Dh Mountain Bike Helmet Picks: 5 Best for Gravity Riding (2026)

Updated November 2026

Choosing a dh mountain bike helmet comes down to coverage, impact protection, fit and how much weight you can live with on long descent days. Downhill riding sends you into faster, rougher terrain than trail riding, so most riders want a full face design with a chin bar, a secure retention system and a shell that has been engineered for higher-energy impacts. This guide compares five models using manufacturer specifications, brand reputation and common owner feedback patterns. We have not physically tested these helmets, so treat the notes below as a research summary rather than hands-on results.

Our Top Picks

Quick Comparison

Product	Best for	Key feature
OutdoorMaster Full Face Mountain Bike Helmet	Riders wanting full face coverage with removable chin pads	Two removable chin pads and ventilation
Fly Racing Rayce MTB/BMX Bicycle Helmet	Riders who prefer a sporty, visor-equipped look	Visor and matte finish
Bell Super DH MIPS Spherical Helmet	Riders who want a established DH-style shell	MIPS low-friction liner
OutdoorMaster MIPS Full Face MTB Helmet	Riders who want MIPS plus full face protection	MIPS, 27 vents and a washable liner
BELL Super DH MIPS Adult Mountain Bike Helmet	Riders who want a proven DH-style design at a budget-friendly level	MIPS and a Super DH-style shell

OutdoorMaster Full Face Mountain Bike Helmet for Men & Women-Two Removable Chin Pad Mountain Bike Helmet Grizzly

Best for: Riders who want full face coverage with the option to adjust chin padding for fit.

This helmet suits gravity riders who want a full face shell for DH, BMX or aggressive trail runs and who appreciate being able to adjust the fit at the chin area.

Key specs

• Full face design with a removable chin bar
• Two removable chin pads for fit customization
• Available in Meteorite Black, size Large

Pros

• Full face coverage for downhill and bike park riding
• Removable chin pads help dial in fit
• Ventilation designed for a lightweight feel for its class

Cons

• Full face helmets run warmer than open designs on climbs
• Fit results vary; owners often recommend measuring head circumference before ordering

Bottom line: A strong pick for riders who want a full face DH helmet with adjustable padding and do not mind extra weight.

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Fly Racing Rayce MTB/BMX Bicycle Helmet

Best for: Riders who prefer a sporty, visor-equipped look for trail and park riding.

This helmet fits riders who want a racing-inspired design with a visor and a matte finish, and who ride mixed terrain including dirt jumps and bike parks.

Key specs

• MTB/BMX design with visor
• Matte Grey finish, size Large

Pros

• Visor helps block sun and debris
• Clean matte finish suits a range of bike setups
• Well-known BMX and MTB styling

Cons

• Coverage profile is closer to a trail helmet than a full face DH lid
• Owners often mention fit depends on head shape, so trying before buying is wise

Bottom line: Best for riders who want a visor-style helmet for park and mixed riding rather than full-on downhill racing.

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Bell Super DH MIPS Spherical Helmet Fasthouse Matte Red/Black Medium

Best for: Riders who want an established DH-style shell with MIPS protection.

This helmet is aimed at riders who value a long-standing DH design and want the added rotational impact layer that MIPS provides.

Key specs

• Super DH style shell with MIPS
• Matte Red/Black, size Medium

Pros

• MIPS adds a low-friction layer designed to reduce rotational forces
• Brand has a long history in downhill helmets
• Matte finish resists showing scuffs

Cons

• Medium size may not suit every head shape; check sizing charts
• Heavier than trail-focused lids

Bottom line: A solid choice for riders who want a well-known DH helmet with MIPS and a proven track record.

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OutdoorMaster MIPS Full Face MTB Helmet, Lightweight Ventilated for DH

Best for: Riders who want MIPS protection in a full face design with extensive ventilation.

This helmet suits riders who want MIPS in a full face shell and who need airflow to stay comfortable on longer days.

Key specs

• MIPS full face design
• Fits 54–62 cm head circumference
• 27 vents, washable liner, two D-rings, goggle channel and visor
• PC and EPP construction

Pros

• MIPS plus full face coverage in one helmet
• Many vents for a full face design
• Washable liner and goggle channel add practical value

Cons

• Full face shells still run hotter than open designs
• Owners often recommend checking the 54–62 cm range carefully before ordering

Bottom line: The right pick for riders who want MIPS and full face protection with better airflow than many full face helmets.

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BELL Super DH MIPS Adult Mountain Bike Helmet – Matte Light Blue/Navy (2024), Medium

Best for: A budget pick for riders who want a proven DH-style shell with MIPS.

This helmet is for riders who want the Super DH design and MIPS without paying for premium extras they may not need.

Key specs

• Super DH design with MIPS
• Matte Light Blue/Navy, size Medium (55–59 cm)

Pros

• MIPS included in a DH-style helmet
• Clear size range listed in the product name
• Matte finish suits a wide range of bike colors

Cons

• Fewer adjustment features than premium full face models
• Owners often note the fit should be checked against the head measurement

Bottom line: A sensible choice for riders who want DH-style protection with MIPS on a more modest budget.

