BIKE COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES: 6 lightweight full-face helmets put to the test

In addition to classic half-shell helmets for enduro bikers, there are now also full-face helmets - i.e. lightweight MTB full-face helmets - which have a chin bar to provide even better protection for the chin and face in the event of a fall. The chin bar can also be removed on many models on the market. We tested six such full-face helmets with removable chin bars at TÜV Rheinland. As the European test standard (EN 1078) for cycle helmets does not provide for testing of the chin guard, we had the chin guard tested separately in the TÜV laboratory in Cologne. We based our tests on the standard for motorbike helmets (ECE 22). The test procedure was as follows: the chin guard was hit on the test anvil, but at a reduced speed (16.5 km/h). The test results surprised us: from "with weaknesses" to "great", everything was there. Of the six MTB helmets tested with a removable chin bar, we can only really recommend three models.

Our conclusion: The full-face helmet look often only gives the illusion of a safety advantage.

You can find these enduro helmets in the short test:

• Alpina King Carapax
• Bell Super 2R Joyride
• Cratoni C-Maniac
• MET Parachute
• Urge Archi Enduro Veggie
• Uvex Jakkyl hde

How did we test the full-face helmets?

Each helmet was strapped to a special test head in the TÜV-Rheinland test laboratory. This metal head is equipped with acceleration sensors. On impact, the limit value of 250 g specified in the standard must not be exceeded. During the first test, the test head falls onto a steel plate at a flat impact angle - as if a mountain biker in a sailor's head were drilling vertically into the ground. The impact speed is 19.5 km/h. In the second impact, the helmet strapped to the test head falls sideways onto a wedge-shaped anvil - albeit at a reduced speed (16.5 km/h). This impact should come closest to reality and simulate a fall onto a boulder or kerb.

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Alpina King Carapax

Alpina is confident when it comes to its very lightweight King Carapax. On the homepage it says: "Perfectly protected on the downhill". However, the TÜV laboratory values take a critical view of downhill suitability. The removable, thin chin guard offers little protection in hard enduro crashes. In short, the King Carapax only achieved average results in the laboratory test. In terms of wearing comfort, the helmet performs better and shines with good ventilation and low weight.

Price 180 Euro
Weight¹ 483 grams / S/M, L/XL
Safety² 2 out of 6 points
Damping² 186 / 106 / 302 g
Wearing comfort 6 out of 6 points

BIKE test judgement WITH WEAKNESSES

Bell Super 2R Joyride

The Bell Super 2R Joyride is one of the heavier helmets in the test (742 grams). However, it is stable. The Bell achieved good damping values in the lab test. In practice, it is very comfortable to wear, is well ventilated and is full of useful features - such as a practical fastener for quick removal of the chin guard or removable cheek pads. In short: a safe helmet with good details. Top!

Price 250 Euro
Weight¹ 742 gram / S / M / L
Safety² 4 out of 6 points
Damping² 195 / 103 / 211 g
Wearing comfort 5 out of 6 points

BIKE test rating GOOD

Cratoni C-Maniac

Wow! The Cratoni C-Maniac weighs just 465 grams. It is the lightest and cheapest helmet in the test. Unfortunately, however, it also has the weakest chin guard. The shock absorption is poor, meaning that the bar would easily buckle in the event of a hard fall. In addition, the visor hangs very low and cannot be adjusted. In short: the shock absorption values are weak. The wearing comfort, ventilation and fit, on the other hand, are excellent.

Price 100 Euro >> available here
Weight¹ 65 gram / S / M / L
Safety² 2 out of 6 points
Damping² 187 / 101 / 474g
Wearing comfort 6 out of 6 points

BIKE test judgement WITH WEAKNESSES

MET Parachute

We liked the MET Parachute. In the TÜV test, the helmet performed best in the chin bar damping test. It buffered the test impact down to just 99 g. Super! However, unlike most helmets in the test, the chin guard cannot be removed. At 700 grams, the helmet is still light enough and offers plenty of comfort. We also liked details such as a visor adjustment and a goggle holder.

Price 220 Euro
Weight¹ 700 gram / S / M / L
Safety² 4 out of 6 points
Damping² 162 / 134 / 99 g
Wearing comfort 5 out of 6 points

BIKE test rating VERY GOOD

Urge Archi Enduro Veggie

Racing legend Fabien Barel had a hand in designing the helmet. The helmet is made from recycled EPS and linen fibre instead of glass fibre. At 968 grams, it is the heaviest helmet in the test. Just like the MET helmet, the chin guard cannot be removed. It disappointed in the chin bar impact test - only midfield. Good: The helmet sits snugly on the head and the workmanship is of high quality. The ventilation could be better.

Price 230 Euro
Weight¹ 968 grams / S/M, M/L
Safety² 3 out of 6 points
Damping² 209 / 107 / 248 g
Wearing comfort 4 out of 6 points

BIKE test result SATISFACTORY

Uvex Jakkyl hde (BIKE tip)

The helmet with the peculiar name "Jakkyl hde" is our test winner. The chin guard can be removed quickly and also provides very impressive protection. In our shock absorption test, the helmet scored best in terms of flat, notch and chin damping (average value). We also liked the Boa adjustment system and the good ventilation. In short: the Uvex was the most convincing helmet in the laboratory and practical tests. Super!

Price 200 Euro
Weight¹ S/M, L/XL
Safety² 5 out of 6 points
Damping² 142 / 96 / 147 g
Wearing comfort 5 out of 6 points

BIKE test result SUPER

¹ BIKE measurement. ² Shock absorption values at TÜV-Rheinland: g-values: flat/notch/chin (the lower the value, the better). The damping value of the chin bar was particularly important here.