Best MTB Helmet For Big Heads [2024 UPDATE]

I’ve noticed that some people with a 60 or 61 centimeter head size think that they have a big head. That is until they meet someone with a 65 centimeter or larger head, and then they’re like “Wow, and I thought I had problems trying to find a helmet that fits”.

Sixty-one centimeter helmets are a dime a dozen, but finding a helmet for larger-sized heads can be difficult especially when you’re talking about 65+ centimeter sizes. Difficult, but not impossible.

But where to find the best MTB helmet for big heads? I’ve got a feeling that you’re getting close!

If you’re a mountain bike rider with a larger than average head size then I’m sure you will find this guide useful in your quest to continue riding safely in a properly certified helmet, both trail riding CPSC 1203 certified and some helmets with downhill certifications (ASTM F1952).

Best MTB Helmet For Big Heads

In our list below we have XXL MTB helmets up to 67cm (26 inches), so, all going well that should just about cover most big heads, but not all, unfortunately. We shall keep looking and update accordingly.

Our objective here is not to recommend any of the helmets listed below. The objective is simply to make your search easier. In order to do that you need to know your helmet size in inches and/or centimeters because we have listed the helmets in order of size, biggest first. Within each size group, there may be several different helmets sorted alphabetically.

Before you start looking for a helmet, please be 100% sure of your head size. See our article ‘How To Know Your Helmet Size’ for more information.

A properly fitted helmet is the most important aspect of helmet safety. If you order the wrong size helmet, you will waste time and money having to return it. Be sure of the size before you place an order!

VIDEO: How To Measure For A Bike Helmet

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Mountain Bike Helmets Up To 66 cm (26 inches)

1. Bontrager Quantum MIPS Bike Helmet

A very neat looking and popular helmet from the Bontrager team. Featuring a stylish polycarbonate shell for additional protection, the reinforced skeleton makes for a stronger shell which allows for larger vents for increased air-flow.

The large vents are supported by inner recessed channeling to keep your head cool under the most extreme conditions. The Boa® fit system can be adjusted with just one hand to personalize the fit to suit your head, which is protected by the built-in MIPS Brain Protection System.

The internal soft, comfortable, moisture-wicking padding is also washable. Helmet strap management is made easier with lockdown dividers making strap adjustment a simple operation.

Totally versatile, the front visor can be removed to suit your personal needs or style. As an added bonus, Bontrager offers a Crash Replacement Guarantee, providing free helmet replacement if involved in a crash within the first year of ownership.

Main features summary:

• Polycarbonate shell
• MIPS protection
• Large vents with recessed channels
• Boa® fit system
• CPSC 1203, ASTM F1447, EN1078, AS/NZS 2063 Certified
• Weight 425 grams

What do the Reviews have to say about the Bontrager Quantum MIPS bike helmet?

The Bontrager Quantum MIPS helmet has excellent reviews online and is described as being suitable for trail or town. It was hard to find a negative review, but one reviewer stated that it was a little on the heavy side.

RELATED: BONTRAGER helmet size chart

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2. Bontrager Rally WaveCel Mountain Bike Helmet

There’s no doubt that Bontrager not only makes stylish bicycle helmets but sturdy and safe helmets that are popular and worth every penny. They are also smart enough to make several styles of X-Large mountain bike helmets so that avid mountain bikers have a decent choice.

The Bontrager Rally WaveCel mountain bike helmet fits in perfectly here with its 5 Star rating from Virginia Tech’s bike helmet testing. That sort of accomplishment alone speaks volumes as to the Bontrager Rally WaveCel’s reputation and protective ability.

Designed for comfort, performance and safety, from the durable outer shell lined with shock absorbing EPS, then comes Bontrager’s award winning WaveCel technology, followed by the soft, moisture-wicking padding.

