MTB Helmet suggestions

[texas_emily]

I'm in the market for a new mtb helmet. What are some of your favorites? Least favorites?

Thanks!

[Irulan]

get one that fits your shape head. Brand is irrelevant if it does not fit securely. the ones with an adjustable cradle in the back will give you a much better fit than a really inexpensive one that only has webbing. Seeing as I go through about 1 per year, I get what ever is on sale, that has a cradle and visor, that fits my head, usually on sale at the lbs.

Irulan

[Adventure Girl]

I have a couple of helmets for mountain biking. They are all Giros (E2 and Xen). They fit my head. I like the Roc Loc 4 feature that these two models have (adjustable cradle). Once you get the chin strap adjusted the first time, you just "zip" these plastic doohickeys open and closed for a perfect fit every time!

Like Irulan, I also go through at least one helmet every season. Helmets are always on sale! When the 2005's come out, all the 2004's are marked down. Sometimes there are changes to the helmets, but usually it's just different color choices each year. I'm willing to wear last year's color to save a few dollars!

But remember, Fit Fit Fit Fit Fit is the most important thing. Everybody's head is a little different.

[SadieKate]

Ditto what Irulan and AG said. Each brand has a different fit and the helmet has got to fit your noggin without bouncing around. I find that adjustment systems based on velcro are pretty worthless. The RocLoc and similar ratcheting devices work the best.

Nice to have a small head because I shop the end of year sales also.

[SalsaMTB]

As everyone else has said, it's all about fit. I have been happy with the Giro E2

[texas_emily]

Thanks for the advice. Fit is definitely the first among my criteria for a new helmet. I've worked my way through a couple of road helmets, but being a rather newbie MTBer, I figured I'd ask.

Another question though. What are your thoughts on visors?

[bcipam]

Giro Havoc (around $70). Specially made for MTB but I wear mine on the road as well. Same Roc Loc features as the more expensive Zen and E2. Comes in great colors. I like having a visor - keeps the sun out of my eyes but it's personal preference.

[Irulan]

to be quite honest, I've never asked at the lbs whether my helmet was for mtb ro road.Just bought what fit and was on sale.

visor, must have.
~I.

[Adventure Girl]

visor, must have.

Visor is a MUST for mountain biking, but I prefer a no visor for a road bike. It has to do with your position on the bike. On a road bike, the visor kind of blocks your view "up the road". I'm not a good at explaining, but this concept is VERY clear in my head!

[SadieKate]

I haven't really compared in a long time, but it used to be that mtbike helmets came down lower around the back of your head. I think the theory is that you are much more likely to go over the bars and land on your back, or just onto your side where there are rocks, etc., so you need more protection.

I actually use a mtb helmet on the road but may be weaning myself from them. I love the visor because it helps protect my eyes and contacts from the sun and wind. But on long steep road downhills, I have to hold my head higher than normal to see way out in front (like AG said). I end up pulling off the visor and sticking it down the back of my shorts or someplace weird and forgotten (like Snap's car) so that I can safely make it down the hill. I also learned that I can't see from under the visor when I'm using aero bars, besides it probably slows you down in a TT (I'll use ANY excuse).

[Dirt Girl]

I don't like a visor. It's a very personal thing. Try it and it it's not for you then it's easy to take off.

I'm on my second Trek Interval helmet. I love the little dial thingy in the back to adjust the fit. Super easy adjusting for when I need head cover in the colder weather.

[Adventure Girl]

the visor kind of blocks your view "up the road". I'm not a good at explaining, but this concept is VERY clear in my head!

But on long steep road downhills, I have to hold my head higher than normal to see way out in front (like AG said).

I needed help 'splainin that concept. Thanks!

[texas_emily]

Thanks! Your suggestions have been really helpful