Reviewing 5 popular, high end MTB helmets for 2023

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Learn more about these helmets- and TONS more- over at Jenson USA through my link here: bit.ly/Helmets2023JKW

[@fastsvo]

when it came to the Smith Mainline did you go with a M or L ?

[@billyboy1714]

After landing on my head in an MTB crash on a local trail, I went shopping for a new helmet at my local bike shop. I ended up with the POC Tectal for three reasons over other available helmets: fit, coverage and the buckling system. Not everyone's head is shaped the same, so fit is a pretty personal issue. For me, the POC Tectal fit very securely and comfortably. I also liked the greater amount of coverage afforded by the Tectal. The tectal extended further down the back of my head, which I feel not only provides better protection but helped the overall fitment for this particular model. Finally, I really like how the buckling system adjusts. Most MTB helmet straps are - at least for me - very difficult to adjust to the point where the strap keeps the helmet in just the right position on my head. The POC Tectal is somewhat unique, I think, in that it uses two independent loops extending from the sides of the helmet which are connected by a center strap that includes the buckle. The center strap floats on the two side side loops so that it automatically centers under the chin in just the right place. All of this - the fit, coverage and buckling system - adds up to a safer helmet, I think, at least for me. I also like the Tectal's visor - it extends far enough that it actually is useful for blocking out the sun and/or limbs, etc. The Tectal is not the perfect helmet, though. I have some doubts about whether the padding is really the best, and, in fact, the padding started coming loose not long after I bought the helmet. Thanks, ya'll. Be safe out there . . .

[@AZMTB]

Another note on POC - I have the Tectal Race MIPS because they're meant more for people with blockier heads, whereas the Kortal is for "rounder" heads. I tried both on at a LBS and there was a pretty big difference in fit. I have a big noggin, so it was hard finding a helmet that fit well and the Tectal is perfect for me (in the biggest size they make). I don't have any issue with there being no padding in the back, I wear it for hours without any discomfort.

[@Neiljitsu]

Do you have a full face in that size?

[@chandler49]

One of the most underrated MTB youtubers by far

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Hooligan!

[@HeadBassVTEC]

gotta say after seeing few of your helemt reviews (since I am currently looking for one) I really love your riding style, you bike control is great and it reacts so fast in your hands

[@Oldmanfreeride]

My helmet is a bell 4Forty mips and I love it, when I smoked my head into a large tree then a rock the deflection off both surface was amazing it actually felt soft the bruises and cuts to my body would say otherwise but my head was fine.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Glad to hear you are OK, Bob! I had a Bell in last year's helmet review, it didn't fit me as well as the Giro shape.

[@patrickglenn2969]

I tried one smith helmet and couldn’t stand it. The mips made it feel like it was always sliding around. I went back to a Troy Lee A2. Best helmet I’ve ever used!

[@Williamfeuz]

I ride the gyro tyrant and absolutely love it I’ve had it for 2 almost 3 years and it is the best helmet I’ve ever had

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Right on Drew- I'm on my 3rd Tyrant now and absolutely LOVE it! Glad I have a smaller option for legit, 80 degree and warmer days with big distances, but the Tyrant is my fave all arounder.

[@ChezzyDirt]

Lovin' the Tyrant as well, I added a troy Lee visor for the win.

[@HUKIT.]

Since a concussion and a broken eye socket I’ve completely ditched the half shell so it’s either the TLD Stage or D4 Carbon at the park.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Fair! Stay safe!

[@dustbunny2269]

I love your riding style and your videos!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thank you D!!!

[@mariobros2867]

The smith mainline is a great helmet, but my head was slightly too big for the small size and too small for medium. So I ended up with a trajecta helmet instead because it fits perfectly. I hope smith will run their small helmets up to 56cm in the future.

[@David-iq1kd]

Helpful info! I have also been considering a Mainline and Trajecta (and even the Aircraft2 since it's on sale several places for the same price) and am a 55.5cm. I've often found it hard to get full face helmets to fit, often between sizes. Also looking at the Leatt Enduro / Gravity 4.0. Decisions decisions...

[@JamieR]

That crash hits too close to home for comfort. I too had a concussion, but wasn't wearing helmet and I honestly won't get on a bike without a helmet now. Thanks for making this video! And man---your riding is so clean!

[@flo8273]

the bluegrass rogue mips is a great choice. safe and light

[@Fango925]

I'm a switchblade fan! I run it without the bar as a makeshift tyrant for most riding, and with a bar for more aggressive stuff. I find that it's a bit hot in the summer, but I live in Minnesota, so from October - April, the extra warmth is invited. I even run it fatbiking as it keeps my ears nice and warm!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Right on Fango, I do the same.

