Full face helmet enduro was formerly only used by the most skilled downhill racers and free riders. The helmets were big, hot, and heavy. No mountain cyclist would have dreamed of wearing one to the summit of a climb. Today’s trail and enduro mountain bikes look to be as competent as pro downhill bikes from the not-too-distant past. Mountain bike paths have improved alongside bikes. Bike parks no longer dominate many local routes. More protection is obvious considering that most of us often ride very powerful motorcycles. The good news is that mountain bike helmet technology has evolved in lockstep with mountain bike technology. Helmets are now lighter and safer than before. And now there are full-face helmets developed specifically for cyclists who regularly tackle rocky descents but must first earn them by completing long, difficult climbs.
- Introduction to Full Face Enduro Helmet
- Do You Need an Enduro Full Face Felmet
- 6 Best Full Face Helmet Enduro of 2022
- Conclusion
Introduction to Full Face Enduro Helmet
Full-face helmets are designed to have a similar look to your usual motocross helmets, as they cover the entire head, including your face. In contrast, open helmets only cover your head, not your face. These helmets are significantly lighter than their downhill-only equivalents. They also offer superior ventilation, which is usually accessed through huge vent perforations in the chin-bar. These enduro full face helmet mountain bike helmets designed for trail and enduro riding find a fantastic balance between lightweight good ventilation and excellent protection.
As riding speeds rise and the line between “Enduro” and “Downhill” trails blurs, ever more riders including racers are opting for full-face helmets for the added protection they provide. Many enduro racing events (like the EWS) have already a “full-face only” regulation in place, and many more are starting to do so. The vents are properly located, and even on long climbs in the sun, we were remarkably cool. The helmet sounds secure and stable as you drop. The MT500 Full-Face Helmet works well with goggles but the visor is fixed, so you can’t hide them under the peak on climbs. Because of its lightweight weight and ventilation, it was practically impossible to tell we were wearing a full face helmet except the chin strap in front of our faces.
Enduro MT500 Full-Face Helmets
The new Enduro MT500 Full-Face Helmets are the lightest full-face helmets on the market right now. The MT500 Full-Face Helmet is completely DH-approved, even though it only weighs 640 g (size M/L), which is very light. Koroyd is said to make it safer and allow more air to get in. We rode it, so keep reading to learn what people thought!
Helmets with a full face shield For those that ride enduro, downhill, and in the bike park, Enduro’s MT500 is promoted as a lightweight, breathable option. As well as meeting ASTM F1952 and CE Standards EN1078:2012 + 1 A1:2012, the helmet has received DH approval. On climbs, you can’t conceal the visor beneath the peak since the MT500 Full-Face Helmet is fastened. Because of its lightweight weight and ventilation, it was practically impossible to tell we were wearing a full face helmet except for the chin strap in front of our faces.
Do You Need an Enduro Full Face Felmet
As we all know, the most important thing in mountain bike riding is safety. Most mountain bikers wear a convertible helmet, and it seems to do it just right, so do you really need a full face helmet for your mountain bike?
A full-face helmet protects your entire face and should be your choice if you’re riding tough downhills and want to improve your skills. But for most types of mountain bike riding, especially if you’re more of a trail bike, a full face helmet isn’t necessary.
Although to a certain extent compared to open helmets, full face helmets are indeed very safe. However, in some cases you may not need a full face helmet as there are some disadvantages to using it.
XC or Cross Country Mountain Bike
While full helmets may be safe, if you’re just riding casually or if you’re an XC rider, there’s really no need to wear them. Especially if you like to ride cross-country (XC) bikes on slicker surfaces or rough but not terribly dangerous trails. Wearing a convertible helmet is more than enough for your protection, you need the extra ventilation it provides. Thereby avoiding accidents, dehydration or even heat stroke due to lack of ventilation in the helmet.
Lastly, visibility can be an issue with full-face helmets, as these can interfere with your peripheral vision. This means that when you’re cycling off-road or on trails, you may have a hard time seeing any obstacles along the way.
Downhill Mountain Bike and Enduro Mountain Bike
A full helmet is a must for downhill mountain biking and enduro mountain biking, as opposed to XC or cross-country mountain biking that does not require a full helmet.
First, most downhill collisions put the rider in a head-to-head collision. So when you end up hitting your face on a downhill, wearing a full face helmet minimizes the chance of injuring the face and chin area. Secondly, ventilation is no longer a huge issue when riding downhill, as it is possible to speed up when riding downhill. The faster you ride, the better the airflow. Third, the weight of the helmet isn’t much of an issue compared to XC or trail riding. That’s because it’s much easier to pick up speed when going downhill. Therefore, the added weight on your head won’t make it hard for you to step on the weight you’re carrying because gravity will help you descend.
