The best enduro MTB helmets 2026 sit between a normal trail lid and a full-face helmet. They give more coverage around the temples and back of the head, and the more aggressive 3/4 designs extend that protection around the ears and upper jaw, but they still leave your face open and keep enough airflow for long climbs and all-day rides.
That middle ground makes particular sense on an eMTB. Assisted climbing makes it easy to fit more descents into the same ride, so the helmet spends more time at trail speed and less time simply sitting on your head while you grind uphill. More coverage can feel reassuring on steep woodland lines, rough red routes and repeated trail-centre laps, but a helmet that is too hot, heavy or awkward will still end up being left at home.
After checking the current market, the Troy Lee Designs A3 Mips is our overall winner. Electric MTB UK has ridden and reviewed it, and it still offers one of the strongest combinations of deep coverage, ventilation, secure fit, goggle storage and all-day comfort among the best enduro MTB helmets 2026. It also happens to be heavily discounted in several current UK colourways, which strengthens the case rather than creating it.
The shortlist now stretches from the £59.99 Rockrider Feel 900 MIPS to specialist 3/4 helmets such as the Bell 3QTR-Air, Troy Lee Designs Stage Stunt and Fox Dropframe Pro. That distinction matters: a deeper conventional half-shell and a 3/4 helmet solve slightly different problems, even when both are sold under the enduro banner.
For a broader open-face comparison, see our best MTB helmets 2026 and best trail MTB helmets 2026 guides. If your riding needs a chin bar, head to our best full-face MTB helmets 2026 guide.
The best enduro MTB helmets 2026 shortlisted
Troy Lee Designs A3 Mips — £99.99 (RRP £220)
Rockrider Feel 900 MIPS — £59.99
Endura MT500 Mips – £89 (RRP £180)
Sweet Protection Trailblazer Mips — £120 (£179.99)
POC Kortal Race Mips — £155 (RRP £250)
Smith Forefront 3 MIPS — £174.99 (RRP £250)
Bell 3QTR-Air Mips — £159.99 (RRP £204.99)
Fox Dropframe Pro Flow Mips — £209 (RRP £260)
Troy Lee Designs Stage Stunt – £215.99 (RRP £239.99)
A best enduro MTB helmets 2026 should feel more secure and more confidence-inspiring than a normal trail helmet, but still breathable enough that you do not dread the climb. Fit matters just as much as coverage. A helmet can have all the right safety tech in the world, but if it does not sit level, hold firmly without pressure points and stay stable when the trail gets rough, it is the wrong helmet for you.
The best enduro MTB helmets 2026
Troy Lee Designs A3 Mips
Best enduro MTB helmet 2026 overall
£99.99 (RRP £220)
The Troy Lee Designs A3 Mips is our overall winner in this best enduro MTB helmets 2026 guide because it feels like the right helmet for the largest number of aggressive trail riders. Electric MTB UK has ridden it, and the thing that stands out is not one headline technology but how well the whole package works once the trail gets faster.
The shell sits deep around the back and sides of the head without dropping into 3/4 territory. That keeps the A3 familiar on long rides while giving more reassurance than a lighter trail helmet. Sixteen vents and internal channeling move enough air that the extra coverage does not become oppressive on climbs, and the padded fit feels secure when the bike starts moving underneath you.
Troy Lee Designs uses a co-moulded EPP/EPS construction with Mips B-Series, a Fidlock magnetic buckle and a three-position Magnajust visor. The visor lifts high enough to store goggles, which matters if you switch between glasses on climbs and goggles for descents. The Sweat Glide brow pad can divide opinion and the A3 is more substantial than an ultra-light trail lid, but those are small compromises for the level of coverage and comfort.
Current UK discounts make the recommendation even easier. Some colourways are around £100, although prices vary considerably by size and graphic. Buy the A3 because the fit and coverage suit enduro riding; treat the sale price as a bonus.
