smurray

Looking for a helmet, narrowed it down to these two. I've heard more about the Bern, but some of the designs for the Nutcase look fun. Anyone have any thoughts that might sway me one way or another?

Scrodzilla

I used to wear a Pro-Tec skate helmet, which is close in design to the Nutcase helmets. I rock a Brentwood now and love it.

You can read a very detailed review of the Brentwood (written by BFSSFG's very own striknein) here.

smurray

Which do you think is more low profile? One thing I hate about most helmets is they make me look like a bobble head doll. Obviously I want something that will protect my head, but low profile would be nice too.

Scrodzilla

Because of the Zipmold construction and Sink Fit interior, it has a much lower profile than any skate helmet I've ever worn. My Brentwood is a size XXXL and it doesn't make me look like I'm wearing a VW Beetle on my head.

Ultraspontane

Neither if you plan on riding when its warmer than 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Theyre ok for the cooler months, but absolutely terrible when it warms up.

Scrodzilla

Yeah - during the day when it's hot outside, my Brentwood does heat up quite a bit. I still like it better than most cycling helmets though.

Of the two helmets the OP asked about (which is what we should be discussing here), the Bern wins.

AristoNYC

if it means anything I have a Bern Macon and I really like it.

RGNY

Bern. closer fitting and, for me, more "head shaped".

but try on both if possible. the Nutcase was more of a round fit and didn't work at all for my oval skull.

Ultraspontane

OP, check out the giro feature, its the only helmet that I like the way it looks on my mug, and also has good ventilation.

Here it is without the visor. Disregard lame self shot photos...

Scrodzilla

Is that your roller derby helmet?

AristoNYC

Thats a cool looking helmet

Ultraspontane

By ultraspontane at 2012-06-25

It's got air channels inside that work really well.

Scrodzilla

Ball-busting aside, the Giro Feature is a decent helmet. They don't come in a size big enough for my giant wooly head though...

striknein

I prefer the Brentwood.

cruiserhead

The Giro looks good. I would definitely consider that- more vents and looks more 'sporty'

The thing I don't like about the Brentwood is the padded headband/visor is quite thick. If you pull it out, it's a full size too big.
I wish they used thinner padding or just a visor. the padding also put pressure on my temples, there is a snap located right there.

Brentwood is thinner than the Nutcase and lighter. The fit is different so maybe go for the one that is most comfortable.
For me, the Nutcase was more comfortable. Also like the fact Nutcases are durable- you can toss them around and not worry too much about it.

Also be aware that Brentwood sizing is way off other helmets. I believe a SM = Brentwood Med, etc. Probably because of that padding. So measure and use Bern's website for sizing measurements and try it on.

I honestly don't use them and prefer racing helmets. Much lighter, better venting. They don't look any more or less dorky to me.

Dannihilator

Call me weird, but I prefer a normal road type helmet when on the road.

Scrodzilla

Weirdo.

robotkiller

Same here. The irony is that these helmets look dorkier than regular road helmets when riding a bike on road. And they are hotter (speaking from personal experience).

Back on topic- get the Bern from those choices.

Scrodzilla

This is very subjective. If you're decked out in a full lycra kit, I suppose you would look "dorky" wearing a skate-style helmet. If you're bombing around in shorts and a t-shirt, not so much.

LessonLearned

The Brentwood is Bern's most popular urban bike helmet for men (and Scrod's personal favorite because it comes in XXXL and he has a gigantic melon), featuring a removable soft visor, sunglass channels for comfortably fitting your shades and well-designed vents to keep you cool.

https://www.retro-gression.com/produc...entwood-helmet

dignandag

new from giro...air attack

broakland

Rant: i dont understand why Bern helmets are so popular, Besides being a good fit and coming in XXXL. It looks like a skateboard helmet and as a result looks goofy on a bicycle. All helmets are ugly, i dont think wearing a Bern makes you any more stylish. In addition people say they're not properly vented.

dignandag

LessonLearned

My wife rocks a Bern. They do look cool (IMO), as far as helmets go - but I agree it has a skateboard look to it. Would be more at home on a skater's head or a BMX/Freestyle biker perhaps.
Their "vents" aren't worth a dime though. My wife complains about her head getting hot for sure. But she bought blue to try to minimize. I imagine black would be noticably warmer on a hot sunny day.

I don't own a helmet. But seriously considering one now that I'm riding fixed with straps on my pedals. I know I'm going to have a trackstand fail at some point and lay that SOB down if I can't wiggle my foot out of the strap in time... (and that's the LEAST of my worries)
I like the vents on those GIRO helmets in this thread. Might look into those...

broakland

This is a good one, it'll be $200 however ($240 with the bug deflector), not the cheapest option on the block