Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute

Bicycle Helmets for the 2016 Season

This is history!

Current year here

Summary: Our review of helmets being sold in 2008. Trends first, then individual models. Index to manufacturers last.

Trends this year

There are new helmets in 2008 that are worth a look if you are inclined to replace yours. There are more new models appearing with the rounder, smoother profile that we think is best for crashing, now called the "compact" shape. Other than that there is no major technological advance that compels you to replace your current helmet.

• The biggest news for 2008 is that rounder, smoother "compact" or "commuter" models are still growing in number. The older elongated styles with long rear points are beginning to look dated. We are pleased that the fashion pendulum is swinging, and most of the newer models are fine even if not fully rounded. Many of the remaining elongated models are overpriced European helmets.
  
  
• At the high end, you will still find big vents and high prices, but no verifiable advantage in impact performance. A helmet with less foam has to have denser foam, a disadvantage in lesser impacts. You can pay more than $200 if you want to, but Target, Wal-Mart and other discounters have models that meet the same CPSC impact standard at an everyday price of $10. And for about $20 they have better looking and better fitting models. Wal-Mart has a round, smooth Bell Impulse for $25 that is inmolded, a high quality construction technique.
  
  
• Ring fit systems, the "one size fits all" solution, have taken over for most of the less expensive models. They work well for some, but not at all for others, who find that they have to tighten the ring uncomfortably to get a stable fit. You have to try them on to be sure.
  
  
• There are no new radical impact materials this year, although some have been introduced for 2008 in Cascade's lacrosse and hockey helmets.
  
  
• Carbon fiber use is still limited to premium models, limited by fiber price costs. It does allow lighter construction, but there is so little of it used in a bike helmet that the weight saved is minimal except in heavy BMX helmets. Manufacturers are searching for ways to use titanium, another glamorous and expensive product that saves very little weight in a helmet. The Kevlar craze is mostly behind us, but you will find some of that as well.
  
  
• Strap adjustment fittings--buckles and side pieces--are not improving. We find that most of them slip too easily, resulting in the "strap creep" that is responsible for many of the too-loose straps out there. We have noted the really good ones. You can check that when you buy just by tugging on the straps.
  
  
• Strap anchors on many helmets still stick up above the shell and are an unnecessary impediment to smooth sliding when you hit the pavement. The best helmets put the anchors below the surface of the shell, or at least recess the anchors to make a smooth surface.
  
  
• Rubber finishes and a fabric finish were introduced in a few helmets in 2007, and have spread rapidly in 2008. We do not recommend them for road use because rubber or fabric are likely to increase the sliding resistance of a helmet when it hits the pavement. We do not have lab tests yet to confirm that.

We recommend looking for a helmet that:

We usually recommend checking Consumer Reports for brand and model recommendations. But their most recent helmet article was in their June, 2006 issue. They can only test a fraction of the models described below, and most of what they tested is no longer on the market. We have more recent Consumer Reports articles reviewed here.

Some Interesting New Models

Rounder, Smoother Helmets

We recommend smooth helmets that do not snag when you crash. The selection of well-rounded models has expanded in 2008, including:

• Abus Urban-I, Lane-U (euro standard not CPSC)
  
  
• Atlas Dorado/limar 801/Mace NOS
  
  
• Bell Citi, Variant, Deuce/Impulse discount helmet
  
  
• Casco Warp II time trial helmet (Euro model)
  
  
• Giro Xen and Hex
  
  
• GPR/plim Urbanus
  
  
• Hawley Eleven81 Crosstown
  
  
• KED Event (Euro Model)
  
  
• Kent V-10
  
  
• LAS Hitek-Cycling and Compact (Euro models)
  
  
• Lazer Urbanize
  
  
• Michelin MX Urban and MX Street
  
  
• Oktos (several)
  
  
• Pro-tec Augur model (meets astm downhill)
  
  
• Specialized Instinct
  
  
• Stash (Euro standard, folding helmet)
  
  
• THE/Vigor F14 (Extra coverage)
  
  
• Uvex Hawk, Magnum and XP100 (Extra coverage)
  
  
• Vcan S22-C
  
  
• Vigor X3
  
  
• Most "skate-style" and BMX helmets (usually too hot for bicycling)

Consumer Reports Best Buys still in production

• Bell Citi
  
  
• Bell Slant
  
  
• Bell Boomerang
  
  
• Schwinn Intercept youth (by PTI)

Value Helmets

Many manufacturers now have quality inmolded helmets priced in the $30 to $40 range. That includes the Bell Solar, Bell Impulse/Deuce ($25 at Wal-Mart), Briko Mistral, Cratoni Neon, Giant Talos, Giro Transfer Sport, Lazer Topaz, Louis Garneau Pacifica, Rudy Project Pyovra, Schwinn Atlas, Serfas Cosmos Plus, Specialized Air Force, Trek Vapor 3 and Vigor Fast Traxx. See descriptions below.

There are many, many more very decent inexpensive helmets on the market that are not inmolded, including the Schwinn Intercept (a Consumer Reports Best Buy) mentioned above. We can't list them all. In the US we are fortunate to have a mandatory national standard for bike helmets ensuring at least the minimum impact performance level, whatever the price.


New Features

• Cratoni Titan Pro: Camera/light mount.
  
  
• Reflectek and YoLite lines: Reflective shells.
  
  
• Ironman line: very bright built in LED flashers.
  
  
• Spiuk Rasgo: hard shell bike helmet

Extra Large Helmets

See our page on helmets for very large heads.

Extra Small Helmets

The smallest helmet advertised is the Etto Ettino, said to fit down to 41 cm (16.1 inch) heads. Following that are the L.A.S Roadspeed Baby, the Atlas Hardtop Mini and the Atlas Drago, all for 45 cm (17.7 inch) heads, available in Europe but not in a US model, and the Angeles Toddler Trike Helmet at 45.7 cm (18 inches). There are several others with 46 cm (18.1 inch) helmets. Pryme has a heavy BMX helmet that small, if you can imagine putting that kind of weight on your baby. Ask your pediatrician about this one before buying! We have a page explaining why tiny helmets may not be a good idea with another page asking if you really want to take your baby along.


Helmets for Rounder Heads

If your head is the rounder shape mostly associated with Asian parentage, only a few manufacturers in the US market have models they have identified as providing a good fit for rounder heads: Cratoni, Selev and Specialized. Cratoni says some of their helmets fit round heads with just a different pad set. That suggests that you might be able to resolve the problem with pad changes. We have more details on our page on fitting rounder heads.


Helmets for Narrow Heads

At least three manufacturers have identified for us their models for longer, narrower heads: Cratoni, Ironman and Lazer.


Downhill Mountain Bike Racing Helmets

A few manufacturers now have helmets certified to the ASTM F 1952 Downhill Mountain Bike Racing Helmet standard, including Bell, Giro, Lazer, Pro-Tec, Specialized and Troy Lee. Coverage and impact requirements are tougher than the CPSC bicycle helmet standard.


Chrono Time Trial Helmets

See our page on chrono models. They are designed only for pursuit racing and time trials, so they do not make sense for street use. You will know you need one when your coach tells you that.


"Women-Specific" Designs

Most women-specific designs differ only cosmetically from a "male" helmet. Hold up the two together and you will readily see that they came from the same mold, and the only difference is in colors and graphics. The ponytail port all but disappeared after males stopped wearing their hair long. The addition of rear stabilizers to helmets made the ponytail port more difficult to use, but a number of helmets like the Bell Citi, Serfas Curva and Serfas Rookie will take a good three-to-four fingers of ponytail if you are willing to thread it through. Others who claim "ponytail compatibility" are noted below, and a search for pony in this page will find them. Many women now wear their ponytails lower down on the head while riding or tuck the hair up under the helmet to keep it off their neck in summer. To find all the women's helmets in this review, do a search on women.


Skateboard helmets

The "skateboard" helmets now on the market in big retail stores are mostly bicycle helmets in the classic skate style. They are not well ventilated, but are fine for bike riding as long as the sticker inside certifies that they meet the CPSC bike helmet standard. If you need a multi-impact helmet for aggressive, trick, extreme skating or skateboarding with daily crashes, look for a true multi-impact skate model meeting the ASTM F 1492 skateboard helmet standard. We have a page listing dual certified helmets. Dual certification to bike and skateboard standards is the biggest advance in skateboard helmets in recent years, denoting superior protection.


Made in USA Helmets

Some consumers ask us where to find a helmet made in the US, or in another country. Bell is still making its discount store line here, running to millions of helmets per year. See the Bell discount line comments below.

Although most helmets sold in the US market are now made in China, Taiwan and other Asian countries, others are still made in Belgium, Germany, Italy and France. You will find comments on that in the writeups below of a number of Euro brands, and we have a page up on where helmets are made.


If you are outside the US

We are based in the US, and our ability to research helmets in other markets is unfortunately limited. In your market you will probably find helmets that meet your national standard, or the European CEN standard, and at least some that meet the US CPSC standard. The European bicycle helmet standard can be met with thinner foam and a less protective helmet than the helmet required to meet the US CPSC standard. (We have a page up on that.) Some European helmets may exceed the CEN standard by a wide margin and pass CPSC, but there is no data available to us to find out which ones they are. Major US brands sometimes produce less protective models for the European market to make them a little bit thinner, lighter and better ventilated so they can be competitive there. (We can usually pick up a CEN standard helmet and tell the difference.) For that reason we recommend buying a helmet with a US CPSC sticker inside if you can, even if you live outside the US, for the better impact protection. Those helmets are available from a large number of European or Asian manufacturers as well as US producers. If there is no CPSC sticker inside the helmet it does not meet the labeling requirements of the CPSC standard and in all likelihood does not meet the impact protection requirements either. The Australian standard is comparable to CPSC, so US manufacturers market the same models there. Canada has its own standard, but it is similar to the CPSC standard and most models sold there are US models except for Canada's Louis Garneau. Japan has its own standard.


Cooling performance

We have no ventilation test results on any of the helmets listed below. In view of that, any comments we have on ventilation should be taken as an indication only, not a definitive ranking. We try to report findings by others on cooling, even though we have no confidence in them, also as indicative of possible performance. A study done years ago indicated that ventilation is basically determined by the size of the front vents. In short, we don't recommend that you make any purchasing decisions based on our comments on ventilation. Prices

Although we don't calculate averages, prices seem about the same as last year. There are some minimal increases to keep up with inflation, and prices for some European brands are rising in the US market in response to the strong euro. The lowest prices in discount stores here still begin at $7.14 (Wal-Mart and Target) but are mostly in the $15 to $35 range. In bike stores where you can get help with selection and fitting you would expect to pay more, and the prices generally start about $30 and go up as high as you want. For many buyers the fitting help is well worth the extra you pay in a bike store. For an idea of what the lowest prices would be you can check Ebay or the internet retailers, but be sure to include the shipping charges to compare.

What We Did Not Find Again This Year

There is still no bicycle helmet on the market identified as an "anti-concussion" or softest-landing helmet. Current helmets are optimized for best protection from catastrophic injury, but since lesser blows are survivable and no current helmet can do it all, the design priority remains protection against the hardest impacts. Partly for that reason, there are no helmets promoted for the needs of seniors, who can do without the larger vents and harder foam of a high-end model in favor of softer landings in an impact. No manufacturer advertises that their helmet protects against blows that exceed the CPSC standard by a wide margin, although Consumer Reports ratings based on their lab testing have indicated that some can. With our legal climate we may never see that kind of advertising, since it would expose the manufacturer to lawsuits whenever someone was injured in the helmet, whether or not it had performed well. That unfortunately reduces the incentive to produce a more protective helmet that exceeds the standard by a wide margin, so just passing the standard with enough room to account for quality control problems becomes the designer's goal. Bigger vents and a thinner, lighter helmet will sell more helmets at higher prices than extra protection that you can't advertise.

This year there are still not many new efforts to apply electronic and wireless technologies to bicycle helmets. You should be able in 2008 to find a mainstream helmet with a rear-facing camera and a heads-up display to replace your old mirror, but nobody has one. The Bluetooth headsets for use with an intercom system or cell phone are not in bike helmets, perhaps because the ones that tuck behind the ear do well enough. Activeblu will sell you for $150 an add-on that clips to your helmet instead of your ear to access the cell phone in your pocket. (We don't recommend that, since you need to keep your wits about you to ride a bicycle safely, and the conversation on a cell phone can be too much of a distraction.) There are more helmets with LED flashers built into the rear this year, but most riders who need one are still adding a flasher with a hook-and-loop mount. LEDs improve every year, and you might want to replace that flasher with a brighter one. There is one company making built-in batteries to power helmet accessories, but we have not seen one in the market yet. We wish the companies producing hot new games and innovative cell phones would design new products for the helmet market. Then we could complain about their prices.

Here is an index to our reports for other years.

The Helmets

If no other information is in the writeup for each brand or model, these features are assumed:

• The typical bicycle helmet listed below is made of EPS foam with a thin plastic shell, taped or glued onto the foam. Increasingly, it may be inmolded, meaning that the shell is placed in the mold and the foam material for the liner is expanded into it, forming one solid piece. It has at least some vents, webbing straps made of nylon or polypro, a plastic buckle, no reflective trim and either a ring fit ("one size fits all") or soft foam fitting pads inside.
  
  
• BMX models are "full face" (with chinbar) and have thicker hard shells shaped like a motorcycle helmet.
  
  
• Downhill racing models are similar to BMX but lighter, and have minimal impact padding in the chinbar. Unless noted they are certified only to the CPSC bicycle helmet standard rather than the tougher ASTM F 1952 standard for downhill racing helmets.
  
  
• Chrono helmets are teardrop-shaped time trial helmets.
  
  
• Skate style helmets are the classic Pro-Tec round, smooth shape with ABS plastic hard shells and small vents.

We have a page on helmet types with longer descriptions.

Many helmets have a rear stabilizer wrapping around the back of the head, but we note those only if they have some unusual feature. Stabilizers add some stability and comfort but are not part of the retention system and are not tested for strength in labs certifying helmets to standards. They can not substitute for careful strap adjustment, although you may think you have adjusted the helmet correctly.

We note the largest and smallest sizes available where relevant, and any bright colors. Prices are the Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price, the price you might pay at your local bike shop with fitting services included. Discount store and Internet pricing is usually lower but no fitting help is included. Either source has deals on closeouts of prior years' models. If you are searching for a particular model and don't find it here, use our search function to check our writeups for previous years to see if it has been discontinued.

We have a page of definitions for most of the terms used below in addition to our page explaining helmet types.

Models

Abus

Abus is a German company also known as a manufacturer of high-security padlocks. We have not seen Abus helmets in person for more than six years. They have a unique ratcheting strap fastener with a toothed tab sliding into a slot that we have only seen on Abus and Uvex helmets. It would have to be adjusted carefully to be sure it does not bear against the line of the jaw. It is easy to tighten with one hand if your straps loosen from sweat on a ride. Their rear stabilizers are also adjusted by a ratchet device. Visors mount with breakaway pins. Some models have bug net in the front vents. Abus' bicycle helmets include helmets for toddlers, youth and adults. As far as we know all of the models on their website are certified only to European standards and will not be sold in the US. Sizes run from 46 to 62 cm (18.1 to 24.4 inches). Most of the Abus models are well-rounded, including two of their newer adult models for 2008, the Urban-I and Lane-U commuter style helmets with reflective trim and bug net.

Action Bicycle

The Acclaim line of helmets produced for Action Bicycle includes the Metro, a nicely rounded design with a ring fit system, and the Evo II, a standard adult helmet with visor, rear stabilizer and ring fit system that retails for $35. Other models include a full face BMX helmet for $80, a vented child helmet called the Solo at $20, and a skateboard helmet that retails for $36, or $40 in full chrome.

Aerogo

See Lucky Bell below.

AGV

See Fox below.

All Pro and All Top

See THH below.

Alpha Helmets

Alpha helmets have previously been found in the US under two brands, but not as Alpha. Some are made by Mien Yow Industries Ltd. in Taiwan. They have a line of well-rounded models led by the complex-looking Vortex and including one model with a flashing LED taillight built in. For 2002 they added the C-Tec, with squared-off ribs but a rounded shape overall. In 2003 they introduced some models that are inmolded, notably their G4 model retailing for about $30, although most still have taped on shells. Their Pro-Alpha skate model was added in 2006, along with their MF2 Skater Classic. They also have a "four season" model for bike and ski. The manufacturer says their retail prices run mostly in the $20 to $25 range. Alpha also makes hockey, ski and batting helmets.

Angeles

Angeles is primarily a tricycle and baby buggy manufacturer. We have not seen their trike helmets in person, but the Angeles Toddler Trike Helmet is available from Best Price Toys at $22 to $30 and is among the smallest toddler helmets on the market, designed for heads as small as 45.7 cm (18 inches). It is advertised as meeting both the CPSC standard and the Snell B95A standard.

Answer Products

See Knucklebone below.

Armor

Armor is the brand distributed by SDS Skateboards (formerly San Diego Speed) in the US. They have a skate model with the usual hard ABS shell that comes as the Old School Series, Pro Series, Graphic Series and Camouflage Series. It is the classic skate shape with small vents and CPSC certification. For 2007 they introduced a bright, very visible yellow. They also list a CSA Canadian standard and the ASTM F 1447 bicycle helmet standard, but not the ASTM F 1492 skateboard standard. Retail runs from $20 to $35. Their snowboard helmet has adjustable vents and is called the Nightstalker. It retails for $20 to $25. We believe that they are also the distributor for a unique Shong Yang helmet called the Gid with a propeller. It breaks away readily, and the helmet is well rounded with recessed strap anchors. It also has unique screw-down strap junctions that work well even if they are a bit difficult to adjust.