[@miguelortiz4446]

I wish I would've seen this video before the helmet I just bought. It's a POC Tectal (olive matte). I haven't ridden with it yet but it fits pretty good. I chose by looks. Next helmet I buy will be given more thought and research seeing as though it's thee most important equipment to invest in. Thanks for the vid JKW! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

[@noahscrofani3105]

If your doubting your purchace, the Tectal is super protective. I had a friend go down super hard on a 12 foot drop and smash his head on the ground. It split the helmet in half, but his head was unharmed.

[@mtbboy1993]

I use currently use a Leatt 1.0 DH, it's quite light full face helmet, price is decent, too, but a con is the pads come loose as the Velcro pads come loose, but I added 3m HVB tape I cut to fit, it solves the issue, but eventually wears out, so other than that, no complaints. It has a mesh, so no insects come in, maybe just tiny flies, but no way a bee a bigger flies will get in, also leafs, twigs. The helmet's chin guard is not as stiff as my previous helmet 2016 Fox Rampage Pro Carbon, which was quite heavy too at around 1100 gram I think it was, the Leatt helmet is around 560g in Large , around 1500g with Diablo light, goggles, Gopro Hero 7 Black. so not bad, it feels a lot lighter, but I got used to the heavier helmet, so this feels nice. Cheek pads did not compress permanently, so the helmet fits as it did when it was new. Some claim the current Fox Rampage Pro Carbon does not have the issue with the cheek pads, but I know 2016 had it.

[@nickzarnetske9994]

There was a great podcast with Worldwide Cyclery and one of the big guys from Kali. It's worth a listen for sure. I have a Kali Maya from your videos years ago and still prefer it over a few others I've tried since (one being a POC). I'm in the market again and the Maya is looking like the next choice I make.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Right on Nick, yea that's Brad, not only does he run Kali but he's a partner in a helmet factory in Asia. I was a Kali sponsored athlete from ~2015-2020. Decided to try something else for a bit! I actually helped make the first Maya launch vid back in 2015: www.mountainflyermagazine.com/view.php/kali-protectives-launches-new-deep-coverage-maya-helmet.html

[@coralmansion]

I bought the giro tyrant because of you last year and i couldn't be happier, that said why not make a similiar video on knee pads? I've been riding for almost 3 years and still haven't gotten around to buying some and i'm starting to see the benefit of it. I'm sure there are more people like me who would be interested.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Glad you like the Tyrant! I love that thing. I almost never ride without knee pads- only on pump tracks or on true XC bike (like the Ibis Exie). I'll do a knee pad round up, not sure how fancy it'll be! At the moment I'm liking my Endura knee pads the most, but they still arent perfect.

[@MonsterChuck]

Giro Manifest for trail riding and Bell Full 9 for DH. Comfort is paramount and I had ordered tons of the top brands in multiple sizes sometimes while testing fit (POC, Fox, TLD, Specialized, Bell, Giro).

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Right on Chuck, I liked the Manifest, but am glad to have the burlier Merit now.

[@jonnysnakes5417]

Ive been loving my o'neal pike 2.0 ipx trail lid and ixs trigger ff for the dh bike. The ixs is really light and airy and find myself grabbing it half the time for the more gnarly rides on an ebike

[@william2532]

I crashed with the smith mainline on a step up on dirt merchant 4 months ago. I am able to vouch for it's safety as it could have been a lot worse, however I did have a moderate concussion.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Glad you're (somewhat) OK! A concussion here or there in life isn't the end of the world. I've had quite a few. But be certain to do all you can to never get two within a short time period!!!

[@william2532]

@@JeffKendallWeed man I've sort of been trying but it's super hard to take a break from sports for us adrenaline junkies.. I've been skiing a bit, I hope I can stay safe.

[@jlcousineau]

I’m rocking the smith forefront 2 for gravel/xc and the ixs trigger ff for enduro or park duty. So far it’s the best combo I’ve found

[@richtorrey6457]

That crash was so bad. I'm glad you are okay. I got nocked out going down a left hand drop hit my check bone on a tree. Didn't even touch my helmet. It's been 5 weeks of dealing with this concussion. Many mx concussions also. I'm going full face with mips for Trail riding this year.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Rich, sorry to hear about your headers! That sucks man. I've had quite a few, but always did try to rehab as best as possible before riding gnar again. hang in there!!!

[@rmack611]

I also have a giro shaped head! I use the insurgent, the switchblade when it’s cold enough, but I fount the specialized tactic to be easily the most comfortable helmet! It also has a great spot for glasses!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Right on Ryan, I'll try Specialized helmets in the next year or two.

