Basket
You're just starting out in enduro and you want to get equipped to ride safely. So, after offering you a comparative of mountain bike helmets in order to know the different models of helmets that existed on the market, we now offer you a small guide in order to discover which are the best mountain bike helmets for enduro.
What mountain bike helmet for enduro?
First of all, needless to say, wearing a helmet is highly recommended in mountain biking to protect you in case of a fall. So, logically, if you are new to enduro riding, you are probably wondering which helmet to use for this discipline to ride in full protection.
Depending on your level of practice or the environment in which you will ride, there are two possibilities: the all mountain helmet or the full mountain bike helmet. For the second type of helmet, you will even have the choice between a classic full face mountain bike helmet or a modular full face mountain bike helmet, that is, with a removable chin strap. Let's find out now the specifics, advantages and disadvantages of each of these helmet models so that you can choose the enduro mountain bike helmet that best suits you.
All mountain helmet
The first category of mountain bike helmet you can use in enduro riding is the all mountain helmet. It is very similar to the classic mountain bike helmet, known as the XC mountain bike helmet, meaning that it is a lightweight and ventilated model. But its specificity is that it is more enveloping, especially at the back of the skull given that it descends more on the neck allowing to protect it - in addition to the cranium - in case of impact at the back of the head.
In addition, the all mountain helmet is usually equipped with a visor (removable or not) to protect you from the sun but also from branches, in addition to wearing a pair of bicycle glasses.
This type of helmet is more for beginners and mountain bikers who ride enduro bikes on less rugged terrain.
To equip yourself with an all-mountain helmet, you need to count between 50€ (for a first price helmet) and 250 euros (for the most high-end models).
All mountain bike helmet
The second category of helmet you can use in enduro is the classic or monobloc full face mountain bike helmet.
Previously, full face helmets were more reserved for DH riding. But with the resurgence of enduro riders who want to ride aggressively downhill while being perfectly protected - including in the face, while not suffocating inside their helmets on the climbs, manufacturers have designed full-face mountain bike helmets specifically for enduro riding. They are therefore lighter and more ventilated than DH models, while providing optimal protection on descents which explains why more and more riders are equipping themselves with them to ride safely and thus reduce head injuries in case of impact.
This type of helmet will allow you to be perfectly protected in all circumstances.
To equip yourself with a full-face helmet, you should count between 100 and 600 euros.
Modular (or hybrid) full face mountain bike helmet
The third and final category of mountain bike helmet you can use in enduro is the hybrid or modular full face mountain bike helmet with removable chin strap.
This system allows you to remove the chin strap on climbs and put it back on for descents. The perverse effect of this system is that after a while, during an outing where you'll only be going up and down, you may forget - out of laziness - to put it back on and, if you fall down at that point, you could get hurt badly.
This type of helmet is best reserved for use in the mountains where you'll be doing a long climb followed by a long - and only - descent.
To equip yourself with a full-face modular helmet, you should count between 150 and 350 euros.
The different technologies of mountain bike helmets
Some helmet models, whether all-mountain or full-face, are equipped with technologies that enhance their protective role in case of a fall.
The EPS foam (or expanded polystyrene) is a deformable material that helps absorb energy in the event of an impact. It is usually located as a lining under the shell. It is one of the most used technologies in helmets, whether for road or mountain biking.
Another widely used - and especially highly effective - technology is the MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) technology. For the practice of enduro, we can only advise you to choose a model that is equipped with it to strengthen the protection of your head. Indeed, in addition to the protection of the skull in case of direct impact, the MIPS system also provides increased protection against concussion thanks to an intermediate layer between the head and the outer shell.
Now that you know the best mountain bike helmets for enduro riding, how about checking out how to choose your full face ATV helmet or learn how to choose your child's ATV helmet?
