Best Convertible MTB Helmet: The Best Convertible MTB Helmet is an outstanding example of modern helmet technology, combining cutting-edge safety features with the flexibility of convertible designs.
This particular helmet capitalizes on a multi-directional impact protection system, which is designed to absorb and spread the energy of an impact more evenly throughout the helmet shell.
The helmet industry is a crowded one. And with so many brands out there, it can be difficult to know which ones offer the best quality, fit, and performance. That’s where we come in.
We test more than hundred helmets on the market to keep our readers informed on which helmets are the best fit.
Our testing team put each of the helmets through rigorous testing. After a long day on the bike, we put each helmet to the test for fit, comfort, noise, ventilation, and more.
What Is A Convertible Helmet?
A convertible helmet is a type of helmet that can be worn with or without a visor. A visor is a transparent element that protects the eyes from wind, debris, and glare.
Some convertible helmets are not compatible with all helmets. This means that some helmets cannot be fitted with most visors.
Some convertible helmets include tinted visors. Tinted visors reduce the amount of light that reaches the eyes, which can be helpful if riding in bright conditions. Some helmets include a face shield.
How We Pick And Test?
Our pros in the Cycling Lab review helmets for performance, from retention and comfort to ventilation and aerodynamics.
In addition to traditional downhill helmets, we also test helmets intended for trail riding, cross-country riding, and road riding.
We also test helmets intended for all terrain riding, and helmets specifically for e-bikes, or electric bicycles, which are becoming increasingly popular.
Here are the features which make you easy to choose these helmets, as rated by our pros.
Brand: We test the latest models and top-rated brands.
Design: We look for sleek, compact designs that are built to last.
Performance: We test each Helmet for responsiveness and reliability.
Price: We test the least expensive models in each weight category.
Ease of use: We test the intuitiveness of each Helmet and we test our picks for setup and operation.
Here are the top 10 Our Best Convertible MTB Helmet for you:
1: Sweet Protection Arbitrator MIPS Helmet
- Versatile Ventilated
- Full-face Bike Helmet
- Expanded Polystyrene
- Durable
The Sweet Protection Arbitrator MIPS bike helmet is a sweet solution for riders who need cross-training capabilities and versatility but don’t want to shell out for a dedicated mountain bike helmet.
The removable chin bar lets you use it as an open-face helmet with chin bar, or with the chin bar on the chin bar.
The helmet conforms to Snell 2015 MIPS safety standards, but the removable chin bar is not MIPS certified, so the MIPS technology doesn’t apply to the chin bar. With MIPS, the chin bar slides between the helmet shell and your skull.
The sweet Protection Arbitrator MIPS full-face bike helmet has a full face helmet shell with inner EPS, and it’s certified by the (CEN) European Safety Standards.
The helmet shell design utilizes 2 layers of EPS foam with 3 shell sizes. The helmet interior is removable and washable.
The helmet shell design utilizes 2 layers of EPS foam with 3 shell sizes. The helmet shell design utilizes 2 layers of EPS foam with 3 shell sizes.
Pros
- Extremely Comfortable
- MIPS Brain Protection Technology
Cons
- Small Vents
- Heavy
- Not Ideal for small hands & fingertip grip
Features We Like:
- Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS)
- Highly Ventilation System
- Adjustable Chin Bar
- Shock absorbing EPS Liner
- Adjustable and Removable Chin Bar
- Adjustable and Removable Forehead Piece
2: Demon United FR Link System Mountain Bike Helmet
- Cinch-tight Dial
- Removable Chin Guard
- Lightweight
- Durable
The FR Link system, is for the rider that wants it all! The FR Link helmet is the downhill helmet, the FR Link system helmet is the uphill helmet.
The FR Link system helmet comes with the FLIP EASY removable chin guard. FLIP EASY is a chin guard that you can easily put on the helmet with one hand. FLIP EASY is adjustable and can be removed in minutes.
The FLIP EASY chin guard has a Click Lock to keep your chin guard in place and you have three fins to choose from, depending on the conditions you will be riding in.
