Full Face Bicycle Helmet: A full face bicycle helmet is a type of helmet designed to provide maximum protection for the cyclist’s head.
It covers the entire head, including the face, and is designed to provide a complete barrier against impact. Helmets are one of the most important pieces of bike safety equipment.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, helmets reduce the risk of serious brain injury by 88%. But with so many options out there, it can be hard picking the right helmet.
What Are Full Face Bicycle Helmet?
Full face helmets are usually made from a combination of materials such as polycarbonate, carbon fiber, and Kevlar. They are typically heavier than other types of helmets, but they offer the best protection.
Full face helmets are especially important for downhill mountain biking, as they provide additional protection against facial and head injuries.
Our Health, Beauty & Sustainability experts have been testing helmets for efficacy and safety for decades.
What Are The Safety Features Of A Full Face Bicycle Helmet?
A full face bicycle helmet is designed to protect your head during a serious fall. It will protect your head from impact and from falling objects. A full face bicycle helmet has four parts:
1. Shell. The shell is the part that covers the head and often has several vents to help air flow over the head.
2. Visor. The visor is a hard piece of plastic that covers the eye area.
3. Straps. The helmet has straps that secure the helmet to the rider’s head.
4. Liner. The liner is inside the helmet. It is made from a foam-like material and is designed to absorb impact.
Things To Consider:
You should consider the following things for getting the best full face helmet for bicycle:
Lightweight: If your helmet weighs more than 400g (a little over half a pound), it will be too heavy and uncomfortable.
Ventilation: For maximum cooling, look for a helmet with plenty of vents and channels.
Fit: Any helmet should fit comfortably, but you’ll want a snug fit to reduce the likelihood of your helmet slipping off.
Reflective elements: Look for a helmet with reflective elements, such as large reflective strips or decals, to improve visibility in low-light situations.
Suspension system: A helmet with a suspension system will absorb impact and distribute it throughout the helmet, reducing the force of that impact.
Full-face option: For maximum protection, look for a helmet that covers your entire head.
How We Pick & Test:
We test helmets for how well they protect cyclists’ heads, including impact absorption, impact force and how well the helmet fits.
We also test helmets for durability, including how well the helmet holds together over time, and if so, how easy it is to clean. We also test the helmet’s retention system.
This is how well the helmet stays on your head in the event of an accident. Here are other things that we tested:
Style: We want helmets that look better. We picked helmets with a sleek, modern look and a variety of colors.
Protection: We picked helmets that perform better than the minimum federal safety standards.
Comfort: We test helmets for fit, security, and ventilation.
Price: To get a great helmet for a great price, we look for helmets between 150 to 200$ that offer good protection, a smooth ride, and a comfortable fit.
Based on decades of testing experience and the reviews of our testers, these following are the best bicycle helmets of 2023.
1: Bell Servo Adult BMX Helmet
- Recommended For Adults
- Washable Cheek Pads
- Comfortable Neck Roll
- Safety Standard Helmet
The Bell Servo BMX helmet is incredibly light and comfortable to wear. Its interior padding is plush and soft, and its design does a good job of sealing out dirt and debris.
Its cover easily slides off for easy washing, and the helmet is nicely shaped for your head, with an adjustable dial at the back that adjusts the fit of the helmet.
It weighs just 10.2 ounces, which is less than most helmets in this price range. It also has an easy to adjust dial at the back that the adjuster uses to tension the helmet around your head.
Bell had the top score for comfort in the helmet department, but it also scored poorly for ventilation, which means it overheats easily.
The helmet has 10 vents, but only four of them are adjustable.
The dial on the adjuster allows you to adjust the tightness of the fit, but Bell recommends that you loosen the helmet’s fit by 1/8 of a turn at a time to prevent the helmet from shifting on your head.
The helmet has a smart design, but it’s a little difficult to tighten the helmet around your head. If you don’t have a helmet that fits snugly, consider this one.
