Battle of the sub-100 dollar helmets
#1
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Battle of the sub-100 dollar helmets
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?
Are there other models I should be looking at other than those two?
#2
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Have you looked at Lazer helmets? They have quite a few decent models under 100 bucks.
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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.
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.
#4
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#6
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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?
Are there other models I should be looking at other than those two?
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My Bell Slant will win the battle of the sub-$25 helmet. Bought for $19.99 on sale, normally $40
#8
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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.
Just goes to show, helmets are a thing you need to go try on!
#10
Portland Fred
There's more to a helmet than simply cushioning a blow to your noggin. There are significant differences in ventilation, adjustability, and general comfort.
#11
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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.
J.
#12
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I also recently bought a $150 Bontrager, it didn't quite fit until I adjusted the restraints.
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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.
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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.
Last edited by coolcamaro12; 02-26-15 at 02:59 PM.
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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
#18
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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.
#19
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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.
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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.
#21
Newbie
+1. I'll put my vote in for the Specialized Echelon. Came down to great fit, nice looks, and great value.
#23
Portland Fred
#24
aka Phil Jungels
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!
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!