We have also seen the Armor brand used by Taiwan Johnson Industries Co, Ltd as the Armor Manufacturing Corporation, but do not know if the two companies are related.

Ascent

Ascent helmets are made in Taiwan, and sold in the US market by Performance, Bike Nashbar and online by Amazon.com. There are at least five models, none of which we have seen. Some are inmolded, others have glued shells. Nashbar and Amazon discount them heavily, starting at $15 plus shipping.

Atlas

Atlas is a Swedish manufacturer. We have not seen them in the US. Their website says their helmets meet the European CEN standard. They have 12 child, BMX, skate and adult models on their web page for 2008, including:

• Dorado: a commuter helmet identical in appearance to the former SixSixOne AllRide, Limar 801 or Mace NOS. A round, smooth but very up-to-date design that proved that rounder helmets need not be boring. If it were certified to the CPSC standard we would be recommending that you check it out, but this version only has CEN certification. That one would be made in China, but we don't know about the rest of their line. The Dorado is inmolded.
  
  
• Hotshot another very well rounded adult model.
  
  
• Marlin is a BMX model with a removable chinbar.
  
  
• Drago is a child model with the "green" European child buckle that breaks more easily to avoid trapping a child on playground equipment or trees. The same helmet with a normal-strength buckle is called the Hardtop.

Atlas helmets fit a size range from 45 to 61 cm (17.7 to 24.0 inches).

Avenir

The Avenir brand is distributed by Raleigh. They have a variety of inmolded and taped-on models, mostly with moderate rear snag points, rear stabilizers, pinned-on visors, and prices ranging from about $15 to $40. Models include:

• Rush: inmolded, three rear snag points. Retail is $40.
  
  
• Escape: inmolded. $30.
  
  
• Sonic: Taped shell, dial fit, moderate snag point in rear, reflective material in rear. $25.
  
  
• Sonic Jr.: Toddler helmet with ring fit, dial adjustment. $15 retail.
  
  
• Ranger: Taped shell, rear snag point. $13 retail.
  
  
• Avenue: Rear snag point. $20.
  
  
• Ginger: (no info)
  
  
• Diamondback BMX Hucker: Classic skate-shaped model in glossy or matte black for $20.
  
  
• Diamondback FF: BMX model with a fiberglass shell and bolted on visor. $85.

Note: When we saw samples of the Escape, Rush, Ginger and Avenue at Interbike in September of 2007 they were CEN standard samples without CPSC stickers. This is normally attributable to hasty show preparation, but it is possible that these models will not be available in the US.

Azonic

Azonic/O'Neal USA has mostly hard shell, no-vent full face helmets for BMX. They have removable inner liners for cleaning and the standard large bolted-on BMX visors, a potential snagging hazard. Their BMX helmets are made by KBC in Korea or THH in Taiwan, and are said to all be certified to the Snell M-2000 or M-2005 motorcycle helmet standards, exceeding by a wide margin any bicycle helmet standard in the world. (We are not able to identify the models on the Snell lists, where they probably appear under KBC or THH. Look for the Snell sticker inside the helmet to be sure.)

• 9 Series: BMX model with carbon fiber and Kevlar shell, full chinbar, retails for $300. The visor is bolted on, but the bolts are plastic and hopefully might break when you need them to in a crash.
  
  
• 3 Series: Polycarbonate plastic shell, Meets the DOT motorcycle helmet standard. Retails for $90.
  
  
• 7 Series: Another polycarbonate shell model. Meets the Snell Foundation motorcycle helmet standard. $150.
  
  
• Monster: a new BMX model for 2008, with a polycarbonate shell with no vents except in the chinbar. Has a rubber debris deflector on the chinbar. Meets the Snell Foundation motorcycle helmet standard. $150.
  
  
• Fury: BMX model with chinbar and an "injection molded fiberglass" shell with small vents. Meets the CPSC and CEN bicycle helmet standards. Retails for $90.
  
  
• Skidlid: A vented skate helmet with an ABS shell and some angular lines unlike the classic skate shape. Retails for $40 (up from $27) in matte black or gray.

O'Neal has a surround sound helmet in classic skate shape with two speakers inside. It retails for $40. We were not impressed with the quality of the sound, but it may be marginally safer than blanking out all sound around you by using plugin earbuds. The sound comes from your media player or cell phone. There are earphones available elsewhere that ride outside the ear canal that produce better sound quality and do not shut out noises around you, but the distraction is always there and we would not recommend them, or this helmet.

Barbieri

Barbieri Accessories began in 1985 with a revolving brush chain cleaner, adding other accessories like carbon fiber and titanium mini pumps. Perhaps to round out their accessory line, they have a single helmet model called simply "Helmet." It is a distinctive design, with a bump out shelf in the back. It has a visor and rear dial stabilizer. It is certified to the CEN standard for the European market.

Bell

Bell is still the largest company in the bicycle helmet market. They also own Giro, although the two have separate helmet models. They have been making bicycle helmets since 1975. We spend more space on their line than most others because people want the info.

Bell has 19 models in this year's lineup, but some are the same model without a visor, or in a larger size for big heads or a smaller size and pastel color for women. Some models have Bell's no-pinch buckle, a nice design with a tab behind it that keeps the skin from getting in while you push the two pieces together. It is now included on the adult "sport" models, presumably for seniors with loose neck skin.

Preview: one new upscale Bell model for 2009 will be the Volt. You may have seen it on riders from Team CSC-Saxo Bank and riders from the Crédit Agricole team in the 2008 Tour de France. It has pronounced rear snag points, with some exposed fiberglass cloth used for reinforcing and "composite fiber intake" accents to open up larger vents. Anti-microbial padding uses silver to fight germs, something you may or may not want to be exposed to against your sweating head. The Volt will sell for $175.

At the top of Bell's line for 2008 are their "Fusion" inmolded models:

• Variant: The Variant was introduced in 2007 and is pitched for mountain biking. It has the new "compact" shape without an elongated rear, and qualifies as a "rounder, smoother" helmet, but comes off as a lot more stylish than the Citi. It has top and bottom outer shells, both inmolded. Lots of vents. Colors are muted. Retail price is $100. Worth a look.
  
  
• Citi: The Citi was introduced in 2005 as the less expensive version of Bell's Metro. The Metro was overpriced, and was dropped from the line in 2008. The Citi has a very nicely rounded exterior, pitched for the commuter market, as a "townie" helmet. It is inmolded. Its ring fit may or may not work out well for you. The Citi one of only four helmets rated by Consumer Reports in their June, 2006 article as providing superior impact performance and awarded the CR Best Buy tag. It comes with plenty of vents and a visor. It has only partially recessed strap anchors. It has a useful ponytail port in the stabilizer for those with long hair. There is a flimsy mirror that folds back into the visor for storage available, and a red LED flasher that attaches to the helmet's new-for-2008 strap in the back. This year the Citi comes in visible orange, yellow and white. Bell has put reflective trim on both helmet and strap. We found that the straps on the Citi would not stay in place when adjusted despite their "cam lock" side pieces, and would have to be sewn or locked with rubber bands snugged under the strap fittings to hold the adjustments, but that is a common problem. For a less expensive but equally well-rounded alternative, see the Impulse below. At $15 to $35 it is still inmolded, and seems like a real bargain at Wal-Mart's $25 price. Retail for the Citi is still $48.
  
  
• Slant: The Slant was introduced in 2006 with mid range pricing. It is inmolded with three modest snag points in the rear. The Slant was one of only four helmets rated by Consumer Reports in their June, 2006 article as providing superior impact performance and awarded the CR Best Buy tag. Worth a look for that reason. Colors are not particularly bright. Retail is $54.
  
  
• Sweep: Bell's top of the line for 2007, with 11 choppy points on the rear giving it a porcupine effect. Inmolded with a lower shell, and a few bright colors. Retail is $130 for the Sweep R and $145 for the XC model with visor.
  
  
• Ghisallo: Bell's top of the line for 2002 was this design named for an Italian saint. Somewhat better rounded than most of Bell's other top models, but still features a modest rear snag point. It has fewer but very large vents, and a few bright colors. It is inmolded. Retail is down $15 to $90.
  
  
• Furio: Another Bell inmolded road model with more rounded lines than some but still sporting a snag point in the tail. No visor. Retail is $64.
  
  
• Influx: Listed as a mountain bike helmet, inmolded with visor and a modest rear snag point. What appears to be the same helmet is available in the Euro market as the Alchera, or with visor as the Delirium, but we do not know if they are certified to the CPSC standard. Retail is $64.
  
  
• Venture: The 2006 design for Bell's "entry level" inmolded helmet, with a single snag point in the rear. The same design is known as the Solar when it has no visor, and the Vela with feminine graphics. Bell is producing an extra large size and calling it the Triton, fitting heads up to 65 cm (25.5 inches) in circumference. All have a one-size-fits-all ring fit. Retail is still $30 for the Solar and $38 for the other three with visors. The same design is also available as a "youth" helmet as the Alibi with multi-color graphic designs and a visor, retailing for $38 or as the Trigger without visor for $30. This is the least expensive inmolded Bell model for adults and youth sold in bike stores, and probably one of the better values in the Bell lineup, along with the Deuce/Impulse reviewed below under Bell's discount line.
  
  
• Amigo: Introduced in 2000, upgraded in 2004 to inmolded construction. The Amigo is a helmet for kids that is built like the one their parents use. The very nicely rounded exterior is smoother than Bell's adult helmets. Has ring fit, a rear stabilizer, visor and bug net in the vents. Retail is $30.
  
  
• Kinghead: The Kinghead is highly recommended for those who fit it, but it is made only in Extra Large for riders with head sizes up to 8 1/4 (66 cm, or 26 inches around). It is still the largest bicycle helmet we know of, at .4 inches larger than the Triton above. It has a beautifully rounded exterior and internal strap anchors. The Kinghead is an older design with a taped-on shell rather than having the Triton's inmolded construction, but its impact performance meets the same CPSC standard. The Kinghead also fits with pads rather than the ring fit system on the Triton. We have been informed by riders with 66 cm heads that it actually fits them. The Kinghead is not in the current Bell catalog, but if you need this largest of helmets you can contact a Bell dealer, or check out mail order outlets on the Internet. Something called the Bell Store has them listed at $35, along with the Triton. If you have a head that large and the Triton won't fit, check out our page on helmets for large heads.
  
  
• L'il Bell: a toddler helmet with vents, previously known as the Half Pint and not related to the L'il Bell Shell of the 1980's and 90's. Has such a well-rounded shape that even we have no complaints. There are sticker kits available to allow kids to personalize their helmet. Retail is still $30.
  
  
• Boomerang: A 2000 model, somewhat like an Amigo, but made for toddlers, with the additional rear coverage required by the CPSC toddler helmet standard. Looks much more like an adult helmet than the L'il Bell, and is almost as well-rounded on the exterior. Cartoon graphics. Has a soft foam visor and a no-pinch buckle tab. Retail is $30. The Boomerang was one of only four helmets rated by Consumer Reports in their June, 2006 article as providing superior impact performance. It was the only toddler model with that distinction.
  
  
• Drop: New for 2008, the Drop is a full-face downhill mountain bike racing helmet with chinbar. It has a fiberglass shell, small vents and the well-rounded shape that is traditional in BMX helmets. It also has the traditional bolted-on BMX visor, providing a potential snag point. It has a full chinbar, but like most other downhill racing helmets there is no impact foam padding in it. It resembles a motorcycle helmet with vents. The Drop meets the tougher ASTM F 1952 downhill mountain bike standard. Bell lists the weight as 37 ounces (2.3 lbs or 1049 gr.). Sizes run from 51 to 63 cm (20 to 24.75 inches) in circumference . Retail is $130.
  
  
• Bellistic: Another BMX/downhill racing model still in the lineup for this year. Vents are a little larger than the Drop, and it's lighter. But the Bellistic does not meet the ASTM F 1952 downhill mountain bike standard, so its impact protection is not as good. There is one bright red and white color combination. The retail price is still $80.
  
  
• Faction: Bell's "skate-inspired" BMX/skate model is a 2004 hard shell design with a dual-density foam liner. In previous designs by LT back in 1991 this technique was used to take the sting out of lesser bumps with the softer layer, backed up by a denser layer that could still perform in the big hits. In the Faction the technique is used to provide a different liner density in the front to meet the CPSC standard while avoiding a thicker helmet. The Faction has the admirably round, smooth exterior of the classic skate helmet, with small rectangular vents on top, front and rear. There is a nice selection of graphics featuring five different skateboard celebs and including visible white, magenta and yellow among the numerous colors. This model may have dual certification to both the CPSC bicycle helmet standard and the ASTM F 1492 multi impact skateboard standard. See our Dual Certified page for more on that. Some we have found on the market do not have the ASTM F 1492 skateboard sticker. Without the sticker it does not meet the skateboard standard. The Faction still retails for $35.

Bell's European Market Helmets

Bell has helmets made to the CEN European standard that according to Bicycle Retailer and Industry News will not pass the US CPSC standard and cannot be sold in the US market. Foremost among them is the Bell Meteor II chrono helmet for time trials. This is one you may have seen in Tour de France time trials.

Bell's Discount Line

Bell has a separate line of low-priced helmets sold at discount stores and mass-merchant outlets. (More than one fourth of the company's sales are through Wal-Mart alone.) They are occasionally discontinued models from the bike store line, but seldom include the inmolded models. The cheaper ones generally have low-end graphics, chintzy fit pads, slippy straps and cheaper packaging. Most do not have rear stabilizers. But they are designed to the same CPSC standard as any other helmet on today's US market, so they provide fine impact protection if adjusted carefully. The medium-priced line starting around $20 fit better. Many of these helmets are still produced in the US--millions of helmets each year. The rounded profiles we consider optimum have always persisted in this line, since they are cheaper to produce, and Consumer Reports testing of other brands indicated that the thicker foam in cheaper models may actually provide better impact protection than some of the thinner, more ventilated, more expensive upscale helmets. Models include the adult Reflex, Radar, Adrenaline, Protos and Impulse. Youth sizes include the Edge, Aero, Blade and Deuce. Child helmet models are the Star, Racer and Rex. Toddler helmets include the Shadow, Zoomer and Bellino, as well as the Beamer, with ten LED lights. For 2008 Bell introduced a unique Blaze model with ten LEDs that are run by a motion-activated circuit "for fun effects." It has the usual taped-on shell, poor strap fitting pieces that do not lock, and sells for $20. We don't know how the battery is replaced.

Two models in the low-priced line deserve special attention: the Deuce and the Impulse are the same helmet in youth and adult sizes. Both have the same radically round, smooth shape of the Bell Citi. Both are inmolded, a higher-quality construction technique that is unusual in the discount store series. They have reasonable vents. The price will likely be right when you find them in a big box store. We found a sample at Wal-Mart for $24.88 and Toys R Us has them for $30. The Impulse/Deuce is made in USA.

Bell's skate models in this low-priced series include the Rage, Mirra and Wicked. All are said by Bell to be dual certified to the CPSC bicycle and ASTM F 1492 skateboard standards, at least in the medium and large sizes. They may not be dual certified in the small size. If the F 1492 sticker is missing, the helmet does not meet the skateboard standard. You must look at the stickers inside the helmet to be sure, since the packaging always says they meet it.

This line sells for low prices: $15 to $40. Some models are available to non-profits for much less than that, through Safe Kids International. Because of Bell's name recognition, they are among the best sellers in the low end market. (Check our page on inexpensive helmets for further info on sources of low-cost helmets from various manufacturers for helmet programs.)

Bell also produces toddler, skate and child bike helmets for the Fisher-Price brand, and you may see them as X-Games, Barbie, or Hot Wheels brands. Some models come bundled with bike or skate accessories.

Bell's Replacement Policy

For Bell's crash replacement policy it is best to call 1-800-BELL or search their website. We found it in the helmet manuals online in .pdf format. As of December, 2007 it said that you send back the damaged helmet with a letter describing your crash "in as much detail as possible," a dated cash register receipt (you did save your receipt, and you can find it, right?) with a check:

• For Fusion series helmets: $35
  
  
• For cheaper models: $20.

The crash replacement program is available to U.S. and Canadian customers only.

Bell has a page on their website called Helmets 101 that is worth a visit for info on their line.

In 2004 Bell Sports was purchased by Fenway Partners, a private-equity holding company. The Giro part of Bell was included. Through Fenway, Bell Sports in early 2005 repurchased the Bell motorcycle helmet manufacturing company that it had spun off in 1991. Then Bell merged with Riddell, known as a football helmet maker. In 2006 Riddell Bell merged with Easton Sports, and after 2007 the company has been known as Easton-Bell Sports, owned by Fenway Partners, Jim Easton, and The Ontario Teachers Pension Fund. Most consumers are probably unaware of any of those changes, and many of Bell's key staff members have stayed on. As far as we can tell there has been no effect on the company's technical competence or product quality.

Bern Unlimited

Bern's motto is "Head Protection for Any Action Sport." Their helmets are skate/ski shaped, so they are very well rounded except for the rigid visor on one. None has enough ventilation for hard bicycle riding in warm weather. Some of them use Brock Foam, a formulation that provides multi-impact protection, but those are called hard hats rather than helmets and are not certified to meet the CPSC standard. Some are inmolded. Others have interchangeable liners for water sports, ski and winter sport use, including underneath layers and a knit winter cap. There is a ponytail port on ladies models. There is a channel in the foam liner for glasses and a removable goggle strap clip on the rear. An optional wired music system is available on winter sport models at $40. They have paired male/female models, with pastels for the ladies. The bicycle models include the Nino for kids, meeting the CEN and CPSC bicycle helmet standards and the ASTM F 2040 ski helmet standard. There is a visible white option. The girl's model is the Nina, in white and pastels. Sizes range from 48 cm to 63.5 cm.