Pros
- Anti-fog lens
- Combination of polycarbonate and ABS
- Lightweight
- No screws, no chinstrap
- Affordable
Cons
- Small fit
- Poor ventilation
Features We Like:
- Full Coverage Plush Interior
- Easy to Put on and Remove
- Washable Cheek Pads
- Comfortable Neck Roll
- Fits Most Adult Sizes
- Meets CPSC Safety Standards
2: ROCKBROS Kids Full Face Helmet
- Lightweight & Breathable
- 2 In 1 Detachable
- Adjustable System
- Suitable For Multiple Scene
The ROCKBROS Kids Full Face Helmet is worth spending your money on. As a mountain biker, I prefer to use a full face helmet, and this looks great, fits well, and is very comfy.
The helmet has 12 large vents, and the great ventilation comes at a very reasonable price.
The helmet only 13.4 oz (0.84 lb), which protects the cervical spine and will not cause any burden to the head. The helmet is lighter, yet more durable than all plastic helmets I tested so far.
The helmet material is TPR, which is brighter and more durable than ABS plastic, and the TPR material keeps its color better, remains more flattering, and is more environmentally friendly.
The helmet has a detachable chin guard, which is easy to remove with a button. It also has a magnetic buckle, which is easier to open and close.
The adjustable straps are comfortable and make the helmet fit snugly around the head, and the removable inner liner allows for easy cleaning.
I highly recommend this helmet to anyone looking for a kid-friendly full face helmet, as it’s definitely worth spending your money on.
Pros
- Comfortable Fit
- Easy to Adjust
- Great Visibility
- Modular Design
- Comfortable Material
- Removable Visor
- Adjustable Straps
Cons
- Safety rating
Features We Like:
- Lightweight & Breathable
- 360 Adjustable Buckle
- 2 in 1 Detachable Helmet
- Upgraded Adjustable System
- Suitable for Multiple Scene
- Safety Kids Bike Helmet
3: Bell Sanction Adult Full Face Bike Helmet
- Adjustable Visor
- Shapes Can Vary
- Durable
- Lightweight
The Sanction is a full-face bicycle helmet that’s light and comfortable.
The venting is excellent, and we found the helmet fit our head without issue, though it will be best-suited to riders with a smaller head (or smaller than average heads).
Its price also makes it one of the best bargains in our guide. The Sanction’s vents don’t open as wide as they do on the Giro Aeon Pro, but they’re equally effective.
The retention system is good and provides a secure fit.
We’re also glad that the Sanction comes with a visor and reflective decals to help you stand out when riding at night.
The Sanction is a great helmet for mountain biking and BMX riding. It fits perfectly across a wide range of head sizes and has a wicked dope design.
The interior pads are large and soft, and this helmet is among the quietest we tested.
It also stays cool on long rides, and it keeps the sweat out of your eyes.
Pros
- Good Ventilation
- Great Visibility
- Comfortable Fit
- Built-in Visor
- Removable Chin Bar
- Adjustable and Removable ear Pads
- Good Value
Cons
- Average Protection
- Expensive
Features We Like:
- Soft and comfortable for all day wear
- Breathable material to keep you cool
- Great for almost any bike activity
- Easy installation and adjustable fit
- Available in 4 sizes
4: Mongoose Title Full Face Bike Helmet
- Next Level Protection
- Lightweight EPS Foam
- Full Coverage Interior Padding
- Durable
We’ve been trying out the bike helmets from our top picks for the past 30 days or so, and while we haven’t gone through a gnarly downhill-bike wreck or anything, we’ve spent plenty of time riding and racing.
The Mongoose Title is our favorite of the bunch, and we like the fit and feel much better than other helmets we tried, including a couple higher-priced helmets.
The helmet is light and feels well constructed, and it’s also cool enough we rarely felt hot during the day. That fit and finish are a big improvement over some of the other helmets we tested.
It’s no surprise that the Title performed well in safety tests, but our take is that it probably exceeds what CPSC and ASTM were hoping for.
The internal padding is of good quality, and while we appreciated the quality of the helmet’s removable and washable padding, we think the Title’s cheek pads are probably more durable than some of the other helmets we tried.
We also liked the helmet’s sunscreen visor, and we also appreciated having two vents on the sides and back of the helmet.
The helmet comes in three sizes to match kids’ and adults’ heads, so it’s also a good choice for adults who want a little more modestly sized helmet.
One downside of the Mongoose Title is that the clasp buckle on the side is plastic and a little stiff to engage with the helmet’s chin strap.
