to choice for mountain bikers seeking extra protection. In the past, repurposed dirt bike helmets served the purpose, offering chin bars and additional padding for safety at higher speeds and on rougher terrain. However, full face mountain bike helmets have come a long way since those early days. Modern helmets have become lighter and incorporate new safety technologies, specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of mountain bikers.
New This Year:
As the market continues to expand, so does the variety of helmet options. The 2023 trends showcase lightweight, multifunctional full face helmets that cater to trail riding, enduro riding, and all-mountain riding. MIPS technology remains a significant advantage for helmets within this category. We've compiled a list of the best full face mountain bike helmets, detailing what factors we considered when choosing them and what types of riders will appreciate each helmet's features. Whether you're an enduro rider seeking a helmet that offers extra protection for descents while remaining light and well-vented for long days of pedaling, or you're a dedicated downhiller searching for maximum protection during bike park sessions, our list includes a helmet that will keep you safe and comfortable on every ride.
Fox Proframe RS
The Fox Proframe RS Bike Helmet is better than ever thanks to a lighter, more breathable Race Spec (RS) construction and the all-new MIPS™ Integra Split technology! With two separate EPP and EPS liners, this mountain bike helmet offers even more rotational protection from fast and slow crashes, while still feeling light enough for a day of pedaling. Outfitted with a micro-adjustable BOA® 360° fit system, the Proframe RS offers a snug fit while streamlining the helmet for better ventilation. While most would be content at the top, Fox is ensuring the Proframe stays ahead of the pack with the fully overhauled Proframe RS.
| Weight | Special Features | Original Price |
| 820 g | Removable Under Visor GoPro Mount | $359.95 |
Troy Lee Designs Stage MIPS
The ultimate enduro lid has arrived - the Troy Lee Designs Stage MIPS Bike Helmet. This lightweight and versatile helmet boasts MIPS technology wrapped into a dual density EPP+EPS foam with a full face chinbar for complete protection. All this versatility and capability does not have to come without comfort. The Troy Lee Designs Stage MIPS Bike Helmet features a full padding kit and tons of channel venting to keep you cool and comfy during your runs.
| Weight | Special Features | Original Price |
| 690 g | Fidlock Magnetic Buckle System | $319.99 |
POC Otocon
Get down and dirty in the POC Otocon Bike Helmet. This full-face enduro helmet is built light but strong, with a shock-absorbing EPS and robust EPP liner for maximum safety when you take a tumble, and a breakaway visor for added neck protection. The strategically placed vents keep you nice and cool at both high and low speeds, and the cheek pads and air filter on the chin can be removed for easy cleaning when necessary. Protect yourself in the POC Otocon Bike Helmet so you can be in it for the long haul!
| Weight | Special Features | Original Price |
| 700 g | Break Away Visor | $269.95 |
Smith Mainline MIPS
The Smith Mainline MIPS Bike Helmet takes the brand headfirst into a highly contested scene, and their first full-face is a winner. As lightweight and as comfortable as their half shells, the Mainline will shock you with its airy feel. If you're challenging yourself with bigger terrain and higher speeds, the confidence you'll get from this full-face is a welcome addition. You charge, but so do dentists: rock a full-face and only see them at your six month checkups!
| Weight | Special Features | Original Price |
| 765 g | MIPS System Equipped | $310.00 |
Sweet Protection Arbitrator MIPS
Today's trail bikes are more capable than last year's DH sleds, able to tame the heaviest terrain. The consequences for making a mistake out there haven't changed though, making the Sweet Protection Arbitrator MIPS Bike Helmet a smart solution for riders who find themselves getting gnarlier than most. A carbon fiber DH helmet with MIPS, solid safety certifications, and smooth styling make this a top convertible helmet to consider, with the removable chin bar adding a huge bump in confidence and safety. Protect your grill!
| Weight | Special Features | Original Price |
| 980 g | Removable Chin Bar | $349.95 |
Giro Switchblade MIPS
The Giro Switchblade MIPS Helmet is the only removable chinbar helmet that's truly built for DH-style riding. Optimized for the descent, the Switchblade™ features a new Roc Loc® Air DH fit system with a protective dial bumper that prevents accidental adjustments on trail. Outfitted with interchangeable visors for POV camera mounting, Wind Tunnel cheek pads for extra ventilation, and hydrophilic, X-Static anti-microbial padding throughout, the Giro Switchblade MIPS Helmet gives you customizable performance with the added crash mitigating power of MIPS technology.
| Weight | Special Features | Original Price |
| 975 g | Removable Chin Bar | $279.95 |
IXS Trigger Full Face MIPS
As one of the lightest full face helmets on the market, the IXS Trigger Full Face MIPS Bike Helmet is one for all day comfort and abuse. Vortex™ molded aeration system provides consistent airflow and cooling and the integrated Fidlock™ closure system provides easy security. Plus, with the added security of MIPS technology, this helmet keeps you protected from impacts of all angles. For heavy trails or constant bike park laps, there's nothing you won't love about the IXS Trigger Full Face MIPS Bike Helmet.
| Weight | Special Features | Original Price |
| 595 g | 3-Level Visor Attitude | $289.00 - $299.00 |
Fox Rampage
Based on the pro-level Rampage Pro Carbon, the Fox Rampage Bike Helmet is a downhill certified full helmet that won't break your bank or your dome. It has an adjustable visor, a secure fit, and injection mesh vent screens to keep the airflow going without letting in any gravel or debris.
| Weight | Special Features | Original Price |
| 1160 g | Double D-ring Closure | $224.95 |
Bell Super Air R MIPS
As pioneers of the removable chin bar design, Bell has revamped the style with the Bell Super Air R MIPS Bike Helmet. Now 22% lighter and easy to click and go. Featuring leading Flex Spherical MIPS technology and superior ventilation, the Super Air R is a true all-mountain killer.
| Weight | Special Features | Original Price |
| 640 g | Wraparound Chin Bar | $299.95 |
Troy Lee Designs D4 Composite
Take a look around: the Troy Lee Designs D4 Composite MIPS Bike Helmet is on some of the most recognizable heads on the hill. From freestyle riders who launch themselves upside down on purpose to racers who pay their mortgages by going as fast as possible on a bike, the D4 is the choice of professionals in every genre. At 1050 grams, it's an ultra-lightweight full-face that's a joy to wear. There's nothing better.
| Weight | Special Features | Original Price |
| 1050 g | Break-Away Anodized Aluminum Visor Screws | $399.99 |
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.
