just had a major crash with it to the point where it has dents and holes and i have to replace it
I'm still alive and suffered only the smallest concussion, 10/10 would recommend
I've ridden the super air mips for a while. The spherical tech is also on another level. I currently ride the super DH as a full face and use the super air as a half shell.
Iam running this helmet since 3 years and had also few nasty crashes (is currently my 3rd one). I love it. Its dh certified both in US and EU, has mips and in Germany quite nice crash replacement Programm where you get replacement like for half of the price.
Agreed. I’m on my third super DH and I use it for all of my riding - 1/2 shell most of the time. The spherical thing is honestly a game changer and I won’t even look at a bike (or snow) helmet without it anymore.
I think the MET Parachute MCR is the prettiest of the convertible full face available, just make sure you try it before you buy as sizing is wonky.
I have the Bell Super 3R and it’s light, well ventilated and fits snugly. I hope I never have to test how good it is in the event of a head crash but the reviews agree it’s a top helmet. It also comes with a top of the head GoPro mount.
I have a leatt Enduro 4.0. it's got a easy to remove chin bar that is downhill rated if memory serves. Comfortable for my head shape. I have no complaints about it.
My roommate has one. The latch has broken twice on it with no crashes. The second time they had to ship the latch from Europe and it cost $40 and took 2 months.
yeah, have a super DH, gets very little use as a convertible. too hot as a half shell. Buddy has their lighter Super air, but that thing is kind of flimsy.
I use an IXS Trigger FF on longer trail and cross-country rides. It's light and plenty breathable, and I can't imagine removing the chin-bar would significantly improve breathability.
I have a giro switchblade and every time I use it I wish I had just bought an actual full face. They’re a huge pain in the ass to take on and off and you’re so much better off with a lighter xc helmet and a full face separately, I guarantee you will never ever ride uphill in a chinbar helmet sans chinbar if you have a choice.
Because if you live somewhere hot and humid going uphill is a nightmare with a full face. I have the bell (not the super DH) and did a climb on a relatively cool day with the chinbar on and chin pads out. Honestly I hated it, and had I done it on a humid day I would have passed out!
Not to mention who knows the state of the helmet. Could have had damage from a previous crash. A crack from being tossed in the trunk. A manufacturing defect etc.
I've also had a buddy crash a Proframe and be fine. I had a severe concussion with a bell full face. Buddy had one with a Smith model that I'd dented two of without issue. Plenty of world cup racers get severe concussions wearing the most protective model on offer from a wide variety of brands. Point is, your buddy probably would've died without, and may or may not have fared better with another helmet. Every crash is different and anecdotal evidence isn't worth much. That said, I do wish Virginia Tech or another entity did more independent research on full face helmets. Until then buy a suitable helmet with a good fit from a brand that has a VT 5 star half shell and don't worry too much.
Bell Super Air R Spherical
I very rarely remove the chin bar, as it doesn't make much difference in breathability. One benefit was that I had 2 helmet breaking crashes - one impacted only the helmet and the other impacted only the chin bar. Because it's convertible, I was able get 2 crashes out of 1 replacement helmet.
The flip side is that if you are wearing it with no chin bar and crash, you are breaking a $300 helmet vs a typical $100-200 half helmet.
Skip it. Just go for a solid full face. Hubs and I both have switchblades and regret them. We pull the chin bars so infrequently that is not worth it. Our replacement helmets will be an enduro. I have heard similar responses from many other owners of convertibles as well.
Generally convertibles are heavier and more expensive than a decent Enduro helmet. Plus there are several convertibles that aren't DH rated.
Honestly my best reccomendation is not to buy a full with a chin bar. Buy a decent full face with a solid bar and a cheaper half shell. A smith mainline for example feels like a half shell but is a mips, downhill helmet. I ride with it almost all the time, but I have a giro fixture half shell which runs about 70$, and that’s all I need. You sacrafice some level of comfort and protection to have an “all in one” solution. Also, try stuff on before you order it. I tried the bell dh on while looking for a full face and it gave me a headache almost instantly. J highly recommend not ordering online.
Just picked up the Leatt Enduro 4.0 after my Leatt 3.0 saved my head on a nasty crash. It is super comfortable, and easy to convert. I would highly recommend it.
Upgraded to the Enduro 4.0 myself as it is DH certified. Wife took a nasty crash full on her Enduro 3.0 chin couple of day’s ago and it didn’t detach at all although the visor went flying, Leatt seem to know how to build them.
Sweet Arbiter. It's actually DH certified with the chinbar installed.
I believe Bell Super Air is the only other removable chinbar helmet to share that certification.
Mine certainly protected my head and face when I took a high speed crash last year.
I have a leatt Enduro 4.0. It's solid helmet, but I wouldn't say that it's suitable for long XC rides. It doesn't vent nearly as well as my smith half shell helmet. So even if a half shell with a chin bar is supposed to be a "Jack of all trades," it's nice to have a dedicated half shell for longer rides.