As a result, the strap often slipped through the buckle, especially when we tugged on the strap while wearing the helmet.
But it’s easy to adjust the helmet’s strap, and the helmet’s cheek pads are soft enough that they didn’t dig into the skin of our faces.
Pros
- Safety first
- Excellent ventilation
- Very comfortable fit
- Extremely durable
Cons
- Pricey
- No color variety
Features We Like:
- Youth Size (63-67cm): 2.3 pounds
- Adult Size (54-62cm): 2.6 pounds
- Fits head circumference of 53-54cm
- Designed and manufactured in the U.S.A.
- 100% satisfaction guarantee: 30-day full refund
- Lifetime warranty
5: ILM Open Face Motorcycle Half Helmet
- Detachable Lens
- Easy To Replace
- Multiple Vents
- Breathable And Keep Cool
This Open Face Motorcycle Helmet is very comfortable, it’s stylish, and it’s the best helmet I’ve ever worn.
The ventilation is excellent, and I often have the thermostat set to “cold” just because it seems to keep my head cooler.
ILM’s customer service is excellent; I was assisted in answering some sizing questions, and they sent me a new helmet upon return of my defective one.
The helmet is also durable; I have crashed hard a few times, and the helmet has held up very well. ILM offers free shipping for orders over $99.
I would definitely recommend this helmet to anyone looking for a quality open face helmet.
Pros
- Excellent protection
- Durable
- Ventilation
- Affordable
Cons
- Makes you look funny
- Can cause dry eyes
- Not suitable for all face shapes
Features We Like:
- Unique Design, Elegant Look and Comfortable. XL size fits for Men and Women
- Detachable Sun shield and Chin guard, Easy to Replace
- Breathable and Keep Cool
- Quick Release Buckle Allows Riders to Quickly Take Helmet On and Off
- 3/4 Open Face Motorcycle Helmet Fits Men and Women
- Meets or Exceeds FMVSS-218 and DOT Safety Standards
- Unique Design, Elegant Look and Comfortable
- Size:48-55cm, Weight:620g
- Model Number:726X
- Material:100% ABS
6: BELL Super 3R MIPS Adult Mountain Bike Helmet
- Tri Glides
- Wraparound Protection
- Overbrow Ventilation
- Adjustable Visor System
The Bell Super 3R is one of the better-funded helmets we tested, but we feel its build quality including its EPS foam liner and moldable EPS foam a goes beyond that of its competitors.
Like most helmets, the Bell Super 3R has fit adjustments, but unlike most helmets, its pads have a wide, easily adjustable range of lock and loosen positions, making it very easy to dial in a snug fit.
That’s particularly important because, while this helmet is available in a variety of sizes, we found the Super 3R offered excellent protection even in our most difficult fits.
The vent openings on this helmet also seem very well-placed, and we experienced no fogging, even on hot Hong Kong days.
The Super 3R has some of the best ventilation of any helmet we tested, and unlike most helmets, its MIPS system does not obstruct any vents; it instead sits between the EPS foam liner and the shell, helping to dissipate forces and keep you comfortable.
The Super 3R also has distinctive looks, it looks good on or off the bike, and its durable construction is built to last.
Pros
- Excellent Protection
- Lightweight, Comfortable and Adjustable
- Affordable
Cons
- Some users complain about durability
- Great helmet, but better helmets are available
Features We Like:
- Comes In Three Colors
- Adjustable
- Four-Section Chin Bar
- Integrated Camera Mount
- MIPS System
- Overbrow Ventilation
- Comes With Free Helmet Bag
- Highly Rated And Reviewed
7: Demon Podium Full Face Bike Helmet
- EPS Foam Liner
- Superior Fit
- Polycarbonate Outer Shell
- Removable, Washable Helmet Liner
The Demon Podium Full Face Helmet is very comfortable, offering some nice features for an affordable price.
The EPS foam liner and polycarbonate outer shell offer great protection, and it has a 2-point retention system that’s comfortable and easy to use.
The helmet is pretty comfortable, but in lieu of a strap, it has a friction fit, which, while secure, can lead to some discomfort for some people.
