Two Helmets in One: ABUS Targon Full-Face Convertible Review

James Moore · 2026-07-21

### The Convertible That Does It All You know that feeling when you're grinding up a climb and your full-face helmet feels like a sauna? Or when you're bombing down a trail and wish you had more protection? The ABUS Targon aims to solve both problems with one clever design. It's a two-in-one helmet that switches from open-face to full-face in seconds, and after putting it through its paces on long enduro rides and in the bike park, we're ready to share our take. ### First Impressions: Built Like a Tank (But Lighter Than You'd Think) ABUS has come a long way from just making locks. They've built a solid reputation in helmets, and the Targon shows why. The build quality is impressive from the moment you pick it up. Panel gaps are tight, the padding feels premium, and the chin bar mechanism operates with a satisfying click. In open-face mode, the size large weighs about 1.16 pounds (527 grams), which is on the heavier side for a half-shell. But slap on the chin bar, and it jumps to around 2.22 pounds (1,007 grams) -- right in line with dedicated full-face helmets like the Sweet Protection Fixer 2Vi. For context, lightweight full-face lids in our group test averaged about 1.83 pounds (830 grams). ### Safety First: DH Certification That Matters Here's where the Targon stands out: with the chin bar attached, it meets the ASTM F1952-22 downhill helmet standard, including chin bar impact testing. That's a big deal for a convertible. Most convertible helmets don't carry full DH certification, so if you're hitting bike parks or racing enduro, this gives you peace of mind. The chin bar locks into place using ABUS's mechanical Speedlatch system -- one smooth motion, and you're good to go. ### Fit and Comfort: Dialed In Getting the right fit is crucial, and the Targon delivers. The MIPS version runs $349.99 (the non-MIPS version is $299.99), and for that price, you get some thoughtful adjustment features: - **Zoom Rapid Fit System:** A dial lets you fine-tune the fit with millimeter precision, and a quick press resets it to the starting position. - **Adjustable Chin Bar Padding:** Three positions let you dial in the cheek pad pressure for a locked-in feel. - **Vario Pads:** These ensure a secure fit that doesn't shift around on rough descents. With a 23.2-inch head circumference (59 cm), we sat right in the middle of size large. After a quick adjustment, the helmet felt so comfortable we almost forgot we were wearing it -- even on full-day rides. The 15 ventilation ports kept us cool in temperatures around 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius), though it's not quite as airy as a dedicated open-face helmet on hot climbs. ### On the Trail: Climbing and Descending The Targon's real test came on mixed terrain. On the climbs, we popped off the chin bar and stashed it in our pack. The open-face mode breathes well enough for steady efforts, and the visor offers plenty of room to store goggles or sunglasses when they're not in use. One neat touch: there's an integrated action camera mount built into the helmet, so you don't need a separate adhesive mount. On the descents, the chin bar clicks on in seconds. The Fidlock buckle combines a magnetic guide with a mechanical lock -- it's quick, intuitive, and reliable even with gloves on. The helmet doesn't have adjustable straps, but that's a trade-off for the removable chin bar design, and it didn't cause any issues in practice. The field of view is good, and the chin bar doesn't feel claustrophobic. ### The Balancing Act The Targon tries to be two things at once, and it does a solid job. It's not the lightest open-face helmet, and ventilation isn't as good as a dedicated half-shell. But if you're the kind of rider who wants one helmet for everything -- from pedal-heavy enduro laps to lift-served park days -- this is a strong contender. The full DH certification is a rare bonus in the convertible category, and the build quality inspires confidence. ### Final Verdict For $349.99 with MIPS, the ABUS Targon is a smart investment for riders who want versatility without sacrificing safety. It's not perfect -- the weight and ventilation are compromises -- but those are the trade-offs you make for a two-in-one design. If you're looking to simplify your gear without compromising on protection, this helmet deserves a spot on your shortlist.