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Buying Guide

Full face versus open face coverage

A full face dh mountain bike helmet covers the chin and jaw, which matters on steep, high-speed descents where a face strike is a real risk. Open face helmets are lighter and cooler, which suits trail riding. For most gravity riders, full face is the standard choice.

Good picks for this: OutdoorMaster Full Face Mountain Bike Helmet, OutdoorMaster MIPS Full Face MTB Helmet

MIPS and rotational impact protection

MIPS is a low-friction liner intended to reduce rotational forces during angled impacts. Many downhill riders look for it because crashes often involve rotation. Check that MIPS is listed in the product specifications.

Good picks for this: Bell Super DH MIPS Spherical Helmet, BELL Super DH MIPS Adult Mountain Bike Helmet

Size and fit

Measure your head circumference about one inch above your eyebrows and ears. Helmets are sized to a range, and a snug fit with no pressure points is ideal. Retention systems should sit low on the back of the head.

Good picks for this: OutdoorMaster MIPS Full Face MTB Helmet, Fly Racing Rayce MTB/BMX Bicycle Helmet

Ventilation and comfort

Full face helmets trap more heat. Look for vent count, channel design and removable liners that can be washed. Owners often report that a well-ventilated full face shell is far more comfortable on long lift-served days.

Good picks for this: OutdoorMaster MIPS Full Face MTB Helmet, OutdoorMaster Full Face Mountain Bike Helmet

Visor and goggle compatibility

A visor shades your eyes from sun and branches, and a goggle channel lets you wear goggles without gaps. If you ride in variable light or wet conditions, these features are worth prioritizing.

Good picks for this: Fly Racing Rayce MTB/BMX Bicycle Helmet, OutdoorMaster MIPS Full Face MTB Helmet

Weight and riding style

Heavier full face helmets can feel fatiguing on long days, but many downhill riders accept the trade-off for coverage. If you mostly pedal uphill, a lighter option may suit you better.

Good picks for this: Bell Super DH MIPS Spherical Helmet, BELL Super DH MIPS Adult Mountain Bike Helmet

Care and replacement

Replace any helmet after a significant crash or impact, even if it looks undamaged, because the protective foam may have compressed. Clean liners with mild soap and air dry them away from direct heat.

Good picks for this: OutdoorMaster MIPS Full Face MTB Helmet, OutdoorMaster Full Face Mountain Bike Helmet

FAQ

What is the difference between a DH helmet and a trail helmet?

A DH helmet is usually a full face design with a chin bar and heavier shell, built for high-speed descents. Trail helmets are typically open face, lighter and more ventilated for climbing and mixed terrain.

Is MIPS necessary in a downhill helmet?

MIPS is not legally required, but many riders choose it because it is designed to reduce rotational forces in angled impacts. It is a common feature in modern DH helmets.

How do I know my helmet size?

Measure your head circumference about one inch above your eyebrows and ears with a soft tape. Compare that number to the manufacturer’s size chart, since sizing differs between brands.

How often should I replace a dh mountain bike helmet?

Replace it after any significant impact and follow the manufacturer’s guidance on age, since materials can degrade over time. If you are unsure whether a helmet is still safe, consult a bike shop or the manufacturer.

Can I wear goggles with a full face helmet?

Many full face helmets include a goggle channel designed for this. Check that your goggles fit the helmet’s channel before riding.

Should I buy a helmet online?

Buying online is convenient, but fit varies between models. Owners often recommend checking the sizing chart carefully and, where possible, trying the helmet on before you ride.

Are cheaper DH helmets as safe as premium models?

A helmet meeting recognized standards can offer meaningful protection, but premium models may offer more adjustment, weight savings and refinement. Look for the certifications and features that match your riding.

Conclusion

For most gravity riders, a full face dh mountain bike helmet with MIPS offers the best balance of coverage and protection. The OutdoorMaster MIPS Full Face MTB Helmet suits riders who want MIPS plus ventilation, while the Bell Super DH MIPS models suit riders who prefer an established DH shell. The Fly Racing Rayce works for riders who prefer a visor-style look for mixed riding, and the OutdoorMaster Full Face Mountain Bike Helmet is a good match for riders who want adjustable chin padding. Always confirm fit and replace any helmet after a significant crash. If you have specific injury or medical concerns, consult a qualified professional.

Sources

• Consumer safety information on bicycle helmet standards and proper fit (cpsc.gov)
• Guidance on bicycle safety, helmet use and crash prevention (nhtsa.gov)
• Research summaries on head injury and protective equipment (nih.gov)

Related reading

• Youth Full Face Mountain Bike Helmet: How to Choose and Fit One Safely
• Women's Mountain Bike Helmet: 7 Best Picks for Trail Riders (2026)
• TLD Mountain Bike Helmet: How to Choose, Fit and Use One Safely
• Specialized Mountain Bike Helmet: 5 Best Picks for Trail Riders (2026)

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