The modular cooling assembly is functional and easy to use. The FR Link helmet includes a small divot in the forehead of the helmet that easily slides the cooling assembly into place.
The FR Link helmet comes with four vents that you can adjust, three side vents and one center vent, all are fully adjustable.
The FR Link helmet has an all new internal mesh lining designed to give maximum air flow, a comfort liner that slides into the helmet for comfort and protection, and 3M Scotch lite removable, scratch-resistant, seamless visor.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Anti-fog
- Protection from wind
- Ventilation channels
- Helmet has Removable Chin guard
Cons
Features We Like:
- Removable Chin Guard: This chin guard can be flipped open or closed while riding. Its both easy to use and very secure.
- Detachable Goggles: This helmet accepts goggles with straps up to 24mm wide.
- 360o Visor: The 360o visor provides extra protection from the sun and rain.
- Double-D Ring: This helmet features a Double-D ring on the chin strap. The D-Ring gives you extra security during rougher rides or landing jumps.
- 4th-Axis Fit: The 4th-Axis Fit System allows you to position the helmet on your head at four different axis points.
- Aerodynamic: This helmet has been designed with aerodynamics in mind. The helmet has a frontal area 40% smaller than other helmets, which will give you an extra boost of speed.
3: BELL Super 3R MIPS Adult Mountain Bike Helmet
- Wraparound Protection –
- Overbrow Ventilation
- Adjustable Visor System
- Lightweight
The Bell Super 3R MIPS Adult Mountain Bike Helmet is a good helmet with one major flaw.
Although the MIPS technology inside this helmet is designed to absorb some of the impact from angled impacts, it is not as effective on flat impacts because the technology relies on angled impacts to initiate its slip-plane action.
This helmet is also suitable for road or hybrid bikes that may not be used for mountain biking, and it’s the best helmet in the Top 10 because of its lack of sharp features.
This helmet is 21 ounces, 22.6-centimeters wide and 32.3-inches long. It includes adjustable visors and a breakaway camera mount.
The helmet is also integrated with reflectivity and a rear light mount.
The removable chin bar allows for increased ventilation and the adjustable visor allows for easy access to goggles.
Pros
- Anti-glare
- MIPs
- Stability
- No pressure points
- Helmet not large
- Good ventilation
- Good ventilation, especially for larger heads
Cons
- Expensive
- Not suitable for smaller heads
- Not suitable for smaller hands
- Small size
- Helmet not suitable for all conditions
Features We Like:
- Not Only For Biking
- Top Brand
- Multi-Directional Impact Protection System
- Shell Material Is Hard Plastic
- High Quality
- Quick Fitting
4: Troy Lee Designs Full Face Mountain Bike Helmet
- Polylite Shell
- Fidlock Magnetic Buckle
- Drawstring Bag
- Durable
The Troy Lee Designs Stage Full Face Mountain Bike Helmet is as functional as it is stylish.
It incorporates 11 air intakes and 14 exhaust ports with internal channeling to help cool the helmet down in warm weather, and it keeps you cool in hot weather through large 11 vents that can be opened fully.
The Stage is also packed with safety technology, including an Auto-adjust fit system, an easy to open FIDLOCK magnetic buckle system, an adjustable visor, and a dual density EPS foam liner.
It’s a solid helmet that’s reasonably priced, but it’s a bit heavier than our top pick.
The Troy Lee Designs Stage is a lightweight, ventilated helmet that’s compatible with MIPS (multi-directional impact system). It also has an integrated camera mount.
The Stage has a surprisingly narrow, elongated shape, like a banana, so it’s not as bulky as some of its rivals, and it’s fairly light for a mountain bike helmet.
The Stage has a light EPS foam liner, which is fine for most riders, but it’s relatively low-density (compared to the EPP foam on the Troy Lee Designs Reactor and Salvo), and it lacks the plushness or slide down resistance of several of its competitors.
We found that it fit snugly (Comfort Fit), but it was snug enough that we felt our heads bouncing around when we rode aggressively.