In 2007 some of the Bern models began to appear in the US market, labeled with stickers certifying that they meet the CPSC standard. These would include some models labeled Watts (new for 2008), Macon, Muse, Berkeley, Baker and Brentwood. But the multi impact Brock foam version of the same models would not meet CPSC, and in some cases we were astonished to see the listing in the catalog is Certifications: N/A. Others are certified to the CE 1385 Canoe/Kayak standard.

Retail prices for Bern's models are in the $40 to $70 range, but can be much higher with options.

Bianchi

Bianchi markets team helmets to match their bikes. They have several models: the Team Bianchi 909 at $180 and the Team Bianchi 530 at $120 are available in the US. There is also the Celeste Puro F105 at $120, and Motorex Racing F-107 at $120 (available in trademark Bianchi celeste blue), The helmets are made by Limar of Italy, and correspond to Limar models of the same number.

BiOS

BiOS is a French company founded by a neurosurgeon whose marketing says their helmet is based on head anatomy rather than testing to standards. "It is impossible to predict the location of a head impact. Meanwhile the consequences vary a lot according to the point of impact. Beside an improved dampening compared to the classical helmets, BiOS also fights against the hazard by resorbing the impacts toward the maximal resistance points of the human head. This new dimension of the head protection devices construction opens new development opportunities in all types of protective helmets...we think that it is indispensable that the helmet be adapted to the internal anatomical structure of the human head and not solely to a metal headform reproducing its form and its weight (as called out by the current standards)." In addition, the helmets are claimed to be less bulky than traditional helmets.

BiOS says their helmets are for bicycling, rollerskating, skateboard, kite surfing, rafting, kayaking, jet skiing, paragliding "and other outdoor or indoor sports." But they do not apparently attempt to meet standards for those sports. The only statement we can find on their site says: "BiOS was tested in conformity with standards NF EN 1078, NF EN 1385. The results are spectacular: up to 6 times better than the requirements of the standards." That stops just short of a definitive statement that the BiOS products meet even the European standards. But there is a video clip of a BiOS helmet in an apparent CE test, with a 38g peak acceleration. That would be a truly spectacular result.

Unless the helmets are certified to at least the CEN standard, you have nothing to judge the performance on but their marketing copy. No way to know what impact levels they protect against, how they test, what their quality control is like, what coverage they provide, how strong their straps are or anything else normally demonstrated in standards testing. But an analysis of one crashed helmet leads them to say that in that particular crash, "All these numbers demonstrate that the protective capacity of the BIOS during this real impact was at least 3 x 2,5 x 5 = at least 37.5 times better than required by the standards." There is more info on their French page than the English version. Prices on the website are 119 and 149 Euros, with free shipping in France but another 20 Euros to the US. There are custom logos available for 29 Euros more, and occasional discount codes. We paid $148 US with shipping for the sample we ordered in December of 2008.

BiOS models fit heads from 53 to 61 cm. BiOS offers custom made-to-measure helmets designed for your head for an additional 50 Euros. We don't know how they handle the ordering, but it would appear that the maximum sizes is still 61cm, probably limited by the available shell sizes.

At the bottom of the BiOS web pages appears a small "Made in France." We assume that means the helmets, but would like to know if the components are made in France or if the helmet is just assembled there from French and other components.

BiOS will replace a helmet for the original owner if it is structurally damaged by a head impact for 10% to 50% of its original price depending on "the importance of the head impact." They don't explain that further on their website. The offer is valid for the Carbone and Bix for 2 years after the original purchase date, and for the Anatomic for one year.

Bravo

Bravo is the house brand of Asctechs.com/El Sol Trading. They have a Signature Series skate-style helmet said to be certified for bicycling, skateboarding and snowboarding. The helmet has the classic skate shape. If the website is to be believed, it is dual certified to bicycle and skateboard standards, but a search for "standard" on their site did not return any hits. Some models of the Signature Series also have "a special moldable inside to mold the shape of your head after just a few days of wearing." We don't know what that may be. Sizing on some is given by measuring your head, but others are labeled "one size fits most." Pricing is in the $25 to $35 range, and there are some bright colors including chrome along with the usual black and moss green. Asctechs has full face and other helmets as well, but not a word on their site about what standards they may meet.

Bravo Sports

Bravo Sports is an importer of many types of equipment. They import helmets using various brands for mass merchant channels such as Sears, Target, and Toys R Us. They have a line of skate, bike and toddler helmets under the brands Kryptonics, VFX Gear and World Industries. We have not seen them and do not have their retail pricing. They bill a number of their models as "multisport" helmets, but the website mentions only the CPSC bicycle helmet standard, not the ASTM skateboard standard or any other standard. In fact at least one of their pages mislabels the CPSC standard in a statement "All Kryptonics helmets pass CPSC 1203 Standards for Bicycle, Inline, and Skateboards" And in another: "World's aggressive helmet complies with CPSC 1203 Standards for Bicycle and Skateboarding." The word skateboard does not appear anywhere in the CPSC standard, so they just added that, and we consider it misleading. Unfortunately in 2008 we no longer find their licensed Spongebob Squarepants model in bright yellow called the Spongehead.

Briko

Briko is an Italian company who began breaking into the U.S. market in 1998 but has been slow to push its line here. Briko has dropped all mention of standards on their web page, so the models below are available in Europe but probably not in the US. They have an innovative "twin cap" construction technique bonding two separate liners to leave air channels. They use reflective trim on some models, and all of their models are inmolded except the taped-on Taku and the fiberglass X Contact. We don't have their pricing.

• Arrow: The top of Briko's line. It has huge vents, carbon internal reinforcing and a pronounced snag point on the rear.
  
  
• Spark: A slick looking design with twin layers, multiple vents and sharp ribs, with a pronounced snag point in the rear. Has a unique visor mount with hollow fittings that go in the front vents.
  
  
• Zonda: A single layer road model, with noticeable exterior strap anchors, usually avoided in top of the line helmets. The women's version is the Zonda Rose.
  
  
• Spitfire: a single layer road helmet with conventional lines and conventional vents, with points in the rear. Available in a visible white.
  
  
• Mistral: a single layer road helmet with conventional elongated lines and conventional vents. Available in visible white.
  
  
• Echo: A skate-style helmet with vents. Comes with vent plugs for winter use and a visor.
  
  
• Taku: A child's helmet in the adult style, with a medium snag point on the rear, a dial fit system and a pinned-on visor. Retail is $25.
  
  
• X Contact: a downhill mountain bike racing helmet with a full chinbar and a fiberglass shell.
  
  
• Crono: Briko's entry in the time trial/pursuit aerodynamic helmet market. It has two large rear vents, a clear plastic face shield, and comes in three graphics combinations. It is certified to the European EN 1078 standard. We don't see it in their 2007 catalog on the web, but it is probably still available to racing teams.

Carrera

Carrera is an Italian company better known for winter sport helmets. Their helmets have Italian stylishness, moderate to large rear snag points, large vents, and some reflective trim. They market to racers. External strap anchors stick up, and one of their models even has a spoiler. We don't know which models are CPSC certified for sale in the US market. Some are renamed versions of last year's models. All of Carrera's models are available in bright visible colors, and have good locking side pieces on the straps.

• Cyclone: inmolded with a lower shell coming all the way down, with a rounded top profile and a compact shape but ends in a moderate but high snag point giving it a blocky appearance in the rear. Retail is $130.
  
  
• Cabrio: a normal inmolded helmet made truly strange by the addition of a spoiler in the rear that provides a sharp and pronounced snag point. There is a winter vent-blocking add-on shell, and another "MTB" shell that leaves the vents open but provides a visor. Retails for $100.
  
  
• Hypersonic: another inmolded model, with a pronounced rear snag point. Retail is $80.
  
  
• Supersonic: Carrera's best-rounded model still has a modest rear snag point. Inmolded. Retail is $50.
  
  
• Carapacho: This one is an EVA cap, not a helmet, but from a distance you would not be able to tell the difference. As a cap it is a cute design with six huge vents, a rear visor and an optional front clear plastic windshield. To top it off, there is a thick serrated rubber spine down the center from back to front. This one is for off-bike use only, so hopefully nobody will confuse it with a protective helmet, although it is listed as "messenger headgear." It retails for $55

Casco

Casco is a German company whose helmets we do not see in the US. In addition to about a dozen bike helmet models they make helmets for equestrian, snow and firefighting use. Their Upsolute models are inmolded. Some are unique designs, but our descriptions come from the website since we have not seen any of the Casco line except for the Warp II. Their website info on standards includes only CEN and the German DIN standard, not the US CPSC standard, explaining why we do not see them in the US market.

The website says that inmolded CASCO helmets with their add-on Monocoque-Inmold are heat-resistant up to 100 degrees C (212 degrees F), a claim we have never seen before from any manufacturer. Baking EPS foam at that temperature for any period of time normally results in deterioration, with the foam turning yellow and shrinking. And the only really heat-resistant shells we know of are fiberglass, not the plastic Casco is using. Casco also advertises an aluminum "roll bar" reinforcement in some models. All are apparently ring fit.

Casco models include:

• Warp II: an almost perfectly round and smooth track sprinter/pursuit helmet with an above-the-nose shield completing the rounding. It has no vents, costs 250 euros and only meets the CE standard, but the shape is flawless for crashing. Casco claims it is equally flawless for aerodynamics and that since the aero tails on other chrono helmets are seldom in the optimal place during track racing, they actually add wind resistance. This seems like a reaction to the aero tails that have set the fashion in bicycle helmets for the last decade, and apparently it is selling well in Europe for the riders who actually do benefit from the round aero advantage. We were surprised by the quality of the detailing on our Warp II sample.
  
  
• Vautron: high end inmolded road model with the aluminum roll bar visible in the center vent and a rear snag point, retailing for 189 euros.
  
  
• Ares: snag points everywhere, and the roll bar visible in the center vent, retailing for 249 euros. Inmolded. The Mountain version has a visor. The bright red model has a color-matched red visor.
  
  
• Viper MX: an inmolded downhill racing model in the older elongated form with a removable chinbar. Inmolded, with the aluminum roll bar. It retails for 100 euros plus another 60 euros for the chinbar.
  
  
• Daimor Mountain: inmolded with rear snag points, retailing for 80 euros, or 70 euros without visor. As the Rebel in youth size fitting 55 to 59 cm (21.7 to 23.2 inches) or the ReBELLA for women it sells for 60 euros.
  
  
• Attack: a unique design with longitudinal ribs of EPS held together by three latitudinal strips of aluminum, all attached with rivets and lined with leather. Inmolded. Smooth round exterior with no snag points. Available only in matte black. Retail is 230 euros.
  
  
• Generation II: a helmet for all ages, with a nice shape and apparently very good coverage but a strange screwed-on perforated plate in the front. Inmolded. Comes in a "junior" version fitting heads as small as 50 cm (19.7 inches). Retails for 60 euros.
  
  
• Follow Me: toddler/youth helmet with a glued-on shell in sizes 47 to 57 cm (18.5 to 22.4 inches), with large front and rear vents. Retail is 25 euros.
  
  
• Run: another glued on shell toddler helmet with smaller vents than the Follow Me and bug mesh in the vents, retailing for 35 euros.
  
  
• Python: an inmolded youth helmet with the usual adult elongated shape but a minimal snag point, fitting 52 to 58 cm (20.5 to 22.8 inches)and retailing for 34 euros. This is CASCO's least expensive inmolded helmet.
  
  
• Ventec: inmolded for 40 euros, this is Casco's "value" helmet. Elongated shape but minimal snag point.
  
  
• Alpen: inmolded with large vents and a nicely rounded shape. It has visible color choices and is worth a look for the shape alone. Retails for 45 euros.
  
  
• Tecfire: inmolded with elongated shape and snag points in the rear. Dark colors. Retails for 60 euros.
  
  
• Skiller: a classic skate model with small vents retailing for 50 euros. Among the colors is a camouflage model called the Skiller Attack, presumably designed to make you less visible to other road users.

Based on the Warp II sample that we have, we would like to see the rest of CASCO's line.

Catlike

Catlike is a Spanish company named for its founder, whose bicycle racing nickname was "the cat." All of their helmets are inmolded except the toddler model. Most of their line is designed to the European CE standard and sold only in Europe. Catlike had a recall in 2003 of its Kompact model for failing to meet the CPSC standard, so check our recalls page if you need info on that. In the fall of 2007 Catlike had recently taken on a US distributor, and were looking into CPSC certification for their models. The strap side pieces on their models slip easily, a common problem.

• Whisper Plus: New for 2006 and updated in 2007, the Whisper has a unique nubby outer shape and many small oval vents. The external shape is less than ideal, but if you want something different you will not see many of these on the road. Inmolded. Some very visible colors including orange. Strap anchors are mostly recessed. Retail is 180 euros.
  
  
• Diablo: complete with small "horns" on the outer shell. Has rotating cam locks on the strap adjustments, but they still slip. Available in women's colors. Retails for 70 euros.
  
  
• Kompact Pro: inmolded with a full shell wrapping around the bottom and large oval vents. Has pronounced rear snag points as well as external strap anchors sticking up. Nylon visors with push-point attachments. Many graphic combinations including solid and multi colors, some highly visible, some matching team colors. There are also women's colors. Lots of reflective trim. Retails for 100 euros.
  
  
• Shield 2: a skate-shaped helmet with large oval vents. It has a "ducktail" effect in the rear, with what Catlike says is additional lower rear protection. Inmolded. Retail is $80.
  
  
• Tiger: Toddler helmet with taped on shell. Has vents and child graphics, and a molded in visor. The retail price is 25 euros.
  
  
• Chrono: Catlike introduced a new chrono helmet for 2007 that they said would meet the European standard. It is inmolded, and retails for 240 euros.
  
  
• Sakana: a road model with long vents like fish scales. Tubes link the scales at the rear with one huge oval vent back there and an extended snag point. It should appear during 2008 and retail for about 150 euros.
  
  
• Vacuum: a road model with long curved vents and tiny rear snag points. It has a two piece shell and retails for 120 euros.

Chrysler-Jeep

A helmet made to go with the "Jeep" bicycle line. They are round and smooth, with reasonable vents and a taped on shell. The adult size is blue and white, and the youth size is red and white. At the end of 2007 they were being sold out by BicycleSurplus at $6.50 plus shipping.

Cratoni

This German company has an extensive lineup. Some of their models are European, while others are also available in the U.S. market. All of their adult helmets are inmolded. All have at least some reflective trim, and for 2008 a new chrome logo recessed into the surface. The company has developed a bright red 6 LED flasher that can be added to the rear stabilizer of any Cratoni helmet for $15. Cratoni's strap fittings seem to hold better than many other manufacturers, including the side pieces that lock by twisting a cam. Some of their models have an optional rubbery surface, an option we don't recommend due to concern about sliding resistance in a fall. Cratoni has several models that they sell in Asia just by changing the interior padding to fit rounder heads. (We have a page up on fitting rounder heads.) Many of Cratoni's prices have been reduced for 2008.

• Ceron: The top of Cratoni's line is a hyper-vented helmet with sharp shell lines and the usual rear snag points. Inmolded, with a lower shell as well. Uses carbon fiber reinforcements, with the bridges visible in the front shell. Ring fit, and fits longer heads well. The scarlet red version is bright and visible. Also comes as the Achillon with a pin-mounted visor. Retail for either is about $130, down $20 from last year.
  
  
• Titan Pro has an interesting style with large squared off ribs and large vents. The rear is compact and rounded although it has a bumpy profile. It is inmolded with three shell pieces. It also has an aluminum reinforcement in the top that forms the base for a headlight or camera mount with quick release. Cratoni has tested the mount to release when impacted with a 15 kg (33 lb.) weight dropped 80 cm (31 inches). We would want a mount that released easier than that, but at least they did design it to break away and are willing to talk about the testing. The Titan Pro retails for $100, down $30 from last year. The similar Titan without the aluminum plate or the camera/headlight mount retails for $90. Cratoni sells this helmet in Asia with pads shaped to fit Asian heads.
  
  
• C-Air: a new design for 2008, the C-Air has a more compact shape with smaller rear snag points than older Cratoni designs. Strap anchors are partially recessed. A US model that will retail for about 90 euros.
  
  
• Tremor: A somewhat better-rounded helmet overall but with a very pronounced rear snag point. Inmolded, with ring fit for 53 to 60 cm (20.9 to 23.6 inches). Fits longer heads well. US model, retailing for $70 (down $30). There is a special Giro d'Italia graphics edition. Also comes with visor as the Tremor XC.
  
  
• Zethos: Lots of long skinny vents and what might be described as a flat deck or spoiler sticking out at the top rear. It comes in some brighter colors, including orange. Ring fit. US model. Cratoni sells this helmet in Asia with pads shaped to fit Asian heads. Retail is $70, reduced $20 from 2007.
  
  
• Xenon: A somewhat better-rounded helmet with many large vents and a strange "rim" around the rear. Inmolded, with the Head Ring adjustable headband to fit heads 53 to 60 cm (20.9 to 23.6 inches). Retails for about $60.
  