[@tuco0x]

8:33 "F=MA (mass goes up and acceleration would go down for a given impact force)" Well, I dunno, in real life Force is not held constant. It is a variable. Mass is the constant and the resulting force you will experience will vary on how bad you crash and burn. And while we are at it, the equation F = MA is also the definition of weight. And the resulting unit is a Newton (= kg meter per second squared) not a kilogram that people keep calling weight. Kilogram is a unit of mass and is the same on Earth, floating around weightless in space and on the Moon.

[@a.r.8850]

Same thing got me wondering. But i guess they measure the resulting force on the head, not the impact block. As long as the impact block isn't compressible, i can't quite see how more mass in it self would result in better performance.

[@SurlyRider2019]

I just bought the poc kortal race mips from Jenson USA at almost $300. I really like poc so the price is not important. Thanks Jenson

[@SkiRidesMTB]

I use a Oakley DR5 for trail which has 2 features I'm not sure I can live without at this point...sweat diversion and a sunglass holder on top. I know, dumb...but they're invaluable and make it easier to ride.

[@theprofitmohamhead1268]

How many have subjected their helmets to these safety ratings?: DOT, ECE, SNELL, SHARP, FIM?I haven't found too many myself.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Bicycle helmets generally only get subjected to ASTM and CPSC.

[@307.William]

Favorite is my fox ProFrame

[@ChezzyDirt]

Whatever helmet I always ad a Sweat Buster, always makes helmet more comfortable and unbeatable sweat absorption. 👍

[@bearded4glory809]

What about the TLD Stage, 2023 Fox Proframe, or IXS Trigger MIPS?

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I don't ride much DH, so I don't use many full face helmets.

[@MrDirrrty]

I find all the MIPS helmets I've tried feel like they sit on top of head and not around it. POC Tectal Race Spin without the MIPS feels like my head sits inside helmet and fits great.

[@rommelgallego2943]

I got the Giro Switchblade and I still love it.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

NICE! That's a great one.

[@chrisbohm4305]

Was about to throw down on a smith engage. After watching this I will replace my giro source with another source. Thanks.

[@Later_Nerd]

What about the Fox Speedframe Pro?

[@vindeta360]

The into was excellent!

[@danielruiz3853]

how true is the replace helmet after every crash?

[@Saladon89]

Not sure why the Specialized Tactic did not make the list. Its rated as #4 in virgina tech rating for bike helms and currently its 50% off at $60 in the Jenson website. What an awesome deal and gives my peace of mind that my head is better protected than ur average helms

[@jhassiv]

Jesus! This guy is an excellent rider

[@mtbboy1993]

A lot of helmets don't have a insect/debris mesh, it actually is helpful to have it, less debris, at least bigger stuff does not get in the helmet, potentially leading to discomfort. So I always bought helmets with a mesh.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Fair point, I always get so dirty when I ride that I don't worry too much about mud in the hair.

[@lucajames3850]

Love the humour. Had me giggling throughout. Awesome video!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Luca, I feel like helmets are a little boring, so try to spice it up with more writing effort!

[@urayamu]

Cool in depth review as usual Jeff. I wonder if Virginia Tech is now using new headforms with materials mimicking skin and hair (nylon and wigs, like the scientists from a scientific paper from 2022 did), since a discussion was brought up into the industry that current "tacky" headforms used by Virginia Tech are favouring MIPS helmets (even if the technology HAS a benefit, but just not that big) because tests don't reflect the natural lateral play effect that occurs between hair, skin and cranium.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Great point Luca- the Virginia Tech documents DO NOT show anything other than a plane headform. And MIPS helmets do indeed dominate the Virginia Tech rankings. Does MIPS hurt in anyway? I doubt it. I'm more impressed by the "helmet in a helmet" tech that Giro and 6D use.

[@TT-rl4su]

What if you are bald? :-)

[@corymcmanues7905]

This review was good for me, gonna pick up a new helmet this year. I too have knocked my head into a concussion a couple times so I've been looking at different helmets. Glad to hear that the Giro is your go to and comfy since that's the one I've really been leaning towards.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Cory! I need to try some Specialized helmets too, cant recall EVER having tried one, and lots of folks really like them. But the Giro stuff has treated me well.

[@JamesLG4]

Jeff, have you ever tried the TLD A3? I have a big and apparently odd shaped head so just finding a helmet that fits comfortably is a challenge for me, the TLD A3 fits great and seems to have all the safety do-dads.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hey James, I tried the A2 in last year's helmet review, and really liked it. I have not tried the A3, but since I fit Giro helmets well, I might not be the best reference for ya.

