The MTB Lab Best Helmets of 2023 include the Leatt Enduro 3.0 helmet (3-in-1 for open-face, over-ear, or full-face conversion), the ABUS CliffHanger MIPS helmet (deep-fitting protective half-shell-style), the Smith Method MIPS Snow helmet (MIPS and zonal Koroyd coverage), and finally the Smith Summit Backcountry Snow helmet (good ventilation and zonal KOROYD coverage).
Leatt Enduro 3.0 Helmet
3-in-1 Head And Brain Protection
The most versatile helmet you can buy! The Leatt Enduro 3.0 helmet offers three different levels of protection. The innovative 3-in-1 design allows you to use it as an open-face, over-ear, or full-face helmet.
Wear the half shell for those light trail days,
or attach the over-ear coverage for slightly more aggressive trails.
For total protection, clip in the chin bar for full-face protection when you need it!
Made from a lightweight polymer shell, the Enduro 3.0 helmet features a Powerbridge construction for greater shell strength. The Enduro 3.0 helmet also features 360° Turbine Technology. These small blue 360° moving discs are constructed from an energy-absorbing shape and material. This tech has two exclusive advantages: the reduction of rotational acceleration to the head and brain and the absorption of energy upon impact at the concussion level.
The micro adjuster at the back ensures the perfect fit. There is also a sunglasses docking port to stash your sunnies when you don’t need them. The visor is adjustable and has a breakaway function for extra rotational impact force reduction.
- Measured Weight (Large)
- Helmet 512 grams
- Chinbar 260 grams
- Over-ear 127 grams
Thoughts => The Leatt Enduro 3.0 Helmet is an innovative 3-in-1 design that allows you to use it as an open-face, over-ear, or full-face helmet. The connection system for the over-ear and full-face chinbar is secure and stable, though it does take some effort to connect the attachments. The 360° Turbine Technology provides brain acceleration and rotational protection and offers extra head comfort from the soft rubber discs. I used the open-face mode on most of my rides and would bring along and then attach the chinbar when I knew I was riding some gnarlier terrain. I used the over-ear mode during winter to keep my head warmer, but I didn’t wear it very often.
Click here to buy the Leatt Enduro 3.0 Helmet from Jenson (in Stealth Color Scheme)
Click here to buy the Leatt 3.0 V23 Enduro Helmet from Amazon
- PowerBridge in-molded force absorber
- Lightweight polymer shell in three sizes
- 3-IN-1 helmet design:
- Half-shell open-face helmet
- Removable chin bar with easy push-button system
- Optional over-the-ear guards with an easy push-button system
- Sunglasses dock port for easy, secure storage.
- Fidlock magnetic closure system
- 360° Turbine Technology
- Reduced peak brain acceleration by up to 30% at impact speeds associated with concussion
- Reduces peak brain rotational acceleration by up to 40%
- Adjustable visor with breakaway function for rotational impact force reduction
- In-molded impact foam for superior energy absorption
- Maximized ventilation with 20 vents effective even at low speeds
- Moisture-wicking, breathable, anti-odor, and washable inner liner
- Certified and tested: AS/NZS 2063:2008, EN1078, CPSC 1203, ASTM F1952–10
- Sizing
- #S (51-55cm – 20-21 58″)
- #M (55-59cm – 21 58- 23 14″)
- #L (59-63cm – 23 14 – 24 34″)
ABUS CliffHanger MIPS Helmet
The ABUS CliffHanger MIPS is a deep-fitting half-shell-style helmet that gives extra protection to the back of your head when riding on the trails. The weight savings are largely attributed to the Acti-Cage reinforcement system integrated inside the EPS core. This skeleton-like structure adds strength and stability so ABUS can use less material and create 14 massive vents for air circulation.
Eight massive inlet vents in front and sides of the helmet bring in fresh, cool air, while six rear exhaust vents draw out the heat. While the three-piece in-mold outer shell design allows for various colors and gives the CliffHanger a premium finish, it also contributes to weight savings and durability.