  
• C-Daily: Introduced in 2005, and probably Cratoni's best-rounded model, with large vents, bug net in the front vents and available in an XXL model that fits up to 65 cm (25.6 inch) heads. US model. Ring fit with an adjustment for the ring level inside the helmet, and one of the helmets Cratoni sells for Asian heads with adjusted padding. This one has a blinking red LED in the rear stabilizer. Retails for $40, down $30 for 2008. Cratoni has an optional "all weather kit" with a winter microshell with no vents that pins on and a set of earpads for $20 extra.
  
  
• C-Wild: New for 2008, a compact and reasonably well-rounded design with minimal snag points in the rear. It retails for 50 euros. It also comes with a removable chinbar as the C-Maniac, again new for 2008. The chinbar is EVA padded. It meets the CPSC standard but not the ASTM F 1952 downhill mountain biking standard. This one retails for 70 euros.
  
  
• Argon: Mountain bike (with visor) model with squared off ribs but nicely rounded in the rear with no snag point. Has bug net. Not a US model. Retail is about 50 euros.
  
  
• Neon: Another well-rounded design, again with bug net in the vents and retailing in the US for $30 (down $10).
  
  
• Mad X: a rounded child or youth helmet with no snag points in the rear, limited vents and the ring fit system. The wedge shape slopes upward in an almost flat plane to the top, then angles down again to large square vents in the rear. US model, retailing for $30.
  
  
• Rapper: Another youth model, with more squared-off lines giving it a snazzier appearance. Has a visor effect in front and a small shelf that hangs over in the rear. Ring fit system and bug net in the front vents. There are some bright colors available this year. Includes Cratoni's rear LED flasher. US model. Retail here is $30, down $10 despite the addition of the flasher, but in Europe it's going for 45 euros.
  
  
• Whirly: a vented toddler helmet with a well-rounded shape and no rear snag point.
  
  
• Fox: A child helmet with reasonable vents and ring fit. Rounded shape but has a molded in visor. Bug net in front vents. Fits heads as small as 47 cm (18.5 inches). Not a US model. Retails for about 20 euros.
  
  
• Interceptor: Cratoni's upscale downhill racing model, with full chinbar, a fiberglass/carbon fiber shell and a visor bolted on. It comes in flashy graphics or solid colors and has steel bug net protecting the front vents. Small top vents. It retails for $180. It meets both CE and US CPSC standards.
  
  
• C-Maniac: New for 2008, this is a full-face downhill racing helmet with a removable chinbar.
  
  
• Ramp: Another full-face downhill racing model, with a hard shell and bolted on visor. Small top vents like the Interceptor, but better rounded. Comes in visible white. US model. Retails for $80.

Cratoni's child models fit heads as small as 47 cm (18.5 inches) and their largest adult model fits up to 65 cm (25.6 inches). Their ring fit models cover from 52 to 60 cm (20.5 to 23.5 inches).

Cratoni will replace a crashed helmet for 50 per cent of the manufacturer's suggested retail price.

Dainese

Dainese was originally an Italian motorcycle gear company, but they have branched out into other sports. They have two helmet types, BMX motorcycle-style and a skate-style model. The motorcycle models all have full face chinbars and little pointy lumps on the outside. They all have large polycarbonate visors. They all look like motorcycle helmets, but the certifications are different, indicating that there are differences in their impact performance. Retail prices are about $300. They include:

• D-Raptor Fiber DX: vented black fiberglass shell with a dual-density EPS liner. European model.
  
  
• D-Raptor Fiber LE: transparent fiberglass shell with a dual-density EPS liner. US model.
  
  
• D-Raptor A-Fiber 2: transparent "fiberglass and aluminum fiber" shell or white with colored trim, with a dual-density EPS liner. European model certified only to EN 1078.
  
  
• D-Raptor Graphic: vented fiberglass shell, dual density EPS liner. US model.
  
  
• D-Raptor Graphic 2: vented fiberglass shell, dual density EPS liner. European model, certified to the EN1078 bike helmet standard.
  
  
• X-Blade Watersports Helmet: appears to be the same motorcycle-style helmet, with the same big BMX-style visor that looks like it could increase the bucketing potential when your head is under water. Fiberglass shell, single-density EPS liner. Certified to the European ECE 22/05 watersports standard, using lighter impacts than a bicycle helmet standard. Despite the appearance of a motorcycle helmet, this one would not be suitable for bicycle riding, and we would not wear it for water sports either. European model. With graphics on the outside it is the X-Splash.

Docmeter

Docmeter is a French company with a line of bicycle helmets also known as Helmeter. There are several models, including conventional mountain bike-style, inmolded helmets priced at about 50 to 60 Euros. There will be two new ones for 2009, including one with the company's rear air bladder fit system. The air bladder appears to be a rear stabilizer that blows up with a built-in pump to ensure a snug fit. Air bladder fit pads have been tried in the past and abandoned by other companies, notably Bell. We had concerns in the past about the long term durability of the bladders. Pricing is on the French website. Although the websites mention only the CEN European standard, the company informs us that their helmets meet the CPSC standard as well. As always, check for the CPSC sticker inside any particular model.

Ebon

Ebon is made by Co-Union Industry of Taiwan. Their bike helmets are inmolded, including the toddler models, with modest-to-pronounced rear snag points. They also have skate models. They use a ring fit system. Their strap adjustment pieces slip too easily. Visors are attached with pins to flip off in a crash, as they should. Prices should be in the $25 and up range.

Ecko

Ecko has been around since the early 1980's, first in California, then Idaho, now Arizona. Although they don't have a website and we have not seen their current catalog, Ecko has usually produced BMX racing and skateboard helmets. The BMX shells are fiberglass, with both open face and chinbar models. Visors are snap on, and are designed to pop off in an impact to avoid a snagging hazard, a very desirable safety feature. Sizing is U.S. 6 to 7 3/4. Ecko also distributes the RAD, billed as a multisport helmet. It has very small vents and a very well-rounded exterior surface, but we don't know what standards it might meet. We have not seen their 2006 line, and do not know if they are actually still manufacturing, but their helmets are available from some suppliers.

Eleven81

The Eleven81 helmet line is distributed in the US market by Hawley Company. We have not seen them, but all are inmolded and have a ring fit system. They also have bug net in the front vents, indicating European heritage, but we don't know who manufactures them for Hawley. Most are available in white or other bright and visible colors. Models include:

• Crosstown: a "commuter style" helmet with a very round and smooth exterior, reflective plug in the rear and a ring fit system. Inmolded with two shells. Visible pearl silver option. This is the most remarkable model in the Eleven81 line. It was their best seller in 2007 and retails for under $40.
  
  
• Open Road Pro: (Open Pro Road in the Hawley catalog) is a road helmet with a compact rounded rear treatment with only modest snag points. Inmolded with a double shell. Retail is about $40.
  
  
• Open Road and Open Road MET: road models, inmolded with single shells and the ring fit system. Retail about $30.
  
  
• Open Road Child's: Glued on shell with vents, $20 retail.
  
  
• Cross Town (toddler): glued on shell, vents, not the same model as the Cross Town adult helmet. Retail should be under $20.
  
  
• Half Pint Toddler: a toddler helmet with vents and glued-on shell. It has a rounded shape but an elongated front to form a visor.
  
  
• Pot Hole: a skate style helmet with a wrap-around ridge added for style. CPSC only. Comes in visible red. Retail is about $25.
  
  
• Err Head: a classic round, smooth skate-style helmet with small round vents in front and small tear-shaped vents on top. CPSC certified only. Comes in visible white and red. Under $20 retail.

Hawley offers a consumer-direct lifetime crash replacement guarantee

ESCO

Esco Sport Product Corp. is a Chinese company producing electric and gas scooters, bicycles and carts. It appears that some of their bike helmets are made with EPS foam and others with EPU, but that's about all we can tell from the website.

El Sol

See Bravo above.

Epsira Oy (Knock)

Epsira Oy is the Finnish manufacturer of Knock helmets, certified to the European CEN standard. They are supplied to such organizations as the Finnish postal service in very visible orange. Most of their designs appear to have nicely rounded contours and would be called commuter helmets in the US. Vents are modest in keeping with the Finnish climate. They have several models, including the H3, Knock, Inmotion 2 and Champion. Their Yad model is easily the strangest shape of any helmet we have seen on the web, with a huge bumpout in back that we would not recommend.

Some of their Knock child helmets have large team logos and cartoon characters called Moomins. All of Epsira Oy's helmets have either reflectors or a reflective band around the helmet. One previous model had reflective straps. Epsira Oy makes other EPS products and has some info up on EPS.

Etto

Etto is a Scandinavian manufacturer with 19 helmet models on their website. Some are interesting designs, but unfortunately they are never seen in the US. The website does not discuss standards or pricing. All Etto models have at least some reflective material on the back, and most have bug net in the front vents. Their most innovative feature--a slow release buckle for youth helmets to prevent "hanging" on playground equipment called EttoTech--was on hold for further development when we checked with them at the end of December, 2005, and has almost disappeared from their website.

• Hurricane: inmolded with large vents, rear snag points and carbon fiber internal reinforcing.
  
  
• Typhoon: inmolded with a very long snag point on the rear. Ring fit.
  
  
• On edge: inmolded with many small rear snag points. Ring fit.
  
  
• Cyclone: one of Etto's newer designs, inmolded with a little tab on the rear that appears as if it were added as an afterthought to make sure there was a snag point. Huge vents. Nice visible yellow available. Ring fit.
  
  
• Coolhead: inmolded with many vents and a modest snag point in the rear. Ring fit.
  
  
• Tornado: inmolded with a wedge shape and modest rear snag points.
  
  
• Vortex: inmolded with interior reinforcing and a nicely rounded shape for those with very large heads, fitting up to 64 cm. Ring fit. Black.
  
  
• Esperito: inmolded, with rounded lines that are chopped off flat in the back. Ring fit.
  
  
• FX-2: inmolded, nicely rounded with a minimal rear point.
  
  
• Storm: A 2007 model with taped-on shell. It has an elongated shape and overhang in the rear, with deep grooves and an aggressive looking V on the surface pointing forward. There is also an inmolded version called the Thunderstorm.
  
  
• Twister: youth helmet with taped on shell with rounded lines and a visor effect in front.
  
  
• Kolibri: inmolded women's model, nicely rounded with a minimal rear point.
  
  
• Mosquito: inmolded youth helmet with nicely rounded lines. Ring fit. Also comes in a Mosquito Girl female color scheme. Padded buckle to prevent pinching.
  
  
• Freesbee: child/youth helmet with a taped on shell, nicely rounded lines, good vents and ring fit. The model was called the Freesbee because it was intended to be equipped with a unique buckle-release system to open the buckle hydraulically if the child was "hung" on playground equipment or a tree for more than a few seconds. That apparently is still on hold for further development and Etto is selling it with a standard buckle.
  
  
• Ettino: vented toddler helmet with rounded lines and taped on shell. Fits heads as small as 41 cm, the smallest helmet advertised by any producer. Shaped like an adult helmet, so it is not likely to meet the coverage requirements of the CPSC standard for US sale. Padded buckle to prevent pinching. Ring fit. Has a visor. May require that a child in a trailer or high-backed child seat have a thick pad behind the child's back to prevent the rear section of the helmet from pushing the child's head forward and down. If you are searching for a helmet this small, please see our page on taking your baby along.
  
  
• Psycho: classic skate style helmet with a hard ABS shell and the usual small vents. Round vents in the front. Comes in chrome, colors and a "psycho" graphic with a skull and bones. Pad fit. Reflective material on the back. Etto also produces it for water sports with a neoprene liner replacing the EPS. They don't recommend that one for bicycling.

Etto dealers will replace crashed and damaged helmets "at only a small part of the cost."

Fly Racing

Fly Racing has a line of motorcycle BMX racing equipment, including full face helmets. All have bolted on visors, but at least the screws are plastic rather than metal, and would be more likely to break off when you need them to, rather than jerking your neck. If you want another snag point, Fly will sell you a rear fin to add to your helmet. It mounts without screws or glue, so hopefully would pop off in a crash. All of Fly's models meet the DOT motorcycle helmet standard. Their Lite and 606 models, as well as the THH TX-10 model that they sell, are on the Snell M-2005 motorcycle helmet standard list as well, offering a level of protection considerably above that of any normal bicycle helmet, including a chinbar with effective energy managing padding. Some Fly models have rubber debris deflectors

• Renaissance: new for 2008, with a carbon fiber/kevlar shell with a new chinpiece designed to promote air flow. Meets both DOT and Snell M 2005 standards. Variable width cheek pads are available for comfort. Retails for $260, or $230 in plain white.
  
  
• Trophy: new for 2008, with two fins on top spoiling the round smooth shape and no vents. Meets both DOT and Snell M 2005 standards, with a new chinpiece designed to promote air flow. Retail is $140.
  
  
• 606 IV: unvented shell, meets both the DOT and Snell 2005 motorcycle helmet standards. It has a snap-out liner. Comes in six outer adult shell sizes and three youth sizes. Tyler Evans Replica graphics. Retails for $130 in youth or adult sizes.
  
  
• Venom: unvented shell, meets the DOT motorcycle helmet standard. Retails for $80 in both adult and youth sizes.
  
  
• Gmax GMX-36X: polycarbonate shell, no vents, meets the DOT motorcycle helmet standard. Retails for $60, down $10 from last year.
  
  
• Gmax GM-36Y Youth: Polycarbonate shell, smaller and lighter youth size. Meets the DOT motorcycle helmet standard. $70 retail.
  
  
• Gmax GMX-46X: Polycarbonate shell, comes in four shell sizes from Youth Small to Adult extra large. Meets the DOT motorcycle helmet standard. Retails for $80, or $90 in the Skull Silver version.
  
  
• Gmax GMX-46Y: smaller and lighter youth version of the GMX-46X. Retails for $80. The Special Edition models come in pink, yellow and orange.
  
  
• Maverick: BMX and downhill racing model with full-face fiberglass shell with small vents and radical graphics. CPSC certified. Retails for $80.
  
  
• Tyler Evans Replica Lite IV: An "aero" model with more contours than other Fly helmets and a vented mouthpiece. Made with carbon fiber/kevlar, weighing in at 2.75 pounds for the large size, and meets DOT and the tough Snell M-2005 motorcycle helmet standard. No vents. Snap out liner. Retails for $250.
  

Fly's catalog has replacement parts for their helmets, including mouthpieces, visors, screws, pads and buckles. Sizing runs from 52 cm (6.5 inch) up to 66 cm (8 1/4 inch), a very wide range indeed. Along with their own brand, they distribute helmets made by Gmax and by THH.

Fox

Fox Racing has BMX and skate style helmets to compliment their line of racing accessories.

• Rampage: a downhill racing model with more coverage in the rear than most bicycle helmets, introduced in 2007. It has a full face chinbar. Retail is $130, up $10 from last year.
  
  
• Flux: introduced in 2007, the Flux is a skate style helmet with large vents. It is inmolded with a two-piece shell and a "spoiler" in the rear. Retail is $100.
  
  
• Transition: a new 2008 design available after February, a skate style helmet with small rectangular vents and a round smooth shape. Comes in visible white. Retails for $50.

Fox helmets come in sizes from 18 3/8" to 25 3/4". Fox has other models on their website that are promoted for motorcycle use. Fox Racing helmets are made by AGV, an Italian company that has made motorcycle helmets since 1949.

Free Agent

Free Agent has a very well-rounded classic skateboard-style helmet that comes in one shell size with three pad sets of different thicknesses. It has an EPP liner, good for multiple impacts. It is dual certified to meet the CPSC standard for bike helmets and the ASTM F 1492 skateboard standard. It retails for $25 to $35 in standard colors or $5 more with a chrome finish, and can be found on the Internet for as little as $20 plus shipping. It may fit larger heads better than most skate-style helmets. Free Agent also has a full face BMX helmet at $100, used by their team riders.

Fuji

Fuji has been a major bicycle supplier to the US market for many years. For 2007 they added a helmet line to complement their bikes, with model names matching bike models in most cases. We can't find it on the web now, but most of the models are probably the same.

• Team: has an elongated shape with one modest rear snag point. Inmolded with a two piece shell and partially recessed strap anchors. Ring fit. Retails for $50.
  
  
• Crosstown: another inmolded model, but the strap anchors are not recessed. Reasonably rounded rear. Ring fit. Retail is $40. Comes in a police model as well.
  
  
• Blaster: taped shell, bug net in front vents, ring fit.
  
  
• Lil' Fuji: vented toddler helmet with a taped shell and bug net in the front vents. There is a tabbed buckle to prevent skin pinching.

Fuji provides a full replacement guarantee.

Garneau

See Louis Garneau below under "L"

Gear

See Headstart below.

Geartec

Geartec is handled by KHS Bicycles in the US as Geartec or DBX. In 2004 they recalled their DBX Engage (Geartec VT-3), DBX Ravage (Geartec FX-2), and Geartec ESPY. See our recall page for details. We don't seem to see their helmets marketed to bicyclists any more, and the promised website never materialized.

Giant

Giant supplies a full line of bikes and accessories to bike shops. Their helmets have good quality locking strap fittings that hold well.

• Ares: pronounced rear snag point, carbon fiber bridge showing and internal reinforcement, full wrap microshell. Three sizes fitted with pads. Retails for $100.
  
  
• Ixion: another pronounced snag point, this time with an aluminum bridge and internal reinforcing, full wrap shell, lever-flip strap locks and nice internal strap anchors. Three sizes fitted with pads. The women's model is the Athena. Retail for either is $75.
  
  
• Orion: pronounced snag point, recessed strap anchors in the full wrap shell. Ring fit, lavender for women. The larger version is called the Heracles, fitting up to 62 cm heads. Retail is $50.
  
