Best Full-Face Mountain Bike Helmets for Maximum Protection (2025)
For downhill, enduro, or peace of mind—these full-face MTB helmets offer top-tier protection where it counts.
Overland Girl earns commissions on purchases made through links on this site. All reviews and recommendations reflect our personal experiences. Your support allows us to keep providing valuable content. Thank you!
Rider placing glasses on while wearing the POC Otocon Race MIPS helmet.
If you're riding fast or pushing your limits on technical terrain, you want a helmet that does more than just pass the minimum. A good full-face mountain bike helmet gives you coverage where you actually hit when things go sideways: your chin, face, jaw, the base of your skull—and even now, your collarbone.
This list features full-face helmets built for real impact scenarios. They prioritize safety, not just style. Rotational impact systems, breakaway visors, and full-coverage shells that don’t feel like a sauna. Every helmet listed is certified, respected, and gets high marks from riders who’ve actually tested them on dirt.
Table of Contents
Smith Hardline Carbon Mips
Troy Lee Designs Stage
Fox Proframe RS
POC Otocon Race MIPS
Bell Super DH Spherical
Final Thoughts
1. Smith Hardline Carbon Mips
Why it stands out: Engineered for aggressive downhill riding, the Hardline combines advanced safety features with a lightweight carbon fiber shell.
Rider wearing the Smith Hardline Carbon MIPS full-face helmet with integrated goggles, ready for a day on the trail.
Downhill rider mid-air wearing the Smith Hardline Carbon MIPS helmet, built for full-face coverage and high-speed confidence.
Shell: Full carbon fiber construction for enhanced strength and reduced weight
Impact Protection: Mips® Safety System + full Koroyd® coverage + collarbone impact zone designed to help absorb impact near the shoulders
Certifications: ASTM F1952 (DH), CPSC, CE EN1078, AS/NZS2063
Fit & Comfort: Custom fit with multiple pad sets, breakaway visor, quick-release cheek pads, antimicrobial Ionic+ liner, and wide eyeport for goggle compatibility
Weight: Approx. 910g (Medium)
Pro: Advanced safety features including collarbone zone and carbon shell construction
Con: Premium protection comes with a higher price tag
Smith Hardline Carbon Mips® MTB Helmet
Designed for serious downhill riders who want elite-level protection, comfort, and durability.
2. Troy Lee Designs Stage
Troy Lee Designs Stage full-face helmet in matte black with aerodynamic vents and lightweight build. Ideal for enduro riders focused on comfort and safety
Why it stands out: One of the lightest DH-certified full-face helmets, ideal for long enduro days.
Certifications: ASTM F1952, ASTM F2032, CPSC, CE
Protection: MIPS + dual-density EPS
Weight: ~690g
Fit: Fidlock buckle + TLD tuning pads
Pro: Light enough for climbing, strong enough for descents
Con: Not as breathable as newer designs
Troy Lee Designs Stage
A proven favorite for enduro racers who want protection without the bulk.
3. Fox Proframe RS
Why it stands out: Built for aggressive trail and enduro riders, now with added rotational protection and sleek redesign.
Fox Rampage Pro Carbon shown in matte black. Lightweight and built for DH racing.
Certifications: ASTM F1952 (DH), CPSC, EN 1078
Protection: MIPS Integra split shell
Weight: ~820g
Fit: BOA fit system + Ionic+ padding
Pro: Top-tier protection with a modern, secure fit system
Con: Slightly heavier than the previous Proframe
Fox Proframe RS
Redesigned for 2025 with improved protection and comfort features.
4. POC Otocon Race MIPS
Why it stands out: Race-ready protection with standout ventilation and POC’s sleek safety-first design.
Side profile of the POC Otocon Race MIPS helmet, engineered for enduro and downhill.
Certifications: ASTM F1952, EN 1078, CPSC
Protection: MIPS Integra + twICEme medical ID chip
Weight: ~750g
Fit: Race-tuned liner with internal airflow
Pro: Excellent airflow for a full-face helmet
Con: Pricey compared to others
POC Otocon Race MIPS
Built for speed, safety, and ventilation on aggressive terrain.
5. Bell Super DH Spherical
Why it stands out: Converts from full-face to open-face with DH certification and Spherical MIPS.
Bell Super DH Spherical with chin bar attached. Versatile and DH-certified.
Certifications: ASTM F1952 (DH), CPSC, CE EN1078
Protection: Spherical MIPS (ball-and-socket design)
Weight: ~850g (with chinbar)
Fit: Float Fit DH system
Pro: Removable chinbar adds flexibility
Con: Heaviest helmet on the list
Bell Super DH Spherical
A true two-in-one helmet with elite-level protection in both modes.
Final Thoughts
I often second-guess myself on wearing a full-face helmet. Bottom line: you’re going to get more coverage than an open-face helmet.
My strategy is simple. If I’m sessioning a trail for the first time, I wear a full face. If it’s a downhill trail, I always wear one.
If you’re riding fast, riding technical, or just want full coverage for peace of mind, a full-face helmet is worth the extra grams. All five helmets here are DH-certified and built with modern rotational safety tech—so you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for protection.
If safety is your top priority, the Smith Hardline Carbon Mips and POC Otocon Race MIPS consistently rank at the top. Both combine strong certifications, advanced impact systems, and better-than-average ventilation in a lightweight shell.
Ride how you want—but don’t leave your face, jaw, and head exposed to chance.
More Mountain Bike Gear Guides:
Best Mountain Bike Gloves for Real Trail Protection
Best Mountain Bike Helmets for Trail and All-Mountain Riders
