Hello guys, I have been riding a mountain bike for quite some time now. And as you do, you start a lot of things! You buy a lot of stuff. Some fun gear and some not-so-fun gear.
One thing that I learned the hard way after buying one really expensive helmet just to have it torn apart by my friends who didn’t know what they were doing was that you only need to spend about $40-50 on an MTB Helmet – Here’s why:
As for spending money, usually the more money you spend on something the better quality it is. Now with helmets, this isn’t always true (I’ll explain below) but there are other benefits to cheaper helmets like less weight, more ventilation and that’s about it.
Now, when it comes to spending more money on helmets you definitely get ‘premium features’ like less weight (notice I said less not none), improved fit systems and ventilation (which is key in hot climates). Now the thing about these premium features is that they’re really only benefits if you know how to use them properly.
The reason why I say this is because once again the people who are most likely to post comments like “I don’t see much difference buying an expensive helmet” or “it’s too much money for a helmet” are usually beginners/intermediate riders who don’t need any of these improvements, especially if they’re just starting out.
Top 5 best budget mountain bike helmet
1. Giro Manifest Spherical
Giro is one of the well-known biking helmet brands, especially mountain biking. This is a great all-around helmet for any style of riding. It features a spherical construction, which uses a lower density foam along with the in-mould copolymer matrix. This provides a much lighter helmet while also being more impact absorbent. It’s great when it comes to safety and definitely one of the best deals for an MTB Helmet on the market today!
Pros:
– In mould construction
– Lightweight visor
Cons:
– Visor can be hard to pop up when riding.
2. Troy Lee Designs A3
This is a great helmet for any type of riding. It has an excellent fit system and comes with multiple options for sizing. A unique feature of this helmet is the adjustable visor. This allows you to change the height as well as the angle, which can come in really useful depending on your preference or what activity you are doing.
Pros:
– Adjustable visor
– Great ventilation
Cons:
– Cheaper quality foam is used when compared to other helmets on the market today.
3. Bontrager Solstice MIPS
Bontrager is another brand that you will see in most bike stores, especially the ones that offer premium biking products. This helmet is great for trail riding and has some nice features like an adjustable visor and ventilation system. The MIPS technology used in this product gives it an extra layer of protection in case of a crash or fall.
Pros:
– Good fit system
– Adjustable visor
Cons:
– No padding on chin strap (can become uncomfortable when worn for long periods)
4. POC Octal X SPIN
POC is a big name in the biking community and is very well known for its line of ski helmets. This helmet can go up to 30 mph without any problems! It is great for all types of riding but is especially good if you are doing downhill or enduro-style riding. The SPIN technology used offers an additional layer of protection, which will definitely come in handy if you crash.
Pros:
– Good fit system
– MIPS technology
Cons:
– Less ventilation than other models on the market today.
5. Troy Lee Designs Stage MIPS
This helmet provides the same features as the Solstice model, like the adjustable visor and ventilation system. Where it differentiates itself is in the comfort of this product. It comes with multiple adjustment options to provide you with a great fit while also keeping your head secure even when riding at high speeds!
Pros:
– Good fit system
– Adjustable visor
Cons:
– Less ventilation than other models on the market today.
Things to consider best budget mountain bike helmet
Design:
The design of the helmet is very important because it will determine how well it fits your head. If you are looking to buy one online, make sure to check all the sizing options given in the product description. Also see if a size chart is available for this particular model since most brands have their own sizing systems depending on what type of helmet you purchase.
Comfort:
Will you be wearing this helmet for long periods? Is comfort a big issue for you when wearing helmets? In that case, then try to find a model that comes with padding along with adjustable straps and a comfy fit system. Also look at the amount of ventilation available as well as its weight! A lighter option means there will be added pressure from extra weight while riding, which can lead to neck pain and other injuries.
Price:
How much are you willing to spend on the best budget mountain bike helmet? Determining your price range will allow you to narrow down all the different models available for sale. The more money that is spent on a helmet, then the better quality materials used as well as improved comfort and safety features offered. This does not mean that if you opt for a low priced model it will automatically be a bad purchase. On the contrary, some cheaper options may provide almost as many benefits as premium brands – at a fraction of the cost!
Remember these points when buying one online! The sizing system along with materials used will greatly influence whether or not you choose one brand over another.
Each helmet is going to be specific in design and will come with its own set of different features. This means that you will have to carefully consider your needs before choosing the best budget mountain bike helmet. You may end up making a wrong purchase if you go for the first model you see, but this does not mean that there are no benefits from shopping online! In fact, this purchasing method can save you quite a bit of money and still provide an excellent product.
By simply taking some time to read helmet reviews and comparing models against each other, it should be easier to find one that fits your needs perfectly!
FAQ’S for best budget mountain bike helmet
Ques. What kind of helmet is best for mountain biking?
Ans. A full-face helmet is a safest and most popular choice for mountain biking. It protects you from all sides, including your face and chin. A half shell/open face lets you breathe more easily and keeps bugs out of your teeth! If safety isn’t your biggest concern, then try finding a great fitting open-faced one that still offers some safety features such as a visor to protect against sun glare.
Ques. What do MIPS helmets do?
Ans.MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection Systems. They are placed at key points around the interior of the helmet, which allows them to rotate slightly on impact to disperse shock better. They also reduce rotational forces that may occur after a crash.
Ques. Is there anything to know about DOT helmets?
Ans. Many helmets are marked as meeting the DOT standard. This means they have been tested and approved by the US government, but usually means it has fewer safety technologies than others on the market today. It’s still a good idea to check and see what features your helmet is designed with, ideally those which follow ANSI or SNELL standards for best results.
Ques. How long should my helmet last before I replace it?
Ans Helmets will start to lose some of its structure and shape over time as you wear them regularly. For all sports-related activities as biking or snowboarding, it’s a good idea to replace your helmets roughly every five years.
The padding and straps will also wear out over time, so it will eventually start to lose its effectiveness as well as comfortability.
Ques. What is MIPS and how does it work?
Ans. Many helmets are marked as meeting the DOT standard. This means they have been tested and approved by the US government, but usually means it has fewer safety technologies than others on the market today. It’s still a good idea to check and see what features your helmet is designed with, ideally, those which follow ANSI or SNELL standards for best results.
Ques. Is there such thing as an affordable MIPS helmet?
Ans There’s no doubt that lots of people want to find a safe helmet without having to empty their wallets! Although some premium models cost over $400, there are plenty of options out there that don’t break the bank and offer great protection and safety features too! MIPS technology is one of the best out there when it comes to reducing rotational forces and protecting you from impacts.
Ques What’s a good mountain biking helmet that won’t break the bank?
Ans One great budget option is the BILT IronMan full face mountain bike helmet. It offers a large interior, excellent ventilation and MIPS protection at a fraction of the cost! Check out the extensive reviews on it before purchasing! There’s no doubt that lots of people want to find a safe helmet without having to empty their wallets! Although some premium models cost over $400, there are plenty of options out there that don’t break the bank and offer great protection and safety features too! MIPS technology is one of the best out there when it comes to reducing rotational forces and protecting you from impacts.
Ques. What kind of helmet is best for mountain biking?
Ans.A full-face helmet is a safest and most popular choice for mountain biking. It protects you from all sides, including your face and chin. A half shell/open face lets you breathe more easily and keeps bugs out of your teeth! If safety isn’t your biggest concern, then try finding a great fitting open faced one that still offers some safety features such as a visor to protect against sun glare.