Which helmet do you use?

[ASammy1]

I am in the market for a new helmet and was wondering which one you like. It's been a few years for me. I currently have a Bell (dont remember the model name).

Which helmet do you use and why do you like/dislike it?

TIA!

[7rider]

Every head is different.
Some folks say they have a "Giro head" and those fit best for them.
Others have a "Bell head" and like them.

It is best to try them on and see which one fits you best (and appeals to your sense of style!).

That said...I have a Bell something-or-other. I had a Giro Pneumo but it broke (non-accident) and I didn't like it anyway, cuz it cut into my forehead and left me with a big ugly bump all the time. The Bell makes me look like a big mushroom head, but it's very comfortable.

[papaver]

kask. Extremely comfortable.

http://www.kask.it/modules_cms/HomePage.php

[GLC1968]

Yep, I'm a Bell head. They are not attractive, but they are generally the most comfy for me. I have an Alechera and just got a Metro for 'commuting'.

I also have a Giant helmet that I do wear when it is extremely hot out (extra good venting and it's white), but it's not as comfy as my Bell.

My husband fits better in his Giant than a Bell - so head shape really plays a big role.

[pinkbikes]

Yes - it's all in the head shape! I have a smallish head and find most adult helmets way too big and a sloppy fit. I have a Bell for my night helmet (brackets for lights on it) and a Giro Skyla for my day helmet, both of which are adolescent sizing.

[Grog]

I had a fantastic Bell Sweep R. Loved it. But it got a lot of abuse so I replaced with a Bell Furio (less expensive). Nice but not quite as nice as my Sweep R, so I ordered a new Sweep R from a shop. I just picked up the helmet and paid for it, I was so convinced it would be like my previous one.

Well, not so much. I don't think my head has gotten bigger, but the helmet doesn't feel the same at all. A bit tight even. And I can't adjust it to fit better, it's already at the max setting.

I'm quite sad now, and annoyed, as I'll most likely cave in and buy a new helmet by the summer. :(

[Triskeliongirl]

I always thought I had a Giro head, but they discontinued my size, s/m. The S is too small and M is too big. So, I recently got the lazer genesis (size XS/M) and it fits great. It has this really nice adjustable system that you dial in from the top to a really snug comfortable fit on many different heads, and its very pony tail friendly (sits above the ponytail so you don't have to stick it through anything). I like that its easy to adjust with different layers underneath. I am really happy with mine, and got it on sale last year.

[tulip]

I have no idea what size or shape my head is. Get the helmet that fits you the best and has features that you value (lots of vents/few vents, adjustable in back, ponytail space, etc.) Try on a bunch and go with the one that's best for you. That one for me is Bell Ghisallo, but that's just me.

[albe]

I wear a specialized helmet, its really light and I love it. I never get neck pain or anything from wearing it to long. I'd definately buy the same helmet again if I needed a new one!

Hope this helps!

:)

[ttaylor508]

Second the Specialized. Both DH and I have the Specialized M1. Giro does not fit my head at all, it puts a pressure point on my forehead. As everyone else has mentioned, you just need to try them on and see which fits best for your head. Good luck

[ny biker]

I've been wearing Giro Pneumos for years. They fit me well. I tried the Giro Atmos last year and it didn't feel right, so I got another Pnemo instead.

For me, it's worth the extra money to get one that has lots of vents.

[kfergos]

The Bell makes me look like a big mushroom head, but it's very comfortable. For some reason this makes me laugh.:D

I don't even remember what kind of helmet I have -- a Bell, I think. It works and it does make me look mushroom head-y too. Good thing cycling isn't about looking stylish (http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodSB_1409.html)... *dodges thrown rotten veggies*

Oh - on another note, how do you decide when to get a new helmet? Just wait until it breaks or you crash?

[ASammy1]

Oh - on another note, how do you decide when to get a new helmet? Just wait until it breaks or you crash?


I've heard anywhere from 3-5 years or after a crash. I guess in the 3-5 year range the protective foam can start to break down.

[ny biker]

Oh - on another note, how do you decide when to get a new helmet? Just wait until it breaks or you crash?

Good question. A couple of years ago, I thought that you were supposed to replace a helmet after a certain number of years even if you had not crashed in it. So I went out and bought 2 new ones. Then I read somewhere that the old ones were still good because they had not experienced any impact. So now I have 4 of them. I generally only wear the newer ones, though.

Anyway, here are the recommendations from Snell and the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute. Snell says every 5 years, BHSI does not.

http://www.bhsi.org/replace.htm

http://www.smf.org/faqs.html#10

[sundial]

I wear Specialized Propero (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=39400&eid=321) helmets--easy to take the straps off to clean and the helmet instantly ratchets to fit the head. :cool:

[aicabsolut]

I also wear Specialized Propero. I used to have the Aurora (cheaper version of the Decibel style). Specialized helmets fit my head well. I am in between a S and M in Giro/Bell, so I can't use those comfortably. I haven't really tried any other brands.

[shootingstar]

There isn't a particular manufacturer or model of helmet that I prefer but I tend focus on: CSA (Canadian Standards Assoc.) or Snell certified model, visor, certain colours, adjustable straps and some vents. But I don't go for helmets where I must plunk down over $200.00CAN.

I have a big head so certain lines probably fit me best.

I have 2 usable helmets at this time...1 newer than the other.

[ZenSojourner]

Giro Skyla - women's helmet. I have a small head. This is the first helmet I've ever owned that I didn't struggle (and ultimately fail) to get it to fit. The dial fit adjustments are great - the hell with all those bits and pieces of foam you're supposed to stick in various places on those other helmets.