If you’re not familiar with WaveCel, let’s just say that it’s sort of like MIPS in that it protects your head from rotational energy in an accident, but that’s where the similarity ends. Wavecel is that silver mesh that you can see in the helmet image. It’s described as a collapsible cellular structure that crumples on impact, absorbing energy and reducing the chance of head injury.

The Bontrager Rally will fit your head snugly with the help of the BOA Fit System which you use to adjust the size with just one hand. The chin straps will hold the helmet securely to your head without tangling due to their lockdown dividers.

Other features include additional coverage at the rear of the helmet for extra head protection, an adjustable and removeable visor, and Bontrager’s Crash Replacement Guarantee.

The extra-large Bontrager Rally Wavecel mountain bike helmet covers a size range of 60 – 66cm (23.6″ – 26″), is available in 4 color schemes, and weighs in at 435 grams (15.3 oz.).

What do the Reviews have to say about the Bontrager Rally WaveCel bike helmet?

You would be hard-pressed to find a bad review of the Bontrager Rally WaveCel helmet. It is described as being of high quality, comfortable and easy to adjust. Several reviewers stated that the helmet looked cool. On the downside, at least one person said that it was a little on the heavy side, and a couple of people had issues with the fit.

RELATED: BONTRAGER helmet size chart

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Mountain Bike Helmets Up To 65 cm (25.6 inches)

3. Bell 4Forty MIPS Adult MTB Helmet – X-Large (61-65 cm / 24-25.6 inch)

The Bell 4Forty is a highly rated XL Mountain Bike Helmet that uses Bell’s fusion in-mold process to create a sturdier helmet with the polycarbonate outer shell fused to the inner EPS foam liner. The built-in MIPS Brain Protection System is integrated with the Float Fit dial adjustment system which has an easy-to-turn rubber dial.

Superior comfort is provided by the 15 vents and the Sweat Guide pad system which draws sweat away from the forehead before it gets near the rider’s eyes. The convenient Goggle-guide with adjustable Visor can accommodate both the rider’s riding goggles as well as sunglasses.

Weighing in at just 380 grams (Medium size), this helmet is a winner and definitely in the running for best xl mountain bike helmet under 100.

Main features summary:

• Fusion in-mold Polycarbonate shell
• MIPS Protection
• 15 large vents
• Float Fit™ System
• Sweat Guide™ padding
• CPSC bicycle and CE-EN1078 certified

What do the Reviews have to say about the Bell 4Forty MIPS adult MTB helmet?

Dozens of reviews online with positive comments on the comfort and value for money, particularly as the helmet has MIPS built-in. Also comments about the good fit and easy adjustment system.

There were a couple of complaints about retention system failure two years ago, but I can’t imagine it was a serious problem otherwise the product would have been withdrawn.

RELATED: BELL helmet size chart

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4. Bell Sixer MIPS Adult MTB Helmet – X-Large (61-65 cm / 24-25.6 inch)

The Bell Sixer MIPS incorporates another new technology called progressive layering as well as the fusion in-mold polycarbonate shell fused with the EPS foam liner. Progressive layering layers different densities of EPS foam for better energy absorption in the event of an accident. These technologies together with MIPS Brain Protection System makes the Bell Sixer MIPS MTB helmet one of the safest in its field.

This stylish helmet has great aerodynamics along with a dual-flow ventilation system utilizing 26 vents and 4 brow ports for keeping goggles clear whilst riding. In addition, there is 4 position adjustable visor that can be adjusted on the fly. The fitting system is the easily adjustable Float Fit Race system which integrates nicely with the built-in MIPS system.

Inside there is the Sweat Guide pad design which draws sweat away from the forehead and includes quick-drying materials that help to stop the growth of bacteria and fungi. On the outside, there is also a breakaway camera mount for those who wish to record their adventures.

Main features summary:

• Fusion in-mold Polycarbonate shell
• 26 air-vents, and 4 brow ports
• Float Fit Race System
• Quick Dry X-Static padding
• 4 Position Adjustable Visor
• Breakaway Camera Mount
• CPSC bicycle and EN1078 certified

What do the Reviews have to say about the Bell Sixer MIPS adult MTB helmet?

