Helmet Buyer's Guide: Trail and Full-Face Options

A helmet is the most important piece of safety gear. This guide ranks helmets in the database by rating.

The shortlist

1. Fox Proframe RS Helmet (Fox Racing) - £268, 0.82 kg, rated 4.8. Lightweight breathable full-face enduro helmet with BOA fit dial and dual-density foam.
2. Smith Forefront 2 Mips (Smith) - £187, 0.36 kg, rated 4.7. Koroyd absorption, Mips protection, ventilated design.
3. Fox Proframe RS Helmet Pro (Fox Racing) - £261, 0.85 kg, rated 4.7. Mips Integra Split protection, ventilated shell, quick-release chin bar straps.
4. Troy Lee Designs Stage Mips (Troy Lee Designs) - £261, 0.98 kg, rated 4.7. Mips protection, light weight, good vents.
5. Bell Super Air R Spherical (Bell) - £299, 0.80 kg, rated 4.7. Removable chin bar, Spherical protection, wide ventilation.
6. POC Otocon Race Mips (POC) - £336, 0.98 kg, rated 4.7. Mips protection, strong shell, good ventilation.
7. 100% Aircraft 2 (100%) - £336, 1.05 kg, rated 4.7. Mips protection, strong shell, quick ventilation.
8. Specialized Ambush 2 (Specialized) - £105, 0.37 kg, rated 4.6. Mips protection, rear coverage, light.

How these were ranked Helmets are ranked by rating and price.

Buying advice Fit comes first; try helmets on if possible and check the certification suits your riding. The shortlist spans £105 to £336, so check what your budget covers before comparing details.

Think about total cost The price in the list is only part of what you will spend. Installation, setup, accessories, consumables and future servicing all add up. Budget for these extras so that your final cost does not run beyond your plan.

Buy for your terrain and riding style The best choice depends on where and how you ride. Steep, technical descents reward strength and stability, while long climbs and mixed terrain favour low weight and efficiency. Match the shortlist to your own riding rather than to the hardest trail you can imagine.

Service, warranty and support Consider how well each manufacturer supports its products. Warranty terms, crash-replacement policies, local service points and parts availability all affect how much you will enjoy a purchase over several seasons.

Timing your purchase Prices and model-year specifications change through the year. Check current prices before buying, and be prepared to consider a previous-year model if the discount is significant and the changes are minor.

How the data was gathered Specifications and ratings come from the Gear Matrix database and describe the entries it contains. Treat the list as a guide, and verify the latest pricing, sizing and compatibility with the manufacturer before you buy.

Questions to ask before you commit Does it fit my bike? Will I notice the difference on my usual trails? Can I get it serviced locally? Is the warranty clear? Answering these four questions usually narrows a long list to a confident choice.

How to use this list A ranked list is a starting point, not a finish line. Use it to narrow the field, then dig into the specifications, geometry or compatibility of the two or three options that fit your riding. The order reflects database ratings and price, not how well any single entry will suit your bike or terrain.

Final thoughts Specifications and ratings come from the Gear Matrix database; verify current pricing, sizing and compatibility with the manufacturer before you buy.