/me loves my Skyla

[jobob]

Good timing, I'm going to need another helmet after my crash in late March. No big rush, I won't be back on the bike for another few weeks at least.

My ex-road helmet is (was) a Bell Furio in a tasteful gray & white to match my new Lynskey. It fit me nicely. The Bell now has some lovely scrapes along the right side and the inside foam lining on the right side is a bit cracked. Better it than me ! :cool:

I'm keeping the helmet as a momento. I'll upload photos in a sec.

Here we go. Essentially all of the damage was on the right-hand side.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k186/jobob22/helmet%20after%20crash/IMG_1154.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k186/jobob22/helmet%20after%20crash/IMG_1155.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k186/jobob22/helmet%20after%20crash/IMG_1156.jpg


It might have saved my life, and I'll be inclined to get the same one again. But I'll keep your recs in mind when I go shopping, thanks ladies!

[Grog]

Wow Jobob.

I'm really glad you're okay.

[jobob]

Ditto! :cool:

Thanks much.

[Veronica]

Wow! I'll be using those pice to encourage my students to wear their helmets. I'm so glad you're lovely grape is still intact Jo. :)

Veronica

[Aggie_Ama]

The Furio is also an extremely comfortable helmet at a good price. I wear a Giro Atmos (in a striking pink I love) and I am not as happy with the Giro fit as the Bell Furio, I do like the venting of the Atmos. I would likely replace it with a Bell though.

[Becky]

I'm one of those people with a "Giro head". As much as I like the Bell styles, they don't fit my head shape. Currently, I have a Giro Kaya, a Skyla, and an E2. I'm cheap- I don't like to spend more than about $50 on a helmet, mostly because I know that I'll have to replace it at some point.

[jobob]

I think if you get a helmet from one of the major makers, and/or you're sure that is has passed all the noggin protection tests, you'll be fine.

I still have the box from my dearly departed Bell Furio and the price tag on it shows $55, altho REI has it for $64.

$50-ish is probably a good lower price point for a well-made helmet. Not sure what you get with the pricier brands, but I'll be checking them out as well, in case I'm missing out on something. :cool:

[pinkbikes]

The Giro Skyla is a good fit for smallish heads. I really like it. My other helmet is a Bell Cognito which also seems to be a good fit for a small head.

[ny biker]

$50-ish is probably a good lower price point for a well-made helmet. Not sure what you get with the pricier brands, but I'll be checking them out as well, in case I'm missing out on something. :cool:

I buy a more expensive helmet because I want lots of vents. To say that I do not deal well with hot humid weather is an understatement. So I need maximum cooling. And considering the problems I have with neck and shoulder pain when I ride, I figure a lighter helmet is good, too.

[jobob]

That's what I heard as well. I'll be shopping around soon. :cool:

[Veronica]

I use the Skyla.

http://www.tandemhearts.com/coppermine/albums/oregon-2007/umpqua/P1000392.jpg

Not nearly as "impressive" as Jo's (Thank goodness!) here's mine after I tumbled down a 10 foot cliff. The dents are where I hit rocks or trees.

Veronica

[jobob]

Heh, a contest I'd just as soon not win. :cool:

[ASammy1]

Thanks for posting the pics Jobob and Veronica. We could all use a reminder now and then why we wear helmets.

Glad to hear that everyone is ok.

[chatterbox]

I wear a Giro E2, which isn't women's sizing because they switched over to the little round dial thingy for adjustment. The round dial thingy really cuts into the notch at the back of my head. I tried on tons of helmets with dials and hated all of them. So it is definitely a matter of head size and shape along with personal preference.

[sgtiger]

Bell Furio. I have a big round head. It's almost as wide as it is long.:eek: The Furio has lots of vents and is pretty lightweight. Dh's Bell Metropolis is a bit heavier than my Furio. I borrowed it once and my neck hurt after. DD has a similar shaped head as me and wears a Bell. DS's head is quite a bit longer than it is wide and he wears a Giro.

[crazycanuck]

I have a Specialised 2D helmet & works great for me. I think the vents are great esp when it's 35C+

Jo, my helmet cracked the same way when i had my off...All the way up the side...

[wildhawk]

Both DH and I are giro heads!! And “Freds”. My DH mounted a small led maglite to the top of our helmets for spotting low hanging tree branches and the darn things really work!! He attached them through the top vents of the helmets with black velcro wrist wraps so they can be easily removed. On our recent moonlight group ride, several riders asked where we got the cool helmet lights, not realizing that they were maglites. Whatever works is fine with me. I am not so much into brand name but want good quality and functionality. And it is important to get your helmet fitted properly, just like your bike.

[Fredwina]

I liked the specialized propero so much, I blogged (http://janalingo.blogspot.com/2008/11/who-tests-testers.html)about it

[ASammy1]

Ok, so I went helmet shopping tonight and I am definitely NOT a Giro head even though I like the look of Giro better than Bell! My LBS only carries Bell and Giro so I went with another Bell which is much more comfortable for me. When I tried on the Giros I kept feeling like something was poking me on the top of my head. Bell Furio for me!

[jobob]

Oh boy, new stuff! :cool:

What color did you get? And is the color to match your bike or your mood? :)

[ASammy1]

This is the one I got-white and silver http://bikeguyswarehouse.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=1144&click=aw&gclid=CJL6iK7O65kCFYVM5QodDCdYRw

My bike is black, white, and blue so I figured this would look good with the bike and whatever I was wearing!

[jobob]

Hee hee, just like my former one. May you have much more longevity with yours than I with mine ! :)

[ASammy1]

Hee hee, just like my former one. May you have much more longevity with yours than I with mine ! :)


I am keeping my fingers crossed! Let us know which one you go with-maybe we can be helmet twins!