Half helmets are an ideally small and light DOT-approved headgear solution for providing important protection without blocking out that alluring wind in your face sensation. Plus, being lighter and less bulky than their full-face counterparts they tend to be more comfortable for riders.
Comfort begins with finding a helmet that perfectly fits. Pads in its liner and chin strap must absorb impact while helping it conform to your head; their thickness, quality, and placement is critical.
1. Bell Pit Boss
If you're seeking an inexpensive yet minimalistic way to protect your head on the open road, this helmet may be just what you're searching for.
Boasting a lightweight TriMatrix composite shell crafted of carbon, Kevlar and fiberglass for maximum light transmission.
 |
Half the weight, all the protection—Bell Pit Boss is your go-to helmet for mountain biking adventures |
Plus its easily raised/lowered visor is operated with a small lever at the front for quick adjustment while its internal dark smoke flip-up sun shield meets US safety standards and can serve as an alternative when riding under bright conditions.
Though this helmet appears simplistic, its innovative Speed dial fit system ensures heavy-duty performance with its revolutionary Speed dial fit system that prevents lift and slippage in other half helmets.
Furthermore, this product features removable neck curtains for cold weather protection as well as speaker pockets to facilitate communication among riders on the road.
Real customer reviews indicate that many people appreciate how quickly and easily this helmet can be adjusted to fit comfortably on their head, without feeling tight or restricting them.
Furthermore, its adjustable feature enables people to adapt it for different wind conditions so they can ride safely.
2. LS2 Rebellion
The Rebellion Half Helmet features a timeless half helmet design that complements any bike, making it lightweight and incredibly comfortable to wear.
An excellent option for newcomers to mountain biking or those seeking something with more traditional aesthetics, it makes a great first choice in bike helmets.
 |
LS2 Rebellion: The perfect companion for thrill-seekers who crave safety and style on the trails |
This stylish shell is constructed of lightweight Kinetic Polymer Alloy for high performance and ventilation, providing flow-through ported ventilation that keeps you cool even on hot summer days.
Additionally, its short peak and drop down sun shield offer additional protection.
LS2 continues to produce quality products at an accessible price point, such as their Rebellion full-featured half helmet which boasts excellent fit and features a large, ram air style intake vent. It truly delivers value.
However, when compared with other top models in this test, this one lacks adjustability and comfort features, and did not perform well during crash tests because only its coverage extends to chin and face areas - leaving other vital areas exposed.
If more protection is desired, consider investing in either the Bell Pit Boss or full-face models like the Giro Manifest Spherical.
3. POC Kortal Race MIPS
The POC Kortal trail and enduro helmet is not as light or low-profile as some of the other models we tested; however, it provides excellent rear head coverage, comfort on long rides, breathability and overall breathability; in fact it was our most comfortable helmet of the bunch!
 |
Ride fearlessly with POC Kortal Race MIPS—designed for those who demand the best in protection |
The shell has 17 large vents, the forwardmost ones connected to deep channels for air circulation over and around your head.
There are also vents at the brow that direct airflow towards eyewear - an effective way to reduce fogging - while vents on the back won't get covered up by goggle straps.
Like many modern mountain bike helmets, the Kortal features the MIPS system to help guard against rotational impacts from head strikes.
But unlike other MIPS designs, its MIPS Integra system is integrated within its EPS liner rather than sitting atop of it for greater force dispersion during impacts.
In addition, its lightweight TriMatrix carbon shell, Speed Dial fit system to prevent lift and slippage, Aramid bridges for structural support, three-position breakaway visor, and other premium features are also found within its EPS liner - features you'd find in top-of-the-line mountain bike helmets!
4. Bell Speed Dial
If you want an ultralight and comfortable half helmet that meets DOT certification standards, this one may be for you. It provides ample protection to both the top and back parts of the head - areas research has indicated can be especially vulnerable in an accident.
 |
Bell Speed Dial: The perfect blend of comfort and style for your off-road rides |
Like most of Bell's other helmets, this half helmet is constructed using their lightweight TriMatrix carbon/Kevlar/fiberglass composite and equipped with their innovative Speed Dial fit system that eliminates lifting issues typically found with other half helmets.
Furthermore, it comes equipped with drop down internal shield for added sun coverage as well as neck curtain for cold weather protection.
The helmet comes in various solid colors and graphic designs.
It can also be adjusted to accommodate head sizes that fall outside the chart's parameters - though only up to a certain point; otherwise it might not work for you.
