All Arround MTB

Specialized’s Dissident is one of the comfiest full-face lids on the market. The well-shaped, soft padding hugs your head nicely and does a decent job of soaking up sweat. Carbon fibre construction means the helmet weighs just 1,036g (medium), which is a big plus when wearing it for long periods of time. Like any full-face, the Dissident heats up when you’re working hard, though well-located vents under the peak and internal channelling improve airflow over the top of your head. It’ll accept the ‘EJECT’ safety system as well as work with neck braces, and there’s even space inside to fit speakers. The S-Works edition features a matt carbon finish, which marks easily, and a magnetic buckle, which takes a bit of practice to use with gloves on. Our last Dissident held up for a few years, despite a few knocks, so, while it’s not cheap, this lid should last well. HIGHS -Comfortable, highly tactile and weatherproof clipless gravity shoes LOWS -Soft feel when pedalling -Sizing ...

Troy Lee Designs’ D3 helmet was once the preserve of pro riders and those with the fattest wallets, but the release of a new, more afordable version has brought that inimitable Californian styling and impressive protection within reach of the masses. Until this year,Troy Lee had retained their classic D2 as a budget alternative to the D3, but now that lid has gone in the cupboard and been replaced with the D3 Fiberlite. It’s got an identical shell shape to the topdrawer lid, so it doesn’t sacrifice any style, and it still meets the same safety standards too, but it pinches the pennies with a slightly heavier shell and no MIPS liner. At 1,158g (medium), it’s a mere 60g heavier than the equivalent size D3 Carbon despite being a full $300 cheaper – we reckon that’s pretty good value! Being a TLD product, there are several graphics options available. We’re big fans of this stealthy ‘Mono’ design, and less sure about some of the more in-yourface ‘Factory’ colourways. But hey, difere...

This new helmet from Bell packs one hell of a punch, considering its price tag. Although it’s $90 cheaper than its all-singing, all-dancing sibling, the Sixer, key features are shared between the two, including the comfy, easy-to-adjust ‘Float Fit’ system and safety-boosting MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) layer. There’s also a non-MIPS version for $30 less. At 370g, the 4Forty MIPS is a competitive weight considering the amount of coverage, and while the padding is thin, we’ve found this to be one seriously comfy lid. Airflow across the top of the head and, in particular, over the brow is good too, which helps stop you overheating on gruelling climbs. We found the Bell to suit those with rounder heads really well. The Float Fit system can be adjusted easily using an indexed dial, and the well-distributed tension around the head meant we never needed to crank it up super-tight to keep the helmet from moving about when tackling rougher trails. You can also alter ...

The Ultrax is Lazer’s mid-range off-road helmet, claimed to be “perfect for trail, commut[ing] and enduro”. First impressions weren’t all that positive. The lid looks and feels of lower quality than its price would suggest. Coverage isn’t as extensive as that of competitors, resulting in the helmet feeling high on the head. The peak is flimsy and the adjusters a little fiddly. It’s not all bad though. The ‘Advanced TurnFit’ retention system does a good job of keeping the helmet in place, with a large cradle and easily-adjusted ratchet dial. On the bike, ventilation is on par with other lids of a similar style. Lazer have also integrated a reflector into the rear of the helmet, which is upgradable to an LED light – something that should appeal to commuters. There are other helmets offering greater coverage, a comfier fit and more modern styling available for a similar price, making it hard to recommend the Ultrax. Price $120

We loved the A1 when it came out, with most of our testers defaulting to it due to its unrivalled comfort and confidence-inspiring protection. Our one consistent gripe was its lack of ventilation. TLD have considerably improved this on the A2 by increasing the size of the vents by 25 per cent and reshaping the exhaust ports. They’ve also added EPP (for improved low-impact protection) to the dual-density EPS liner. This liner is noticeably thicker at locations where impacts are most likely to occur. Coverage is among the best in class, particularly around the temples, and TLD include MIPS in all A2 helmets as standard. The excellent fit of the A1 has almost been maintained, although there are fewer plush pads towards the sides of the helmet, which means there’s some lateral movement. Weight 350g Sizing XS/S, M/L, XL/XXL Price $210

Extensive coverage makes this the most full-face-esque trail helmet we’ve worn. It extends furthest down behind the ears, and while the lack of ventilation leads to a hot ride, the continuous shell of the Urge inspires confidence. Be aware that it sizes up large – we wore the biggest size but felt like it could fit a larger (or more spherical) head, perhaps due to the lack of lateral padding. While the flexible peak is among the longest here and isn’t adjustable, it didn’t obstruct our view and doesn’t feel like it would cause trouble in a crash. The BOA retention system extends well below the skull, providing a secure fit without digging in, although it can be a challenge getting it tight enough. And hats off to Urge for making the helmet from mainly recycled materials. A MIPS version is available for $30 more. Weight 349g Sizing S/M, L/XL Price $135

