3 Things Thursday: Trail Helmets with MIPS

Hannah and Mark have made it into the studio together to look at that kit essential, the trail helmet. With three different open face helmets, all with MIPS, all designed for trail riding, they look at some of the subtle differences between them, giving you some points to look for next time you’re shopping for a helmet.

Of course you’ve thought about safety, but what about all the other things that makes a helmet pleasnt to use – or not. Have you thought about how your glasses might fit with your helmet? Or where you’ll put a head lamp? Do you want a peak that moves, or not? What about fit adjustment – did you realise there are differences? Watch this video and learn about some of the differences between apparently similar helmets that you might not have realised can affect your comfort and enjoyment when riding.

Can’t see the video? Try here.

Fox Mainframe

Price: £80
From: Fox Racing

The Mainframe is Fox’s newest open face trail lid and is designed to offer plenty of protection and styling, at a more affordable price. It features extended rear coverage and a MIPS liner to keep your brain safe should the worst happen. There are plenty of vents and channels in the molded EPS and inside is a removable and washable moisture wicking liner.

Specialized Tactic 4

Price: £100
From: Specialized

This £100 lid is designed for riders wanting increased coverage but still retain the ventilation of an open lid. The Tactic boasts Specialized’s own SBC Integrated Fit system and also comes with MIPS safety tech. Other features include a breakaway visor, eye-wear storage and a ton of cooling vents.

Ion Traze AMP

Price: £145
From: Ion

A collaboration between Ion and Met, this helmet is MIPS equipped and comes with an adjustable visor, room for goggles and glasses stowage, and a Fidlock fastener. The cradle inside is adjustable so you can make sure this helmet sits just as you want it.

Any more questions? Or other products you’d like us to give this compare and contrast look to? Let us know in the comments.

Hannah Dobson

Managing Editor

I came to Singletrack having decided there must be more to life than meetings. I like all bikes, but especially unusual ones. More than bikes, I like what bikes do. I think that they link people and places; that cycling creates a connection between us and our environment; bikes create communities; deliver freedom; bring joy; and improve fitness. They're environmentally friendly and create friendly environments. I try to write about all these things in the hope that others might discover the joy of bikes too.