Helmets Buyer's Guide | MBR
Helmets Buyer’s Guide | MBR – how to pick a helmet, what EPS and MIPS mean, key features of trail helmet, ventilation, etc…
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Trail helmets have changed — they’re no longer based on lightweight XC designs with multiple vents, flimsy visors and minimal protection. They now feature extended coverage, impact-deflecting liners — such as MIPs — and visors that are adjustable and secure. To reflect the higher speeds, jumps and general risk-taking amongst modern trail riders, these helmets are tougher, but still come with the ventilation required to keep you cool on a hard ride. To make it easier to film your exploits, some trail helmets also get clip-on accessories for head cams, and a few even double as light mounts.
With these mounts, protective liners and additional coverage comes extra weight and cost, but you are getting a helmet that is tougher, more comfortable and offers a level of protection better suited to modern trail antics.
As most helmets conform to the current CE safety certification, it’s a given that they are going to do their job in a crash. However, there’s currently no test for fit, venting or adjustability, which is why we’ve focused on these areas. All helmets need to be fine tuneable for fit so they grip your head firmly, but without creating hot spots or discomfort. You also don’t want to boil in the bag while riding, but often manufacturers will prioritise protection over heat management and reduce the number, or size, of the vents, so striking the right balance between the two is key.
Jargon Buster
Look out for…
EPS
EPS or expanded polystyrene foam, and this is at the core of the helmet. It’s lightweight, inexpensive and works by crumpling and dispersing the force of the impact.
Micro Shell
EPS can dent easily and degrade in sunlight, so to protect it from damage it’s covered by a thin plastic micro-shell.
Bottom Wrapping
To add extra protection in this vulnerable area, the shell often wraps under the bottom of the helmet.
MIPS
AKA a Multi-directional Impact Protection System, this is an internal plastic liner that slides over the inner shell at the moment of impact, helping reduce rotational brain injuries from glancing impacts.
Vents
Front cooling ports, rear exhaust ports and a combination of internal shaping to encourage airflow are typical ways of reducing heat build-up.
Retention Device
A retention device allows you to adjust the size and fit of the helmet. Most use a rotating dial, which allows you to tweak the fit on the move with one hand. The very best retention devices have height adjustment, allowing you to get them snug against the back of your skull.
Padding
Padding thickness and density has a significant effect on sweat absorption as well as comfort. Helmets with thicker internal padding may run a little hotter but you’re less likely to get sweat running down your neck. Some pads are impregnated with metallic particles to reduce odour.
Visor/Peak
The best designs can be tilted up and down, so they’re out of your eye-line when riding downhill, but there’s no point tilting it out of the way if it falls down again. It needs a solid adjustment system — either via a ratchet or screws.
Goggle parking
On some helmets the visor can be adjusted so far up that you can park your goggles underneath. This allows you to push them out of the way on a climb and pull them back down again for the descent.
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Just crashed in a giro fixture helmet very strong but worn after a while gets uncomfortable
For me, the best option is Uvex (for example finale or quattro). 100 Euro and made in Germany 100%, and not pay 200 for a Chinese helmet
I’ve been using a FOX Metah for about a year. Saved my ass a tonne, but in the summer the lack of proper ventilation slows you down
EPS is the lion’s share of helmets, but it is not all: why no mention of Koroyd MBR?
Full face helmet out of vibranium and kryptonite. That’ll do the work.
If you wear any decent helmet you have a good brain .
I got UVEX Jakkyl HDE.
open face that transfer to full face
👍
Or worse… What?
‘If you don’t, other Mountain Biker’s are going to give you a load of grief’ – what a ridiculous first reason
For the very best protection, I make my own helmets out of concrete
All helmets are made out of EPS…. Koroyd, Leatt gel and several others
Pull your damn viser down. There’s not even a camera there. You look like a damn 12 year old newb!!!
People who don’t wear helmets are usually hard-headed though…
weight giro please
Talks about helmet cam mounts, shows a clip shot with a chestie. 😀
I enjoyed the video thanks..
I best keep of trails as I don’t have a giro!
How about answering how to measure your head?
So I buy I $200 helmet and then I have a small crash and I have to buy a new one. Great. Or after a year I have to buy another new helmet.wooohoo
How will a bit of polestyrene save your head i dont get it
The only thing I dont like about the Bell Super is the lack of bottom wrapping, for how much it costs it should have it
I always ride with a full face, i would rather be hot than have my jaw snap off. Plus i look super badass with it on
Should I change my helmet? I was knock of my bike by a 4×4 but unfortunately the driver didn’t stop or i would have asked them to replace. As i spent a bit on last helmet i wanted advice before replacing. There a few scuff on lid post crash as body took brunt of impact but i want to make sure before i get back on road again. Also whats you opinion on helmets with leds integrated into them. Are they really bright enough. Id love to test one out for u. Thanks for advice in advance.
I put my helmet pads in a pillow case and tie it shut when I wash them. Then they don’t get lost. They come out good as new.
Great to see your still out there riding Paul.. I bought a Manitou HT on your recommendation back in 1993 🙂
I have the Urge Supatrail
I wonder what the actual purpose of a visor is. Is it primarily a protection from the sun or flying mud particles?
"They don’t look good on me"
adidas boost helment???
Great vid
I got a $30 helmet from Walmart same level of protection as a $200 dollar helmet light weight and looks good
Can you use road bike helmets for trail riding?
6d ods
Any suggestions for a trail/am helmet for big wide heads? im like 62cm but wide…..
All nice points, most don’t have enough protection for the side of your head.I would be dead without a dirt jumper/full face
Incredibly informative and helpful video! Great work guys.
Al’s brother?