Pros
Premium all-round enduro helmet
Very strong blend of comfort, coverage and fit
Excellent choice for long, aggressive trail rides
Cons
One of the more expensive helmets in the guide
Specifications
Type: High-coverage open-face MTB helmet
Rotational protection: Mips
Fit system: Precision fit system
Ventilation: Premium airflow design
Visor: Adjustable visor
Goggle compatibility: Yes
Rockrider Feel 900 MIPS
Best budget enduro-style MTB helmet
£59.99
The Rockrider Feel 900 MIPS remains the budget choice because it gives a surprising amount of useful helmet for £59.99. You get MIPS, a Fidlock buckle, a 360-degree adjustment dial, 15 vents and a deeper mountain-bike shell rather than the stripped-back shape normally associated with sub-£60 helmets.
That does not make it a direct substitute for every helmet in this best enduro MTB helmets 2026 shortlist. The visor is fixed rather than highly adjustable and Decathlon talks about rear sunglasses storage rather than building the helmet around goggles. Riders who regularly wear goggles or want ear and jaw coverage should look further down the list.
For trail centres, woodland descents and riders moving from a basic XC-style lid, however, the Feel 900 is a meaningful step up. Decathlon quotes 405g in medium, which is respectable for the price and coverage, and the quick-drying padding makes sense for damp UK rides.
The biggest reason to buy it is simple: you can get MIPS, a secure dial fit and sensible coverage without spending three figures. Fit still comes first, and the fixed peak makes it less flexible than the premium helmets, but the value is difficult to ignore.
Pros
Strong budget entry into the enduro helmet category
MIPS and deeper coverage at a low price
Good step up from a basic trail lid
Cons
Less refined fit and finish than the premium helmets below
Specifications
Type: High-coverage open-face MTB helmet
Rotational protection: MIPS
Fit system: Adjustable retention system
Ventilation: Enduro-focused venting
Visor: Adjustable peak
Goggle compatibility: Yes
Endura MT500 Mips
Best e-bike-certified high-coverage half-shell
£89 (RRP £180)
The Endura MT500 Mips earns its place because Electric MTB UK has used it and because its design feels particularly well matched to British riding. It is not trying to look like a miniature downhill helmet. Instead, it combines deep open-face coverage with Mips, a full Koroyd core, large vents and practical details that make sense through wet months.
The one-handed micro-adjust fit system is easy to tighten on the move, while the rear goggle-strap gripper stops a strap wandering around the shell. The front vents double as a sunglasses dock, and Endura includes a clip-on accessory mount for a light or camera. Those are small details, but they are exactly the sort of things that matter on winter evening rides and long eMTB loops.
Compared with the A3, the MT500 feels more workmanlike and slightly less padded. That can be a positive if you prefer a less bulky helmet. The full Koroyd core is a distinctive feature, but no impact technology makes fit secondary: the helmet still needs to sit level and remain stable without excessive dial tension.
At current direct pricing it is also considerably easier to justify than its original £180 RRP. Riders who want a conventional open-face helmet for year-round trail and enduro riding, rather than a specialist 3/4 shell, will find very little to complain about.
Pros
Electric MTB UK tested on real trail rides
Full Koroyd core plus Mips
Goggle strap gripper, sunglasses dock and accessory mount are genuinely practical
Large vents work well for year-round UK riding
Cons
Traditional buckle feels basic beside Fidlock-equipped rivals
Less plush and padded than the Troy Lee Designs A3
Specifications
Type: High-coverage open-face trail/enduro helmet
Rotational protection: Mips
Fit system: One-handed micro-adjust retention integrated with Mips layer
Ventilation: Large vents with top air-intake zone and Koroyd airflow
Visor: Removable, widely adjustable visor
Goggle compatibility: Yes; rear strap gripper and front sunglasses dock
Sweet Protection Trailblazer Mips
Best practical UK enduro helmet
£120 (£179.99)
The Bushwhacker 2Vi is Sweet Protection’s serious open-face option for enduro and eMTB riding. It combines increased coverage with Mips Air, a multi-density EPS structure, STACC ventilation and certification to the NTA 8776 e-bike standard as well as conventional bicycle standards.
That makes it particularly relevant to the best enduro MTB helmets 2026 because it is still a conventional half-shell rather than a 3/4 helmet. You get the lighter, more familiar feel of a trail helmet but with a safety and coverage package designed around higher speeds and rougher terrain. Sweet quotes 430g in M/L, which is reasonable considering the shell depth.
The 360 Occigrip fit system adjusts both height and circumference, the visor moves high enough for goggle storage and eyewear grippers help secure glasses when they are not on your face. Sweet also uses a Fidlock buckle, so the everyday feature set is as good as the protective specification.
