If you are into MTB cycling, and more specifically downhill or enduro, you may want to consider a full-face MTB helmet. A full-face helmet is designed to offer better protection than a conventional bike helmet when shredding down the slopes, aiming for the big jumps and berms. Nowadays, full-face MTB helmets are lighter and more ventilated than before.
Downhill is synonymous with steep slopes, big jumps, drops, rocks, roots, and high speeds. It’s fun and challenging at the same time, and a good full-face MTB helmet should always be a priority.
There are also MTB helmets that offer a bit of both worlds: convertible full-face enduro helmets. A full-face MTB helmet when you need it, an open-face helmet when you don’t. The convertible helmet features a removable chin bar that you put in place or remove, depending on the situation. When not in use, the chin bar can be tucked away in a backpack. However, convertible helmets are not intended for downhill riding. For downhill use, opt for a dedicated downhill helmet.
When you start looking for a full-face MTB helmet, you will discover that there are a number of helmets to choose from on the market. Some are equipped with the Mips safety system. This is a system that is designed to help redirect rotational motion away from the head in the event of an accident. But what is rotational motion? Let us explain.
When looking for a full-face MTB helmet, look for various safety features and other details that are specific to your particular type of cycling. But first, make sure the helmet is certified according to the applicable standards in the country where you live, such as the EU directive on general product safety and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
If you see a helmet with a yellow Mips logo on the back, it means that it is equipped with a Mips safety system. They weigh no more than 20–45 grams – a negligible increase in weight, but the intended added safety in many impacts is a heavy argument for choosing a helmet equipped with the Mips system. Mips technology is built into a wide variety of bike helmets from many different manufacturers and for all types of cycling. There is sure to be a helmet equipped with Mips technology that suits you.