Table of Contents
We all know that a helmet is an essential equipment a bike rider should have.
Now we have mainly two types of helmets, a full face MTB helmet, and an open face MTB helmet.
Some bikers choose a full face for better protection, as the open face helmet does not protect your face.
But it is a good option for cross country riding and for climbing as these open face helmets are lightweight and cool.
However, if you are proceeding towards upraised biking experience, including severe descents, you should go for a full-face helmet, as these helmets are great for speedy and risky descents.
Full face helmets have better shock absorption, complex structure, and improved internal padding.
The chin bar gives you 360-degree protection and confidence. But historically, the main issues riders had with these helmets were that these were heavy and less ventilated. Now, as the techniques of riding evolved, these helmets are also developed.
Since 2013-16 the design and structure of full-face helmets have changed a lot. They come with better exterior and improved internal liners.
Moreover, a new feature has been introduced in the world of helmets, i.e., convertible helmets.
Find out: Best mountain bike helmet under 100$
What are Convertible full face MTB helmets?
Today, in this modern world, we want everything to do multiple functions. A convertible helmet is made accordingly, as it is a multipurpose helmet.
The chin guard of this type of helmet can be removed, so it becomes comfortable as any half shell helmet.
You can remove the chin bar while climbing and enjoy a lightweight, comfortable, and high coverage open face helmet. And chin guard can be attached while descending to have the safety of a full-face helmet because you don’t want any rock striking your face and causing some horrible injuries. So you get two helmets for the price of one.
Which helmet is better open-face or full face?
We have listed some of the best convertible full face MTB helmets so that you can pick the best one without any trouble.
Here is the list of convertible full face mountain bike helmet with removable chin bar.
- Bell Super 3R MIPS
- Bell Super Air R MIPS
- Demon United
- Leatt DBX 3.0 Enduro
- Giro Switchblade MIPS
- Bell Super DH MIPS
Buying Guide
- 19 helmet vents, 4 chin guard vents and two brow ports.
- CPSC, ASTM (BMX) and ASTM(Downhill) certified helmet.
- MIPS spherical system
- In-mold polycarbonate shell fused with inner liner
- Sweat guide pad,
- X static padding
- Goggles and glasses adaptable visor.
- Detachable chin guard, no tools needed
- It weighs 487gm without chin bar and 850gms with chin guard.
- Breakaway camera mount.
- Detachable chin guard
- MIPS technology
- ASTM and CPSC certification
- Roc Loc fit system
- Extra visor with a camera mount
- Antimicrobial, hydrophilic X-static padding
- 20 vents
- Cheek pad wind tunnel ventilation.
- Over brow ventilation.
- 23 helmet vents , 6 chin guard vents, 4 brow ports.
- MIPS technology
- CPSC certified helmet
- In-mold construction, bonds the outer polycarbonate shell to inner EPS liner
- Glasses compatible
- X-Static padding
- Removable chin bar, no tools are required
Bell Super DH MIPS Adult MTB Bike Helmet
It is the improved version of the bell super 3R, as it is entirely downhill certified. It offers adequate protection in both full face and half shell modes.
So it is the best pick both with and without chin guard, as it can be switched easily from full face to open face helmet.
It’s a great option if you are planning a mountain bike trip, and you don’t want to carry two separate helmets.
This helmet is very lightweight and well-ventilated. It consists of 19 vents and deep internal channels, which results in better airflow that keeps your head fresh and cool.
You will feel comfortable while wearing this helmet as it has a dial retention system so you can fit it according to your head size, and you don’t have to be dependent upon the pad adjustment only.
It also has a sweat guide padding that prevents sweat from dripping into your eyes. The visor of this helmet is adjustable, and both glasses and goggles can be accommodated under it.
For safety purpose, a MIPS spherical system is there in this helmet, that reduces the stress to the brain during a crash.
It also has a camera mount that breaks away in case of an impact to decrease the risk of injuries.
One thing that is not so likely about this helmet is that it’s chin guard is large and bulky when detached, so you need a backpack to carry it with you, and it can’t be reattached without taking off the helmet.
Features
- Ventilation: It has 19 helmet vents, 4 chin guard vents and two brow ports.
- It’s a CPSC, ASTM (BMX) and ASTM(Downhill) certified helmet.
- MIPS spherical system is present in it.
- Construction: In-mold polycarbonate shell fused with inner liner
- Sweat guide pad, X static padding made up of quick drying material.
- Goggles and glasses adaptable visor.
- Easily detachable chin guard, no tools needed
- It weighs 487gm without chin bar and 850gms with chin guard.
