tekhna

I'm in need of a new helmet and I'm looking at the Giro Savant and the Bell Array. Professional reviews seem to put them both in the same tier but looks like the Array is much heavier, about 100 grams more, which is fairly significant. Price comes out about the same although it's easier to find the Array for 50 bucks vs 80.

Are there other models I should be looking at other than those two?

K.Katso

Have you looked at Lazer helmets? They have quite a few decent models under 100 bucks.

Fly2High

As long as the certification abbreviation is on the box/helmet that it meets required crash standards, ALL helmets are the same.

What is most important is that it fits you correctly (solid fit and 1 to 2 finger space above the eyebrow if I recall, etc, etc., etc.) then you are fine.

justin1138

Giro Foray- Cheaper than the Savant, lighter than the Array, better looking than both.

dr_lha

I have a Giro Savant that I picked up at the LBS on sale for $45. It's a nice helmet IMHO, you can't go far wrong with it.

floridamtb

Specialized Echelon. When the sales guy at the LBS told me to try it on I thought he was trying to upsell me to a much more expensive model, he wasn't. Great cooling, fits great, looks very similar to their higher end Propero (which I also have) and the Prevail. better padding system than the other sub $100 models I looked at before I bought it. It was around $69.

D1andonlyDman

My Bell Slant will win the battle of the sub-$25 helmet. Bought for $19.99 on sale, normally $40

dr_lha

I loved the Echelon until I tried to put it on my head.

Just goes to show, helmets are a thing you need to go try on!

alexaschwanden

The Giro indicator is about 45$ and 304 grams,with a visior.

banerjek

There's more to a helmet than simply cushioning a blow to your noggin. There are significant differences in ventilation, adjustability, and general comfort.

JohnJ80

The reality, though, is that they are all tested to the same silly CPSC standard. There is no additional safety benefit until you get to the MIPS variants. Of the cheapie ones pick whatever one you like or appeals to you.

J.

floridamtb

Sucks, it was a great helmet. Best ventilation I've ridden with and I KNOW ventilation for 2 reasons. 1. I shave my head so I can really feel the air flow and 2. I live in south Florida where the heat is intense in the summer.

I also recently bought a $150 Bontrager, it didn't quite fit until I adjusted the restraints.

mprelaw

Snell certified, and was rated tops in impact protection by Consumer Reports awhile back. Weight is right around 300 grams. Actually lighter than my Lazer Genesis which was 338 grams.

coolcamaro12

You were in the same position as me with the Echelon helmet. I also though the guy at the LBS was just trying to get me to buy a more expensive helmet, but I couldn't belive how much better it was than some cheaper offerings.

datlas 

sam_cyclist

This is a nice helmet and can often be purchased for less than $45, often far less.

As long as the helmet is certified and fits well, you're good.

bonz50

I've enjoyed my Bell Alchera, don't know if they even still make it, got it for like $45, its comfy and fits me fine, acceptable looking

Sy Reene

I picked up a Bell Sweep (normally $125) off of Sierra Trading with a coupon for under $60. I think Amazon has some colors as well under $70. Seems like a good helmet.. got it to replace a 10yr old Ghisallo.

MagicHour

I've worn an Alchera for years, thankfully never had to test it's crash worthiness.

Think I'll switch to a Giro Foray this season, as it's probably about time to get a fresh helmet. The second set of pads for the Alchera are about shot, and it's a couple years old.

WhyFi

I'll echo the others that mentioned the Specialized offerings in addition to the others that you're looking at. At this point, though, you've got some good options, so your best bet is to find a shop with them in stock so that you can pop 'em on your noggin and see how they feel.

geluzj

+1. I'll put my vote in for the Specialized Echelon. Came down to great fit, nice looks, and great value.

Smithson1

I've been wearing the Bell Ghisallo for 6 years. Very nice sub $100 helmet.

banerjek

I've worn Alcheras for years and been in one significant crash during that time.

It's a good helmet and the ventilation is decent. I'm curious how it compares with the Echelon.

Wanderer

Don't let price fool you! Try them on, and buy the most comfortable!

My dealer offered me a 50% discount, or dealer cost, whichever was LOWER, on any of his Specialized helmets (or any others he had in stock) due to crash damage. That deal made everything affordable!

I settled on a $40 Specialized helmet, for $20, because the fit was amazingly different than the others. Admittedly, it was a few years ago.

My advice, try before you buy!

JohnnyCyclist

Uvex Boss Race