  
• Talos: moderate snag point, ring fit with a dial adjuster. Inmolded, with nice internal strap anchors. Retail is $35.
  
  
• Scion: youth helmet, new for 2005. Has ring fit and a rear snag point. Retails for $35.
  
  
• Skeeter/Jewel: youth model, ring fit system, with taped-on shell and a very small snag point in the rear. Retail is $25.
  
  
• Pup: toddler model, very round and smooth, retails for $25.

Giro

In its tenth year as a subsidiary of Bell and its 21st since it was founded, Giro's production facilities and testing are fully integrated with Bell's, but Giro designs still have a unique fit. Giro has been a trend leader for both style and construction techniques, and sometimes has a radical new model at the top of their line. In 2008 they will be selling Lance Armstrong's 2004 Atmos again, but are adding two models including one better rounded "compact" style. The line had been gradually evolving toward a more rounded profile over the past several years, but still has high-end models with more pronounced snagging points and the lower end of the line got more pointy in 2005. All of their helmets are inmolded. High-end Giros use fitting pads, but the less expensive ones are ring fit. Most are available in white or another visible color. Some of Giro's helmets have reflective surfaces on the rear stabilizers, an ideal place for those who ride in the bent-over position. Visors are mounted with pins that snap into the helmet shell and have an adjustable angle. Our unscientific hand test showed them to pop out readily on impact. Strap fittings are not among the best for holding securely after adjusting, although on the new Rift model they do hold well. Consumer Reports found Giro's cheaper models more protective than the top of the line in their 2002 article, probably because the cheaper ones have smaller vents and more foam. Giro and other manufacturers have hyper-ventilated models produced for the European market that meet the CEN standard but are not certified to meet the tougher US CPSC standard.

• Ionos: Giro's new top of the line is a hyper-ventilated, technical looking design that appears to be multi-layered and has exposed carbon fiber accents. The sample we saw had no resin impregnating the fiber, but that would rob it of strength, so we assume it will have resin in production helmets. The Ionos has a compact shape but pronounced rear snag points. Prototypes were worn by three teams in the 2007 Tour de France. There are some nice bright color combinations. Giro says it is cooler than the Atmos and cooler than a bare head. Retail is a cool $225.
  
  
• Atmos: This was Lance Armstrong's helmet in 2004. The Atmos has interior reinforcing, exterior carbon fiber reinforcing and an extensive three-piece shell molded on. All that is primarily to permit opening up bigger vents while still meeting the CPSC standard, not necessarily improving the impact performance above prior levels. Bicycling magazine named the Atmos tops in cooling (along with the 2004 Specialized S1) in its January/February 2005 issue. In addition to several moderate snag points in the rear, this model has forward facing points in the middle. We would avoid this one for that feature if no other, since it contributes nothing at all to the function of the helmet. But if you want Lance's helmet, this is it. Uses fit pads. Retail is still $175.
  
• Monza: has the compact shape, although there are small snag points on both the front and rear. Uses fit pads. Chosen by Bicycling magazine in their June 2006 issue as best helmet for $100 or less. Retail is now up to $105.
  
  
• Pneumo: introduced in 2001, this model broke new ground in ventilation. The oversize vents, channels and graphics combined to make it appear to have less material than any other CPSC helmet we had seen at that time. It still has external strap anchors, a cheap construction technique that we always find surprising in a high-cost helmet, but since the shell is not round and smooth anyway it probably does not make much difference in sliding resistance. There is a pronounced rear snag point. Upper and lower shells are molded in. Comes with a visor. Uses fit pads. Retail is $145. For better Giro impact protection, you have to pay less, according to Consumer Reports.
  
  
• Stylus: Introduced in 2007, this one has the rounded exterior of the compact shape, with minimal rear snag points. This one has better recessed strap anchors than the Pneumo. Uses fit pads. Giro's least expensive high-end helmet. Retail is $84.
  
  
• Xen: Giro touts the Xen (pronounced zen) as having "the coverage of skate helmets," even though when you put it on and position it in front the extra side or rear coverage turns out to be mostly an illusion. But this helmet has a nicely rounded shape far superior to most Giro models, while retaining the huge Giro vents. Inmolded, and the shell is a full wrap-under. For 2008 Giro introduced a "fabric" finish with the look and feel of canvas. That's a fashion gimmick that probably increases the helmet's sliding resistance in an impact, potentially adding to strain on your neck and g's to your brain. We would recommend sticking with plastic shells. Unfortunately there are no bright color choices for the Xen. This one is worth a look for the shape if you are a Giro fan. If you really want additional rear coverage in a Giro, see the Flak below. Retails for $130.
  
  
• E2: Giro calls this one a "mountain" helmet, with squared off lines. particularly in the rear, and huge vents. There is one very pronounced rear "shelf" projection that looks almost as if it were designed to hook something in a fall. $130 retail.
  
  
• Hex: introduced in 2006, a reasonably shaped "trail riding" helmet with a shape similar to the Xen. It is not really smooth, but has a compact profile with no rear snag point. There is a visible white for 2008. Retails for $84.
  
  
• Havoc: The Havoc was Giro's roundest, smoothest high-end model in prior years, and their earliest with the compact shape. The rear snag point was almost eliminated in this model. The Havoc has external strap anchors marring that otherwise improved outer shell line with a potential friction point. Very large vents, molded-in upper and lower shell. Retails for $64.
  
  
• Animas: The Animas has the usual rear snag point and a two piece molded shell. It retails for $105.
  
  
• Rift: New for 2008, this is Giro's mid range inmolded model with a more rounded shape than other Giro road/mountain models with just one modest snag point. Plenty of vents. Ring fit. The same Giro strap fittings that slip on other models seem to hold securely on this one. Comes in bright red and visible white. Retails for $54.
  
  
• Indicator: Giro's least expensive model has a pronounced rear snag point, but at least the strap anchors are recessed under the shell. Has a ring fit system. Also comes in a "women's" model called the Skyla. Without a visor, it's the Transfer at $30, Giro's lowest adult price point and still inmolded. In youth size it is the Flume, fitting down to 19.75 inches (50 cm) and sells for $38. If you prefer a big rear snag point and the elongated shape that seems to be on its way out, this one may not be around much longer.
  
  
• Atlas II: Giro's extra large model, now rated 1 cm larger to fit 59 to 64 cm (23.25 to 25.2 inch) heads, and retained in the line as Giro's largest helmet. Still the elongated shape, with a snag point in the rear. Retail is $38.
  
  
• Flak: A skate-style model with ABS hard shell, small vents and good coverage. Plain colors or a very visible acid yellow. Meets only CPSC, not the skateboard standard. Retail is $35. For 2008 there is no extra charge for graphics or pastel colors.
  
  
• Rodeo: A "youth" helmet for kids who are old enough to pedal. Nicely rounded except for a front overhang providing a rigid visor. Has the universal ring fit system for parents who want a quick fit and no worries about head growth. Bug net in the front vents. The shell is taped on, not molded. Retails for $30. In the smallest size it becomes the Me2, a toddler helmet with a different fit system. Said to have a low profile in the rear to permit a more natural seating position in trailers, where thicker helmets can push a kid's head forward unless they have a pad behind their back. Fits down to 48 cm (18.75"). Retail is $30.
  
  
• Remedy CF: A downhill racing helmet with a motorcycle-style chinbar. Giro claims that the Remedy CF "manages up to 20% more impact energy," but they don't say what the comparison is with. They no longer advertise it as meeting the ASTM F 1952 Downhill Mountain Bike Racing standard. It has a nicely rounded exterior, marred only by the industry-standard bolted on visor, and is well vented for this type of helmet. There is a minimal amount of EVA foam padding in the chinbar. It retails as the Remedy in fiberglass for $120 weighing 1050 gr (37 oz.) or for $270 as the Remedy CF with carbon fiber weighing 900 gr (32 oz.).
  
  
• Advantage 2: A 2007 design and a welcome addition to Giro's lineup, its first chrono time trial helmet meeting the US CPSC standard. (Giro's previous Advantage model had been sold only in Europe.) inmolded with five small vents. Like all chrono helmets, it only makes sense for time trialers or track use. Retails for $150.

Giro also sells helmets in Europe. Their catalog says they are certified to the European standard, so they may not have the same protection as the US models listed above even if the names are the same.

This year Giro helmets fit heads from 48 cm (18.75") to 63 cm (24.75"). A graphic in their catalog shows that they consider the 63 cm size as the tail of the bell curve distribution of head sizes.

Giro recommends replacing their helmets after 3 years. Their crash warranty is a discount from retail prices for the first three years. They also offer a credit toward the purchase of a larger Giro helmet for parents whose children outgrow a child model.

Gmax

See Fly Racing above.

Go On Sport - GOS

Go On Sport is the first new Australian company that has attempted to enter the US market in this century. They hoped to introduce five models here beginning in 2005, in the $20 to $50 range. Their helmets are inmolded, and some have two-piece full wrap shells. They are manufactured in China. Their website says "under construction."

Golex (Zhuhai Golex)

Golex is a Chinese producer of bicycle, skateboard, BMX, motorcycle and other types of helmets. There are at least 24 models in their catalog. Three appear on the Snell B-95 certification list, the N6, the V10 and the V-12. They should be available in mass merchant channels, and some may find their way into bike stores.

GPR-PLIM

GPR makes helmets in China to be sold under other brands. They are a large manufacturer for the European market, and have been looking to bring their lines to the US for some time. You can see at least one of their interesting new designs in a patent search. We do not have pricing for GPR. Their models include:

• Urbanus: a round, smooth commuter-style helmet with glued on shell and ring fit system. Bug net in front vents. European model certified to the CEN standard.
  
  
• Bike Helmet (Adults): inmolded with four shell pieces, rear snag point, ring fit. Bug net in front vents. European model certified to the CEN standard.
  
  
• Spina: inmolded with a moderate snag point, visor, ring fit. European model certified to the CEN standard.
  
  
• Venimos: inmolded with two shell pieces, recessed strap anchors, many vents, visor, ring fit. European model certified to the CEN standard.
  
  
• Virtus: glued on shell but still has external strap anchors in the front, many small vents, rear snag point, visor, ring fit. Bug net in front vents. European model certified to the CEN standard.
  
  
• Veni: youth model with glued on shell, bug net in front vents, CPSC as well as CEN certification. Two sizes fit 46 to 56 cm heads.
  
  
• Vidi: glued on shell, very round and smooth with only seven vents, visor. Bug net in front vents. Certified to CPSC as well as the CEN standard.
  
  
• Vici: (completes the veni, vidi, vici model series) glued on shell with fewer but much larger vents. Bug net in front vents. European model certified to the CEN standard.
  
  
• Aventicum II: glued on shell, well rounded profile, visor. Bug net in front vents. Two shell sizes accommodate up to 62 cm heads. Certified to CPSC as well as the CEN standard.
  
  
• Caddy: child helmet with six vents, bug net in front vents and certified only to the CEN standard.
  
  
• X: classic skate style helmet with hard ABS shell, small vents, pad fit, CEN certification.

Halolux

Halolux is a Hong Kong company with a helmet that has fiber optic lights incorporated in the shell. LED's in the rear "lightbox" generate the light, and the optical fibers carry it around the shell. We have not seen them yet and don't know how much light can be generated by two coin cells that are said to last 60 hours. The light can be flashing or steady. According to the web page, the Halolight model first introduced in July of 2008 is certified to both the CPSC and CEN European standards, so we hope to see one soon. Retail is reported to be $55 in the US market.

Happy Way Enterprises

This Taiwanese manufacturer has a slick looking line of Expanded PolyUrethane (EPU) helmets. All are fully inmolded models, including the D2 and the Vivid for adults and a G6 model for toddlers. They are near the $40 retail level. Adding a rear stabilizer or 3M reflective tape adds about a dollar and a half each. The EPU makes the helmet a little heavier than an EPS helmet, but some consumers like the solid feel of them. Happy Way sells mostly in Europe, but in the US they sell to importers and OEM's with their own brands. Their sizing fits 47 to 62 cm. heads.

Headlight AB

Headlight is a Swedish company with a line of reflective helmets. For years we have listed them under Kuji Sports, the sole distributor of their helmets in the US. Headlight has several models, certified to either European standards for the Euro market or CPSC for the US market. They have two grades of reflective shells, so the whole helmet is reflective, using the silver color that normally produces the best reflective performance. They apply graphics on top of that. In Europe they were formerly known as Solid, but now produce their helmets with the distributor or retailer's brand on them.

Headstart PTY (Australia)

Once one of at least three helmet companies called Headstart. This one had nine adult models under the Gear brand name.

Headstart (Malaysia)

This Headstart is located in Malaysia, and should not be confused with the Canadian manufacturer called Headstart Technologies or the Australian company above. When we last heard, Malaysia's Headstart was represented by Damar in New York. We are not familiar with their helmets.

Headstart Technologies

This formerly Canadian manufacturer and user of EPP foam has moved to the US and changed its line, supplying helmets imported from China with the usual EPS liners. We have not seen their new line, and can't find them on the web.

Helmets R Us (formerly Century Cycles)

This unique West Coast distributor of bicycle products has taken on the Zhuhai Safety lines labeled T-Star and Celuk to sell to dealers or non-profits at very low prices. They will fill small orders. In large quantities their models start at about $5 each, with skateboard helmets at $6.50 and downhill mountain bike helmets that look identical to major brands for just $30. See the writeup below on Zhuhai Safety for descriptions. They are mostly certified to Snell's tough B-95 standard. They have rear stabilizers and full cover shells, features almost never seen in this price range. Sizes range from 49 to 62 cm (19.3 to 24.5 inches).

Hong Kong Sports

HKS has five helmets on Snell's B-90 list, including the M3, M5, V-01 and two Schwinn models. They manufacture for a number of other US brands as well, some of them well known.

Hopus

Hopus is a Taiwanese company with an extensive line of helmets. They are known for innovative construction techniques. They say their hard shells are all made with industrial grade ABS for best impact performance. Some of them have a layer of resilient foam for multi-impact performance, a feature they call SIS. Hopus also has thin-shell models, some inmolded, and a unique fiberglass model that is inmolded. Their US models are all CPSC, but others may meet only CEN and be intended for the European market. Most of their models are sold with other brands on them. They have a large line, many of them not on the web. They include:

• EX-9: inmolded with a fiberglass shell, the first we have seen of that combination. It has stainless steel mesh internal reinforcing. The shape is elongated, with a small snag point.
  
  
• A-4 Plus, A-6 Plus, E-2 Epoch, Ex-1 Extreme and Ex-5 Extreme: road-style helmets, all inmolded, and all featuring a lower shell for full coverage. They have a nicely rounded shape with minimal rear snag points. The A-6 Plus is the top of the Hopus line at $75. It has aluminum mesh molded into the shell that also provides bug net for the vents.
  
  
• A-8 Plus and Elf-1 Elf: polycarbonate hard shell bike helmets with very nicely rounded lines. Both are inmolded.
  
  
• B-1 Bravo: An unusual inmolded toddler helmet with vents, fitting sizes as small as 50 cm.
  
  
• MF-2, MF-5, MF-6, MF-7, MF-8 and MF-9 May Flower: all skate style models that debuted in 2004, with similar hard shells but variations in the vents. They are inmolded with hard polycarbonate shells, a unique combination. They have the well-rounded shape of skate helmets. The MF-2 Classic is a snow series model for winter sport use with ear flaps and a goggle retainer in the rear. It is certified to the ASTM F 2040 snow sport standard as well as the CPSC and CEN bike standards, so it is a true multi-sport helmet. Can be had with very visible flame graphics and a nice metallic orange.
  
  
• FSK Free Skating a hard shell skate-style helmet with an ABS shell and EPS foam liner.
  
  
• MF-3 Avenger: is billed as a multi-sport helmet and available as a "snow series" model with ear flaps and a goggle retainer in back, although it is advertised as meeting only the CPSC and CEN bicycle helmet standards, not ski helmet standards. Has a very round smooth skate-style shape, and the ABS hard shell, with more vents than the MF-2 below. There is a very visible metallic yellow model. Retails for $20 to $40.
  
  
• AG-2 Argo: is a round, smooth skate-style helmet with a hard ABS shell and minimal vents. It is inmolded. Has a snow series model for winter sport use with ear flaps and a goggle retainer in the rear.
  
  
• MI-4 Mission: is a skate-style helmet with angular vents and a mostly round and smooth outer shape. Has inflatable airbag rear pads. Certified to the CPSC and European bike helmet standards.
  
  
• D-1 Diki: a rare child helmet with ABS hard shell. Has vents and an overhang in front to provide a partial visor. The XS fits heads as small as 52 cm.

Hopus has sizes in most models to fit 50 to 62 cm heads, but some models only go to 60 cm. This company is your best bet if you are looking for a bike-style helmet with a hard shell. You can contact them through their website to ask who sells their helmets in your market.

Integrated Helmet Technology - IHT

IHT's Akuma subsidiary produces military and motorcycle helmets with interior electronics. They have one model, the Falcon with sharp-ridged lines and a modest rear snag point. It has a rechargeable Lithium ion battery system powering a rear LED light (not a flasher). The lithium cell is protected from charging and discharge problems. The battery is said to be good for 13+ hours before recharging. IHT is currently selling only to public service organizations such as police, fire and EMS departments. The retail price is $70. The same Integrated Lighting System lights are on some of the Ironman helmets below. The Falcon is not on the Akuma website, but you can find a 2006 review of the Falcon LE on the International Police Mountain Bike Association's website. This page has a photo of the Falcon in visible white with POLICE on the side.