[@charleswhite7612]

Wow Jeff, during the Giro riding segment, are you in Oakridge Oregon? I’m an MBO guide & that terrain looks might familiar.🤔

[@jckgoldness]

Dude I love my Smith Engage but the same thing happens to me with the brow pad filling up with sweat. Also the padding tends to delaminate from the hook and loop system rendering it useless after a short while of use.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Right on Jonny!

[@mikehenkelman2111]

Real talk: I like this dude. He's fun, super knowledgable and hes a way better rider then I am

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thank you Mike!

[@GabrielPurziani]

I'm also a size M and when I tried on the Fox Dropframe Pro it was too tight.... 🤦

[@sebastianluptak433]

Again nice video but. For me I love my tld a1 half shell but if I can choose only one helmet for me it would be my ixs trigger ff super ventilation and comfort(for my head shape). I really recomend to try this brand.

[@petedivine]

I've broken two Fox Frame Pro helmets this year on free rides. I'm twice as dumb as I look and the last wreck put a little rug burn on my face. God is warning me. So I went full face and its been brutally hot...suffocating. I bought the Tyrant yesterday. Please let it be the holy grail in protection and keep me from suffering from heat exhaustion while on an XC ride or an enduro race.

[@tom93r1]

Leatt helmets fit my narrow but long head best, very comfortable. After 25 years I finally have a helmet that doesn't leave a big dent in my forehead.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Right on Tom, I'll try Leatt helmets one day.

[@LastAphelion]

Ah, I guess that's why the new AllMtn 4.0 doesn't work for me. Tightens fine side to side, but still falls down my forehead easily on the tightest setting even though I'm the max recommended for the medium. Leatt's weird, I tried their new MTB goggle and it feels like a youth size goggle, I'm just average size all around but it seems meant for tiny noses and faces

[@XCRiders]

Why never any reviews on Kask Helmets? They are excellent quality And feature WG-11 rotational protection

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Hey XC person, I have never tried a Kask on because they are pretty dang rare around here! Are you in Europe? I've only heard of Kask mentioned a few times ever, and have only really seen them in real life in Europe/South America/Australia.

[@хелена-н9х]

​@JeffKendallWeed they're so popular in Europe that we say Kaski (meaning helmets)🇵🇱

[@billwilliams4281]

Curious why you didn't check out the #1 helmet on the VT List - The Specialized Tactic 4, just to see how it stacks up with the ones you did use and to see if the sizing issue with the Fox Helmet would impact your own test of it.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Only so much time and budget, Bill. Maybe I’ll buy a specialized helmet in 2023?

[@billwilliams4281]

@@JeffKendallWeed Good stuff. Just wondering...that's one that's on my list mostly because of the ease of attaching ANGI to it.

[@jkansas2045]

Yo. What knee pads you use

[@leocolquhoun6779]

the smith forefront 2 is 50% off right now, (it's very good)

[@JimmyNalishebo-yu9bg]

Like the game

[@GF-cb8rr]

Fox Dropframe/Proframe combo for me.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Nice GF, I wish the Proframe had more normal sizing, I gotta try a bigger one.

[@SnakeC666]

The Fox drop frame fits me personally better than the Giro Tyrant, which I had the opportunity to try through my friends, size M was too small for me, size L was too big. I have Fox drop frame in size L, my head circumference is 58 cm. A friend warned me that with helmets from Fox, you have to be careful about the difference between speed frame and drop frame, there is a difference in sizes. Personally, the speed frame (M) does not fit well on my head and presses on my sides immediately after putting it on my head, size L is too big for me. With the Drop frame, I don't have this problem with pressure on the sides of the head. I wear the helmet even in the summer and at temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius without any problems. I'm lucky that I almost don't sweat on my head at all. I would definitely like the possibility of even thicker padding on the drop frame, since the helmet is looser in certain places than I would have imagined. Alternatively, it would need a size adjustment system like the Giro has.

[@ikeelu024]

I do really like my Smith Forefront 2, but it can have the same issue as the Session with the sweat eventually coming down my face and into my eyes at times. it doesn't happen often, but man does it suck when it does.

[@SleepyWolvy]

I keep reading that Forefront 2, as protective as it is, just has really poor ventilation. Scores very low compared to competitors. Is that true to you? Would it be unbearable in a 30C+ or 86F+ temp day? Thanks!

[@charliecannon7909]

Hahahahah does it look like a session??? Jeff’s got jokes! Best mountain bike content producer on KZbin. I have no doubt about it.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Thanks Charlie!

[@AOL0321]

Nice video Jeff. No Troy Lee helmets???

[@AOL0321]

@Jeff_Kendall_Weed I did?

