What brand helmet do you wear?

[7rider]

OH, I just didn't know if it cracked because I bought the base model Giro...I think it was like $29.00. Granted $29.00 only let me have a mild concussion and no brain damage, but I was just curious as to the other brands.

I'm going to spend more this time and just wanted feedback from ya'll! Thank you so much for the feed back by the way!! We are going to a different LBS and I'm going to try some different types on. I know that when I hit the ground my helmet shifted and I didn't realize til the E.R. pointed out that I had bruises above my hairline and at the back of my neck, I need a helmet to fit better, which is difficult because I'm not kidding ya'll I have a HUGE head! I can't wear women's they are to small, sad but true. Wish it was ALL brain that I could use!!
Anyway, thank you all again for the input, Nashbar has a Giro I REALLY like, but I won't buy anything I can't try on, especially with this LARGE cranium!

There really isn't any safety difference between a $29 helmet and a $129 helmet. As long as they meet safety standards, the only difference is in weight, airflow, and looks. A cheaper helmet may fit you just as well - or better - than an expensive helmet. And they will both protect your noggin.

But, yeah....you really have to try them on, first, to make sure they fit properly. They're sort of like shoes in that regard (at least for me, they are!).

[VeloVT]

Has anyone tried Rudy Project helmets? Or seen them in person?

I go back and forth between thinking the Rudy Project Kontact looks cool and thinking it looks clunky, but the few reviews I've read have been positive and I've considered ordering, since my Giro Eclipse is not a great fit for me (bought when I had long hair, now it's really too loose).

I think the Giro Atmos is pretty but I can't bring myself to shell out that much for a helmet...

[Jolt]

I'm with GLC1968 and IndySteel - in the US , all helmets have to pass CPSC (consumer products Saftey Commision) Standards. So, as far as Crash-worthy ness, they're all the same - the $10 one does as well or better the $200 one - take a look at www.helmets.org

Ditto on the crashworthiness. Speaking of helmets.org, their info was part of the reason I picked the helmet I have (Bell Deuce--youth version of the Impulse--yeah, I have a small head!). Helmets with a more rounded shape are less likely to catch/snag on anything and twist your neck in a crash, and this site gave the Impulse/Deuce as examples of a good shape. They can be found at Wal-Mart for a very reasonable price (normally I buy bike stuff at the LBS but this was an exception). As an added bonus, the ring-fit system allows a ponytail to be threaded through the back pretty easily.

[Jolt]

I've got a similar problem Jenn except that my head, like the rest of me is small. Many adult helmets were just no use except the Bell "Bella". I think I must have tried on every make of helmet in the shop! It was the only one that fitted properly and was comfortable.

I've got the same problem with glasses. Because my face is small, adult frames are miles too big. My current pair are a very fashionable teens frame. Perfect fit

Ugh...I have the same exact problem! You might also try a youth size helmet if you're finding the adult ones too big. I know what you mean about glasses--I was looking for a pair of sunglasses for riding the other day (to keep not only sun but sand/dirt out of my eyes) and had a HECK of a time finding any that fit and were a good wraparound style. I finally did--I think they're a teen size; they're still slightly wider than I really need but stay on and are pretty comfortable. IMHO, they need to start making these things in small-medium-large sizes instead of one-size-fits-none!

[KnottedYet]

I've got a Bell-head.

Right now I have a Bell Citi, and looooooove it! Bright yellow, and a rounded back.

I also have a Bell Vela as my spare.

[SR500]

I have one Giro, but my DH has at least 3 - go figure

[SJCzar]

Giro Pneumo also. Same reason for me as others - it just fit the best.

[koala]

I have a Rudy Project Kontact -- it is my favorite helmet. I like the fit better than the Giro or the Bell, and it has a greater adjustable range, which means I can wear it in the winter with a cap, or in the summer without. It has very good airflow & a mesh netting to keep the bugs out. The straps are soft, and they have a twisting mechanism that works very well to loosen or tighten. It is not clunky, it is in fact very sleek. It does not sit heavy & low like a hard-hat, it just kind of envelopes.

I have a Giro Pneumo & a Bell Sweep, they both bother me on long rides. They start to pinch & squeeze. I'm more comfortable in the Rudy Project. I've tried on the Atmos in the LBS & won't buy -- the fit was very odd. It does not fit the same way as the Pneumo.

[cosc]

I have a giro pneumo. My old helmet, a pscho bell was more comfortable because the straps weren't as wide.

[Aggie_Ama]

Bell Furio here. I tried on Bell and Giro but the Bell just fit better.

Rudy Projects look sweet but are so expensive.

[Shatteredshards]

I also have a Bell Furio.

[lph]

My dh and I both have a Bell Paragon, and are just about to switch to Giro Havoc.

[DrBee]

I have the Giro Eclipse. My previous helmet (cracked during my crash, but saved my head) was a Giro Venus. Mr. Bee has a Bell and likes it.

[songlady]

Bell Alchera for me. I love the GPS fitting system where you dial in the fit on the back of the helmet. Really great if you want to add a headband or liner underneath, easily adjustable.

[northstar]

I just got a Specialized Air-8. I had a low-end Giro, and a Target helmet, and neither of them felt right. They were fine when I tried them on in the store, but not comfortable when I rode. The Specialized feels great. Hopefully I'm done helmet shopping for a while now!