Best Full Face Mountain Bike Helmet Under £150

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Whether you’re a weekend adventurer tackling the bike park or a committed downhill rider, a full-face mountain bike helmet is an indispensable piece of safety equipment. Designed to offer greater protection than open face helmets, especially in the event of a crash, these helmets are the best choice for anyone looking to push the limits of mountain biking.

With safety features like MIPS technology—standing for multi-directional impact protection system—to guard against rotational forces, and robust chin straps for secure fit, the right full-face helmet can be the difference between a great ride and a trip to the hospital.

But, with so many options on the market, finding a helmet that offers excellent protection, a comfortable fit, and better ventilation—all without breaking the bank—can be a daunting task. In this guide, we’ll navigate the trails of options to find the best full face mountain bike helmets under £150, ensuring you get good value without compromising on safety standards or comfort.

Understanding Full Face Mountain Bike Helmets

What exactly is a full face mountain bike helmet? In essence, it’s the armour for your head when you’re navigating the rough terrains of mountain biking. Unlike its counterpart, the half shell helmets, a full-face helmet provides comprehensive coverage, enveloping the entire head and jawline with a robust outer shell. This is the type of helmet you’d see sported by enduro riders or those enjoying high-speed downhill racing.

So, who would benefit from donning a full-face helmet? If you’re someone who thrives on the adrenaline of downhill riding, enjoys the challenges of trail riding at higher speeds, or spends your weekends exploring rugged bike parks, then this helmet is crafted for you.

It’s for the rider who knows that the risk of rotational impacts is real and wants the assurance of a MIPS liner or similar rotational impact protection system. It’s for the mountain biker who understands that in the event of a crash, a full-face helmet can provide excellent protection, shielding the face and back of the head as no open face helmet can.

Typically, full-face mountain bike helmets are engineered with a variety of safety features and comforts. From the breakaway visor designed to detach upon impact to prevent neck injuries, to the EPS foam liner that cradles your head, these helmets are the epitome of advanced safety standards in action. The best helmets also include well-ventilated designs, ensuring that long rides under the sun don’t become uncomfortably warm. With features like an adjustable fit system, a comfortable helmet becomes like a second skin – you’ll barely notice it’s there as you focus on the trail ahead.

Features of a Full Face Mountain Bike Helmet

When it comes to full-face MTB helmets, the features are designed with a focus on protection, comfort, and performance. Here are some of the hallmark features you should expect:

MIPS Technology: MIPS stands for Multi-Directional Impact Protection System. This safety feature helps reduce rotational forces that can result from certain impacts.
Ventilation: Good helmets offer excellent ventilation. Large vents and channels provide better airflow, keeping you cool during high-speed descents or on long days at the bike park.
Weight: Light weight is key for comfort and can reduce neck fatigue during longer rides. The lightest helmets use advanced materials to protect without weighing you down.
Visor: A breakaway visor serves a dual purpose—protecting your eyes from the sun and debris, and breaking away in a crash to minimize the risk of neck injury.
Fit System: A comfortable fit is crucial. A fit system ensures the helmet stays securely in place, offering better protection and a more comfortable experience.
Chin Strap: A sturdy chin strap is essential for keeping the helmet securely fastened. D-ring closures are often used for their reliability.
Certifications: Safety certifications like CPSC, CE: 1078, or AS/NZS 2063 indicate that the helmet meets established safety standards, an important factor to consider for any rider.

