Shopping for Helmets Carbon Fiber: Worth the extra cost?
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Shopping for Helmets Carbon Fiber: Worth the extra cost?
Hi all,
I am shopping for my first helmet.
I am thinking of purchasing a Bern Watts helmet for commuting. However, I am abit intrigued by the carbon fiber model as it supposedly offers better protection and is much lighter. https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&...2wl0J9x6SV4maQ
We are looking at a cost of $199n vs the $70 for the polycarbonate model.
What do you guys think?
Edit: I live in Canada and it is pretty cold right now so the helmet keeping my noggin warm is a big plus!
thanks!
I am shopping for my first helmet.
I am thinking of purchasing a Bern Watts helmet for commuting. However, I am abit intrigued by the carbon fiber model as it supposedly offers better protection and is much lighter. https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&...2wl0J9x6SV4maQ
We are looking at a cost of $199n vs the $70 for the polycarbonate model.
What do you guys think?
Edit: I live in Canada and it is pretty cold right now so the helmet keeping my noggin warm is a big plus!
thanks!
Last edited by lonelybikeboy; 11-22-12 at 04:00 PM.
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It depends. I'd buy neither of them. Very few vents for ventilation for starters. Of course, I own a $25 Bell helmet, so I probably shouldn't say much in this thread

#3
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[supposition, Corrected by below hands on observation]..
I'd budget for 2 helmets.. either of those for the winter. cold weather Liner
others with more airflow for warmer weather.
I'd budget for 2 helmets.. either of those for the winter. cold weather Liner
others with more airflow for warmer weather.
Last edited by fietsbob; 11-23-12 at 01:21 AM.
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I have a Bern carbon fiber helmet. I was a bit disappointed with how it is constructed. The carbon fiber shell is not a single lay up. It is in two pieces and bonded to what looks to be a polymer shell beneath. So only a very thin carbon fiber overlay on a plastic helmet. Not worth the price IMO.
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It's got the carbon fiber "look" if you're into that. $20 helmets do the job for me, and I don't have to worry about them getting stolen.

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Thanks for the feedback everyone. I'm not into the carbon fiber look. Was considering it more for weight and durability factors but since the feedback has been less than stellar and we are talking about a $199 dollar helmet. I think a $70 poses considerably less risk!
#7
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It is in two pieces and bonded to what looks to be a polymer shell beneath
I note a white base for the shell, all the other colors are painted on, matte...
LBS carries those , & a few others..
#8
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get a helmet professionally fit. that's the most important thing. you may pay a little more at a LBS than buying online, but it is your noggin after all.