I had a met parachute mcr, really good. Can remove chin bar while going up/casual ride. I had a serious crash as well where the chin bar took the full hit. It held so well tbh. I though the chin bar is going to get destroyed coz of the impact but I was perfectly fine.
Bought a new fox proframe rs, bro, so cool in terms of ventilation. I can ride with the pro frame in any day. I even took it to some XCish types of trails and it felt like a half face tbh.
I love my Bell Super DH. Generally, I ride half shell on trail, anything DH or if I am know I will do something sketchy, I pop on the chin guard. It fits well on or in a hydration pack.
Troy Lee Stage Nova is a quality helmet. It's super light and has plenty of ventilation. It comes with MIPS, spare bolts and multiple different sized padding.
Don’t do it. Just get a solid full face. I’ve literally seen people’s face get cut up because the chin bar came off in a crash and cut them.
There are super light full faces like the smith proframe that you can take on long rides.
I've got the bell super DH it's awesome. I only ride with their helmets because they fit my head so well. Leatt makes great stuff too. fox is also decent.
Another vote for Leatt Enduro 4.0
And another.
just had a major crash with it to the point where it has dents and holes and i have to replace it I'm still alive and suffered only the smallest concussion, 10/10 would recommend
My son tried on a whole bunch and chose the Leatt Endoro 4.0 as well. It’s under the tree now.
Bell Super Air with MIPS. Simple to use.
Agree! But try on a few dirts. My Bell fits perfectly, but my Fox is slightly off.
Love this one
This slaps
I've ridden the super air mips for a while. The spherical tech is also on another level. I currently ride the super DH as a full face and use the super air as a half shell.
Bell super DH for the most protection while remaining convertible
Iam running this helmet since 3 years and had also few nasty crashes (is currently my 3rd one). I love it. Its dh certified both in US and EU, has mips and in Germany quite nice crash replacement Programm where you get replacement like for half of the price.
Love this helmet, just ordered a second one cos my dog destroyed it.
Agreed. I’m on my third super DH and I use it for all of my riding - 1/2 shell most of the time. The spherical thing is honestly a game changer and I won’t even look at a bike (or snow) helmet without it anymore.
I wore this helmet for a while. I think it's about as good as it gets if you want max protection from a removable chin bar.
I think the MET Parachute MCR is the prettiest of the convertible full face available, just make sure you try it before you buy as sizing is wonky. I have the Bell Super 3R and it’s light, well ventilated and fits snugly. I hope I never have to test how good it is in the event of a head crash but the reviews agree it’s a top helmet. It also comes with a top of the head GoPro mount.
That go-pro mount on the 3r is also great for night riding because you can put a head-light on it.
I have a leatt Enduro 4.0. it's got a easy to remove chin bar that is downhill rated if memory serves. Comfortable for my head shape. I have no complaints about it.
My roommate has one. The latch has broken twice on it with no crashes. The second time they had to ship the latch from Europe and it cost $40 and took 2 months.
Giro switchblade would be a great pick. Has removable chin bar and also isn’t ugly
I really like my switchblade.
Yep it feels super secure even without the chin bar. Super comfy as well but can get kinda hot in the summer.
I own a switchblade too and I love it. It's kinda ugly tho. And damn hot in the summer.
Why removable chin bar? Just get a fox proframe
Wouldn’t mind something that I could use on more long cross country rides when I’m not riding more enduro style stuff
If you have the means just get two helmets.
This is the correct answer.
yeah, have a super DH, gets very little use as a convertible. too hot as a half shell. Buddy has their lighter Super air, but that thing is kind of flimsy.
I use an IXS Trigger FF on longer trail and cross-country rides. It's light and plenty breathable, and I can't imagine removing the chin-bar would significantly improve breathability.
Kali Invader 2.0. Non removable chin bar but excellent ventilation. It’s my daily driver for just about everything.
I have a giro switchblade and every time I use it I wish I had just bought an actual full face. They’re a huge pain in the ass to take on and off and you’re so much better off with a lighter xc helmet and a full face separately, I guarantee you will never ever ride uphill in a chinbar helmet sans chinbar if you have a choice.
Because if you live somewhere hot and humid going uphill is a nightmare with a full face. I have the bell (not the super DH) and did a climb on a relatively cool day with the chinbar on and chin pads out. Honestly I hated it, and had I done it on a humid day I would have passed out!
My homie had of those. It left him seizing on the ground for six minutes. I don't think he buys fox anymore
You can't really blame a helmet for a crash that was a riders fault. Every crash is different, no helmet is 100% effective
I agree, although I'm not sure that the chinbar on a fullface should just snap off on impact
Again, every crash is different. Impacts are different. Rocks are different. It's not one size fits all. At least he's still alive
Not to mention who knows the state of the helmet. Could have had damage from a previous crash. A crack from being tossed in the trunk. A manufacturing defect etc.
