Our Five Favorite Mountain Bike Helmets

In this episode of Our Five Favorites, we are going to take a look at some of the best mountain biking helmets on the market. We carry a variety of helmets from brands like Troy Lee Designs, Giro, Lazer, POC, 6D, 100%, iXS, and more. So no matter if you already know what helmet works best for you or if you are just starting to look for a new lid, be sure to check out our full helmet collection.

1. Troy Lee Designs A2

After the huge success of the TLD A1, Troy Lee Designs decided to re-up the anti with the all new 2017 A2 helmet! With 25% more ventilation, dual density EPS foam, the latest MIPS protection, and some amazing paint work from Troy Lee, the A2 is loaded with features. For those who aren't familiar, the MIPS system uses a slip in plastic liner engineered to reduce the rotational impact during a head collision. The A2 is also designed to fit with both goggles or glasses if that is your style. For more information on the all new A2 helmet from Troy Lee Designs, check out our full product review. 

 2. Fox Pro Frame

This year we have seen a wave of new Enduro specific mountain bike helmets. The Fox Proframe helmet is one of the few that hit the nail on the head. With plenty of ventilation in a downhill safety tested package, the Proframe will still keep you cool on the climbs and provides a lot of protection when the trail gets rough! The Proframe starts at $249.95 and can be worn anywhere from your local trails to the bike park. The Proframe also comes with MIPS protection and is available in plenty of colors and sizes. We think Fox Racing hit this one out of the park!

3. 6D ATB-1T Trail Helmet

6D started off building helmets for motocross athletes and still are worn by the Geico Honda race team. Since then, they have moved in to the mountain bike market and now make both a full face downhill helmet and the ATB-1T three quarter trail helmet. What sets 6D helmets apart from the rest of the competition is their Omni Directional Suspension Technology (ODS). Inside the 6D helmet there are 2 distinct layers of traditional EPS foam, separated by small shock absorbers. This allows each layer of foam to slide, twist and squash freely of one another. Now what does that mean on the trail? 6D's ODS technology gives the ATB-1T helmet a much better way of handling low, mid, high and multi directional impacts. There is some serious technology and engineering in this helmet, and it's all there to keep your head safe!

4. Giro Switchblade

The Giro Swtichblade helmet fits in to the category of the resurgence of more versatile mountain bike helmets. The standout feature on the Switchblade is the removable chinbar. Simply press the tabs on the bottom of the helmet and the entire chinbar releases. This helmets is designed to suit the modern mountain biker and enduro racer. Ride up the trail with the chinbar attached to your pack, and throw it on for the decent. The swtichblade also works great for the rider looking to have one helmet to do it all. Leave the chinbar at home for you weekly trail rides and toss it back on for weekend laps at the bikepark.  

5. POC Tectal

Last but certainly not least, the POC Tectal helmet. POC has been killing it for years, with there innovative design in helmets, gear, and joint protection. The Tectal helmet uses a unibody EPS liner for the ultimate protection in a half shell helmet. POC offers the Tectal in a variety of stylish colors so you can choose your style. With a great fit in a safe, lightweight package the Tectal is an all around great helmet for trail riding!