A properly fitting helmet is the safest and one of the best reasons to buy a CliffHanger. After years of success with Grand Tour-winning road helmets, ABUS incorporated the Zoom-Ace retention system into the CliffHanger. This full circumference adjustment system conforms to the shape of your head, distributing the pressure evenly and with a twist of a dial so the helmet hovers evenly around your head instead of sitting on top like many helmets. The Zoom-Ace also adjusts vertically for a custom fit and allows for what ABUS calls the “Ponytail Outlet,” a much-appreciated feature for riders with long hair.
The final fitment comes from the new TriVider strap adjustment system that keeps straps from twisting and flapping in the wind and comfortably positions them around your ears. And, of course, it features a magnetic Fidlock clasp, making it fast and easy to buckle and unbuckle, even with gloves.
Besides safety, fit, and ventilation, the CliffHanger also checks off the practical requirements. Its multi-height adjustable visor keeps the sunlight and tree branches out when in the down position and allows for eyewear and goggle storage (GoggFit) when up.
- Measured Weight (Large) – 433 grams
Thoughts => The ABUS CliffHanger offers extra protection due to its deep-fitting half-shell-style design. It drops way down the back of the neck for additional lower head and ear coverage. It provides many integrated safety features, including multi-shell in-mold construction with its ActiCage structural reinforcement and MIPS technology. The ventilation provides plenty of air throughput, making it nice on warmer days. It offers excellent features, including a functionally adjustable visor with plenty of width, the TriVider strap system, and the GoggFit interface. The FidLock magnetic buckle was user-friendly, but the chin strap tightness crept open with time.
Click here to buy the ABUS CliffHanger from Jenson (in Velvet Black)
Click here to buy the ABUS CliffHanger MIPS from Amazon
- Multi-shell in-mold for a permanent bond between the outer shell and the shock-absorbing helmet material (EPS)
- Zoom Ace MTB: Height-adjustable adjustment system to fit the head circumference
- Ponytail compatibility: Helmet well suited for ponytail wearers
- Laterally adjustable, non-slip TriVider strap system
- MIPS: Impact protection that protects the brain, especially when the cyclist’s head hits the ground at an angle during a fall.
- ActiCage: Structural reinforcement integrated into the EPS.
- Moulded lower shell for added durability
- Height-adjustable visor
- GoggFit: Goggles are easily stored under the visor when not being used.
- Ventilation: excellent ventilation through 8 air inlets and six air outlets
- FidLock magnetic buckle
Smith Method MIPS Snow Helmet
The SMITH Method helmet features a low profile and clean-styled in-mold construction that fuses the exterior shell and EPS for a one-piece design that’s lightweight and durable. Hidden beneath the shell are the latest safety innovations, including zonal Koroyd coverage for lightweight, energy-absorbing, and ventilated impact protection and the MIPS Brain Protection System for reducing rotational forces caused by angled impacts to the head in the event of a crash.
The minimalist helmet packs maximum features, including eight fixed vents for consistent airflow, a goggle-compatible AirEvac ventilation system for fog-free lenses, and removable ear pads for form-fitting comfort. The Method also offers SMITH’s self-adjusting Lifestyle Fit System that flexes to match the shape of the head for ultimate comfort. It is also available in Round Contour Fit to accommodate rounder head shapes.
The Method helmet can be worn with or without a beanie and is compatible with Aleck audio systems (sold separately). It is offered in four sizes and nine colorways, including a graphic version celebrating Japanese big snow culture in collaboration with Oyuki and illustrated by artist Mike Shankster.
The new Method helmet (MSRP USD 140 with MIPS, $110 non-MIPS) will be available at select retailers worldwide and online at smithoptics.com.
Thoughts => The Method helmet is light, super comfy, and fits like a charm, and I love the special edition Matte Oyuki X color/pattern scheme. The stretch adjustment system works well, though more considerable tweaks are required to reposition the inner head basket via their snaps. I’ve used it for a couple of ski and fat biking days and found it warm and comfortable, and it fits a balaclava without any issues. The ear covers were soft and had zippered slots for Aleck audio pods. The rear goggle strap lock system securely holds the eyewear in place. And it’s easy to attach and remove the goggle strap.