The FIDLOCK magnetic buckle system is convenient, and it has a breathable inner bag with draw cord closures, but the hook and loop pieces are a bit thin and tended to wear out over time, so the closure system can slip apart while you’re riding.
The Stage is sleek and stylish, and it looks great on both male and female riders. It has deep air intake ports, but Troy Lee Designs advertises the Stage as not officially MIPS approved, so the MIPS certification isn’t printed on the helmet.
The Stage has a affordable retail price , which is very reasonable for a cycling helmet with the sort of build quality and ventilation that the Stage has.
If you’re looking for a reasonably light mountain bike helmet with MIPS that’s also compatible with a camera, the Stage is a good choice.
Pros
- Modular design
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Multiple vents
- Comfortable and Secure fit
- MIPS
- Quick release chin bar
- No paint chips
- No fogging
- Good visibility
Cons
- Small size
- Low visibility
- No sun visor
- No ankle
- No goggles
- Not aerodynamic
Features We Like:
- MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System): Designed to redirect energy and provide more protection in certain impacts
- Poly lite Shell Construction: Lightweight, durable, and impact resistant
- Proprietary EPS (Expanded Polystyrene): Impact resistant material provides better protection in rotational impacts
- EPS Liner: Specialized EPS liner provides optimum impact absorption
- EPS Sidewall: Impact absorbing EPS sidewalls provide extra protection to the temple and brow areas
- Two Layer EPS: Two-layer EPS shell provides better ventilation and comfort
- High Flow Air Intake: 11 High Flow air intakes along with 14 open core exhaust ports for maximum air flow
- High Flow Exhaust: 14 deep max air flow exhaust ports provide maximum airflow
- High Flow Vents: Dual high flow vents provide optimum airflow for extreme riding conditions
- Integrated MIPS: Integrated MIPS liner is designed to reduce rotational forces on the brain caused by angled impacts to the head
5: BASE CAMP Mountain Bike Helmet
- Lightweight
- Impact Resistance
- Easy Adjustment System
- Fast-wiching Padding
Though this mountain bike helmet is priced higher than many competitors in its category, its combination of features, quality, and protection make it well worth the extra money.
The helmet features an extra-wide, removable visor that offers a field of view that is more than adequate for most cyclists, as well as convenient side vents.
The helmet’s comfortable, well-fitting, and lightweight adjustable fit system means you’ll likely be able to dial in a perfect fit the first time, which is especially important on a mountain bike helmet, since it needs to fit your head very well to keep its shape on rough trails and terrain.
It even has an internal tether to help keep it fastened on your head during high-speed descents, reducing the risk of a serious head injury.
The helmet also has generous ear covers, padding on the chin strap, and some additional padding behind the crown.
The helmet’s polycarbonate shell has decent impact resistance, but it’s not the best at deflecting small objects, like those that can potentially cause a serious head injury.
The helmet has an internal tether to help keep it attached securely on your head, but it can’t keep debris out of the helmet, so we’d recommend also wearing a helmet cover when using this helmet.
Pros
- Non-slip interior
- Breathable and comfortable to wear
Cons
- Extra-bulky retention system
- No ventilation
Features We Like:
- 100% Brand new and high quality
- Made of high-quality ABS engineering plastic
- Adjustable and removable rear fit system
- Large, removable visor
- Function: Safety, comfort, style
- Color: Black
- Size: S/M: 57-61cm, L/XL: 61-65cm
- Weight: 280g
6: Giro Switchblade MIPS Adult Mountain Cycling Helmet
- Leading Protection
- Fully Adaptable:
- Multi-directional Impact Protection
- Rugged And Certified
Giro Switchblade MIPS seems great at first, but upon closer inspection, it feels much different from Giro’s other helmets, and not in a good way.
The most obvious difference is the Switchblade’s lack of vents. Giro’s My Fit system allows you to adjust the helmet’s size in five places, and it does a decent job of adjusting it.
However, it doesn’t fit as snug as Giro’s Dial Fit system, which squeezes your head more tightly and pushes the helmet forward on your head.
