Best helmet for ventilation?
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 601
Likes: 2
From: Western Michigan
Bikes: Ridley Helium
Best helmet for ventilation?
I have a Giro Pro-Light right now and for the most part, I like it.. But it has crappy ventilation.
So, what are some helmets that have good ventilation? My LBS is trying to steer me towards the Bontrager Oracle. I am ok on the price, not sure about the design.
https://bontrager.com/model/09727
So, what are some helmets that have good ventilation? My LBS is trying to steer me towards the Bontrager Oracle. I am ok on the price, not sure about the design.
https://bontrager.com/model/09727
#2
If you can get passed the god awful looks, I hear the Catlike Whisper vents damn near better than anything.
#3
Port




Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 9,174
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From: Boston
Bikes: 2022 Soma Fog Cutter, 2021 Calfee Draqonfly 44, 1984 Peter Mooney, 2017 Soma Stanyan, 1990 Fuji Ace, 1990 Bridgestone RB-1, 1995 Independent Fabrications Track, 2003 Calfee Dragonfly Pro
Specialized Prevail.
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#4
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
Bikes: 2011 Cervelo R5, 2012 Cervelo R5ca
My favorite helmet, and ventilates very well.
https://www.catlike.es/en/products/he...per/r063-matt/
https://www.catlike.es/en/products/he...per/r063-matt/
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 378
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From: Chandler, AZ
Bikes: Specialized Tri Cross; Specialized Tarmac SL3
I just ordered an Orbea Thor:
https://www.orbea.com/us-en/gear/thor/
It certainly looks well-ventilated, and I sure hope so. I have a Specialized Propero, which is ok, but looking for something different.
Shoot me a PM if you're interested in the Thor, there's an Active special on it (or there was this morning at least).
https://www.orbea.com/us-en/gear/thor/
It certainly looks well-ventilated, and I sure hope so. I have a Specialized Propero, which is ok, but looking for something different.
Shoot me a PM if you're interested in the Thor, there's an Active special on it (or there was this morning at least).
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
From: Haverhill, MA
Bikes: 2011 Boardman Team Carbon
#15
I picked up a Giro Atmos last year for about 120 - the Aeon looks awesome but it's damn bloody expensive. The atmos vents quite well and is sufficiently light for my noggin.
#16
ka maté ka maté ka ora
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,423
Likes: 4
From: wessex
Bikes: breezer venturi - red novo bosberg - red, pedal force cg1 - red, neuvation f-100 - da, devinci phantom - xt, miele piste - miche/campy, bianchi reparto corse sbx, concorde squadra tsx - da, miele team issue sl - ultegra
Got the quartz too, you can get a protour helmet for really cheap.
#17
My personal experience with helmets has been that some helmets fit me better than others. I'd rather have the helmet that fits well and has good ventilation, than the one that does not fit my head well and has the best ventilation. I have an expensive Giro helmet I am not happy with. I am "inbetween" sizes,. and the general shape of the helmet does not fit my head. The helmet is light and well-ventilated, but I regret getting it.
I guess what I am trying to say is go to your LBS and see how they fit, then choose the best ventilation out of those that you like.
I guess what I am trying to say is go to your LBS and see how they fit, then choose the best ventilation out of those that you like.
#18
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
Bikes: Firefly custom Road, Ira Ryan custom road bike, Ira Ryan custom fixed gear
I have an LG Diamond. I got it because it fits my huge head. But it also is very well ventilated, and comfy, and light.
https://www.louisgarneau.com/in-en/pr...DIAMOND_HELMET
https://www.louisgarneau.com/in-en/pr...DIAMOND_HELMET
#20
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 519
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From: Appleton WI
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix - Soma Double Cross Disc - Pivot Mach 429SL - Canfield Brothers Yelli Screamy - Specialized Carve SL - Trek Farley 7 - GT Dyno VFR
I wear this one. https://bontrager.com/model/09101
I can ride all day in 80-100 degree temps and it is still comfy.
I have to switch to my MTB helmet once the air temp gets below 45 degrees F or my head gets cold.
I can ride all day in 80-100 degree temps and it is still comfy.
I have to switch to my MTB helmet once the air temp gets below 45 degrees F or my head gets cold.
#22
Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 15,410
Likes: 189
From: Tariffville, CT
Bikes: Tsunami road bikes, Dolan DF4 track
Once the weather warms up to 80-85 deg and it gets a bit humid I have to wear a Halo headband under whatever helmet I have. I've used the Bell Volt, Specialized S Works, Spec Decibel, Giro something (Atmos?). Once you exceed the atmosphere's evaporation level sweat will drip down your head.
I find cutting my hair short makes more of a difference than the helmet.
After that the Halo headband keeps sweat out of my eyes, usually.
For me a mid-level helmet will work just as effectively as a "high end" one. In 2012 I preferred the lower end (and older) Specialized Decibel to the top of the line Volt.
