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I’m in the market for a full face helmet and goggles. I’m a female rider hoping to pair the helmet with goggles, but they don’t have to be the same brand as long as they are compatible. I will primarily use this for my downhill riding at ski resorts in Colorado this summer, so I want something that doesn’t make me feel claustrophobic and hot. Any brands/models that really stand out or don’t? I kind of like the $$$ Met line of full face helmets. Any fans?
And a genuine question – is ever okay to wear a full face helmet or goggles when I’m just trail riding? As a contacts wearer whose eyes dry out while riding, it would be SO PRACTICAL if goggles became mainstream, and honestly I’d love to wear a full face helmet more regularly, too. I would feel more confident to be aggressive and speedy with the extra protection.
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100% aircraft has great ventilation which you might enjoy if you’r are planning on wearing it for regular rides as well. The Fly Werx also get’s similar comments.
If you are planning on wearing a full face for trail riding as well why don’t you get the Giro Switchblade? Meets all the downhill standards and you will probably enjoy not having a covered chin when you are trail riding…. plus if the descents are gnarly you can put on the chin protector…
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Wear the google. Wear the full face. Don’t worry about mainstream. Do what’s best for you and what gives you confidence. What many of us do on our “trail rides” out west are oftentimes enduro-size and worthy of the full face. Sometimes I think of how crazy stupid it is to blazing down some of the trails I do in CO (and Mongolia) with only a regularly helmet on. My helmet has saved me twice now, but there could come of time that my helmet was not enough … … Forget mainstream. You’re probably the one thinking right. Check out the new Bell Super 3R. They have a special women’s collection they are promoting. I haven’t used the Bell Supers yet, but I’m thinking long and hard about it.
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To tackle the second question: even though there’s a strange stigma about the use of full face helmets outside of DH riding, who really gives a shit what the community thinks. A friend of mine rides shirtless in spring and summer because he likes the feel I suppose. This is not bowling, this is mountain biking-there are no rules (as long as you’re riding responsibly, of course). As for goggles, I imagine vision is probably the most important factor in regards to MTB. I use safety glasses in the winter for the same reason you mentioned, my eyes get dried out and I’m practically blinded by the cold winter air. What’s most important is that you have the most comfortable, safe and enjoyable riding experience as possible so it you like full face helmets and goggles go for it.
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I think the biggest reason people don’t wear full face helmets more often is due to comfort: most full face helmets are hot and heavy. So if it feels comfortable for you to wear full face for every ride, go for it.
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Try riding trails on a hot day with a full face helmet. It will kick your butt.
but for safety it is certainly the best option. We should all wear full face helmets.
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No full face for me, too heavy. I can wear goggles, in fact I like it when its a chilly ride. Keeps most of my face covered. A friend always wears a ski goggles when we ride, he said it gives him better peripheral vision and shades than his sunglasses.
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I ride with the bell super, and even though its not downhill rated, (as in you can not use it in a downhill race) it will definitely protect you and its an easy system to use. I have never tried the new 3r, but I am considering!
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I have a Bell Super 2R with removable chin bar I wear almost all the time, and I never take the chin bar off. Even in the summer here in Florida. If I am riding very easy trails, or pavement/sidewalk trails I have a regular half helmet. I wear glasses so do not wear goggles, but I do buy Poly-carbonate lens glasses which are safety/shatter resistant.
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Finding a full face helmet that won’t be claustrophobic and hot is a big ask. Full face helmets should fit very snugly around your head and the pads should firmly touch your cheeks. A full face should of course be comfortable and fit well, but it’s never going to be able to match the comfort and breathability of a trail helmet.
As others have mentioned, if you’re looking into a helmet to do it all, one with a removable chin bar could be a good solution for you. The Giro Switchblade is probably your best bet since it’s DH certified with the chin bar installed.
And rock out with your goggles out if that works for you!
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The Giro only the chin bar comes off where the Bell the entire bottom comes off so it converts to a trail helmet. Also the Giro has a double D ring (which is required for downhill racing) the Bell has a quick snap like most trail helmets.
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Right, but since she’s looking for something to ride in bike parks, the Giro would be the better choice.
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Other than the required double D ring strap, I can find no empirical evidence or test results that show the switchblade’s certification actually proves the Bell wouldn’t pass the downhill impact requirements.
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Alvin, except for the fact that the Bell is not ASTM1952 certified and the switchblade is. Bell is only cpsc and CE EN 1078.
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except that the CPSC requires the same 2 meter flat anvil test as the ASTM1952 and while the CPSC only requires a 1.2 meter hemi anvil test and a 1 meter curbstone anvil test, while 1952 requires a 1.6 meter test for both of those, Bell over tested the Super 2r and 3r and even used several tests not required. So LIKE I KEEP SAYING, the only part of the 1952 requirement the Bell does not meet is the double D ring strap attachment. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I think Alvin works for Bell cause he pushes that Super hard!
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but there’s also a level of penetration resistance the Bell Super does not meet with as many vents as it has. It’s the same reason an ASTM F1952-certified helmet doesn’t meet a DOT standard for moto.
As for Bell’s in-house testing… I’m sorry, but without comparative data with other helmets using a test Bell made up, it’s severely biased and questionable at best.
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Does anyone make a typical mtb style helmet with a chin guard ?
id prefer something like this over a full face helmet for riding singletrack. Some more protection of the face and teeth without being closed in.
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Still like a motocross helmet in appearance ? Do these offer more airflow than the typical full face motocross helmet ?
Id just like to have a chin bar (small) if I had my choice
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This is is close to what I think is best for me although I don’t have one
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This looks like a pretty sweet new option for full-face helmet buyers:
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<p style=”text-align: center;”>https://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-gear/news-bell-announces-the-addition-of-mips-and-icedot-technology/</p>
I need to try something Like this. Looks much more realistic for cross country riding if you wanted maximum protection
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Alvin how does that apply to the current conversation? They’re talking about DH full face vs moto full face, not removable chin bar helmets.
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It is about the validity of testing. While it seems logical to assume that the 1952 standard is safer for downhill than the CSPC standard it has never been actually been researched or tested. Originally it was logical to assume the Snell standard was safer for motocross than the DOT standard. But that is not true, DOT has been proven better for motocross, and Snell may not even be safer for pavement riding. No one has studied whether CPSC, 1952, or DOT would actually be the safest standard to use for mountain bike riding and racing. And it may be different standards would be safer for different types of riding or racing.
I personally believe 1952 is not enough different than CPSC to make any real difference in protection and that DOT should be required in downhill racing. For other mountain bike types of riding or racing I don’t think it is necessary.
It is up to each person to decide just what works for them and trying to provide as much information and options as possible so each person can make an informed decision is always a good thing.
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Ah, I see your point. But if you think that folks should be wearing DOT approved helmets for DH, why do you keep telling people to get the Super when they ask about full faces? 😉
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@pvtalley I will deff. support Jeff with the Profane…
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Bell Super 2R or 3R. No one is going to judge you on the helmet you wear.
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I use a Demon Podium CE certified helmet. It is heavy at 2 lbs, but runs about $89 and very comfortable. Took me a few rides to get use to the weight, but now cannot tell. A little hot in the summer (90+F). Removable liner. Goggle and audio compatible. Check out All Sports Protection, they usually have them on sale.
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http://www.met-helmets.com/en/products/mtb/parachute lighter than Bell Super with better air flow. Chin guard not removable. Very comfy.
Review here http://www.bikeradar.com/au/mtb/gear/article/bell-super-2r-vs-met-parachute-helmets-44178/
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