Recreational & Family - Helmet brands

I would like to buy a new helmet for someone as a gift. The one he has is "dated" looking. Is there any big difference in brands? I have one that is Bontrager (I think), but I've seen Schwinn & Bell brands at my local big-box store.

Giro, and make sure he can return, exchange it.

Most important feature of a bicycle helmet is how well it fits you. Good fit improves comfort and is more likely to stay on your head securely in a crash. If you have a larger or smaller than average head, helmets that come in 3 different sizes are much easier to fit than the one-size-fits-all helmets.

In February 1999 the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued standards for bicycle helmets. ALL helmets must meet these standards in order to be sold in the United States so just about any helmet will do the job of protecting your brain. Every helmet I have ever owned has consisted of a crushable styrofoam piece covered with a decorative plastic shell. Some are more comfortable than others because of the padding and straps. If you can sneak a peek at the underside of his old helmet you will know what size to buy by the label underneath.

I prefer Bell, their the only one that makes a helmet large enough for my over sized head...

We used to only get Schwinn but recently the Mrs and I replaced out cracked and faded helmets for some new Specialized brand ones. Big difference in comfort for the adult helmets. They have adjustable headbands and easy adjust chin straps. The kids helmets are a mix of Bell and PTi Sports brands and they like them both for looks and comfort.