The Bushwhacker has a distinct head shape and the high coverage can feel different from a lighter trail helmet. If it fits, it is one of the most complete conventional enduro half-shells here.
Pros
Strong balance between everyday usability and extra coverage
Good choice for riders stepping up from a trail helmet
Premium feel without becoming overly bulky
Cons
Less aggressive in shape and intent than the more gravity-leaning helmets here
Specifications
Type: High-coverage open-face MTB helmet
Rotational protection: Mips
Fit system: Adjustable retention system
Ventilation: Lightweight enduro and trail venting
Visor: Adjustable peak
Goggle compatibility: Yes
POC Kortal Race Mips
Best enduro helmet for integrated safety features
£155 (RRP £250)
The POC Kortal Race Mips is still one of the category benchmarks because POC built it around enduro riding rather than simply extending the rear of a trail helmet. The shell covers deeply around the temples and occipital area, the visor is designed to break away in a crash and the vents are placed so a goggle strap does not block the airflow.
It also has the most comprehensive feature set in this guide away from pure impact construction. Mips Integra handles rotational motion, a RECCO reflector can help rescue teams locate a rider in compatible search situations, and a Twiceme NFC Medical ID can store emergency information that another rider or first responder can access with a phone.
Those extras do not make the Kortal automatically safer than every other helmet in the best enduro MTB helmets 2026; helmet fit and the actual crash still matter. What they do is make it unusually well considered for riders heading into remote natural terrain, big enduro days or trail networks where help may not be beside the car park.
POC also certifies the Kortal Race to NTA 8776. At around £135 in current sale colours, it is much easier to recommend than it was at £250. The shape is substantial and riders after the lightest visual profile may prefer Smith or Sweet, but the Kortal remains a properly serious enduro lid.
Pros
Excellent high-coverage enduro option
Very secure feel on rough descents
One of the clearest reference helmets in the category
Cons
Warmer than lighter, more minimal trail helmets on slower climbs
Specifications
Type: High-coverage open-face MTB helmet
Rotational protection: Mips
Fit system: Adjustable retention system
Ventilation: High-coverage venting
Visor: Adjustable peak
Goggle compatibility: Yes
Smith Forefront 3 MIPS
Best premium ventilated enduro helmet
£174.99 (RRP £250)
The Smith Forefront 3 Mips is the premium choice for riders who want deep trail coverage but hate the stuffy feel some enduro helmets develop on slow climbs. Smith says airflow is 25% higher than before, with 20 fixed vents and its AirEvac system designed to move warm air away from glasses and goggles.
The shell combines Mips Air Node with complete Koroyd coverage and an internal roll cage. The BOA 360 fit system gives very fine adjustment around the head, and the visor has three positions so goggles can be parked underneath between descents. Sunglasses can also be stored at the front or rear.
What makes the Forefront relevant to the best enduro MTB helmets 2026 is that it does not need to look like a 3/4 helmet to feel secure on technical terrain. It offers extended rear coverage and a stable fit while keeping the overall shape closer to a premium trail helmet. That makes it a good choice for riders who still spend a lot of time pedalling.
Price is the issue. Even discounted, it costs more than the A3, POC and Sweet. Riders who use Smith eyewear will get more benefit from the integrated storage and AirEvac setup, while everyone else should decide whether the BOA fit and ventilation justify the premium.
Pros
Premium high-coverage open-face option
Strong fit for aggressive trail and light enduro riding
More confidence-inspiring than a normal trail helmet
Cons
Price puts it firmly in the serious-rider bracket
Specifications
Type: High-coverage open-face MTB helmet
Rotational protection: Mips
Fit system: Adjustable retention system
Ventilation: Premium venting layout
Visor: Adjustable peak
Goggle compatibility: Yes
Bell 3QTR-Air Mips
Best new 3/4 enduro helmet
£159.99 (RRP £204.99)
The Bell 3QTR-Air Mips sits firmly in the growing 3/4 category rather than the conventional half-shell group. Its shell extends around the upper neck and jaw, giving a noticeably more enclosed feel without adding a chin bar.