For starters, enduro mountain bikes are a combination of many different aspects of mountain biking. A lot about Enduro involves downhill riding. This means you’ll end up seeing yourself descending steep, difficult slopes, which can be very dangerous to your face if you end up crashing. So what I’m clearly pointing out here is that in enduro mountain biking, full face helmets are pretty much a necessity because of their risk. Downhill increases the chance of a frontal collision, which is why full face helmets have become so useful, and sometimes mandatory, in enduro racing.
Full Face Helmet Advantages
A full-face helmet protects your face in case you hit your face in an accident.
Wearing a full-face helmet minimizes the chance of debris and insects disturbing your face and mouth while riding.
Some full-face helmets have extra features that make the helmet even more secure. Some come with anti-rotation features that prevent your head from yanking or moving at various angles during a crash. Some may have ventilation features that compensate for the lack of airflow in full-face helmets.
6 Best Full Face Helmet Enduro of 2022
Whether you want one for downhill racing, enduro, or just need more head and face protection, full face helmets are a great option for many riders. We’ve rounded up the 6 best full face helmet enduros of 2020, and this in-depth review will help you find the best full face helmet for your riding style and budget.
Smith Mainline MIPS
Price: $310 List
Pros: Breathable, more robust than other enduro-focused options, lightweight
Cons: Not suited for frequent bike park duties, a little expensive
Manufacturer: Smith
If you are after comfort, protection, gouty and weight then the Smith Mainline is a good choice. This helmet is best for the enduro crowd who want a lightweight helmet but don’t want a convertible lid. It works great for people who need extra protection on shuttle loops that require pedaling.
Troy Lee Designs Stage MIPS
Price: $299 List
Pros: Lightweight, excellent ventilation, quality fit
Cons: Narrow range of use compared to other helmets, tight chin bar
Manufacturer: Troy Lee Designs
The Troy Lee Designs Stage MIPS is a great, lightweight, full face enduro helmet. Besides being lightweight, comfort is another advantage, as is your hearing ability when wearing this cover. The fit is very good.
Leatt MTB 4.0 Enduro
Price: $300 List
Pros: DH-certified, comfortable, subtle style, full-face and half-shell helmet in one
Cons: Chin bar attachment/removal process is clunky, visor adjustment feels cheap
Manufacturer: Leatt
The Leatt MTB 4.0 Enduro is a DH certified convertible helmet for outstanding comfort. This convertible helmet is essentially 2 helmets in one. Whether in full-face or half-shell mode, the helmet is comfortable and pleasant to wear on the head. It has good ventilation levels, a decent visor and an easy-to-use buckle.
Fox Racing Proframe
Price: $270 List
Pros: Convenient magnetic fidlock buckle, light weight, giant bore vents for circulation
Cons: Fixed visor, limited chin strap mobility,
Manufacturer: Fox Racing
The Fox Proframe is an affordable full-face helmet with excellent breathability and fairly low weight. It’s also more affordable than other carbon fiber DH helmets we’ve tested.
Leatt MTB Enduro 3.0
Price: $230 List
Pros: Simple chin bar attachment/removal, lightweight, well ventilated
Cons: Styling, uncomfortable in full-face setting, narrow range of applications
Manufacturer: Leatt
The lightweight Leatt MTB 3.0 Enduro is a convertible full face for enduro applications. This is a great option for riders who want to do big climbs to get to rough downhills. In half shell mode, the DBX 3.0 is as comfortable as a regular trail helmet. In full-face mode, the helmet feels incredibly light, airy, and has a wide field of view.
100% Trajecta
Price: $250 List
Pros: Excellent chin bar ventilation, robust feel
Cons: Pressure point on the forehead, heavier than other enduro-oriented helmets
Manufacturer: 100%
The 100% Trajecta is a rock solid helmet aimed specifically at the enduro crowd. This relatively lightweight full-face helmet offers excellent ventilation and breathability at a fairly light weight. This cover is perfect for enduro racers who need full protection, but also place a lot of emphasis on the excellent airflow from the pedals during tough sections. Protection and ventilation are the Trajecta’s strong suits, while comfort, fixed visors and weight could be improved.
Part 4: Conclusion
When riding your mountain bike, always wear a helmet, but keep in mind that wearing protective gear does not make you invulnerable. Overconfidence and sloppiness might result from a mistaken sense of security. If you’re wearing full protective gear, don’t expect to be able to accomplish everything ride to your ability. If you want the most protection, a full-faced helmet is a way to go. It may be unpleasant, but it has the potential to save your life. If you’re a more laid-back rider, opt for an open-face helmet. Just keep in mind the helmet covers your entire head, including the rear. Replace the helmet every five years and make sure you don’t throw it about.