Click here to buy the Method Mips Helmet
Click here to buy the Method Mips Round Contour Fit Helmet
Measured Weight (Large) – 454 grams
- Protection
- Lightweight in-mold construction fuses the exterior shell and EPS foam for a one-piece design that’s lightweight and durable.
- Zonal KOROYD coverage for lightweight, energy-absorbing, and ventilated impact protection
- Mips Brain Protection System reduces rotational forces caused by angled impacts to the head.
- Select colorways offered without the Mips system
- Certification: ASTM F 2040, CE EN 1077:2007 CLASS B
- Fit / Integration
- Designed for ultimate integration with Smith goggles for maximum comfort and venting
- AirEvac ventilation system integrates with Smith goggles for fog-free lenses.
- Self-adjusting lifestyle fit system flexes to match your head shape for maximum comfort.
- Available in Round Contour Fit to better match rounder head shapes
- Features
- Eight fixed vents for consistent airflow
- Aleck audio systems are compatible
- Removable Snapfit SL2 ear pads add warmth and are audio-chip compatible
- Removable goggle strap lock for streamlined shell when goggles are worn under helmet
- Beanie compatible
Smith Summit Backcountry Snow Helmet
The new Summit MIPS snow helmet is designed to go light and far across various mountaineering endeavors, from skin track to boot pack to summit ascents. Informed and inspired by Smith athletes Cody Townsend, Hadley Hammer, and Josh Dirksen, the hybrid shell construction blends a durable exterior with a lightweight in-molded shell in a minimalist approach triple-certified to meet global alpine ski certifications, international mountaineering standards, and backcountry touring expectations.
The Summit addresses the need for ultimate protection and mountaineering-specific details to withstand alpine pursuits without excess. Features include zonal Koroyd coverage on the sides and crown of the head for lightweight, energy-absorbing, and ventilated impact protection in case of a fall, MIPS Brain Protection System to reduce rotational forces caused by angled impacts, and a Smith custom BOA Fit System offering micro-adjustability for comfort and personalized conformity.
There is space-saving when stowing the helmet inside a pack for extreme packability. Additionally, external bungee loops offer secure attachment when storing the Summit on the outside of a bag. The ballcap-compatible shell design includes a low-profile integrated headlamp strap to route and keeps light in place. It also ships with a cold-weather beanie liner to address versatility in weather conditions.
Thirty-three fixed vents, plus Smith’s AirEvac ventilation system designed for ultimate integration with Smith goggles, keep airflow moving for comfort and eyewear fog-free for optimized visibility. The new Summit helmet is offered in five colors – including Matte Algae/Olive, in collaboration with outdoor utility tool manufacturer VSSL.
Thoughts => The Summit MIPS is the perfect backcountry snow helmet. It’s decently light, comfortable, and offers excellent ventilation, a significant requirement when cranking uphill on snow adventures. The BOA Fit System adjustment system works nicely, and it’s pretty sweet how it collapses into the helmet for packability. The beanie that comes with the helmet integrates perfectly with it; it’s warm, soft, and has optimal ear coverage. It works ideally with goggles or oversized goggle-like coverage sunglasses.
Measured Weight (Large) – 468 grams
- Protection
- Hybrid shell construction blends a durable exterior with a lightweight in-molded shell for durability where you need it most while
keeping the helmet light - Zonal KOROYD coverage for lightweight, energy-absorbing, and ventilated impact protection
- Mips Brain Protection System reduces rotational forces caused by angled impacts to the head
- Certifications: ASTM F 2040, CE EN 1077: 2007 CLASS B, EN 12492
- Hybrid shell construction blends a durable exterior with a lightweight in-molded shell for durability where you need it most while
- Fit / Integration
- Smith Flexible Fit System, featuring BOA for a premium fit
- Designed for ultimate integration with Smith goggles for maximum comfort and venting
- AirEvac ventilation system integrates with Smith goggles for fog-free lenses
- Features
- 33 fixed vents for consistent airflow
- Lightweight, technical knit liner included
- Ionic+ antimicrobial lining offers sweat-activated odor control
- Integrated headlamp strap routing keeps gear in place
- Beanie and ball cap compatible
- Weight (Size M): 16oz / 400g
- MSRP USD 230 / $280 CDN
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