The dial fit also lets you adjust the size of the helmet’s sidewalls, so you can increase or decrease the space between the helmet and your cheek bones.
Or perhaps I should say, you can’t. Both Giro’s Dial Fit and My Fit systems use plastic buttons that you turn to adjust each fit setting.
The MIPS system works like a traditional helmet with ventilation holes, and it has no way of adjusting the fit of the helmet’s air channels.
So, when you turn the dial or button, it just rotates the holes in the helmet’s ventilation channels. The dial is largely hidden inside the top of the helmet, so even if I adjusted it, you wouldn’t know it.
The chin bar is also much thicker than Giro’s other helmets, and it feels like it’s there just to hold the visor in place.
Giro’s Sync Technology, which allows you to use Giro’s Connect IQ app to set an audible alert, is already built into the helmet.
So, I can’t say for sure if the lack of ventilation is the reason for the Switchblade’s mediocre fit. I can, however, say that the helmet felt too hot during our testing.
Plus, the helmet’s visor, although scratch resistant, is flimsy, and it swings back and forth each time you turn your head.
Giro should redesign the Switchblade’s chin bar and ventilation so that it fits better, and it has a better visor.
Pros
- Best price to performance ratio
- Level of protection
- Great ventilation
Cons
- Not suitable for street cycling
Features We Like:
- SPF 50+ Sunglass
- Adjustable Headband
- Removable Chin bar
7: BELL Super DH MIPS Adult Mountain Bike Helmet
- Polycarbonate Shell
- Progressive Layering
- Over-brow Ventilation
- Goggle guide Adjustable Visor
We love helmets, but they generally only really make sense for extreme sports like mountain biking.
The Bell Super DH MIPS is not a true full-face mountain bike helmet, but it’s one of the most versatile we’ve tested.
It’s comfortable even on long rides, and it has two distinct advantages: first, its versatility; it offers ample ventilation, a removable chin bar for trail riding, and, because it uses MIPS technology, it provides better impact protection than a traditional helmet.
It also has a lot of cool features, including the integrated camera mount, which doesn’t require any sticky tape or zip ties.
MIPS is a system that reduces rotational forces, which can happen when you strike a pothole or other object on your bike, and it absorbs energy to help lessen the effects of such an impact.
This helmet is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile helmet for mountain biking use.
Pros
- Well designed
- Comfortable
- Comfortable adjustment system
- MIPS
- Affordable
Cons
- No choose to fit system
- Poor ventilation
Features We Like:
- High Quality & Affordable Price
- Unique MIPs Technology
- Best for Cyclists
- Light Weight & Comfortable
- Adjustable Visor & Clip-On Camera Mount
- Best Protection to Head & Eyes
- Simply Click & Go
8: Giro Fixture MIPS Adult Mountain Cycling Helmet
- Market-leading Protection
- Integrated MIPS
- 18 Wind Tunnel Vents
- Universal Fit Sizing
In our last guide to helmets, we recommended the Giro s Pro-light Facie (which we tested in the Winter 2022 review), and it remains our top pick for guys who need something light but comfortable.
But this year, we tested the Giro Fixture MIPS, which looks like a more helmet-like model and offers more protection.
The Fixture MIPS has some of the same great fit, ventilation, comfort, and adjustability that the Pro-light Facie has, while still offering more protection.
And at 165 grams, the Fixture MIPS is 20 grams lighter than the Pro-light Facie, making it about as light as most full-face helmets.
The downside: The Fixture MIPS offers less protection than the Pro-light Facie, which means it’s best suited for non-aggressive riding or racing.
Overall, the Giro Fixture MIPS is a great choice for those looking for a lightweight, comfortable helmet with good protection, but with less protection than the Pro-light Facie.
If you’re looking for full-face protection and don’t mind the added weight, then the Pro-light Facie is still our favorite.
Pros
- Well ventilated
- Lightweight
- Full coverage
- Full protection
- Certified by the Snell Memorial Foundation
Cons
- Expensive
- Not ideal for smaller hands & fingertip grip users
Features We Like:
- Made in USA
- Certified to CE EN1078, ASTM F2032
9: Bell Soquel MIPS Bike Helmet
- MIPS Equipped
- Additional Protection
- Lightweight
- Durable
The Bell Soquel MIPS Bike Helmet offers solid protection and a comfortable fit at a moderate price.