[@kakusei3672]

Ion traze is a great helmet

[@jeffrogers2180]

Is there a trend towards shorter visors? Some of those helmets look like they barely have one.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Yea. I constantly use my visor to deflect leaves/branches when jumping, as well as blocking rain/snow in the winter, then the sun in the summer. I've got zero complaints about the large visor on the Switchblade.

[@williecheng7430]

Hoping the Smith you featured, is not as the same as Smith Convoy, because the plastic rod connected to the adjustable wheel has a pointed shape, it is creating a pain in the back of my head. I informed Smith, l told them it is a poor design and fit/wear testing method.

[@pdadv77]

I like my Mainline but agree that the noise it almost unbareable. Have to wear earbuds and tunes otherwise I don't use it.

[@ChrisCapoccia]

That was a serious head smack into a tree. I don't think any of these helmets would have been capable of preventing a concussion, but probably any of them would have prevented a split skull

[@olik136]

What is up with the sun visor being way too short on almost any helmet? I have a "Bell Super DH Mips" which has the same problem- thinking about 3d-printing an extension so it actually does something.. and since I never use the helmet in full face configuration... I look like an idiot... but who cares and the GIRO TYRANT doesn't look much better tbh

[@ENDUROMASIVO]

SMITH MAINLINE is the best!

[@ShortGuac]

Nice video and general explanations on these helmets, but I'm baffled why you keep mentioning the fact that the Fox Dropframe was too small when it clearly said on the site and helmet sticker what the CM sizing correlates to and that you know your head's CM measurement?! You mention that you are a size 58 and specifically didn't get the helmet that would fall in your range. It'd be nice to have a detailed review on the Dropframe if you actually tried the correct size. For now I can't fully trust the reviews if you're just going in expecting that an M will always fit across the board the exact same as if it'll magically grow two cm to fit your head. Every bike has reach and geo numbers to consider beyond just the letter size that someone looking to get into the sport more seriously will consider. Likewise the most important gear for an MTBer will have the same fit that isn't just, "Letter size matches most things I get, therefore it's good".

[@jokermtb]

Koroid venting is never in line with the direction of airflow…..

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Nah, it's supposed to be protective, BUT I don't think air flow matters much when climbing a steep fire road in the sun at 3-4 mph... Does it help? Eh.

[@dano6201]

The worst part of helmets is having to buy a new expensive helmet when you crash! I fell on my head 2 months ago and fractured my back now I have to buy another helmet! Better than brain surgery though!

[@SkiRidesMTB]

Tons of companies have free cash replacement. Check out Kali.

[@Nithael_]

It seems like MIPS probably a gimmick. Most non MIPS helmet liners/ insert will also move a little bit rotationally upon impact? It seems this extra cost and benefit is theoretical at best and without it the helmets generally weigh less. Edit: That said I have a Giro Manifest Spherical with MIPS. Can’t hurt.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

I noticed that MIPS helmets tend to dominate the Virginia Tech results, so I generally do believe it. The "helmet in a helmet" design that Giro and 6D use is super cool, that also adds a second shell, a second foam type, all in addition to the slip plane tech.

[@SkiRidesMTB]

MTB podcast has the CEO on one of their last episodes and he isn't a huge believer in MIPS but doesn't discredit it either. All about deflecting the impact.

[@testtesttesttesttest884]

The creaking of the mainline is terrible!

[@JeffKendallWeed]

It's mellowed out somewhat, but it was bad at first.

[@johnr5545]

God bless

[@NoOneIsGoingToSaveYou]

Maybe Unicycle mtb for you

[@jansvoboda9778]

Always full face i survive only becasue i wear 500+ dollar full face helmet.

[@ZZStudd1978]

You actually crash!!! 🤯

[@Jacob99174]

Your editing game has significantly jumped! As much as your mtb jumping

[@JeffKendallWeed]

LOL thanks Tim!

[@Justmyopinionlol]

any helmet over $100 is overpriced.

[@lmtt123]

Let me guess, this isn't a review it's an advertisement 🙄

[@ciclismneamt170]

show the helmets more than bike riding ffs!

[@chrisbohm4305]

A bit angry son, one too many concussions?

[@biketothetop]

Motorcycle helmets are better🤣 ...nice work though👍

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Moto helmets are better for higher speed impacts, I'd wager 30+ mph. Most MTB trails rarely have riders going faster than about 20 mph, and on those lower speed falls, the MTB helmets are softer and actually protect more. If you're riding a full on DH bike at a legit bike park, the Moto option is indeed likely safer.

[@biketothetop]

@@JeffKendallWeed such a professional response🤔. I was just messing around with you🤡