It does an effective job of keeping air out and cooling the head, making long rides much more comfortable.
Furthermore, this half helmet seems to have less of a "mushroom" effect than many others and scratches more easily (according to some riders). Unfortunately though, its drawbacks include trapping air inside of it and scratching easily as potential drawbacks.
5. POC Tectal
POC's Tectal helmet epitomizes their philosophy of balancing performance with user experience, providing superior rear of head coverage, enhanced ventilation and long ride comfort all while being exceptionally lightweight.
 |
Conquer the trails with the POC Tectal—where advanced safety meets unbeatable style |
The minimalist aesthetic of the Tectal points to a bright future.
At first glance it may resemble Tron-like technology; but on closer examination its clean lines and expert construction reveal an anatomically correct fit around your head like a well-fitted brain bucket.
POC's Aramid reinforced EPS foam liner and uni-body shell construction (first introduced with their Octal helmet) make this lightweight helmet suitable for road racing, while MIPS rotational impact protection sits inside each pad of this helmet to minimize rotational accelerations that may cause concussions.
Other safety features of note include a RECCO reflector that relays signals back to first responders to assist riders who become disoriented in the mountains.
Its slim-line padding offers excellent comfort without pinch points; and an adjustable visor helps tuck it out of sight when climbing hills or hills.
Unfortunately, standard chin strap buckles may be less convenient than magnetic or quick release models available at this price range.
Here are five FAQs about the best half helmets for mountain biking, along with their answers:
1. What advantages do half helmets offer for mountain biking compared to full-face helmets?
Answer: Half helmets, or open-face helmets, provide better ventilation and lighter weight compared to full-face helmets, making them ideal for less extreme trails or cross-country mountain biking. They offer more freedom of movement and airflow, which is crucial for staying cool during long, strenuous rides. However, they offer less protection than full-face helmets, so they're better suited for moderate terrain rather than aggressive downhill or technical trails.
2. What safety certifications should I look for in a mountain biking half helmet?
Answer: Look for helmets that meet the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) standard in the U.S. or EN1078 in Europe, which certify that the helmet provides adequate impact protection for cycling. For extra safety, some half helmets are equipped with MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), which helps protect against rotational forces during falls, offering an added layer of brain protection.
3. Are half helmets suitable for all types of mountain biking?
Answer: Half helmets are ideal for cross-country (XC) and trail riding, where the terrain is moderate, and the risk of high-impact falls is lower. They are not recommended for downhill or enduro riding, where riders encounter steep descents, jumps, and more technical challenges. For these more aggressive forms of mountain biking, a full-face helmet is recommended to provide additional facial protection.
4. What key features should I prioritize when choosing a half helmet for mountain biking?
Answer: When selecting a half helmet for mountain biking, consider the following features:
- Ventilation: Look for helmets with multiple vents to keep your head cool on long, challenging rides.
- Fit System: A secure and adjustable fit system, such as a dial-fit or BOA system, ensures comfort and safety by preventing the helmet from moving during rides.
- Visor: A removable or adjustable visor helps protect your eyes from the sun, rain, and trail debris, enhancing visibility on varied terrain.
- Weight: Lightweight helmets reduce strain during long rides, making them more comfortable for extended use.
- MIPS Technology: For added safety, MIPS helmets help reduce the rotational forces on the brain during a crash.
5. Can I use a road cycling helmet for mountain biking?
Answer: While you can use a road cycling helmet for light mountain biking, it's not ideal. Road helmets are designed for smooth surfaces and offer less coverage and protection than mountain biking helmets. Mountain biking helmets typically provide more rear and side coverage, essential for the falls and obstacles encountered on trails. They also feature better ventilation for slower speeds and come with visors to shield your face from branches and debris on the trail, which road helmets generally lack.
Conclusion
Half helmets for mountain biking strike a perfect balance between protection, ventilation, and comfort, making them an excellent choice for riders tackling cross-country and trail rides. They offer the necessary coverage to guard against impacts while maintaining a lightweight, breathable design that keeps you cool during long, challenging rides. Though they lack the full-face protection needed for more extreme forms of mountain biking like downhill or enduro, their versatility, combined with modern safety features like MIPS and adjustable visors, make them an essential piece of gear for trail enthusiasts. Ultimately, half helmets provide a blend of safety and performance, empowering riders to confidently navigate varied terrain with comfort and control.
0 Comments