The comfort level ranges between fairly comfortable to extremely comfortable. Looks good, and is a true XL MTB helmet, and feels good on the head. A couple of crashes were reported with little damage to the helmet. As expected the positive reviews far outweigh the negative reviews. One reviewer doesn’t like the color of the chin straps, another said it was too heavy and wasn’t satisfied with the sweat management system.

RELATED: BELL helmet size chart

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5. Giro Artex MIPS Adult MTB Helmet – X-Large (62.5-65 cm / 24.5-25.6 inch)

The Giro Artex MIPS helmet is described as luxurious and secure. Why luxurious, you ask. That is due to the Roc Loc® 5 Air System which not only adjusts the fit to your head size, but it suspends the helmet slightly above the top of the skull thus allowing cool air to flow directly over your head aided by 25 wind tunnel vents and internal channeling.

And, of course it’s secure due to the inbuilt MIPS Brain Protection System, and the four piece polycarbonate interlocking hardbody shell with an internal EPS liner.

Main features summary:

• Polycarbonate shell
• MIPS Protection
• 25 Wind-tunnel vents
• Roc Loc® 5 Air System
• CoolFit Anti-microbial padding
• Removable Quick Link Visor
• CPSC bicycle certified

What do the Reviews have to say about the Giro Artex MIPS adult MTB helmet?

After a great introduction to this luxurious and secure XL MTB helmet, the reviews are not so good! The straps are too short, and not thick enough. The visor falls off. Maybe up to a quarter of reviewers are dissatisfied. On the positive side though, that leaves three-quarters of reviewers who were generally happy with their purchase. Light and comfortable, easily adjusted.

RELATED: GIRO helmet size chart

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6. Giro Fixture MIPS Adult MTB Helmet – X-Large (58-65 cm / 22.8-25.6 inch)

The Giro Fixture MIPS XL was created especially for riders with XL-sized heads, and inspired by the success of Giro’s standard Fixture helmet. In the style of the Giro Fixture the Fixture MIPS XL MTB helmet is built with the In-mold polycarbonate shell with an EPS liner and MIPS Brain Protection System built-in as well.

The Roc Loc Sport fit system makes for easy fit adjustability, and the 18 vents and Extra-plush padding provide for extra comfort.

Good valued MIPS helmet for less than USD100.

Main features summary:

• Polycarbonate shell
• 18 air vents
• MIPS protection
• Roc Loc® Sport fit system
• Extra-Plush Quick Dry padding
• Removable Visor
• CPSC bicycle certified

What do the Reviews have to say about the Giro Fixture MIPS adult MTB helmet?

Plenty of reviews praising the XL size and fit, then the obligatory one that complains that it doesn’t fit. Positive reviews clearly out-numbered any negative reviews. This xl mtb helmet is lightweight, well ventilated and very comfortable.

RELATED: GIRO helmet size chart

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7. Smith Convoy MIPS MTB Helmet – X-Large (61-65 cm / 24-25.6 inch)

Smith Optics is known for its quality products and prices to match. However, the Smith Convoy MIPS MTB helmet delivers quality plus the added safety of the MIPS Brain Protection System for less than USD100. Possibly the best xl mountain bike helmet under 100.

Sporting a lightweight in-mold polycarbonate shell with 20 optimized air vents gives great aerodynamics to this helmet. On the inside is an EPS liner with two-piece removable and washable padding. To ensure a comfortable fit you have Smith’s proven VaporFit System which provides a custom fit every time. The 20 air vents feed the AirEvac ventilation system to keep your head cool whatever the weather.

Main features summary:

• Polycarbonate shell
• MIPS protection
• 20 Optimized vents
• Vaporfit system
• Washable padding
• CPSC, CE EN1078 & AS/NZS2063 Certification

What do the Reviews have to say about the Smith Convoy MIPS MTB helmet?