Ironman

Ironman has eight models for 2008, all with rear snag points, large vents and ring fit systems. All are inmolded with recessed strap anchors, making the low-end model probably a good value. Most have good-sized patches of Reflectek brand reflective material, and tabs under the buckle to prevent pinching. Their Integrated Light Series for 2008 has a lithium ion battery providing eight to ten hours of flashing light. They have one model that is a Breast Cancer Awareness promotion, rebating 10% of the purchase price to cancer research. Ironman helmets are manufactured by Kuji Sports.

• Stealth: a unique 2008 design with long skinny vents that can be adjusted open for cooling on a hot day or closed for better aerodynamics. Retails for $150.
  
  
• Ultralight: inmolded with internal reinforcing and two snag points in the rear. Retails for $129.
  
  
• Fusion: inmolded with a wrap-under shell and a moderate snag point. Designed for police, EMS and security personnel, with impressively bright superflux LEDs. Retails for $40, or with the ILS lights for $60.
  
  
• Kona Elite Series: for bike shops and running shops, selling for $160, down $40 from last year. Includes some carbon fiber internal reinforcing and some on the surface, but on the sample we saw it was not impregnated with resin, so would add little strength. Elongated design with small sharp rear points. Comes with a carrying case.
  
  
• Endura: introduced in 2007, an elongated design with a two piece shell wrapping under and three small snag points. This one has a good patch of reflective material with multi-angled surfaces. Retails for $50.
  
  
• Pro Series: for Big Box stores, selling for $70 ($10 less than last year). Has a second wrap-under shell and some reflective surfaces using the same technology Kuji uses for the Reflectek line. More compact shape with a sharp dropoff at the rear. With the ILS lighting system it sells for $100.
  
  
• Forza: a "women's" helmet for smaller heads with a narrower fit, inmolded with a double shell. Retails for $60.
  
  
• Ultimate: another 2007 design. Has a pronounced rear snag point, and a large reflective patch, and comes in sizes up to 63 cm (24.8 inches). It sells at Wal-Mart for $30.

Ironman has a free crash replacement policy.

J&B Importers - JBI.Bike

J&B is a long-established bicycle wholesaler with warehouses all over the US. Their products are sold in bike stores. J&B's lower cost Airius line has models beginning at about $15 retail to about $30. The profiles tend to be the well-rounded ones we favor. Colors are solid, with some metallic finishes. For 2008 they have added a Chronos model with built in LED flashers in the rear stabilizer, retailing for about $40. Their add-on visors should run about $4 in a bike store, and are mounted with hook-and-loop. They have Airius helmet pad replacements retailing at about $3. J&B has an active program for schools and non-profits either through a local shop or direct. Their Airius helmets are made in China.

KB

Abbreviation for Knucklebone below.

KBC Helmets

KBC has manufacturing facilities in Korea and China. They have one model on the Snell B-95A bicycle helmet standard list, the AZX. They have more than 20 motorcycle helmet models on the tough Snell M-2005 motorcycle helmet list. We have never seen the AZX model, but the KBC helmets available from dealers on the web are full-face motorcycle-style helmets for BMX selling for about $200. If you have the KBC Midnight Flame, Classic Cruiser or TK-9 model, do a search for the DOT report of failure to meet the DOT motorcycle helmet standard, dated October of 2003. That standard is much more severe than bicycle helmet standards, but if a manufacturer labels a helmet as DOT-compliant and it is not, we consider it serious. Note that unlike CPSC, DOT makes its reports public.

KED

KED is a German company that had manufactured helmets for other brands for more than ten years, before introducing its own line. Almost all of their models have LED flashers built into the rear, with a replaceable $3 battery/chip unit to power them for 120 hours. (We were not particularly impressed with the light output.) Their helmets with glued on shells are made with a cold-gluing process that leaves no space underneath the shell and makes the helmet look inmolded. Gluing the shells on allows them to put the strap anchors under the shell, a good feature. KED's strap adjusters tend to slip, a common problem. They put a thoughtful pad under the buckle to prevent skin pinches. All models have bug net in the front vents. Some are Euro models with only CEN certification. Models include:

• Stingray: introduced in 2007, with a squared off rear profile and a pronounced snag point. LED flasher.
  
  
• Neo: a lumpy exterior design with rear snag points. There is also a Neo Visor model at a higher price. LED flasher.
  
  
• Champion: pronounced rear snag point, very large vents, LED flasher. CE and CPSC certification. Retail is $100. With visor it becomes the Champion Visor.
  
  
• Fazer: road model with another lumpy outer shell with large front vents and rear snag points. Bug mesh in the vents. LED flasher. Also available in youth size as the Fazer Jr.
  
  
• Xantos: road model with a very large rear vent, bug mesh and a somewhat reduced snag point in the rear. LED flasher.
  
  
• Spiri: road model with another lumpy outer shell with large front vents and rear snag points. Bug mesh in the vents. LED flasher.
  
  
• Street: elongated road model with a more rounded rear treatment than most of the KED line, with a slightly upswept tab but minimal snag point. Also comes as the Street Jr for youth. LED flasher.
  
  
• VS: elongated but nicely rounded design with a minimal snag point. LED flasher.
  
  
• Easy: well-rounded with long vents and a slightly upswept rear but without a rear snag point. Has bug mesh, LED flasher and CEN certification. Vents look large on the surface but are not cut all the way through, so they neck down to much smaller openings.
  
  
• City: elongated road model but better rounded than some with an upswept rear snag point. KED's largest model, with the XXL fitting sizes 60 cm to 64 cm+ (23.6 to 25.2+ inches).
  
  
• Joker: nicely rounded road helmet with double shell protecting lower edges and the LED flasher. Available in flower or star graphics.
  
  
• Flitzi: another rounded road style, pitched for youth. Has the LED flashers.
  
  
• Swingo: youth size helmet with small vents, ring fit and LED flashers.
  
  
• Meggy: toddler helmet with good-sized vents and both CE and CPSC certification "only for American market." LED flasher. There are some versions with licensed cartoon character graphics.
  
  
• Freeride: a classic skate helmet with small oval vents. No LED flasher.
  
  
• Zeitfahren: Chrono model for time trial and pursuit that looks like a regular bike helmet but is smooth-skinned with no vents in front, and two large vents in the rear.

KED's catalog has a listing of useful spare parts for their helmets. It includes visors, fit pads, ring fit parts, the led battery/chip replacement, buckles and more.

Kent Bicycles

Kent is a supplier of low-cost helmets to toy and discount stores as well as bike shops, some labeled XFactor. Last year they had adult, youth and toddler models at retail price points of $11 to $22. For 2008 their USA helmet line has only the Razor V17, a classic skate-style helmet with oval vents retailing for about $20 at Kmart, Target and Toys R Us. The website shows two more, including the V-19, a strange looking design with a smooth front but an exaggerated rear shelf extension/snag point in black or gray, and the V-10, a round, smooth shape with minimal vents in black or white. We don't know why their line changed so much since our last review.

Knucklebone

Knucklebone or KB brand accessories and clothing for BMX are from Answer Products. Their "KB" branded Jumper Pro model is the familiar skateboarders profile, very smooth and round, with an EPS foam liner. The website says, "Many have followed since we first introduced the Jumper, but no one has been able to match the level of protection and quality the KB Jumper helmet offers." This despite the fact that the helmet is not certified to the ASTM F 1492 skateboard standard, as a number of competitors are. It has a painted and clear-coated shell that includes a chrome model and a very visible white or orange, and retails for $40. When the web page was still up (dated 2002) it listed a BMX Holeshot model with a full chinbar and sliding forehead vents, and a cheaper version called the HS-1.

Knucklehead

A new entry into the US market in 2008, A Knucklehead Company promises to deliver a line of bike and skate helmets made in China, designed for any company who wants their own helmet line. You will probably not see their own brand in the US market, even if they eventually supply helmets here.

Kong

Kong is an Italian climbing equipment company. They have one helmet called the Scarab that goes beyond dual certified to be certified to European standards for rock climbing, skateboarding, bicycling, equestrian use and whitewater. All of those standards are easier to meet than the US equivalent, and the Scarab can't be sold in the US as a bicycle helmet unless it meets the CPSC standard, but it is an interesting concept. The Scarab has a ring fit system with dial adjustment. It appears to have external strap anchors. It is also used for spelunking, so there is a clasp in front for a caving light. We were surprised to see this one selling in the US market despite it's lack of CPSC certification. One site had a statement that said "Can be used for climbing, biking, canoeing and horseback riding. NOTE: Only certified as a climbing helmet in the US (UIAA certified)." We would not recommend buying a helmet from any retailer who is apparently unconcerned about their products' meeting the relevant standards.

Kryptonics

Kryptonics is a skateboard equipment manufacturer originally founded to make skateboard wheels in 1965. Their helmets are made by Mien Yow in China. We see them in discount sporting goods stores. They were one of the companies marketing helmets that were dual certified to both the ASTM F 1492 Skateboard standard and the CPSC bicycle helmet standard, but apparently are not any more, since their Kore helmets no longer claim that. Instead the web page has a statement saying: All Kryptonics helmets pass CPSC 1203 standards for Bicycle, Inline and Skateboards." That statement is incorrect, since the CPSC standard is not for skateboarding. Further down their page they have the correct statement "Complies with US CPSC safety standards for bicycle helmets persons age 5 and older." We would not recommend buying a helmet from any manufacturer who is that confused about standards, since there are real dual-certified helmets out there from other manufacturers.

Kuji Sports

Kuji Sports is a Chinese company whose website says they ship over 3 million helmets to the US every year, but you have not seen their brand here because the helmets are made for other companies. They have many models in bicycle styles, including inmolded road helmets, glued or taped on shell road helmets, skate, toddler and full-face models. Their Reflectek line has Headlight's reflective shell design and should be available at big box stores like Wal-Mart, Kmart, Academy Sports, Dunham Sports, and others, some selling for under $20. Retail prices are about $10 to $35. Kuji also produces Ironman brand helmets.

LAS

LAS (or L.A.S.) is an Italian company with a line of high-end helmets that have been made in Italy since 1974. They are available for 2008 in US bike stores with distribution handled by Trialtir. LAS has some radical designs, with the emphasis on style. There are some nice bright colors available and finish quality is good. Models include:

• Haxial: Top of the line model with many long narrow vents and several rear snag points. Ring fit. Cheap-looking external strap anchors stick up above the shell. Has the European style bug netting in front vents in cotton and aluminum. There are bright red and white color options as well as a beautiful gold. Retail is $200. Also available with a unique flat aluminum shelf they call an "aerator" mounted about a half inch above the shell that is supposed to direct air into the vents. We do not understand how it meets the CPSC standard for projections with the front edge of that shelf sticking up, but they have documents to prove that a reputable test lab in the US has certified them. We would recommend avoiding it anyway for the possible snag hazard. Cost of the aerator is $30 to $90 depending on finish.
  
  
• Bionix: another truly unique innovation in helmet design, the Bionix has what appears to be a second shell overlapping from the rear of the helmet.
  
  style="width: 60%;" alt="Bionix helmet" SRC="images/lasbionix.jpg"
  
  The increase in forward-facing potential snag points is stunning, not to mention the huge rear overhang. Ring fit, available in the US. Retail is $215, $45 higher than last year. Another one to avoid.
  
  
• Kripton: inmolded with pronounced rear snag points. Ring fit system. Available in the US market. Retails for $135.
  
  
• Squalo: inmolded with sharp sculpted lines and grooves suggesting a helmet for Frodo, with peaks sticking up at the top. Rear snag points, two shell sizes fitting 52 to 63 cm (20.9 to 24.8 inches) heads. Has silver-impregnated liner material to retard bacterial growth. Retails for $165, up $15 this year.
  
  
• Istrion: the LAS compact model, with reduced snag points and ring fit, available in the US, retail $150.
  
  
• Esprit II: another compact model, this time the best rounded design in the LAS line. Retail is $ 80.
  
  
• Hitek-Cycling: a "city helmet" with a round profile, but long vertical vents and graphics not like other commuter helmets. Inmolded with external strap anchors. Visor, with a rounded profile to fit the helmet style. There is a visible white option. Not available in the US market.
  
  
• Compact: the roundest, smoothest helmet in the L.A.S. line, promoted for rollerblading as well as cycling. Ring fit, available in the European market. Retail should be about $80.
  
  
• Roadspeed: a vented toddler model with an extra small 45 cm (17.7") minimum head size for the "Baby" model. Meets CEN European standards for bicycling and equestrian use. Not available in the US. See our page on taking your baby along before you look for this helmet! Our page on tiny helmets has more.
  
  
• Chrono: time-trial aero helmet with a polycarbonate shell, no front vents and an integrated clear partial front face shield. Very long tail to reach the rider's back, with a slight shoulder hump. Certified to both the CPSC and CEN standards. Ring fit for 54 to 61 cm (21.3 to 24.0 inches) heads. Retail is $250 this year.

The regular LAS line can fit heads from 51 cm to 64 cm (20 7/8" to 24"). Only the Roadspeed Baby is sized at 45 cm.

Lazer

Lazer is produced by a Belgian company, Cross HM S.A., established in 1919. Their helmets have not been well known in the US in the past, but Lazer is now marketing through Quality Bicycle Products, a major distributor to US bike shops. Their high end models have recessed strap anchors. The models below are all certified to the CPSC standard and could be available in the US market. Lazer sells the same helmets in Asia, where heads are rounder, and their new fit system adjusts. The Genesis, Blade, Magma and X3M come in a women's model with pastel colors and bright colored straps, said to be "ponytail friendly." Their built-in LED models run on button cells to reduce the bulk of the battery and permit the helmets to pass impact standards.

• Urbanize: a new helmet for 2008, Lazer's city helmet is round and smooth except for a bumped out integral visor in front. It looks more like an equestrian helmet than a bike helmet, but has rectangular vents. Inmolded in one piece, it has LED lights that click into those rectangular vents in front and back for night use "without you looking like a biking torch." Comes in visible white with racing stripes, as well as pink and some drab colors. Ring fit. Retails for $80.
  
  
• Genesis RD: introduced in 2006, a high end model inmolded with multiple shell pieces wrapping around the lower foam sections. Has an elongated shape with rear snag points and three forward facing points as well. It has a ring fit system adjusted with a toothed wheel at the top rear that turns a long screw. Even though the Genesis is CPSC certified, we would avoid this model because we would not want to crash on that spot. Retail is $175, or 7,000 euro for the presentation model reported in Bicycling in September of 2006 that features a 1.18 caret diamond on a gold nameplate. In mountain bike trim with visor it is the Genesis XC at $180 retail.
  
  
• Blade 2 RD: updated for 2008, an elongated model with a five-part shell that comes all the way down the rear, very large vents, and the usual rear snag points. A flat part of the internal reinforcing crosses one front vent, giving the appearance of a blade (and restricting airflow) for fashion. The strap anchors are nicely recessed. With visor it is the Blade 2 XC.
  
  
• X3M (extreme) inmolded, with a rear snag point. Retails for $55 and is available in a very visible yellow. Without visor it was known as the O2, but for 2008 there will be a new O2 model. For 2008 Lazer added a second lower shell piece and it is called the 2X3M (too extreme) The same helmet appears in some markets as the CycleOne women's or youth model at $45 with a zebra stripe option. It has Lazer's older fit system and is good for narrower heads.
  
  
• Magma XC: an elongated model, inmolded with four shell pieces providing full coverage, including the rear snag points. Has three forward facing snag points along the surface. The external strap anchors are painted in this model. Ring fit. The extra large Big Magma XC fits up to 64 cm (25.2 inch) heads. There is a "weather cap" for cold weather.
  
  
• Topaz: introduced in 2006, the roundest and smoothest road helmet in Lazer's line with restrained rear snag points, inmolded with moderate vents, a ring fit system, visor and CPSC certification.
  
  
• Max Deluxe: a well-vented toddler helmet with cute graphics, some reflective, and bug net in the vents. The Max Dolphin and Max Shark models have a fin on the top, a potential snag point that seems unnecessary in a helmet that already has a rigid visor molded in to snag on. US/Australian model. It retails for $30, or an extra $5 for the models with the fin.
  
  
• Junior: new for 2008, a vented, inmolded youth model for ages 5 to 10, round and smooth except for an extension in the front to form a visor. Has an LED blinker in the rear stabilizer.
  
  
• MX-7: unvented downhill racing model with vented chinbar and a carbon fiber shell. Bolted on visor, of course. Flexible debris shield on the chinbar.
  
  
• X5: unvented downhill racing model with a chinbar and plastic shell meeting the US DOT motorcycle helmet standard. Bolted on visor.
  
  
• Factory Rider: a vented BMX or downhill helmet with full chinbar and carbon fiber shell. It has an unfortunate fin on the top adding style and a snag point to a helmet that already has a bolted on visor you can snag. They actually refer to the fin as a "stabilizer," perhaps because if it catches on something it will tend to stabilize your head in one place while your neck and body move on. Retail is $300.
  
  
• Excalibur: BMX full face model resembling the Factory Rider without the unnecessary fin, giving it a nicely rounded exterior. Fiberglass shell. Euro model. Available in white. Retails for $250.
  
  
• Voltage: downhill/BMX helmet replacing the X5 Boomerang, this time with an injection molded plastic shell instead of laminated fiberglass. That adds about 25 per cent to the weight. Meets the US DOT motorcycle helmet standard. Available in extra extra small size fitting 49 cm (19.3 inch) heads. Retail is $275.
  
  
• One a classic skate helmet with EPS liner meeting the CPSC standard. There are new graphics in 2008 including visible white and yellow, and even a yellow tweed. Retail is $30.
  