Bell builds it around Advanced Mips Evolve, dual-density EPS and Dual Flow Ventilation, then adds the sort of details riders actually notice: a Fidlock buckle, two-position Flying Bridge visor, removable antimicrobial liner and a breakaway mount for a light or action camera. It is also certified to NTA 8776 as well as EN 1078.
At a claimed 650g in medium, the Bell is much heavier than a normal open-face helmet. That is the price of the extra shell coverage. It still vents more freely than a full-face, but riders who spend most of their time on rolling blue trails will be carrying protection they probably do not need.
For aggressive eMTB riding, repeated technical trail-centre laps and riders who want coverage approaching a full-face without closing in the mouth and chin, the 3QTR-Air is a compelling middle ground.
Pros
Very distinctive high-coverage open-face concept
More jaw and upper-neck coverage than most rivals
Strong option for riders who want something between enduro and full-face
Cons
Styling and fit concept will be too specialised for some riders
Specifications
Type: High-coverage open-face MTB helmet
Rotational protection: Mips
Fit system: Adjustable retention system
Ventilation: Enduro-specific venting
Visor: Adjustable peak
Goggle compatibility: Yes
Fox Dropframe Pro Flow Mips
Best maximum-coverage open-face helmet
£209 (RRP £260)
The Fox Dropframe Pro is the helmet for riders who want an open face but want almost everything around that opening covered. The shell extends over the ears and around the rear of the head, giving it the burliest visual and physical presence in the guide outside the new Bell and Stage Stunt designs.
Fox combines Mips with its dual-density Varizorb EPS construction and additional fit pads. The Dropframe concept is deliberately simple around the face: no chin bar, no complicated conversion mechanism and no need to carry extra parts in a pack. Put it on at the start of the ride and keep it on for the climbs and descents.
That simplicity is why it still belongs among the best enduro MTB helmets 2026. If you dislike the enclosed feel of a full-face but repeatedly ride steep enduro terrain, the Dropframe gives a big jump in shell coverage compared with a conventional trail helmet. The trade-off is bulk, and it will feel excessive on warm, mellow loops.
Current discounted stock makes the standard Pro particularly attractive compared with the newer Flow variants at full price. Riders prioritising the newest ventilation updates can look at the Dropframe Pro Flow, but the standard Pro remains the better-value route into Fox’s maximum open-face coverage.
Pros
Very high coverage for an open-face helmet
Strong confidence boost for rougher, faster riding
Better ventilation than older Dropframe versions
Cons
Bulkier look and feel than a more conventional enduro helmet
Specifications
Type: High-coverage open-face MTB helmet
Rotational protection: Mips
Fit system: BOA fit system
Ventilation: Increased airflow compared with standard Dropframe models
Visor: Adjustable visor
Goggle compatibility: Yes
Troy Lee Designs Stage Stunt
Best 3/4 helmet for eMTB riding
£215.99 (RRP £239.99)
The Troy Lee Designs Stage Stunt is the most distinctive recommendation here and one Electric MTB UK has already ridden. It gives more coverage around the ears, rear of the head and upper jaw than the A3, but it stays open at the face and keeps enough airflow that it does not feel like a full-face with pieces missing.
That is exactly why it works so well for eMTB riders doing repeated red and black trail-centre runs. The motor gets you back to the top quickly, so there is less reason to optimise every gram for a long unassisted climb. What matters is that the helmet remains comfortable, breathable and easy to hear through while adding a noticeable feeling of extra coverage on the way down.
Troy Lee Designs uses Mips Integra Fuse, dual-density EPS, nine intake vents, 13 exhaust vents and adjustable Dri-Lex neck rolls. Those neck rolls are important because they help the 3/4 shell sit naturally around the lower rear of the head. A Fidlock buckle and three-position goggle-compatible visor complete a very polished package.
The Stage Stunt is not our overall best enduro MTB helmets 2026 winner because it is more specialist than the A3. It also cannot replace a proper full-face when chin-bar protection is appropriate. For riders who understand that middle ground and want more reassurance without the heat and isolation of a full-face, it is one of the best helmets of its type.
