Many bike parks require full-face helmets – riders with a regular half-shell helmet won't be allowed on the lift. Of course, safety comes first, but for many casual riders, it's hardly worth investing in a dedicated downhill helmet. A hybrid full-face helmet can be the solution. With this type of helmet, the chin bar can be removed, transforming the bike park helmet into a regular trail helmet in seconds. But which full-face helmets with a removable chin bar are currently available on the market?
For whom do full-face helmets with a removable chin bar make sense?
A hybrid full-face helmet promises to combine the good ventilation of a half-shell helmet with the protection of a full-face helmet; at least, that's what the rider wants. It's a helmet for every use – and therefore only involves a one-time purchase cost. If you want to pedal to the bike park yourself, you can do so with a normal half-shell helmet, with the chin bar dangling from your backpack or hip bag. For a mountain biking weekend, with a trip to the bike park on Saturday and an extended trail ride on Sunday, you only need one helmet.
Are there any disadvantages?
Such a universal solution naturally involves compromises. Typically, a full-face helmet with a removable chin bar is somewhat heavier and less comfortable than the helmets it's designed to replace. No wonder: the connection mechanism takes up space and material that are lacking in conventional helmets.
What models are available on the market?
Abus Targon (Mips)
The Abus Targon, optionally available with the MIPS system, is manufactured in Italy. It features a speed-latch system for smooth and easy attachment and removal of the chin bar. Available in four colors. Abus also offers the YouDrop FF, a variable-fit children's helmet.
- Rotation protection MIPS optional (+ 50 Euros)
- Chin closure Fidlock
- Sizes 51-55cm / 55-58cm / 57-61cm
- Weight (manufacturer's weight, size M, FF) 970 gr
- www.abus.com
- Price (RRP) EUR 299,95
Bell Super DH Spherical
The US manufacturer offers two different full-face helmets with removable chin bars in its product range. The Super DH Spherical boasts downhill certification, a truly unique feature. It is available in two colors and a Legion design.
- Rotation protection Mips
- Chin closure Fidlock
- Sizes 52-56cm / 55-59cm / 58-62cm
- Weight (manufacturer's weight, size M) 860 g / 465 g (FF/HS)
- bellhelmets.com
- Price (RRP) EUR 349,95
Bell Super Air R Spherical
The chin bar of the Bell Super Air R Spherical can be removed with two clicks. It is relatively lightweight and particularly suitable for all-mountain use. Riders can choose from four color options.
- Rotation protection Mips
- Chin closure Classic
- Sizes 52-56cm / 55-59cm / 58-62cm
- Weight (manufacturer's weight, size M) 640 g / 410 g (FF/HS)
- bellhelmets.com
- Price (RRP) EUR 329,95
Cratoni Madroc
The Cratoni Madroc is available in two versions. Besides the standard version for just under 300 euros, there is the Pro model, which features a special tech box. This contains crash sensors and electronics for integration with the Cratoni app, for example for voice communication with other Cratoni riders, for phone calls, or for listening to music.
- Rotation protection No
- Chin closure Classic
- Sizes 54-58cm / 58-61cm
- Weight (manufacturer's weight, size M) 760 gr
- cratoni.com
- Price (RRP) EUR 299,95
Giro Switchblade Mips
The Giro Switchblade Mips has become a classic among variable full-face helmets and is often recommended when looking for a versatile full-face helmet for trail riding and bike parks.
- Rotation protection Mips
- Chin closure Classic
- Sizes 51-55cm / 55-59cm / 59-63cm
- Weight (manufacturer's weight, size M) 995 g / 695 g (FF/HS)
- de.giro.com
- Price (RRP) EUR 330
Leatt Enduro 2.0
Leatt offers three versions of its enduro helmet with a removable chin bar. The entry-level model, the Enduro 2.0, starts at €219 and already includes features such as a Fidlock closure and the 360° Turbine System for rotational protection. The chin bar can be removed at the touch of a button.
- Rotation protection 360° Turbine
- Chin closure Fidlock
- Sizes 51-55cm / 55-59cm / 59-63cm
- Weight (manufacturer's weight, size S) 690 g / 360 g (FF/HS)
- leatt.de
- Price (RRP) EUR 219
Leatt Enduro 3.0
The Leatt Enduro 3.0 is not only a price class above its predecessor, but also boasts a truly unique feature: its 3-in-1 design. The chin bar can be removed in two steps, transforming the full-face helmet into either a jet helmet or a classic half-shell.
- Rotation protection 360° turbine
- Chin closure Fidlock
- Sizes 51-55cm / 55-59cm / 59-63cm
- Weight (manufacturer's weight, size S) 690 g / 360 g (FF/HS)
- leatt.de
- Price (RRP) EUR 299
Leatt Enduro 4.0
With the Enduro 4.0, Leatt also offers a fully downhill-certified full-face helmet with a removable chin bar. Lightweight materials keep the weight down to 810 g in size S.
- Rotation protection 360° turbine
- Chin closure Fidlock
- Sizes 51-55cm / 55-59cm / 59-63cm
- Weight (manufacturer's weight, size S) 810 gr
- leatt.de
- Price (RRP) EUR 359
MET Parachute MCR
The MET Parachute MCR features a "Magnetic Chinbar Release" system. This refers to the magnetic chin bar closure, developed in collaboration with Fidlock. It is available in seven colors.
- Rotation protection Mips
- Chin closure Fidlock
- Sizes 52-56cm / 56-58cm / 58-61cm
- Weight (manufacturer's weight, size M) 840 g / 455 g (FF/HS)
- www.met.helmets.com
- Price (RRP) EUR 350
Sweet Protection Arbitrator MIPS
Despite its removable chin bar, the Arbitrator Mips full-face helmet from the Norwegian brand Sweet Protection has a downhill certification, making it the right choice for tough bike park tracks and relaxed trail rides alike.
- Rotation protection Mips
- Chin closure Fidlock
- Sizes 53-56cm / 56-59cm / 59-61cm
- Weight (manufacturer's weight, size M) 980 g / 550 g (FF/HS)
- www.sweetprotection.com
- Price (RRP) EUR 350
Urge Gringo de la Sierra / de la Pampa
French manufacturer Urge Bike Products offers two full-face helmets with removable chin bars: the Gringo de la Sierra (above) and the Gringo de la Pampa (below). This makes them ideal for use on all-mountain, enduro, and e-mountain bikes.
- Rotation protection No
- Chin closure classic
- Sizes 55-58cm / 58-61cm
- Weight (manufacturer's weight, size M) 830 gr
- urgebike.com
- Price (RRP) EUR 149,90
Uvex Revolt (Mips)
The Uvex Revolt full-face helmet is available with or without MIPS. Without the chin bar, the Revolt presents itself as a modern jet helmet that extends over the ears and back of the head. The MIPS version comes in five designs; without rotational protection, you can choose between three colors.
- Rotation protection MIPS optional (+ 30 Euros)
- Chin closure Classic
- Sizes 52-57cm / 57-61cm
- Weight unknown
- www.uvex-sports.com
- Price (RRP) EUR 219,95
Information and images: Manufacturer