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.

[kfergos]

The Bell makes me look like a big mushroom head, but it's very comfortable.

For some reason this makes me laugh.

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... *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 helmets--easy to take the straps off to clean and the helmet instantly ratchets to fit the head.

[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 !

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.








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.