Pros
Electric MTB UK tested with excellent comfort and usable hearing
Extra ear, rear-head and upper-jaw coverage without a chin bar
Mips Integra Fuse, Fidlock and excellent goggle integration
Strong ventilation for a 3/4 design
Cons
More specialist than a normal enduro half-shell
Still does not provide chin-bar protection like a full-face
Specifications
Type: 3/4 open-face trail, enduro and eMTB helmet
Rotational protection: Mips Integra Fuse
Fit system: Adjustable Dri-Lex neck rolls with three vertical positions
Ventilation: 9 intake vents and 13 exhaust vents
Visor: Three-position adjustable visor
Goggle compatibility: Yes; goggle and sunglasses stowage
What makes the best enduro MTB helmets 2026 different from trail helmets?
The difference is mostly coverage and intent. A conventional trail helmet is designed to balance weight, airflow and protection for broad mountain-bike use. Enduro helmets push the shell lower around the back and temples because the riding normally involves more speed, steeper descents and a higher chance of hitting the ground in awkward positions.
The newest 3/4 helmets go further again. Bell 3QTR-Air, Troy Lee Designs Stage Stunt and Fox Dropframe extend shell coverage around the ears and upper jaw while keeping the front of the face open. That can feel reassuring without the heat of a chin bar, but it should not be confused with full-face protection.
A deeper shell only helps if it fits correctly. The helmet should sit level, the front edge should not ride high above the forehead and the retention system should hold it securely without requiring painful pressure. Try different head shapes rather than assuming your usual clothing brand will automatically fit.
When should you choose a 3/4 helmet?
When comparing the best enduro MTB helmets 2026, a 3/4 helmet makes most sense when a normal open-face starts to feel exposed but a full-face still feels excessive for the whole ride. Repeated eMTB laps, steep trail-centre reds and blacks, technical natural descents and riders who regularly clip trees or banks with the side of the helmet all fit that use case.
The extra shell does not create chin protection. If the consequence you are worried about is a direct hit to the mouth, teeth or chin, a full-face is the more logical answer. A 3/4 helmet is a coverage compromise, not a loophole around wearing a full-face.
For long, pedal-heavy rides in hot weather, a conventional high-coverage half-shell such as the A3, Bushwhacker, Kortal or Forefront will usually be easier to live with. The best helmet is the one appropriate to the terrain that you will actually keep on your head.
Does NTA 8776 matter for eMTB riders?
Several of the best enduro MTB helmets 2026 carry NTA 8776, a helmet standard developed for higher-speed electric bicycles. Some helmets in this guide, including the Sweet Bushwhacker 2Vi, POC Kortal Race, Bell 3QTR-Air and Troy Lee Designs Stage Stunt, carry the certification as well as conventional bicycle standards.
That does not mean UK-legal eMTB riders are required to wear an NTA 8776 helmet, and it does not make every NTA-certified helmet automatically better than every EN 1078 helmet in every type of crash. It simply tells you the helmet has been designed and tested to an additional standard aimed at higher-speed e-bike use.
For riders doing lots of fast assisted trail laps, it is a useful piece of information. Fit, coverage, ventilation and whether the helmet matches your terrain still matter more than chasing a certification label alone.
How important are goggles and eyewear storage?
Goggle compatibility is an important difference between many of the best enduro MTB helmets 2026 and more basic trail lids because enduro riders often switch eyewear during the same day. Glasses are cooler on climbs, while goggles can give better eye coverage on fast descents, in mud or when wearing a more aggressive helmet.
A visor that lifts high enough to park goggles is useful, but check that the strap does not cover the main exhaust vents. POC specifically shapes the Kortal so its venting remains open beneath a goggle strap, while Smith, Sweet, Troy Lee Designs and Endura all provide dedicated storage or grippers.
If you only wear sunglasses, a stable front or rear eyewear dock may be more useful than a huge visor range. Choose for the way you actually ride rather than paying for goggle features you never use.
Enduro helmet or full-face helmet?
Choose from the best enduro MTB helmets 2026 when most of the ride still involves normal trail riding and you primarily want more coverage around the skull. Choose a full-face when the terrain, speed or consequences make facial and chin protection a priority.
There is overlap. A rider might use an A3 for ordinary trail-centre days, a Stage Stunt for repeated eMTB laps and a full-face for bike parks or steep high-consequence trails. Owning more than one helmet can make more sense than forcing one design to cover every ride.
For riders who already know they want a chin bar, our best full-face MTB helmets guide is the better place to shop. The open-face helmets here are for riders who specifically want to retain an open face.