  
• Cool: great name for a skate model with four tiny rectangular vents. Visible green/white. Certified to CPSC.
  
  
• Chrono 3: Lazer's version of the chrono shape has a short tail style. It is inmolded with unfortunate clunky external strap anchors, three small vents and a ring fit system. It has both CEN and CPSC certification. Retails for $190.
  
  
• Bullet: new for 2008, a chrono-shaped helmet with a longer tail than the Chrono 3 and a few long, narrow vents. The black shell looks like carbon fiber but is not. Ring fit.

LED Helmets

LED is a Canadian company based in Alberta. They have one "one size fits most" helmet, with five flashing LED's around the helmet attempting to cover 360 degrees. We have not seen them, but the company provided test lab results showing the helmets meet the ASTM F1447-02 standard, so they would meet the CPSC standard as well. All of the results were good, with reasonable g levels. We don't know what power source they are using for the LED's or how bright they are. Retail should be "in the low to mid 30's."

Limar

Limar is an Italian brand. Their models usually have some bright color choices and nice graphics. Some of them are not available in the US market. Many of the inmolded models have unfortunate external strap anchors sticking up above the surface of the shell. Kid's models have pinch protector tabs on the buckle. Pricing varies by $5 to $10, so we cite the high end of the range, and you may find it for less. Limar has rounded out its line with helmets from other manufacturers, a common practice. According to Limar, all helmets listed below comply with the CEN, Australian and CPSC bicycle helmet standards.

• 104: new for 2008, billed by Limar as "the world's lightest helmet" and claimed to be 180 grams. Inmolded with large vents, round and smooth shell, probably not available in the US if that weight is correct. Retail is 100 euros.
  
  
• 969: Limar's top of the line in 2007, this one is an elongated design with a two piece molded shell with "carbon inserts." It is nicely rounded with only a modest snag point. Retail is $150.
  
  
• 911: the top of Limar's line when introduced in 2004. It is inmolded with a full wrap-under shell. Although it has angular lines, it is reasonably well-rounded and the rear has small snag points. Many narrow longitudinal vents, some very small, give it a stylish look.
  
  
• 910: inmolded with a three piece shell and the pointiest rear snag point in Limar's line. Very large vents including a heart-shaped one in the front that leaves an unfortunate point there. The strap anchors are recessed into the grooves in the shell, and there are some bright colors including orange. The front vents are designed to work with the visor. Retail is $150. Without the visor it comes as the 909 and retails for $130.
  
  
• 908: inmolded with a two piece shell. Sloping front and rear give a somewhat angular wedge shape rather than a curved top. Rear snag points. Some bright colors. Retail price is $110.
  
  
• 907: inmolded with a full wrap-under shell. The retail price is $100.
  
  
• 801: a commuter-style helmet, inmolded with a full two piece shell. It has rounder, smoother lines and is the shape we recommend. We praised this helmet in our 2005 review (when the same design also sold as the SixSixOne All Ride) as the best looking commuter design we had seen. Has bug net. Pastel colors, none very visible. Ring-fit. It retails for $80, $10 more than Mace sells it for as their NOS. Also available from Atlas as the Dorado.
  
  
• 747: inmolded with elongated vents and a cat ear effect from the two rear snag points. Retails for $80 with visor, or for $75 as the 737 without visor.
  
  
• Big One: looks like the 747 but is a little different in the back. Comes only in XXL size to fit heads from 59 to 63 cm.
  
  
• 720: inmolded including a lower shell. Long narrow vents in the front. Small but sharp rear snag point. Retail is $96.
  
  
• 550: fewer but very large front vents, inmolded with wrap under shell piece. Small rear snag point. Ring fit. This one retails for $75. With visor it is the 575, and retails for 55 euros.
  
  
• 520: inmolded with angular lines and modest rear snag point. Ring fit. 45 euros retail. In youth size it is the 515.
  
  
• 510: A youth model, inmolded with a rear snag point and a lumpy exterior. Modest vents. Ring fit.
  
  
• 315: Limar's least expensive adult helmet has rounded lines with a modest rear snag point, small vents, bug net and a ring fit system. Elongated shape. Retail is $40 euros.
  
  
• 310: well-vented taped-shell model in sizes for youth and children. Has bug net in front vents. Pad fit. Retail is 30 euros.
  
  
• 149: inmolded, a round and smooth vented child's helmet with a ring fit system.
  
  
• 123 Junior Kid: vented toddler helmet with a glued-on shell and a ring fit system for heads down to 45 cm. Retail is $30.
  
  
• Kaos: classic skate helmet with small vents, ABS shell and a ring fit system.
  
  
• Cruiser BMX: classic BMX full face helmet with small vents, large visor bolted on and ABS shell. Very plain graphics, no bug net.
  
  
• Nutcase: another classic BMX full face helmet, with snappier graphics, small vents and a fiberglass shell. Has bug net.
  
  
• Chrono 05: Limar's aerodynamic pursuit and time trial helmet with CPSC certification. Inmolded with small vents in the rear and three unfortunate lumpy external strap anchors. Face shield optional. Ring fit. Limar says the short shape permits more efficient bike position and works better when the rider is out of aero position or standing. Retails for $200.
  
  
• Superchrono: Limar's CEN-only chrono with ring fit system and a taped on shell has two large front vents. Not for the US market.

Some Limar models are available in Bianchi colors.

Limar has a 3 year crash replacement guarantee, offering a replacement helmet through the dealer at half off.

Louis Garneau

Louis Garneau is a Canadian designer and manufacturer with an extensive helmet line along with many other bicycle products. For the European market, Garneau has bug net in the vents of some models. Some models are available without visor for $5 less. Custom team graphics or stickers are available. Some Louis Garneau models are designed for the Canadian market and may not be available in the US, but all of the ones listed below all meet the CPSC standard and are sold here.

• Titan Carbon: Louis Garneau's 2006 entry into the carbon fiber race was the Titan, with visible carbon-reinforced bridges to allow opening up longer vents. It also has an internal titanium ring. Inmolded, with rear snag points. Unfortunately the strap fittings didn't hold as tightly as we would like in the sample we saw. Retail is $170.
  
  
• Venturi: new for 2008, named for vents that neck down as they pass through the liner. Garneau presents this as a feature. Many vents. inmolded, and would be a reasonably compact shape if it were not for the pronounced upswept rear snag point. Has a carbon insert.
  
  
• Exo-Nerve: a 2007 design with elongated shape, small raised ridges and pronounced rear snag points. Inmolded with a wrap-under shell. Retail is $129.
  
  
• Robota: inmolded with a distinctive compact shape with a high snag point in the rear. Shell wraps under to protect edges. Visor. Extra large fits up to 64 cm heads. Retail is $90.
  
  
• Global: new for 2008, an inmolded compact shape with reduced snag points. There is a bright red and white option. Retail is $70.
  
  
• Fast: a 2007 design, inmolded with a distinctive shape, nicely recessed strap anchors and a rear snag point. Visor. Retails for $65. Without the visor it is the Azera for $50.
  
  
• Equinox: The value end of Louis Garneau's line is this inmolded compact design. It resembles the Fast/Azera but without the full shell covering the foam in the rear. Plainer graphics, minimal rear snag point. Ring fit. Retail is $35. The women's version is the Diva at the same price, and there is a Pacifica version with no visor for $30. The youth version, with somewhat better graphics, is the Ruckus, with visor, for $35.
  
  
• Flow: Toddler helmet with a molded in visor extension and glued-on shell. Bug net in the front vents. Designed for kids 5 to 10. This one has a dial-fit rear stabilizer. The retail price is $30.
  
  
• Boomer: Toddler helmet for the 5 and under crowd, round and smooth, with a few vents and cute graphics. The smallest model is size 6, for a 48 cm (18 7/8 inch) head. Retail is $30.
  
  
• Street: A hard shell skateboard-style helmet with small vents. Has CPSC bicycle helmet certification and ASTM F 2040 snowboard certification but is not dual certified to the ASTM skateboard standard. Retails for $35, or you can have the camo version for $45.
  
  
• Rocket: A 2005 chrono design from Louis Garneau, the maker of the first chrono time trial/pursuit helmet meeting the CPSC standard in 2002. This is Garneau's second generation, and there are improvements in the form of a longer, slicker shape with a full shell covering all the impact foam, a curved buckle that fits facial contours and can be manipulated with one hand, and four small vents in the front. Retail price is $180. The windscreen is available separately for $40.
  
  
• Rocket Air: a new 2008 design, adding larger front vents to the Rocket and three large exhaust vents on the top/back. The inevitable aero loss might well be more than compensated for by the extra ventilation on a hot race day. This is Louis Garneau's third generation chrono design, still made in Canada. It meets the US CPSC standard. $150 retail.
  
  
• Chrono: Very similar to the original LG chrono model, in a classic teardrop shape. Has three small vents. Retail is $90.
  
  
• Windscreen: Not a helmet, but an accessory, this is a polycarbonate lens that wraps around a helmet--almost any helmet--and is held on by hook and loop. The edges are unprotected, and you could probably slice meat with them, even if it did not shatter in a crash. We would favor something with protected edges, like a pair of glasses or goggles. Not offered in the US market. Retail is $10.

Louis Garneau still has a free replacement guarantee for the first year.

Lucky Bell

Lucky Bell is a Hong Kong company producing EPU helmets mostly for other brands but with their own Aerogo brand. They have 11 bicycle models, most of them round and smooth, with small to reasonable vents, nicely recessed strap anchors and visors. They include the 390, 391, 392, 393, 395, 396, 397 (with upturned rear snag point) and 399 (with diagonal ribs) for adults. There are also two skate-style models, including the 801 with vents in blue or a bright yellow and the 901 classic skate style, as well as the 991 snow sports helmet.

Mace

Mace is new to us for 2008. They are a Canadian company with a line of bike clothing for skate and BMX. Their products are produced by Strategic in China and distributed through Norco. Their helmets all meet the US CPSC standard. They have some of the new rubberized finishes that we don't care for because of the likely effect on sliding resistance.

• Skate: a skate helmet with a bulge similar to military helmets about half way down, and small rectangular vents front and rear. Strap fittings do not hold well.
  
  
• Skate 2: another skate style model with oval vents.
  
  
• Paak 9 Carbon: a BMX model with a carbon fiber shell and very small vents. Debris shield on the chinbar. Retail is $300 Canadian. With a fiberglass or polycarbonate shell it is the Paak at $170 Canadian.
  
  
• Hammer: Downhill mountain bike racing model with a fiberglass shell and vents. $120 Canadian.
  
  
• Method: a BMX model with polycarbonate shell. Retails for $90 US.
  
  
• NOS: a commuter-style helmet, inmolded with a full two piece shell. It has round, smooth lines and is the shape we recommend. We praised this helmet in our 2005 review (when the same design was being sold as the SixSixOne All Ride) as the best looking commuter design we had seen. Has bug net. Ring-fit. It retails for $70, $10 less than Limar sells it for as their 801. Also available from Atlas as their Dorado.
  
  
• Hornet: BMX helmet with chinbar for kids. Looks like the chinbar may be padded.
  
  
• Clip: skate model with just two large oval vents and a groove to hold a goggle strap. Retails for $40 US.
  
  
• Trigger Solo: skate model with small vents and a built in audio port with internal speakers. Retails for $40 US.
  
  
• Scope: skate model with updated oval vents. Retails for $30 US.
  
  
• Trigger: skate model with oval vents. Comes in youth size as well as adult. Retails for $30 US.
  
  
• c4v2 or C4II: skate model with classic Pro Tec lines. Name changes if you view their web page with Netscape rather than Internet Explorer. Retails for $25 US in Netscape, $25 Canadian in Explorer.

Mantis

Mantis is a house label of the bicycle distributor Cycle Source Group. The helmets retail in the $25 to $30 range.

MET

MET is an Italian manufacturer whose helmet line we have not seen, but they have a fine website. The comments below are limited to the info on the web. MET has models for road and offroad biking, a BMX model, youth and toddler models and a chrono shaped time trial racing helmet. Almost all of them have snag points in the rear and the elongated shapes that we do not consider optimal. MET says their road and off-road helmets differ in the placement of the vents to optimize them for the type of riding intended, in addition to adding a visor for off road use. Most of their helmets are inmolded, and some have lower wrap around shells as well. Strap anchors are under the shell in some models, a nice touch. Logos are reflective, although generally small. The top of the line models are radically different in appearance. The last time we checked, MET's helmets were not available in the US and Canada. Regarding standards, all they say is "Each and every Met helmet passes the safety standards that apply in the countries in which they are sold, EN 1078 label in Europe or AS/NZS 2063 in Australia/New Zealand for instance." They candidly say they have not designed a helmet specifically for women, but all their helmets are designed for both men and women.

• Inferno Ultimalite: inmolded using "Ultimalite," MET's proprietary fiber reinforcing. Large rear snag point.
  
  
• Parachute: a "Free-Ride" (off-road) model with a skeleton-like removable chin guard that splits into two pieces to fit in your pack. An interesting concept, although it is hard to say how rigid it would be in a crash, and it apparently has no impact padding. (One user emailed us that in his crash the helmet rotated easily because of the chin guard and left the face unprotected.)
  
  
• Crackerjack: inmolded with fewer but larger vents than other MET models. Comes with visor.
  
  
• Formula: inmolded with forward-facing snag points, a modest rear snag point and a visor. In the largest size it is the Testagrossa, fitting up to 64 cm (25.2 inches). Without visor it is the Volo.
  
  
• Veleno D: inmolded, with large rear snag points. There are visible white and red options. It also comes in the largest size as the Predatore XL fitting up to 64 cm. Without visor it is the Estro.
  
  
• Kaos Ultimalite: a 2007 Freeride design, the Kaos is molded in a shell made with "Ultimalite," MET's proprietary fiber reinforcing. It has big vents and big rear snag points. There is a visible white option. Without the new fiber in the shell it is the Kaos.
  
  
• Zefiro : another inmolded design with two large rear snag points. Available in visible colors. With visor it is the Dedalo.
  
  
• Stradivarius 199: inmolded with large longitudinal vents and a single pronounced rear snag point.
  
  
• Aliseo: inmolded and much better rounded than most other MET models. The women's colors make it the Diamante or the Istinto. With visor it is the Falco.
  
  
• Genio/Elfo: a vented toddler model inmolded with a lower shell to cover all the outside foam. Bright graphics. Has a bump out in front to form a visor and a very useful flattened rear to avoid cocking a child's head forward when sitting in a child carrier.
  
  
• Styx: Skate style with skinny vents and a flattened treatment in the rear. There is a visible white option.
  
  
• Armadillo: downhill mountain bike model with a chinbar and the usual big visor bolted on. Fiberglass shell with small rectangular vents. There is a visible white option.
  
  
• Pac VII: Met's chrono model with a long-tailed design with two vents.

Met's helmets are all made in Italy. You can order replacement visors and replacement pads directly from them through their website. We wish more manufacturers would do that, since finding replacement pads is sometimes a real challenge.

Michelin

Michelin, best known in the US for tires, launched a new line of helmets in 2005 in conjunction with Zefal, best known in the US market for pumps and accessories. Since known brands sell more helmets, both companies may be hoping that the well-known brand name will help. The helmets all have at least some reflective trim, and all but the skate helmet are inmolded. Their retail prices may rise in 2008 due to the stronger euro.

• MX Max: a 2007 design inmolded with very large vents and aluminum reinforcing. The rear turns up like a spoiler, designed to increase the flow of air. There is a snag point there, of course, and others in the form of front-facing points. Retail is $100.
  
  
• MX Pro Race: inmolded with a medium snag point, very large vents and a ring fit system. Vents are a little smaller than the Max, but still large. Retail is $90.
  
  
• MX Comp: inmolded with an elongated shape, two forward facing points and rising to a distinctive squared off rear shelf snag point. Ring fit system, available in visible white. $70 retail. With visor it is the Free MX for the same price.
  
  
• MX Sport: inmolded with reasonable vents and a moderate rear snag point. Also known as the MX Tribal for the mountain bike market. There is a visible red option. Both retail for $35.
  
  
• MX Urban: a commuter style helmet with very large vents and rounded lines, but not as round and smooth as some. Inmolded with a ring-fit system. No lower shell, leaving a lot of foam exposed in the rear. Translucent gray visor. Available in visible white. Retails for $40. With a black visor and different graphics it is the Street.
  
  
• MX Adventure: youth helmet with large vents, elongated shape, rounded rear profile. Retail is $35.
  
  
• MX Bib: toddler helmet with vents, inmolded as few toddler helmets are, nice bright colors and graphics. The extra small size fits 48 to 52 cm (18.9 to 20.5 inches) heads. Retail is $25.
  
  
• MX Treme: 2007 design, a classic skate style helmet with ABS hard shell and small vents. Camo option or black. Retail is $30.

Mien Yow Industry

See Alpha above.

Mongoose

Mongoose is a Pacific Cycle brand. They position it as a supplier of a full line of bicycles and accessories targeting the "extreme sports kid," a male between 7 and 17 years of age "driven by attitude." We have not seen their helmet line for 2008. In prior years the helmets were produced by PTI.

Netti - Atom

Netti is an Australian company that has been around since 1948 as a distributor of cycling goods. They say they are Australia's biggest manufacturer and distributor of bicycle clothing and helmets. We have not seen their helmets in the US market for a long time, and they have eliminated the standards information from their website. Netti models for this year include:

• Sonic Carbon: a new design with a carbon fiber bridge for strength. Elongated shape, rear snag points. Retail is AUS$106.
  
  
• Cyclone: inmolded with a two piece shell. Retail is AUS$100.
  