The vents on the top and bottom of the helmet are pretty large, and they literally allow air to gush through the helmet, which can feel strange at first.
The helmet is also designed with MIPS, which is a system designed to reduce rotational forces to your brain in the event of a crash.
However, only some specific helmets with MIPS offer MIPS performance. To check whether a helmet has the protection you need, check out the MIPS rating.
The Demon Podium with MIPS is MIPS-Certified, so it’s a great option for anyone who rides with MIPS-equipped bikes.
Overall, this is a great helmet for anyone on a budget who wants a great helmet that’s very comfortable. It’s a little on the heavier side, but at $99, it’s a good deal.
Pros
- Supports both dirt and road riding; comes with a removable visor
- Comfortably fits most
- Sleek look
Cons
- Expensive
Features We Like:
- Adjustable nylon straps for a secure fit
- Large, cool max, removable, washable liner
- Quick release, washable helmet bag
- Highly reflective graphics
- Integrated MIPS technology
- Meteor / EPP / EPS
- Multiple vents for maximum airflow
- Comes with a 2 year warranty
8: Fly Racing Adult Rayce Cycling Helmet
- Durable Polycarbonate Alloy Shell
- Multi Density Eps Foam Liner
- True Functional Ventilation
- Padded Chin Strap With A D-ring Closure
If you’re looking for a lightweight, low-profile helmet that’s also durable and vented, the Fly Racing Rayce set the standard.
This helmet is engineered to reduce drag at high speeds, and its design ensures the fit is tight and secure.
The shape of the helmet isn’t round, but slightly oval, and that design allows vents to slide down the sides, which increases airflow and helps keep the helmet cool.
The helmet meets FMVSS 218 standards, which means it’s certified by an independent agency to meet federal safety standards.
The materials in the helmet are also distinct and high quality. The liner is made of several layers of EPS foam, which protects the rider’s brain in case of a crash.
The cheek pads are removable and washable, and the strap has a D-ring closure. It’s available in four colors: white, black, camo blue, and camo brown.
With its lightweight, low-profile design, the Fly Racing Rayce is the perfect choice for a comfortable, secure ride.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Lightweight
- Ventilation system
- Lockable strap
- Comfortable
Cons
- Doesn’t protect neck
- Expensive
Features We Like:
- Ventilated Chin Strap:
- Removable and Washable
- Meets Fmvss 218 Standard –
- Meets or Exceeds All US, European, and Australian Standards
- Large Oval Visor
- Reflective Decals
- Compatible with Fly Racing Goggles
9: ROCKBROS Adjustable Bike Helmet
- High Strenth
- Impack Resistant
- Multiple Vents
- High Value Appearence
This kids bike helmet is not only perfect for riding a bicycle, but it is ideal for scooters, skateboards, and roller skates, too.
The helmet is very durable, with several layers of protective materials, including high density EPS shock-absorbing cushioning.
The helmet straps stay secure, but an adjustment on the chin strap allows kids to easily loosen the helmet, making it more comfortable to wear.
And thanks to its adjustable head circumference adjuster, the helmet fits perfectly on children of various ages.
The helmet comes in three colors: black, dark blue, and lime green.
And it is just as important that the helmet is very comfortable for your child to wear as it is lightweight and well-built.
Pros
- Good protection
- Easy to put on
- Removable face shield
- Comfortable to wear
- Super light weight
- Great quality
- Affordable
Cons
- Not suitable for bike riding
Features We Like:
- High-Strength and Impact-Resistant
- Multiple Ventilation
- Comfortable And Breathable
- Easy To Switch Between Full-Face Mode And Half-Helmet Mode
- High-Value Appearance
- Adjustable Head Circumference-Highly Comfortable
10: Lixada Detachable Bike Helmet
- Half Helmet Breathable
- Full Protection
- 4 Layers Of Protection
- 13 Breathable Vents
The Lixada Kids Bike Helmet has comfortable padding that is easy to flip and resize. It’s easy to adjust, and the chin strap is easy to operate with one hand.
It also has a relatively big field of view, which means your child can see more of the road and surrounding obstacles. The biggest drawback is the price.
The Lixada Kids Bike Helmet offers good protection, but it’s more expensive than most of the other helmets we tested.
