Downhill riding is the most consequence-rich discipline in mountain biking. You're moving fast, the terrain is steep and technical, and the margin for error is small. The gear you choose for DH isn't about finding a balance between protection and comfort on the climbs — there are no climbs. It's about maximizing protection for the descents, full stop.
Helmet
A full-face helmet is mandatory for downhill. Half-shells are not appropriate for DH terrain — the speed and consequence level demands chin bar protection, period.
Kali's dedicated DH lid is the DH Invader ($290) — a category-leading helmet now with added protection for your toughest rides. Built specifically for the demands of bike park laps and race runs, it's the helmet when DH is what you do.
For riders who split time between enduro and DH, the Trinity Carbon ($560) offers ultra-lightweight three-material full-face construction that performs across both disciplines without compromise. The Invader 2.0 ($250) is another strong crossover option — featherweight for a full-face, with the widest size range in the lineup (XS-M and L-XXL).
For younger riders in the bike park, the Zoka Youth ($120) and Maya Full Face Child ($155) bring full-face protection to groms ready for gravity terrain.
How to fit your full-face helmet correctly →
When to replace your helmet →
Eyewear
At DH speeds, full goggle coverage is the only sensible choice. Sunglasses leave too much of your face exposed to debris, rotor wash, and the consequences of a crash. The Metcalf Goggle ($120) delivers performance-level coverage with seamless Kali helmet integration and all-day comfort built in. The Trinity Goggle ($88) is a solid alternative with the same priority on clear vision and full-day wearability. Both pair directly with Kali full-face helmets.
Why goggles over glasses for DH →
Gloves
DH riding puts your hands through sustained high-speed vibration, repeated hard braking, and the occasional direct impact. You want a glove with real knuckle protection and a palm that holds up through a full day of laps. The Cascade Glove ($44) offers medium-duty trail construction with excellent articulation for all-day use. The Laguna Glove ($27) is a no-nonsense durable option that holds up well under heavy use.
Knee Pads
For downhill, soft shell knee pads are not enough. You need hard shell coverage that can handle a real impact at speed. The Strike HD ($132) is Kali's heavy-duty hard shell gravity knee pad — breathable enough to wear all day at the bike park, built to handle the kind of hits that DH terrain delivers. The Toro Knee Guard ($88) is a pull-on alternative with a soft-covered hard shell for riders who prefer a lower-profile fit without giving up hard shell protection.
Elbows
Hard shell elbow coverage is the standard for DH. The Strike Elbow Guards ($82.50) are built for exactly this — when there is no room for error, reach for the Strike. Hard shell construction, full elbow coverage, built for gravity riding where the consequences of an unprotected fall are real.
Shorts and Body Armor
Hip and tailbone protection is particularly important in DH, where high-speed slides and lateral impacts are part of the deal. The Mission Liner Short ($88) adds lightweight hip and tailbone protection worn invisibly under your riding shorts — the easiest upgrade most DH riders aren't making. For more comprehensive lower-body coverage on the most committing terrain, look at a dedicated DH shorts setup over the liner.
Building Your DH Kit
In downhill, the question is never whether to wear protection — it's whether you have the right protection for the terrain. Full-face helmet, goggles, hard shell knees, and hard shell elbows are the baseline. Add hip protection and consider glove durability for full bike park days.
If you're transitioning from trail or enduro riding into DH, the biggest upgrade you can make is the helmet — moving from a half-shell to a proper full-face immediately changes what terrain feels manageable.
How much armor do you really need? →
Back to: Protective Gear for Enduro →
Lift Accessed Bike Parks in Maine →
Destination-Worthy Bike Parks Worth Traveling For →
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