These features work in tandem to provide mountain bikers with the confidence to tackle challenging terrains, knowing they have the best possible protection.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Helmet

Selecting the right full-face mountain bike helmet is a balancing act between various factors:

Safety Above All: The most important thing is that the helmet meets or exceeds safety standards, offering features like MIPS technology and adequate coverage at the back of the head and jawline for maximum head protection.
Fit and Comfort: A helmet should have a comfortable helmet fit system, ensuring it sits snugly without being overly tight, which can become uncomfortable on long rides. A well-ventilated helmet can also greatly increase comfort.
Vision: A large visor not only protects against the elements but should also offer a wide range of vision, essential for trail riding and navigating technical sections.
Weight Considerations: A lighter helmet can reduce strain on the neck and is generally more comfortable, which is critical for enduro riders or those out on long rides.
Durability and Maintenance: Look for a helmet with a durable outer shell and features like a removable and washable liner for easy cleaning after a muddy day on the trails.

Best Full Face Mountain Bike Helmets

Fox Rampage MIPS Full Face MTB Helmet

The Fox Rampage Pro Carbon MIPS Helmet is lauded for its updates that enhance comfort and protection. It’s particularly noted for its excellent protection scoring, with the inclusion of MIPS technology to reduce rotational forces in a crash. The helmet is equipped with breakaway visor screws and boasts a carbon fibre shell that balances weight with performance.

Key Features:

MIPS impact protection system
Breakaway visor screws
Dual-density, in-mold Varizorb™ EPS
Lightweight, carbon fibre shell
Vent screens for airflow and protection from debris

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7iDP M1 Full Face Helmet Grey

Reviews highlight the 7 iDP M1 Full Face Helmet’s performance, quality, and value, suggesting it meets the specific needs of mountain biking enthusiasts in terms of speed, durability, and comfort. However, detailed feature information wasn’t available in the provided snippet.

Key Features

Lightweight ABS Shell
17 Vents provide cool air intake and heat exhaust
Large eye port for greater field of vision and improved goggle fit
Complies to CE, CPSC and AS Standards

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661 Reset Full Face MTB Helmet Contour Black

The 661 Reset Helmet is designed with MIPS technology, aiming to provide excellent protection without being too costly. It features a lightweight ABS shell and has been optimized for protection against rotational forces. The helmet was developed with input from pro riders, balancing safety, ventilation, and visibility.

Key Features

MIPS “E2” Brain Protection System
Lightweight ABS shell
Large angular vents for airflow
Large sculpted eye port for vision and goggle fit
Complies with multiple safety standards

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7iDP Project 23 ABS Helmet

The 7iDP Project 23 ABS Helmet offers a new take on downhill helmets with an upgraded look. Its ABS shell reduces weight and increases shock absorption, making it incredibly light yet strong. It includes 23 big bore vents for superior ventilation and features a quick-release liner for easy maintenance.

Key Features

23 big bore vents for airflow
Quick-release liner for washing
Adjustable breakaway visor
EPS core material and buckle closure system
Certified for downhill and freeride use

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What to Look for in a Full Face Helmet Under £150

While affordability is a key factor, it should not come at the expense of essential features:

Protective Features: Ensure the helmet includes up-to-date safety technologies like MIPS or other systems designed to mitigate rotational forces during impacts.
Standards Compliance: Verify that the helmet adheres to current safety standards—this can often be a good indicator of the overall quality of protection.
Ventilation vs. Weight: A lighter helmet with good ventilation is preferable, but not if it compromises the helmet’s protective integrity.
Comfort and Fit: Look for a helmet with a reliable fit system and comfortable padding, which can make a significant difference in overall satisfaction.
Durability: Consider the materials and construction quality. A helmet with a robust outer shell and high-quality liners will last longer and provide consistent protection.

Remember, the best choice is a helmet that offers a blend of these features while fitting within your budget.

Choosing the right full-face mountain bike helmet is a vital decision for any rider. It’s not just about adhering to safety standards or finding a helmet with the latest MIPS technology. It’s about investing in your safety and comfort, understanding the importance of a well-ventilated, lightweight, and durable helmet that fits your riding style and budget. Whether you’re navigating the steep descents of a downhill track or enjoying the flow of a bike park, the right helmet can make all the difference. We hope this guide helps you in making an informed decision, so you can ride with confidence and peace of mind.