I find cutting my hair short makes more of a difference than the helmet.
After that the Halo headband keeps sweat out of my eyes, usually.
For me a mid-level helmet will work just as effectively as a "high end" one. In 2012 I preferred the lower end (and older) Specialized Decibel to the top of the line Volt.
#23
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 601
Likes: 2
From: Western Michigan
Bikes: Ridley Helium
Once the weather warms up to 80-85 deg and it gets a bit humid I have to wear a Halo headband under whatever helmet I have. I've used the Bell Volt, Specialized S Works, Spec Decibel, Giro something (Atmos?). Once you exceed the atmosphere's evaporation level sweat will drip down your head.
I find cutting my hair short makes more of a difference than the helmet.
After that the Halo headband keeps sweat out of my eyes, usually.
For me a mid-level helmet will work just as effectively as a "high end" one. In 2012 I preferred the lower end (and older) Specialized Decibel to the top of the line Volt.
I find cutting my hair short makes more of a difference than the helmet.
After that the Halo headband keeps sweat out of my eyes, usually.
For me a mid-level helmet will work just as effectively as a "high end" one. In 2012 I preferred the lower end (and older) Specialized Decibel to the top of the line Volt.
That is why I am thinking a helmet with more ventilation will help me.. At least a little bit

Thanks all for the suggestions so far!
#24
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
Bikes: 2011 Cervelo R5, 2012 Cervelo R5ca
Once the weather warms up to 80-85 deg and it gets a bit humid I have to wear a Halo headband under whatever helmet I have. I've used the Bell Volt, Specialized S Works, Spec Decibel, Giro something (Atmos?). Once you exceed the atmosphere's evaporation level sweat will drip down your head.
I find cutting my hair short makes more of a difference than the helmet.
After that the Halo headband keeps sweat out of my eyes, usually.
For me a mid-level helmet will work just as effectively as a "high end" one. In 2012 I preferred the lower end (and older) Specialized Decibel to the top of the line Volt.
I find cutting my hair short makes more of a difference than the helmet.
After that the Halo headband keeps sweat out of my eyes, usually.
For me a mid-level helmet will work just as effectively as a "high end" one. In 2012 I preferred the lower end (and older) Specialized Decibel to the top of the line Volt.
#25
Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 15,410
Likes: 189
From: Tariffville, CT
Bikes: Tsunami road bikes, Dolan DF4 track
I wouldn't go crazy chasing ventilation.
Ventilation doesn't help if the air can't physically support the necessary evaporation rate. It's physics. Just doesn't work in many conditions (hot/humid is common, also low speeds) - you'd need an air conditioner-dehumidifier with a jet fan pointed your head in order move enough dry air to pick up the moisture popping out of your head.
In fact a super well ventilated helmet with large vents will heat your head more if you have dark hair or a dark skull cap and you're not moving fast. It's like leaving your sunroof open on a sunny day - the sun will heat up what it can through the sunroof.
A good helmet helps keep sweat out of your eyes and ears. The Halo works wonders with this and makes up for a helmet's shortcomings. This frees you from going out and getting a helmet that is optimized for directing sweat back behind your ears.
I use the Halo skull cap too, but I found that the headband is marginally cooler when it's really hot and still sort of dry out. In humid weather they're sort of the same.
To help keep core temps down you can douse yourself with ice water, use Podium Ice (discontinued) or Podium Chill (half as effective as Ice) bottles. Chills will keep ice water cold for about an hour, meaning it'll be a bit warm at the hour mark. Podium Ice bottles will keep ice in your water for 2 hours. I've finished 90-100 minute races in 85 deg humid temps shivering because I was cold because I was dumping ice water on myself approaching the finish.
Ventilation doesn't help if the air can't physically support the necessary evaporation rate. It's physics. Just doesn't work in many conditions (hot/humid is common, also low speeds) - you'd need an air conditioner-dehumidifier with a jet fan pointed your head in order move enough dry air to pick up the moisture popping out of your head.
In fact a super well ventilated helmet with large vents will heat your head more if you have dark hair or a dark skull cap and you're not moving fast. It's like leaving your sunroof open on a sunny day - the sun will heat up what it can through the sunroof.
A good helmet helps keep sweat out of your eyes and ears. The Halo works wonders with this and makes up for a helmet's shortcomings. This frees you from going out and getting a helmet that is optimized for directing sweat back behind your ears.
I use the Halo skull cap too, but I found that the headband is marginally cooler when it's really hot and still sort of dry out. In humid weather they're sort of the same.
To help keep core temps down you can douse yourself with ice water, use Podium Ice (discontinued) or Podium Chill (half as effective as Ice) bottles. Chills will keep ice water cold for about an hour, meaning it'll be a bit warm at the hour mark. Podium Ice bottles will keep ice in your water for 2 hours. I've finished 90-100 minute races in 85 deg humid temps shivering because I was cold because I was dumping ice water on myself approaching the finish.