A well-priced MIPS helmet with great ventilation. Comfortable and fits well. The EPS liner is exposed along the lower edge which could get damaged, plus it makes a good helmet look a bit tacky.

RELATED: Smith helmet size chart

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8. Troy Lee Designs D3 Fiberlite Helmet – XXL (63-65 cm / 24.75-25.6 inch)

At last, a helmet for the serious downhill racers. This XXL Full-Face mountain bike helmet consists of a lightweight fiberglass shell with an EPS interior. Wind-tunnel tested aerodynamics and 20 intake and exhaust ports provide maximum ventilation through optimized internal channeling. Anatomic 3D cheek pads and the removable and washable Dri-Lex liner makes for a comfortable fit.

Features internal cavities for audio integration, and quick-release 3D cheek pads for emergency helmet removal. Certified as a downhill mountain bike helmet as well as for BMX.

Main features summary:

• Fiberglass Shell
• Wind-tunnel tested Aerodynamics
• 20 Intake and Exhaust Ports
• Breakaway Visor Screws
• Washable Dri-Lex Liner
• Cavities for Audio Integration
• ASTM F1952-DH, ASTM F2032-BMX

What do the Reviews have to say about the Troy Lee Designs D3 Fiberlite helmet?

Outstanding reviews. Super comfortable, fits well, accurate sizing, pads easily removed and installed. All good except for one buyer who had some issues with a loose liner, and one other who bought it thinking that it had MIPS.

RELATED: Troy Lee Designs helmet size chart

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Mountain Bike Helmets Up To 64 cm (25.2 inches)

9. Fox Racing Rampage MIPS MTB Helmet – X-Large(63-64 cm / 24.8-25.2 inch)

Featuring superior ventilation and rotational management systems to provide the rider with comfort along with an exceptional safe riding experience, the Fox Racing Rampage full face helmet has you covered.

This lightweight helmet is designed for serious riders that want to get places in a hurry. The adjustable visor and mesh covered vents work to keep bugs, dust and other roost out of your face.

With the MIPS Brain Protection System as well as the EPS foam lining you are well covered in the event of a hard fall. The helmet is held firmly to your head with the D-ring closure.

The Injection molded polycarbonate shell has plenty of air vents for maximum air-flow, along with moisture-wicking anti-microbial lining. And Fox has your safety covered with more certifications than you can poke a stick at! CPSC, EN 1078, AS/NZS 2063, ASTM 1952-15 (Downhill), ASTM 2032-15 (BMX).

Main features summary:

• In-Mold Polycarbonate shell
• Plenty of Air Vents
• EPS Foam liner
• Anti-microbial padding
• D-Ring Closure
• CPSC, EN 1078, AS/NZS 2063, ASTM 1952-15, ASTM 2032-15 Certified

What do the Reviews have to say about the Fox Rampage Full Face MIPS MTB Helmet?

A lot of 5 star ratings for the Fox Rampage. Can’t find anyone that will say a bad word about it.

RELATED: Fox Racing helmet size chart

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Are Full-Face helmets good for mountain biking?

A. Full-Face helmets are great for mountain biking especially if you do a lot of downhill racing against the clock. You might like to consider a Mountain Bike Helmet With Removable Chin Guard, which allows you to remove the chin bar when cycling back up the hill. You then re-attach the chin bar again when it’s time to hit the downhill.

Q. Should I wear a Full-Face helmet?

A. The pros and cons of Full-Face Vs Open-Face MTB helmets are discussed in our article of the same name. It really boils down to how aggressive you are as a mountain biker and the safety aspect. If you do a lot of downhill, at speed, then a full-face mtb helmet is definitely worth considering.

I hope we have helped in your search for the ‘best MTB helmet for big heads’ to your satisfaction. Feel free to leave a comment or question below. Thanks!

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