Not only is it styled on their flagship Montaro, but Giro have transferred a lot of their top-end lid’s features to the Chronicle. The lower price hasn’t compromised protection, with MIPS as standard and class-leading extensive coverage over the temples and towards the rear. The fit is glove-like, with small but plush padding that extends all the way from the front to the back, instilling a sense that your head is sitting deep within the helmet. We didn’t experience any pinch points or discomfort, and the wide range of sizes mean you should find one to fit you perfectly. Ventilation isn’t an issue despite the relatively small intakes, although it’s by no means the coolest helmet on test. While the low-lying retention system feels super-secure, it’s a struggle to slide some glasses underneath. The chin strap is easily adjusted below the ears, with Giro’s ‘Roc-Loc’ system keeping the straps flush against your cheeks, although the small buckle can be fiddly to do up when wearing glo...

Scott’s top-end aggressive trail helmet is only available with MIPS, as the Swiss brand were early adopters of the system. The EPS extends low at the rear without clashing with the retention system and the strap attachment points are external to the liner, maximising the amount of material around the temples. This is the closest-fitting helmet on test, with very little clearance inside the liner. Despite this, and although the Stego has fewer vents than some other lids here, we never felt too hot-headed. Scott spent time developing the ventilation system using a wind tunnel and it seems to have paid off. The thin pads don’t offer quite as much comfort as some competitors’, and while the short peak is removable, it doesn’t offer any height adjustment. Weight 340g Sizing S, M, L Price $180

The pricey Tectal exudes quality, from the anodised fixtures securing the peak to the understated finish. Its coverage is hard to beat, extending over the temples and low behind the ears so it feels like your head is sitting deep inside the helmet. The vent design is improved over POC’s older Trabec and we were never left feeling overheated, despite the extra coverage. They’ve also improved protection, in the form of aramid fibre ‘bridges’ moulded to the EPS, designed to spread load across the liner. While the fit is secure and comfy (despite thin pads), the extensive coverage means the front of the helmet sits low unless the retention system is in its highest setting, which makes adjustment fiddly. Older Tectals had a problem with the ratchet loosening but POC are replacing these free of charge. Weight 350g Sizing XS/S, M/L, XL/XXL Price $262

SixSixOne’s top-end open-face helmet uses a ‘Contego EPS’ liner that’s claimed to provide superior impact absorption to standard foam. Large, plush pads mean the Evo AM is one of the most comfortable helmets on test, but it didn’t make us too hot-headed, thanks in part to the large vents at the front of the lid. The BOA retention system extends most of the way around the head and fits securely. It sits relatively high above the ears though, making the EVO AM feel a little shallow when combined with the large pads. Also, it doesn’t offer any vertical adjustment, although this didn’t cause us any issues. The peak is fixed in position too. Adjusting the no-nonsense chin strap is easy and its ‘Fidlock’ magnetic closure system works refreshingly well. A MIPS version is available for an extra $60. Weight 331g Sizing XS/S, M/L, XL/XXL Price $150

“Mushroom head!” was one of the names shouted at us while wearing the Super 3, which isn’t far off the mark. It’s pretty wide and we struggled to get it to fit well on narrow heads. That said, testers with rounder heads found it to be super-secure, so make sure you try before you buy. The Bell is noticeably the heaviest helmet on test, but the EPS liner is reassuringly thick around the temples and the industriallooking ‘Overbrow Ventilation’ system does a good job of stopping eyewear fogging up (provided it fits under the forehead protection). While the Super 3 has a large number of pads in all the right places, they have a lumpy shape so aren’t the comfiest. Ventilation wasn’t really a problem for UK rides, nor was it best in test. The peak has plenty of adjustment for goggle stowage and feels sturdy. Weight 452g Sizing S, M, L Price $210

Despite being the lightest helmet on test, the well-ventilated Ambush offers some of the best coverage, extending over the temples and sitting low behind the ears. The peak can be adjusted to a wide range of positions, with plenty of room to stow goggles underneath. Specialized’s retention system tightens around the whole circumference of the lid, rather than just the rear. The fit was a contentious issue among our test team, depending on head shape. Because the retention system is higher up than on other helmets, it sometimes feels like it pushes the Ambush up off your head as it’s tightened. We feel comfort would be improved with some padding towards the rear. The EPS liner is reassuringly thick around the front, top and sides but substantially thinner behind the ears. Weight 248 g Sizing S, M, L Price $172

Looking and feeling like a far pricier lid, the Rally has a hard twopiece polycarbonate outer enclosing its EPS liner. The adjustable peak is formed from soft plastic and stays rattle-free and secure, with room for goggles underneath. We had no issues fitting eyewear under the brow. At 400g, only the Bell is heavier, but the Bonty lid doesn’t feel too weighty on your head. The numerous vents make light work of maintaining airflow. While the pads hold your head securely, comfort doesn’t match that of the Giro, TLD or Urge lids. Fit-wise, the Rally feels snug, with some testers complaining of pressure points towards the front and back of the helmet. It’s also comparatively shallow, so it may feel perched on some head shapes. You can buy the Rally without MIPS for $45 less. Weight 400g Sizing S, M, L Price $150