How often should you replace an MTB helmet?
Replace a helmet after a significant impact, even if the outside looks relatively normal. EPS, EPP, Koroyd and other internal structures can be damaged without producing an obvious crack in the cosmetic shell.
Age also matters because sweat, UV exposure, transport and repeated small knocks all affect the helmet over time. Follow the manufacturer’s replacement guidance rather than using a universal number of years for every helmet.
Inspect straps, buckles, fit-system anchors and the shell regularly. A helmet that no longer stays stable on the head has already stopped doing one of its most important jobs, regardless of how much it originally cost.
Frequently asked questions about the best enduro MTB helmets 2026
What is the best enduro MTB helmet in 2026?
The Troy Lee Designs A3 Mips is our best overall enduro MTB helmet for 2026. Electric MTB UK has ridden it, and its deep coverage, strong ventilation, secure fit, Fidlock buckle and goggle-friendly visor make it easy to recommend for a broad range of UK trail and eMTB riding.
What is the best cheap enduro MTB helmet?
The Rockrider Feel 900 MIPS is the budget pick at £59.99. It has MIPS, a Fidlock buckle, 15 vents and a 360-degree fit dial. Its fixed visor and limited goggle integration are the main compromises.
Which enduro helmet is best for eMTB riding?
The Troy Lee Designs A3 is the best all-round eMTB choice, while the Stage Stunt is our pick for riders wanting 3/4 coverage during repeated red and black trail laps. The Sweet Bushwhacker 2Vi, POC Kortal Race and Bell 3QTR-Air also carry NTA 8776 e-bike certification.
Is a 3/4 MTB helmet safer than a normal open-face helmet?
A 3/4 helmet covers more of the sides, ears and upper jaw area than a conventional half-shell, so it physically covers more of the head. That does not make it equivalent to a full-face because the chin and front of the face remain exposed.
Are enduro MTB helmets too hot for climbing?
Good enduro helmets are designed to remain usable on climbs. The A3, Bushwhacker, Kortal and Forefront all have substantial ventilation. Three-quarter designs such as the Stage Stunt, Bell 3QTR-Air and Dropframe generally feel warmer because there is simply more shell around the head.
Do I need Mips in an enduro helmet?
Mips is one approach to managing rotational motion in certain angled impacts, and most helmets in this guide use a Mips system. It should not be treated as a substitute for correct fit, appropriate coverage or replacing a damaged helmet.
What does NTA 8776 mean on an MTB helmet?
NTA 8776 is a helmet standard developed for higher-speed e-bikes. It is not a legal requirement for UK eMTB riders, but it is an additional certification carried by several high-coverage helmets in this guide.
Should I wear goggles with an enduro helmet?
You can. Goggles make sense for fast descents, mud and riders wanting more eye coverage, while sunglasses are cooler and easier for long climbs. The best enduro helmets provide space to store goggles beneath the visor or keep the strap clear of ventilation.
When should I switch from an enduro helmet to a full-face?
Move to a full-face when the terrain, speed or consequences make facial and chin protection important. Bike parks, downhill tracks, large jumps and high-consequence enduro lines are the clearest examples.
Verdict
The best enduro MTB helmets 2026 now cover two clear styles: deep conventional half-shells and newer 3/4 designs. For most riders, the Troy Lee Designs A3 Mips remains the better answer because it gives substantial coverage without changing how a normal trail helmet feels on long climbs.
The Endura MT500 Mips is the practical UK workhorse, while the Sweet Bushwhacker 2Vi and POC Kortal Race add more safety technology and e-bike certification. Smith’s Forefront 3 is the premium ventilation choice for riders who still spend a lot of time pedalling between descents.
If you want more shell around the ears and upper jaw, the decision becomes more specialist. The Troy Lee Designs Stage Stunt is our favourite 3/4 eMTB option after real trail use, the Bell 3QTR-Air brings a strong new 2026 design and the Fox Dropframe Pro remains the burliest-feeling open-face choice.
Whichever of the best enduro MTB helmets 2026 you choose, fit comes before the feature list. A £250 helmet that shifts on your head is the wrong helmet; a less expensive helmet that sits level, stays secure and matches your riding is the better purchase.