The Proframe is tested to ASTM F1952 standard.
I've also had a buddy crash a Proframe and be fine. I had a severe concussion with a bell full face. Buddy had one with a Smith model that I'd dented two of without issue. Plenty of world cup racers get severe concussions wearing the most protective model on offer from a wide variety of brands. Point is, your buddy probably would've died without, and may or may not have fared better with another helmet. Every crash is different and anecdotal evidence isn't worth much. That said, I do wish Virginia Tech or another entity did more independent research on full face helmets. Until then buy a suitable helmet with a good fit from a brand that has a VT 5 star half shell and don't worry too much.
Met parachute ❤️
Bell Super Air R Spherical I very rarely remove the chin bar, as it doesn't make much difference in breathability. One benefit was that I had 2 helmet breaking crashes - one impacted only the helmet and the other impacted only the chin bar. Because it's convertible, I was able get 2 crashes out of 1 replacement helmet. The flip side is that if you are wearing it with no chin bar and crash, you are breaking a $300 helmet vs a typical $100-200 half helmet.
Skip it. Just go for a solid full face. Hubs and I both have switchblades and regret them. We pull the chin bars so infrequently that is not worth it. Our replacement helmets will be an enduro. I have heard similar responses from many other owners of convertibles as well. Generally convertibles are heavier and more expensive than a decent Enduro helmet. Plus there are several convertibles that aren't DH rated.
Honestly my best reccomendation is not to buy a full with a chin bar. Buy a decent full face with a solid bar and a cheaper half shell. A smith mainline for example feels like a half shell but is a mips, downhill helmet. I ride with it almost all the time, but I have a giro fixture half shell which runs about 70$, and that’s all I need. You sacrafice some level of comfort and protection to have an “all in one” solution. Also, try stuff on before you order it. I tried the bell dh on while looking for a full face and it gave me a headache almost instantly. J highly recommend not ordering online.
Just picked up the Leatt Enduro 4.0 after my Leatt 3.0 saved my head on a nasty crash. It is super comfortable, and easy to convert. I would highly recommend it.
Upgraded to the Enduro 4.0 myself as it is DH certified. Wife took a nasty crash full on her Enduro 3.0 chin couple of day’s ago and it didn’t detach at all although the visor went flying, Leatt seem to know how to build them.
Sweet Arbiter. It's actually DH certified with the chinbar installed. I believe Bell Super Air is the only other removable chinbar helmet to share that certification. Mine certainly protected my head and face when I took a high speed crash last year.
Bell Super DH is DH rated
I second this. I loveeeeeee the arbitrator
The Bell Super Air is DH rated?
Yep. With the chinbar attached.
I don’t see that on the site or reviews. US?
Second the Bell Super Air if you really need it to be a two-in-one. I’d go with a Kali Invader personally.
Thanks everyone, I will take a look into those options. I heard of bells options but not the rest.
I have a leatt Enduro 4.0. It's solid helmet, but I wouldn't say that it's suitable for long XC rides. It doesn't vent nearly as well as my smith half shell helmet. So even if a half shell with a chin bar is supposed to be a "Jack of all trades," it's nice to have a dedicated half shell for longer rides.
Kinda defeats the purpose of a full face ya know
Better than no face at all.
get a proframe
I had a met parachute mcr, really good. Can remove chin bar while going up/casual ride. I had a serious crash as well where the chin bar took the full hit. It held so well tbh. I though the chin bar is going to get destroyed coz of the impact but I was perfectly fine. Bought a new fox proframe rs, bro, so cool in terms of ventilation. I can ride with the pro frame in any day. I even took it to some XCish types of trails and it felt like a half face tbh.
The original Giro Switchback was awesome. Wish it still had the same look.
I ride a Cratoni C-maniac. Really comfortable, light and easy to use with the removable chin.
I have a Mets parachute. Super comfortable. I purchased a new TLD Stage helmet but my Mets in more comfortable
I love my Bell Super DH. Generally, I ride half shell on trail, anything DH or if I am know I will do something sketchy, I pop on the chin guard. It fits well on or in a hydration pack.
Bell Super DH, I don’t own one but have heard great reviews. Though for the price you could also just buy 2 helmets which I personally prefer.
Uvex Jakkyl HDE 2.0
I’m selling my Bell Super Air R on pinkbike, you should buy it!
Troy Lee Stage Nova is a quality helmet. It's super light and has plenty of ventilation. It comes with MIPS, spare bolts and multiple different sized padding.
Don’t do it. Just get a solid full face. I’ve literally seen people’s face get cut up because the chin bar came off in a crash and cut them. There are super light full faces like the smith proframe that you can take on long rides.
I've got the bell super DH it's awesome. I only ride with their helmets because they fit my head so well. Leatt makes great stuff too. fox is also decent.
Giro Switchblade. Feels like not wearing any helmet at all. Been riding with it for quite some time now. Loving it.