The DBX 3.0 is Leatt’s first foray into the open-face trail/enduro lid market. It offers good coverage, especially towards the rear, and goes beyond certification requirements when it comes to safety. Leatt’s ‘360 Turbine’ system is designed to allow some rotation of the head within the EPS liner and provide extra impact protection. The retention system tightens securely with a reassuringly tactile ratchet. It took a while to get used to the fit of the DBX 3.0, because it’s designed to sit slightly higher on the forehead than most enduro-style helmets (if worn too low, we found it caused tight points), resulting in a shallower fit. Leatt have been refreshingly transparent about their safety ratings by publishing the full certification test results of the lid on their website. Weight 375g Sizing S, M, L Price $210

Lightweight and low-profile, the Crossmax Pro is Mavic’s ‘allmountain’ helmet. It has a wide, adjustable peak that sits supersecurely but feels like it’s flexible enough to move out of the way in the event of a crash. The low-sitting retention band is easy to adjust, with a choice of three vertical settings, and provides a secure fit, coupled with the functional chin strap. ‘XRD’ memory foam underneath the padding adds extra comfort and helps spread the retention system load. We did find the forehead padding itchy at times, which seemed to be due to the material used and the extra warmth of the thicker pad. Generally, we found the Crossmax Pro to be reasonably well ventilated, although some testers did find that the bug netting towards the front of the helmet restricted airflow. Weight 320g Sizing S, M, L Price $195

7iDP’s range-topping open-face lid offers similar features to premium helmets, at half the price. From a safety perspective, it seems that 7iDP have put in the work, with their ‘Conehead’ dual-density EPS liner providing impact protection and decent coverage all around the lid. The M2 feels well vented and the peak can be set out of view despite its limited mobility. Fit-wise, it’s reasonably snug thanks to the extensive and comfy padding, but it feels a little wide at the sides. The price is perhaps reflected in the cheap-feeling ratchet wheel, which we found caused a pressure point at the back of the head. There isn’t any vertical adjustment in the retention system either. But, it’s a great value helmet if you can find the right fit and stomach the lairy colour combinations. Weight 340g Sizing XS/S, M/L, XL/XXL Price $97

This visually-striking lid breaks the mould by using a combination of EPS and Koroyd to provide impact protection. Goggles and glasses fit happily under it, and there’s even a threaded mount point for a cameras or light. Its coverage is much less extensive than some of its competitors’, especially around the temples, and the peak is very short. We had mixed reports about comfort, with some riders swearing by the fit but others complaining of a harsh feel due to the small, thin pads. It’s comparatively hot to ride in, with the relatively dense Koroyd liner restricting airflow. We think it’s positive that companies are investigating the use of alternative, possibly improved, impact protection materials, but there are conflicting reports when it comes to Koroyd’s effectiveness. Weight 330g Sizing S, M, L Price $255

Despite its up-to-date ‘deep dish’ fit and coverage, the RS Evo is a little cheaper than most of the lids in this test. You really feel like your head is cradled within the helmet, with the rear retention band sitting low down the skull even in its highest setting, and the ratchet is easily adjusted while wearing gloves. The pads are thin but comfy, although it’s a shame they don’t extend to the rear of the lid. Because the front of the RS Evo drops down fairly low to form a point midway along the forehead, some goggles don’t sit well underneath and push the helmet back on your head. It was also always in our line of sight, making us feel cross-eyed on occasion, which was rather distracting. In addition, the peak has very limited vertical adjustability, making it difficult to get it out of view or to stow goggles away. Weight 350g Sizing XS, S/M, M/L, XL Price $127

The close-fitting Rex has a compact design with an almost spherical appearance. On the trail, it feels light and well ventilated, and the thick, wide padding is supercomfy. The wide cradle at the rear adjusts easily but there’s a lot of side-to-side movement and the leather chin strap makes on-the-fly adjustment near impossible. There’s a ratcheted track at the back of the helmet for vertical adjustment of the retention system, but instead of keeping the lid securely in position, we found this allowed it to rotate forward and backward. This meant the Rex would drop down over our brow if we looked up while wearing a pack or a jacket with a hood. Also, the dual-position peak is too low for our liking in its lowest setting and feels like a windshield when set to its highest, goggle-stowing position. Weight 310g Sizing M, L Price $120

This new enduro helmet from Scottish brand Endura looks set to tick all of the boxes, with a deep shell that offers good coverage, some neat features and extra protection courtesy of an impactabsorbing Koroyd layer. On other helmets we’ve found that this honeycomb mesh material can limit airflow, but the MT500’s 17 vents and upper ‘Air Intake Zone’ should help with that. At 352g (M/L), weight is comparable with similar helmets from other brands. This sleek-looking lid offers a good range of peak adjustment, a goggle clip and a slot for a removable light or GoPro mount. Price $225