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A Guide To Types of MTB Helmets

Oct 18, 2022

Your Guide To The Types Of MTB Helmets

man wearing a type of mountain bike helmet called a full faced enduro

The most crucial piece of gear, yet so many riders fail to use it. No matter how uncool you think you seem while wearing a helmet, it's better to be uncool and still be alive than to perish in the style. Helmets can prevent 48% to 85% of head injuries among bikers. Let's be honest, how many times have you fallen off your bike at the worst possible time? Yes, it may occur at any time, to even the best riders, on even the simplest of trails. Broken bones, torn ligaments, dislocated shoulder… With those, you'll probably get away with it and be able to ride once again. Head, though? Even the slightest blow to the head could prevent you from ever... Wear a helmet; they really do save lives.


The Different Types of MTB Helmets:

Another problem: deciding between full face, open, cross-country, enduro, and all-around mountain bike helmets. They all will vary even though they are all required to perform their duties and adhere to Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations. Different mountain bike helmets will suit various riding styles and have different benefits and drawbacks. Let's examine various MTB helmets and their intended applications.


HALF – SHELL (OPEN) / XC, TRAIL MOUNTAIN BIKE HELMETS

Many individuals won't notice any difference between road cycling helmets and half-shell mountain bike helmets, which are intended for less demanding cross-country and trail riding. They both share a similar appearance and provide different designs and ventilation systems. Unquestionably, a bike helmet is a bike helmet. Actually, not quite. Open face mountain bike helmets used for cross-country riding have a few notable variations while being fairly similar to road bike helmets.


  • Open-faced helmets are thicker, especially at the back to protect your head from a crash, in contrast to very light and aerodynamic road bike helmets.
  • Visors are a common feature of half-shell cross-country helmets and protect the eyes from rain, mud, and sunlight. Because a visor would obstruct the view of a cyclist riding in the customary forward position on a road bike, road helmets typically lack one. The riding position on a mountain bike is often more upright, thus visors don't truly obstruct the line of sight.
  • Additionally, mountain bike helmet shell textures differ. Typically, it is flatter and rougher. Since the texture of road bike helmets is always glossy, they will glide over the pavement in the event of a high-speed accident.



OPEN FACE ENDURO MOUNTAIN BIKE HELMETS

They are more protective and slightly heavier. The features of an enduro mountain bike helmet are made to withstand even rougher terrain and more aggressive riding styles. Even more protection for the rear of the head is one of the important characteristics that will set apart an enduro helmet from an xc helmet. Additionally, enduro helmets contain clever retention mechanisms that keep the helmet firmly in place. These open-face mountain bike helmets also have less open venting systems than other types. Theoretically, it reduces the likelihood that sharp or jagged things may pass through.


FULL FACE ENDURO / DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKE HELMETS

Full-face helmets will shield the chin, face, and complete head. Unfortunately, ventilation features deteriorate as protection is increased. Cycling uphill may make you hotter and less comfortable than usual, even if new designs of enduro-specific helmets are constantly improving this aspect and providing more ventilation than typical full-face downhill helmets.


CONVERTABLE ENDURO MOUNTAIN BIKE HELMETS

Additionally, you can select a helmet that can change from a half-face to a full-face configuration. Convertible MTB shells are a wonderful choice for someone who wants complete protection on downhill portions and appreciates more comfort when climbing hills because they have a detachable chin bar.


ALL AROUND / COMBAT STYLE MOUNTAIN BIKE HELMETS

Additionally, you can select a helmet that can change from a half-face to a full-face configuration. Convertible MTB shells are a wonderful choice for someone who wants complete protection on downhill portions and appreciates more comfort when climbing hills because they have a detachable chin bar.


CAN I USE OTHER TYPES OF HELMETS FOR MOUNTAIN BIKING ?

The quick response is "NO" Cycling should not be done while wearing a helmet made for skiing, kayaking, skating, or motorcycling. Depending on the sport for which they were designed, these helmets' ratings for severity and types of impacts will vary. Because motocross helmets are made for larger impacts, one might assume that using one when mountain riding would provide even more protection. Experts contend that this is not the case. The helmet needs to deform on impact. Injuries are prevented by the deformation's distribution of the energy away from the rider's head. When mountain riding while wearing a motocross helmet, the hits are probably too small for the helmet to truly deform, allowing the energy to enter the rider's head.


SO, WHAT MTB HELMET SHOULD I CHOOSE ?

You should be able to determine which type of MTB helmet will suit your riding style from the aforementioned post. The primary considerations while selecting this choice should be your riding style, the types of trails you want to ride, and the extent of your expertise and confidence. Please use common sense while deciding whether to choose protection over fashion. Your helmet should be certified, which we shouldn't have to say. However, even in that case, the cost may mean the difference between a mild headache and a concussion. A quality proven superior MTB helmet will frequently offer better comfort and fit, more stability, good ventilation, superior materials, and crash-proof design that will last longer and keep you safer, even though it's true that many times you might pay more for more vents, lighter weight, and funky design. So use your common sense and spend more for better security.

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