- This helmet also has a breakaway camera mount.
Bell Super 3R MIPS
The detachable chin bar is excellent and can be attached effortlessly. It has a better visor setup.
If you want to use a convertible helmet mainly without chin guard, and going to use it as a full-face helmet occasionally, then bell super 3R is the best option for you. It’s an affordable and versatile helmet offering two functions in one gear.
The fit system of this helmet is impressive, as it fits on your head in a significant way and feels super comfortable.
Besides, it is much lighter than other convertible helmets, so you are not distracted by it, and you can entirely focus on your trail riding. Despite being lightweight, it is strong enough to give you the utmost safety.
Usually, people don’t prefer convertible helmets as they are way too hot then the open face helmets. But bell super 3R is a lot more cooler than other full-face helmets, even with the chin bar.
When the chin bar is removed, your ears are uncovered so you can hear better and maintain the right balance. The internal padding can also be removed for washing.
As we know that this helmet is not a fully certified downhill helmet, but you can trust it as it offers excellent coverage and protection for your face and head in any crash.
Features
- Over brow ventilation.
- 23 helmet vents , 6 chin guard vents, 4 brow ports.
- MIPS technology
- CPSC certified helmet
- In-mold construction, bonds the outer polycarbonate shell to inner EPS liner
- Both goggles and glasses can be accommodated on the adjustable visor of this helmet
- It has X-Static padding, made up of quick drying material
- Removable chin bar, easy 3 step detachment, no tools are required to detach it.
- It weighs just 784gm.
Want Best Electric mountain bike in cheap price? We have listed some amazing E-bikes in our article. Have a look.
Bell Super Air R MIPS
This helmet have a removable chin bar which is of latest design. Also, this helmet got spherical MIPS technology, and better ventilation.
Its looks are much better than it’s forerunners, having a range of attractive colors, hence providing riders one stylish helmet to enjoy every type of riding.
A matter of interest for all mountain bike riders is that whether the helmet they are going to buy stays cool during a ride or not.
So in this regard, this helmet performs a great job as it allows a pretty good amount of airflow around your head, having a total of 26 vents, including the chin bar vents.
The helmet fits comfortably on your head due to its Float Fit system, and you can fit glasses and goggles easily, in both half shell and full-face modes.
It has a PC shell fused to the internal foam, which is in-mold construction, which makes it a very lightweight helmet.
Moreover, it features a breakaway camera mount, X-static padding that prevents bacteria and fungi growth, and an adjustable visor.
Features
- Fusion in-mold construction
- CPSC bicycle certification
- Flex spherical MIPS technology
- It has four brow ports,18 helmet vent and eight chin bar vents
- Full-face mountain bike helmet with removable chin guard.
- It only weighs 640gms
Demon United FR Mountain Bike Helmet with Removable Chin Guard
You can easily detach the chin bar without any tool by just pushing a button. It is the best suitable helmet for daytime summer motorcycle riding.
Further, it is incredibly lightweight and sturdy, thanks to the outer polycarbonate shell and in-mold construction. You can have a convenient all-day summer ride in this helmet when the chin guard is removed.
Moreover, it comes with an aerodynamic design including twenty big vents for the best possible air circulation to prevent sweating on hot days. The sweat evaporation gives you an air conditioning feel around your head.
Also, it is sunglasses and goggles compatible due to its movable visor. You can place goggles above the brows by moving the helmet visor upwards. At the backside, it features a channel to fit perfectly the goggle strap.
The fit is also great, as the cinch-tight dial at the back will enable you to tune fit the tension around your head. The extra padding also comes with it to give you a perfect snug fit. Overall, it is the best convertible helmet available out there with its unique and remarkable specs.
Features
- 20 vent openings
- Additional padding kit.
- Cinch-tight dial
- Flip easy detachable chin guard
- Head size 58cm-61cm
- Weighs only 1.8lbs
Leatt DBX 3.0 Enduro
This helmet has sufficient airflow, having 24 vents and internal channeling.
At the same time, it’s a very light helmet, and it feels super comfortable as it doesn’t put a lot of weight on your head like other full-face helmets. It also fits well, not having any hot spots.
The chin guard can easily be detached because it has a dual latch system for attachment and detachment. It also has a moisture absorbing, washable and anti-odor cheek padding.
For safety purposes, Leatt has produced a 3D molded impact foam with a 360-degree turbine system for reducing the risk of concussion up to 30%, and the rotational impact forces up to 40% which is quite amazing.