But if you have a child with a lot of Expansion Cards (or a large budget), it’s one of the better choices.
While it’s not quite as rugged as our previous top pick for biking, the Lixada Kids Bike Helmet is easy to put on, comfortable to wear, and its surface helps protect your child’s face when dropped.
The helmet is lightweight, and it can be adjusted to fit most kids 5 years old and up, which is a nice feature.
It lacks an MP3 jack or microphone port, but we’ve seen helmets that perform better, and they cost much more.
This helmet is best used indoors for watching movies (especially with young kids) or listening to music on a tablet.
The Lixada Kids Bike Helmet (20.5-22 Inches) has a bright color, comfortable padded chin strap, and one-hand adjustable buckle, so it’s easy to put it on or take it off.
It has an adjustable hook, which can fix the helmet on the bicycle, and it’s comfortable to wear. It lasts a long time, and is safe to use.
It does a great job of protecting children while they’re riding bikes.
Pros
- Suitable for bicycle, scooter, skateboard
- Light weight
- Comfortable
- Adjustable
Cons
- Helmet size too small for an adult
- Helmet size too large for a child
Features We Like:
- Good Material and Good Quality
- Adjustable Size (20.5-22 Inches)
- Full Face (4 Layers Protection)
- Lightweight (13 Breathable Vents)
- Removable Inner Pad
- Detachable
What To Look For When Purchasing A Full Face Bicycle Helmet?
The full face bicycle helmet is the safest type of helmet available.
A full face bicycle helmet covers your entire head, including your mouth and nose. As a result, they can prevent serious injuries in the event of an accident.
A full face bicycle helmet can protect your head from an impact, but it also protects you from flying objects and debris.
Full face bicycle helmets are best for mountain bike and BMX riders. Other types of helmets are not as safe as they are aerodynamic.
A full face bicycle helmet is heavier and bulkier than other types of bicycle helmets. This makes them less suitable for road cyclists.
However, they are also the safest type of helmet available, so most cyclists prefer to use a full face bicycle helmet while out on trails or in rugged terrain.
An In-depth Comparison Of Full Face Bicycle Helmet Brands:
Good bicycle helmets are designed to keep your head safe when riding. There are a variety of brands and helmet types available, and understanding how each one works can help you choose the best one for your needs.
Full face helmets will cover your entire face, giving you the most protection. If you wear a full face helmet, you may not be able to take a full breath or talk without removing the helmet.
These helmets are more expensive, but they are the best for serious riders.
One of the most common types of bicycle helmets is a full face helmet. These helmets cover your entire face, protecting your head, eyes, ears, and neck from injury.
Full face helmets are best suited for seasoned riders who are serious about their hobby.
Another option is a half helmet, which will cover half of your face and the top or one side of your head.
These helmets will cover most of your face, and some people prefer this style because it lets them have more control over their breathing.
Conclusion: Full Face Bicycle Helmet:
Full Face Bicycle Helmet: The full face bicycle helmet is an essential safety tool for any cyclist. It offers protection from multiple angles, is lightweight and comfortable to wear, and is widely available in a variety of styles and colors.
The full face bicycle helmet is a great way to ensure your safety while riding. Investing in one will help you have peace of mind as you navigate the roads on two wheels.
Cycling should always be undertaken with safety first in mind, so equip yourself with the proper gear and enjoy the ride!
FAQs
What Kinds Of Helmets Are Available?
Full face helmets, or “open face”, are heavy, highly-ventilated models. They usually don’t have glasses-rack attachments and aren’t good for nose and lip protection.
They are popular because they effectively absorb energy and cushion blows.
What Are The Benefits Of Using A Full Face Bicycle Helmet?
A Full Face Bicycle Helmet is the most protective type of helmet sold in the United States.
The Full Face Bicycle Helmet covers your top of head, ears, cheeks, and chin. The cheek and chin pads also cover your eyes.
What Are The Drawbacks Of Using A Full Face Bicycle Helmet?
Full-face helmets tend to be less ventilated and can get hot and uncomfortable during long rides. They also don’t protect as much as open-face helmets do if you’re falling.
If you’re new to bicycle riding, I recommend a more open-faced helmet (for both safety and for proper ventilation). I often use them myself.