The helmet’s MIPS technology reduces the risk of a rotational head injury when met with certain impacts.
The extended rear coverage also gives you a bit more coverage than you would typically find in a helmet at this price point, a nice addition to the protection.
The helmet fits comfortably on your head, and thanks to its quality construction, it feels durable and sturdy, too.
The helmet is also lightweight, and the dial adjustment is quick and easy to use.
The Bell Soquel MIPS Bike Helmet is a solid choice for riders on a budget looking for a helmet that offers solid protection and a comfortable fit.
Pros
- Light weight
- MIPS allows helmet to redirect energy away from head
- Scoop chin bar
- Multiple vents
- 10 year warranty
Cons
- Not ideal fit
- Uncomfortable
- Expensive
Features We Like:
- Made of ABS Plastic
- Available in Multiple Sizes
- Comes in a Bag, Box, or Retail Packaging
- Removable and Adjustable Straps
- Molded-In Visor
- Adjustable Fit System
- Comes With a MIPS Shell
- Comes With MIPS Liner
10: GRYFF Full Face Helmet
- Lightweight
- Maximum Ventilation
- EPS Materials
- EPP Lined Padding
This helmet is lightweight, comfortable, and has decent venting. The breather vents did an excellent job of channeling air through the helmet.
The chin bar vents were also great, but the chin bar was fairly narrow. The chin bar also incorporates an excellent soft chin net.
The helmet’s EPS construction is very strong and has almost eliminated the chance of a skull fracture. The chin bar padding is nice and thick, and all in all, this is a great helmet.
It’s not as nice-looking or as lightweight as the Giro Reo, but it’s also less expensive.
The GRYFF Full Face Helmet(BMX MTB / DH / Downhill) is the most effective helmet available to prevent head injury.
This awesome helmet was designed to provide protection, superior aerodynamics, and durability. The GRYFF helmet has incredible ventilation with 24 vents and 18 internal air channels.
These air flow vents reduce the helmet weight and provide increased airflow and cooling. The helmet also has removable and washable inner pads that provides comfort and reduces sweating.
The chin bar and chin guard is lined with EPS 5P material to provide you with maximum protection.
In addition, the chin bar is built with EPS EPS 5P material to protect you from excessive impact to the chin.
The GRYFF helmet was designed with triple PC in-mold, ABS, and EPP foam. The helmet passed our rigorous testing.
This helmet has incredible aesthetics and is sure to impress all your friends.
The helmet also has incredible aerodynamics, one of the helmet’s goals was to reduce drag and provide the best aerodynamics.
This helmet is the perfect choice for any rider who wants to ride in style and be safe.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Ventilation
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Adequate Protection
Cons
- Expensive
How To Pick The Right Helmet For Trail Riding?
Protecting your head while riding your mountain bike is important. You always want to make sure you are getting the best protection possible and that you should select a helmet that fits your head properly.
Your helmet should fit comfortably, but firmly, on your head. You don’t want it to move once it’s on your head, and you don’t want to see too much of your hair as you ride.
A good helmet fits nicely so that your head can breathe, and the straps should rub gently against your neck without causing any discomfort.
Also, make sure it has good ventilation. As you ride, you may be perspiring, and you don’t want your helmet to be too warm or stuffy.
What Safety Features To Look For On A Helmet For Trail Riding?
A helmet is the most important safety gear for trail riding. Nothing is going to protect you as well as a helmet will and it’s required by law in most states.
Conclusion: Best Convertible MTB Helmet:
Best Convertible MTB Helmet: The best convertible mountain bike helmet is a great choice for anyone looking for an all-in-one cycling solution.
It provides riders with the safety and convenience of two helmets in one, allowing you to switch between road and off-road biking without having to purchase two separate helmets.
Plus, these convertible helmets come in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes to match any rider’s preferences.