Furthermore, DBX 3.0 is a CPSC certified helmet with detachable chin guard and the features as mentioned earlier, so who would not be willing to get it for great biking experience.
Features
- Removable chin bar, to switch the helmet from an uphill to downhill helmet effortlessly.
- 23 vents are there to provide maximum ventilation.
- Outer PC shell and 3D molded impact foam with 360-degree turbine technology.
- This helmet is DOT approved and meets the FMVSS 218 Standards
Giro Switchblade MIPS
So this helmet has a convenience of detachable chin piece combined with ASTM downhill safety certification.
It also has MIPS safety technology, so in terms of safety, this helmet is a trustworthy gear.
It is the best option for riders who are going to climb a steep hill and wants maximum security while descending. I
t’s a unique, reliable, and durable, heavy-duty helmet, just like any standard DH helmet. It gives you the best coverage even when it’s in open face mode.
The Roc Loc fit system combined with the chin strap allows you to fit the helmet snugly on your head.
A spare visor also comes with it, and recording equipment, such as a camera, can be accommodated on this visor. It has hydrophilic padding that absorbs moisture very well.
Giro Switchblade is not the lightest option among all hybrid helmets. Additionally, only the front portion of the chin bar can be detached, so it has extra coverage over-ears even when the chin guard is removed. As a result, this helmet is hot, but the additional safety it offers you is remarkable.
Features
- Easily detachable chin guard
- MIPS technology with ASTM and CPSC certification
- Roc Loc fit system makes it a good fit for you
- It has an extra visor with a camera mount
- Antimicrobial, hydrophilic X-static padding
- It has 20 vents as well as internal channels, and cheek pad wind tunnel ventilation.
- Comes in 3 different sizes and six unique colors
Things to Consider Before Buying a Convertible Full-Face MTB Helmet (Buying Guide)
Below are the things you should note while buying a convertible full-face MTB helmet:
Comfort padding
To maintain the stability and comfort of the helmet, and to manage heat effectively, internal cushioning is crucial.
Since pads absorb a lot of sweat, they should be removable and washable; materials should also be considered because fabric materials are not all equal when it comes to next-to-skin comfort.
As an alternative to thicker retention systems, some lids use different pad densities to customize the fit. However, thicker pads can also be more uncomfortable and hotter.
Visor
In addition to keeping the sun out of your eyes, the MTB helmet’s visor should be tilt-adjustable, rattle-free, and stable.
The flexible material and easy-to-break away fixtures also make visors safer as they prevent them from twisting your neck if an accident occurs.
Also, if you use a visor, it better be good-looking, even though it may not even be visible when you’re on your bike.
Attachment to Chin bar
The chin guards on certain helmets can be removed so they can be used in uphill and downhill settings.
The clamps used by each system offer the best fitting quickly and easily while the helmet is on.
Further, the chin bars are designed to meet the safety standards of trail riding as well as full DH certification.
The ventilation system
In order to cool the head, openings and vents are essential. The central cooling component of helmets is the intake (front) and exhaust (rear) vent-channelling system.
This system controls the temperature inside the helmet by channelling air through channels or grooves.
In addition to reducing helmet weight, vents may also improve appearance when used carefully.
Straps
Helmets need to be strapped safely, but the straps must also be comfortable and easily adjustable so these straps do not dig into ears or jaw lines.
A magnetic clasp is often used on helmets to make installation faster, however, a lighter, less noticeable plastic clasp is more preferable.
Features for safety
Many lids offer rotational impact protection in addition to hard shells and multiple densities of foam for absorbing impacts.
MIPS is probably the most known one, which uses a non-abrasive plastic liner that slides independently of the outer shell and helps to disperse impact energy.
Additionally, there are other own-brand versions all with similar objectives.
Standards of protection
In order to be sold in the public domain, all MTB helmets must meet ‘minimum standards’.
Various characteristics of the helmets are considered including strap integrity, puncture resistance, and impact handling.
Helmets certified by DH can withstand greater forces but weigh more (and require more material).
Fitting
The usual retention system consists of a cradle that fits snugly over the head.
A good strap should fit evenly, tighten easily with one hand, and have a tilt and circumference adjustment to fit all head shapes.
Be wary of flimsy plastic adjustment systems too, as they tend to deteriorate over time.
Goggles compatible
A requirement for some is the ability to wear goggles beneath the visor, which requires a suitable amount of space.
It’s hard to see why goggle clips are necessary since elastic straps can do the job just as well.
Eyewear stow points are also available on some helmets, which will be useful for those who wear glasses.
