qcsky

dear you all:
well, after almost getting by and semi earlier this year and a few near fatal crashes ( i did not get hit but man falling is not fun), i have decided to buy a helmet.
the thing is, i have never really look at helmet before, plus, i dont feel like spending 150 for a expensive Giro.
anyone can please help me picking a nice and reasonable priced helmet?

thank you all


Qcsky

::velolove::

hey qcsky
definitely a good question because there are a lot of helmets out there and sometimes it seems like the expensive ones are best but just too damn expensive.

well, i have a 40$ bell city style helmet and i've heard, credibly, that often companies like bell offer cheap 40 dollar range helmets that test to be much safer and stronger than the expensive helmets.
basically, you don't need a superbly designed ultra light aero helmet because all of that just compromises general strength.... and i doubt you race enough to warrant one.

So just go get a simple, cheap bell or something.

tx_what_it_do

yea bell helmets are good helmets.

or try a ribcap and tell me how they work

qcsky

dude man, that is like snow boarding and stuff
:]

Live2Die

Giro Monza. I love mine! real light, super breathable and not super flashy or overly "pointy" in person. got mine for $65 @ my LBS when they got their new models in. The adjustment system works great too. Highly recommended for a real nice helmet without going too crazy on price and features. Good luck on your search!

jabikuta

I also have a Monza. Just got it a few weeks ago and everything seems great so far!

Diligent Nose

I could be wrong, but from what I've heard is that fancier helmets with more holes will still meet standards, however because of all of the holes they are not as strong as cheaper helmets with less holes. Don't quote me on this, just what I've heard.

Ziemas

The best thing to do is to just go to the LBS and try them on. Different brands fit different heads better. For example Bell and Uvex fit my head very well while Giro and Creitoni fit horribly.

sandwiches

If you live in America, try your city's department of safety. Usually they have a butt-ton of free helmets to give away.

mander

Just get whatever fits your head best while not looking too horrible. I have only found one model of helmet with a size that fits my odd head, not too well mind you; and I've tried on lots. Extreme venting and other super expensive fearures are nice but not necessary---lots of helmets under $50 will be fine for the average rider.

noahgansett

In order to be sold as a "helmet" in the US every helmet has to meet the same CPSC standards. In effect any helmet is at least as safe as any other helmet. When you start spending more money on a helmet, you are paying for three things. 1)better ventilation. 2) lighter weight and 3) fit specificity (ever wonder why a $35 helmet is a Universal size and at around $50msrp you really start seeing sized lids?)

all that being said, go to your LBS, try some on, and then buy the one that fits you best from them.

Dr.PooLittle

I like my Giro Makai; like 20 bucks and not too flashy (but itz got flamez!)

willsuf

Bell Solar. Cheap, fits well, gets the job done.

jmonkey

i had a close call this past week and decided to get a helmet (amazing what it takes to make you think sometimes). i read quite a bit and tried on a few of the "better" helmets. i ended up buying a bell citi for <$50 (gets awesome reviews-consumer reports gives it a top rating on impact protection).

my thoughts so far...

good ventilation...great fit...only looks slightly dumb.

Elderberry

Yes. I was looking for a more solid helmet after my old, Target-purchased "Schwinn" helmet's shell fell off, and I found that Giro fit my head much better than Bell helmets of similar style.

I ended up going with the Giro Flak, which is very similar to the Makai mentioned by Dr. PooLittle, except without the flames. I love its minimalist design and it's got a nice, thick shell.

no name

It also depends on the kind of riding you do. I'm thinking of getting a plain black Pro-tec skate helmet for short fast city commutes and acting foolish. They are very bland and plain.
If I needed one for long rides (I don't wear a helmet for long stuff) or if I raced I would go more aero and well vented. At that point I think fit would be my main concern.
When I was purchasing a motorcyle helmet at first I went budget, then after a close call I bought a $500 Aria and never had a regret. fit was phenomenal and just made me more confident.
If there is one thing to spend money on, it's protecting your head from hitting the ground.

Yoshi

According to your statement, all helmets are identical in terms of safety ("any helmet is at least as safe as any other helmet"). This is not true. All helmets sold in the US meet the same minimum safety requirements - but some exceed the minimum. Unfortunately there is no truly objective way to figure out how much better one helmet is than another.

You can make some informed guesses however - you want a helmet that doesn't have any protruding elements that can snag during a crash (strap anchors, visors, etc) and you want a helmet that has a good amount of material (so generally cheaper, less ventilated helmets).

All that said, the best thing to do is to buy a helmet that you will always wear. If the safest helmet is uncomfortable or really ugly, you may end up leaving it at home which doesn't do you any good.

sluglug

i find that organic helmets work really great.

bigbadwimp

I'm impressed that no one has yet to make fun of the OP's spelling in the title. Good job guys.

sluglug

here you go...http://www.nextag.com/helments/products-html

bbattle

+1 Don't buy over the internet unless you know for sure it'll fit.

When the helmet fits properly and the chin strap is on correctly, you should be able to shake your head and the helmet not move.

More vents means more money but for where I live it's money well spent. Rode a century last summer and it was 95 degrees with the air so thick you could cut it. Passed a guy wearing a BMX bucket with almost no vents, not very smart.

drainyoo

I bought a Bern Baker for around $60. Looks like an old school polo helmet.

bigbadwimp

And here you go... http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/helment

noahgansett

I'm sorry, I meant AT LEAST AS SAFE as in, meets that minimum. Helmets are identical in terms of "at least (x) safe". this reply was in between cup one and cup two of coffee this morning so pardon my fuzzy use of language.

frankstoneline

bugs in the teeth no more!