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Best ventilated helmet around £50?

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[#13536571]

Looking for a new trail helmet to replace an old Giro Fixture that I've never really got along with, it's boiling! I don't know if I just run hot but even in the winter the pads get soaked through in sweat, and I don't find it that comfy shape wise. So I'm thinking something with forehead vents might be good if any are around in my price range.

Don't really want to spend above £50 if I can help it, from what I gather that should still get me something with MIPS or something like the Lazer alternative.


 
Posted : 04/08/2026 3:07 pm
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I've been eyeing up the poc axion MIPS at sport pursuit https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/product/view/id/3935280/

Reviews suggest ventilation is decent. Anyone got one?


 
Posted : 04/08/2026 3:32 pm
_tom_ reacted
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Ah that could be perfect, cheers! Off to read some reviews...

Edit - ordered, will let you know how I get on with it!


 
Posted : 04/08/2026 4:27 pm
davros reacted
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https://sportandleisure.com/products/met-roam-mips-mtb-helmet?currency=GBP&country=GB&variant=56641244692867

I have this and it's a great lid. Never felt hot or sweaty in it. £10 over budget but you might find it cheaper with newsletter sign-up/welcome discount etc.


 
Posted : 04/08/2026 4:34 pm
davros reacted
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even in the winter the pads get soaked through in sweat

This has been me in every helmet ever. 

If you find a helmet based solution that would be mint. I wear a buff and wring it out under mtb helmets and cap under road helmet.


 
Posted : 04/08/2026 5:05 pm
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Posted by: tall_martin

even in the winter the pads get soaked through in sweat

This has been me in every helmet ever. 

If you find a helmet based solution that would be mint. I wear a buff and wring it out under mtb helmets and cap under road helmet.

But then doesn't the buff just trap more heat then get all sweat soaked and minging instead? I suppose it's easier to chuck in the wash than the helmet pads though.


 
Posted : 04/08/2026 7:46 pm
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Halo headbands are good at keeping it from your eyes without boiling your head. I use them unless it's cold enough for a buff.


 
Posted : 04/08/2026 8:48 pm
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I now ride with a buff under the helmet. In very hot weather, it stops sweat dripping into my eyes. And a side-benefit is that I haven’t had to wash the padding in a helmet since I started doing this several years ago. And buffs are incredibly easy to wash, and they dry extremely quickly.

And in very cold weather, I can pull the buff over my ears. So I use a buff in all weathers now.


 
Posted : 04/08/2026 9:04 pm
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I haven’t had to wash the padding in a helmet…”

I have never done this and ride my bike in the same helmet most days!


 
Posted : 04/08/2026 11:39 pm
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I don't know about "best" but I just recently got a cheap Met Shelter and it's definitely one of the better, less sweaty helmets I've ever had while also having good coverage. The non-mips can be had from £40, the MIPS from about £60. 

(I only got it because I needed a helmet in a hurry, but I feel like I really lucked out, I like it a lot more than the TLD it replaces. Very basic, but everything essentially works and the weight and compact size is impressive. Nonadjustable visor which I know some people hate)


 
Posted : 05/08/2026 3:27 am
 FOG
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Another vote for the Roam. I have the camo one and it is very comfortable and unsweaty. Over the years I have spent loads of money searching for the helmet that suited me best and so far this is it.


 
Posted : 05/08/2026 8:08 am
 PJay
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Size depending, Banana Industries have these for £20 although I've no idea what they're like.

https://www.bananaindustries.co.uk/products/giro-radix-dirt-helmet?_pos=1&_sid=ad6b0143c&_ss=r


 
Posted : 05/08/2026 8:16 am
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Cannondale Tract Mips...

https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/product/view/id/4717583/

In a few colours, very comfy (though on my weird shaped head it's quite low on the brow, but modern helmets seem to have much more forehead coverage). Done a couple of rides with it and seems very well ventilated.

Such a good deal I bought 2 so I've got a spare in!

£18.99  😎


 
Posted : 05/08/2026 10:36 am