  
• Pangea: Upper and Lower glued on micro shell. AUS$50
  
  
• Qantum Pro: Nicely rounded shape, two piece glued-on shell, comes in an extra large size rated to 64 cm (25.2 inch) heads. AUS$40 retail.
  
  
• Qantum: Nicely rounded shape, AS2063 certification, comes in small and medium only. Retails for AUS$40.
  
  
• Climax: Full face downhill racing or BMX helmet with vents, a composite carbon fiber shell and CPSC certification. AUS$380 retail.
  
  
• Instinct: Full face BMX-style helmet with a fiberglass shell and vents. Retails for AUS$150.
  
  
• AXN: Full face for Down Hill & BMX, fiberglass shell with more vents than usual for this type of helmet. CPSC Certification. Retail is AUS$200 or AUS$230 for the model with graphics.
  
  
• Invader: full face BMX helmet with ABS hardshell. Available in visible white. Retail is AUS$66.
  
  
• Kaos: classic skate helmet with small vents (four in the rear) and ABS hard shell. Comes in visible white. Retail is AUS$46.
  
  
• Blade 2: Hard ABS shell, classic skate shape, but certified to the CPSC and AS2063 bicycle helmet standards, not skateboard. AUS$45 Also in graphics model for AUS$50.
  
  
• Minimax 3: Toddler model with heart-shaped vents and full shell cover. Comes in extra small. No certification listed. AUS$40 retail.
  
  
• Pilot: Child/youth model with ring fit, bright graphics and AS2063 Certification. Retail price is AUS$45.

Nutcase

Nutcase has a single classic skate helmet with ABS hard shell in many colorful and kooky graphics designed to convince stubborn kids that wearing a helmet is cool. Their helmet is certified only to the CPSC bicycle helmet standard, not the ASTM skateboard standard, despite the skateboarding label and the words "multi-sport" including skateboarding on the box. Their product literature also misquotes the title of the CPSC bicycle helmet standard and adds the word skateboard to it. We would not recommend buying a helmet from any manufacturer who is that confused about standards. The retail price is $40 for the models sold in bike shops. There is a second helmet from a different manufacturer that will be sold at big box retailers and may cost less, but the graphics will be different.

Oath

Oath has a single classic skate helmet with ABS hard shell in white, red and pastel colors. It is a Vigor brand. It retails on the web for under $20 plus shipping.

Oktos

Oktos is a French company selling accessories and sunglasses as well as helmets. They sponsor European racing teams. Their helmets are made in China to the European CEN standard and marketed in Europe. Some are inmolded. They fit sizes 54 to 62 cm (21.3 to 24.4 inches). We have not seen their 2008 line. Prices on the US website are apparently all set at $135, but the helmets can be found for much less on European sites.

• Altos: inmolded with a full cover shell, an elongated profile and moderate rear snag point.
  
  
• Destructor: inmolded with a full cover shell, an elongated profile and pronounced rear snag points.
  
  
• Protector: nicely rounded profile, inmolded.
  
  
• Pro Team: inmolded with a full cover shell, an elongated profile and moderate rear snag point.
  
  
• V17: nicely rounded profile, inmolded. There is a brightly colored flame option.
  
  
• V10: rounded profile, glued-on tapeless shell and bug net.
  
  
• V13 Trainer: a 2004 design with nicely rounded profile, glued-on tapeless shell and bug net.
  
  
• Quick Fly: a vented child's helmet with molded in visor and glued, tapeless shell, that comes in yellow with a Dalmatian motif like Louis Garneau's old Felix.
  
  
• Kid: vented toddler helmet with bug mesh, meeting the CEN European standard.
  
  
• W10: inmolded with nicely rounded profile, lower shell, bug net.
  
  
• Agressor: BMX model with chinbar and a vented shell.

O'Neal

See Azonic/O'Neal above

Pacific Cycle

See Schwinn below, or Mongoose above.

Potenza

Potenza is a Kent, Washington company with a line of helmets produced in China. Their helmets have simple strap fittings, but they seem to hold well. These are not the same models sold by ProRider (below) even though the two companies are in the same ZIP code.

• Pantheon Pro: inmolded with an elongated but reasonably smooth shape with only one rear snag point.
  
  
• Pavè (Pave, Pavé): a well rounded, smooth design with reasonable vents and a taped on shell. We don't know why they reversed the accent mark on the e in the name.
  
  
• Piccolo: a toddler model with the usual round, smooth taped on shell. It has minimal vents.

ProRider

ProRider is a supplier of BMX and bicycle helmets from China and is also the home of the CNS (Children - N - Safety) National Helmet Program, selling directly to schools and non-profit organizations. Many of their helmets are Snell-certified in addition to meeting the CPSC standard, and have the rounder, smoother shapes that we believe are best when you crash. Pro Rider is one of only two companies with a helmet on the Snell N-94 multisport list, their "7-Vent" model. Prices are very low for the models with taped on shells over plain white foam, in the under $10 range and sometimes as low as $3.50 including shipping when purchasing in large quantities for a helmet program. For a dollar or two more you can get better looking models that are more likely to be accepted by the kids than the white foam models. ProRider will also sell to individuals at slightly higher prices but still below $10.

Pro Supergo

Pro Supergo is apparently not affiliated with the Supergo bike shops in California or with the former Supergo helmets from the 1970's. They have a line of inexpensive Asian-made helmets to complement their other bike accessories. The catalog shows a number of models, including adult, child, BMX and skate style. Some of the adult models are inmolded. At least four are listed as CPSC certified, so they may be available in the US.

Pro-Tec/Vans

Pro-Tec was one of the original skate helmet companies in the 1970's, and popularized the classic skateboard-style helmet with a round, smooth hard shell and small round vents. The company has changed hands since then, and in 2004 they brought out an almost completely revamped line, much improved from earlier years. They began using a foam they call SXP for some models that replaced the lower grade protection of prior years, and initially said those helmets were dual certified to meet both the CPSC bicycle helmet standard and ASTM F 1492 Skateboard requirements. Unfortunately for 2008 they are no longer saying that their helmets are certified to F 1492. The SXP foam is a different formulation of Expanded PolyPropylene, allowing Pro-Tec to upgrade their protection while still meeting multiple impact tests without making the helmets thicker. It is a multi-impact foam, although it does lose some performance with multiple hits in the same location. We have more comments on our foam page. Pro-Tec helmets look exactly the same on the outside and have very similar model names, but you will have to examine them for the standards sticker inside and be very careful about the model you buy for bicycling. We would not recommend any of them for skateboarding, since they are not certified to ASTM F 1492.

• Cyphon: introduced in 2007, a very different skate helmet looking more like a bike helmet with extended rear coverage. Inmolded with ABS/PE hard shell and very large (for a skate helmet) oval vents. Has a visor. Retail is $90. This is a radical departure for Pro-Tec.
  
  
• Classic: round and smooth, with small round vents and good coverage, the classic Pro-Tec design. In 2008 it is being produced with EPS foam, and no longer advertised as meeting the ASTM F 1492 skateboard standard, so it is not certified by Pro-Tec as a multi-impact helmet. Comes in visible white and bright red as well as the standard dark colors. Retails for $30. In its June 2006 issue Consumer Reports says that their test labs broke about half the buckles on their Classic samples. They don't recommend the Classic for that reason. In the past their lab has broken buckles without any reports from the field that there were failures in actual use. See this report and the links on the page if you are concerned. The 2008 Classic with EPS liner is not the same model CU tested. There is an outwardly similar Classic Skate but it is not certified to any standard and therefore to be avoided.
  
  
• Classic Full Cut: another version of the Classic that according to Pro-Tec is not certified to any standard, and therefore to be avoided.
  
  
• B-2 SXP: another round and smooth design, but this time with oval vents, a rad departure for the skate crowd. Dual certified to bicycle and skateboard standards. Comes in visible white as well as the standard dark colors. Retails for $40. It is also available as the B-2 2-Stage with a different liner, not certified to any standard and therefore to be avoided.
  
  
• Ace SXP: An updated skateboard style helmet with larger oval vents and minor reshaping of the shell lines. It still has a round and smooth shape. Only the Ace SXP meets the CPSC standard for bicycle riding, not the outwardly similar Ace 2-Stage, sold for skating in skate shops rather than bicycling and not certified to any standard. Retail is $40. Add a big bolted-on visor to the Ace Freestyle and you have the Dig for $45. Add a chinbar and you get the AceSpade, retailing for $75.
  
  
• Shovel-Head: a BMX design with a full face chinbar, fiberglass shell and vents. It has a snap-in liner that you can wash separately. Retails for $120.
  
  
• Mercenary: this one is an "audio helmet" so it must have speakers inside, but we have not seen one. Retails for $80.
  
  
• Auger: new for 2008, a downhill mountain bike racing helmet with a fiberglass shell and vents. Certified to the ASTM F 1952 downhill standard, indicating better protection than a CPSC helmet. There is an unusual and very visible white option. Retails for $160.

Pro-Tec helmets fit heads from 51 to 60 cm (20.1 to 23.6 inches).

We were encouraged by the changes Pro-Tec made beginning in 2004, but for 2008 they no longer certify even their skate helmets to the ASTM F 1492 skateboard standard. We don't recommend buying any helmet for any sport that is not certified to the standard for that sport.

Prowell Helmets

Prowell is a Taiwanese company producing a line of helmets in EPU foam. Most of their models are inmolded, some with lower shells as well. They generally have a high quality appearance, seeming solid (and a bit heavy) in the hand. There are 14 models in the line ranging from radical elongated styles with rear snag points to more rounded commuter helmets and child models. Most of Prowell's models should retail for about $25. The company manufactures helmets for other brands.

Pryme Protective Gear

Pryme is owned by Seattle Bicycle Supply. The line includes helmets for BMX, downhill racing, whitewater, snowboarding and skate use, most of them with catchy names.

• Pryme Evil Pro: a full face model for BMX and downhill racing. Hard shell, minimal vents, bolted on visor. Retails for $120.
  
  
• Pryme US: a full face model for BMX and downhill racing. Hard shell, vents, bolted on visor and a cool skull medallion on the chinbar. Retails for $90.
  
  
• Pryme Al: another full face model, with net-protected vents, fiberglass shell and a bolted on visor. Retail is $110.
  
  
• Pryme 8: a classic skateboard style helmet. Has small vents and an EPS liner. Meets the CPSC standard. Retails for $20 to $30, with the chrome and "high fiber" finishes more expensive.
  
  
• Pryme Mortal: skate style helmet similar in shape to the Pryme 8 but with a skull logo replacing the vents in the front and only four small ones in the top. Retail is $25.
  
  
• Pryme Vario: a snow helmet also certified to the ASTM snow sports standard and the CPSC bicycle helmet standard. It has small vents Retail is $40.

Pryme has a useful sizing chart on their website. Their helmets are made in China.

PTI

Originally known as Protective Technologies International, PTI Sports is one of the largest and perhaps least known helmet producers in the US. They claimed in 2003 that their $62 million in sales in that year made them the second largest US helmet and accessory company after Bell. Their products are marketed as Schwinn, Mongoose or PTI brands through discount stores such as Target, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and Toys `R Us, usually at prices in the $10 to $30 range. You will also find PTI products under Schwinn below. PTI had a helmet recall in 2004 involving three toddler helmet models. We have details on our recalls page.

Pulse

The Pulse helmet is an innovative Australian design by Monash University student Julie-Ann Davies. It includes reflective shell material, rear light and an "Ear Drop" to let you listen to music or other output on the curb side as you ride. It's only a concept, not anything you can buy. The site maintains that "Cyclists can now listening to their favourite music, answer their mobile phone and record cycling data without compromising their safety on the road." We would not agree. Music and cell phones are fine if your bike is stationary, or perhaps on an offroad trail, but that kind of distraction is the last thing you want if you are riding a bicycle in traffic. Note that the curb side in Australia is on the left.

Reflectek

Reflectek is produced by Kuji Sports. There is one model with a fully reflective shell and another with a partially reflective shell that sells in discount stores like Wal-Mart, Kmart, Academy Sports, Dunham Sports, and others, sometimes selling for under $20. They are reasonably rounded helmets with a glued on shell, small snag point in the rear, adequate but not large vents and a ring fit system. There is also an inmolded "Pro" model too with a partially reflective shell at $40 retail, probably more often seen in bike shops. It has larger vents and a sharper rear snag point. The same reflective technology has been used on parts of two Ironman models as well. This photo probably overstates the reflectivity, but the contrast with the "normal" helmets is made evident by the camera's flash.



We have comments and photos of one of the Reflectek helmets on our page on reflective helmets. It was also reviewed by Cycling Reviews.

REM

REM is an Italian brand with a line of inmolded helmets. We don't see them in the US market. Models include the X-5, X-2, Spry, Delfino, Frizz, Blackride full face, Free Ride full face, R-105 toddler and two skate style helmets: the R-206 and Sport. Some of their models have vent "pipes" and some have double layer liners, with an upper cap inmolded and a less dense liner below. There are air channels between the layers. Their website mentions only European standards, but says their helmets meet the standard of any country where they are sold.

Roar

Roar Helmets come from Shang Yang Industrial Co. of Taiwan and Vietnam. They have a line of nicely made CPSC-certified helmets, and their adult models are inmolded. Some have multiple shell pieces covering lower areas of the helmet. Most have modest rear snag points and recessed strap anchors. There are bright color options for each model. They have a unique strap fitting that tightens with a screw. They should all sell in the $35 range. Roar has a child "designer's" helmet that they can customize with printing and graphics for events or other needs. Sizes run from 52.3cm (20.5") to 57.5cm (22.6").

Rudy Project

This European manufacturer markets sunglasses and sporting attire from founder Rudy Barbazza. We are not sure which models you may find in which markets, but check their US web page for the ones certified to the CPSC standard. Most have partially recessed strap anchors and some have small reflective patches in the rear. We found that all of the samples we saw this year had cam locking strap fittings that locked the strap very well. They are nice looking helmets, most with bright color options including USA red, white and blue, and some Canadian graphics with maple leaves. Models include:

• Zum: new for 2008, inmolded with a two piece shell for full cover and the good cam lock strap fittings that hold well. Retails for $90.
  
  
• Kontact: a 2006 design with pronounced rear snag point, big vents and the good cam lock strap fittings that hold well. Ring fit. $120 retail.
  
  
• Ayron +: inmolded with a lower shell, elongated vents and a moderate snag point, ring fit, the good strap fittings and another $110 price tag. CPSC certified.
  
  
• Skura: inmolded with a lower shell, moderate snag point, ring fit, good strap fittings and a retail price of $90.
  
  
• Kaena: inmolded, moderate snag point, reflective patch on the rear and Rudy Project's good strap fittings. $65 retail.
  
  
• CT Pro: a 2007 design, inmolded with a two-piece shell and chromed parts including a chromed plastic snag point in the rear in the form of a rear strap tensioner. The only chrome snag point we have ever seen on a bike helmet. Has good strap fittings that lock well. The very similar Actyum lacks chroming on the snag point and retails for $160. It has recessed strap anchors, but the visor mounts protrude.
  
  
• Skylet: modest rear snag point with moderate vents, ring fit, the good strap fittings. $50 retail.
  
  
• Bayor: Rudy Project's roundest and smoothest model. May be on its way out, since the website says it is available only in plain red.
  
  
• Skyanto: A skate model retailing for $40.
  
  
• Korassa: full face BMX/downhill racing model with vented chinbar with mesh in the vents and a bolted on visor. $200 retail.
  
  
• Syton Supercomp: a chrono model with more vents than most, a face shield and a split tail. There are unique pieces on the sides that extend down to about the cheekbones, called "bionic wings." Medium length tail does not get all the way down to the shoulder. Comes with plugs for the front vents. CPSC certification. Retails for $200. In carbon fiber it is known as the Syton Carbon and retails for $600.
  
  
• Syton Open: the Supercomp chrono model without side pieces or face shield, retailing for $160.

Rudy Project has some interesting innovations, and perhaps they will get wider US distribution at some point. You may have seen their helmets on Tour de France riders.

SDS / San Diego Speed

See Armor above.

Schwinn

The Schwinn brand is now the property of Pacific Cycle USA. In mid-2002 they licensed the Schwinn brand to PTI. We usually see them in big box stores or on the Internet at retailers like Amazon. They have some very inexpensive models, and some better ones that can be fitted more easily starting at about $16. Most of their adult models also have a "youth" size. The line changes periodically during any given year, and we may not be up to date on them. For 2008 we find only a few models on the Schwinn site, so these are older descriptions.

• Atlas: an inmolded design with a moderate rear snag point, and a two-piece shell with ridges and many vents. It has a dial fit system and external strap anchors but they are faired-in reasonably well. Retail is $40.
  
  
• Thrasher: small snag point in the rear and recessed strap anchors. It is not inmolded, but uses glue to attach the shell and boasts of "tapeless technology." Retail is $25.
  
  
• Rocket: taped on shell with faired-in strap anchors, moderate rear snag point, sells for about $25.
  
  
• Titan: another glued and "not-taped-on" design with moderate rear snag points that is included with other accessories in a package selling for about $25.
  
  
• Aeros: sharp ridges on the taped-on shell but a small snag point on the rear. Vents are small and taper down to very small by the time they get through the liner. Retail is $10.
  
  
• Intercept: a youth helmet. The Intercept was the only youth helmet awarded the Consumer Reports Best Buy tag in their June, 2006 article.
  
  
• Kids Toddler or Playschool: Taped shell with a small visor effect in the front. Also comes in a package with other accessories. Has vents and the appearance of an adult helmet. In a larger size it is the Kids Child model.
  
  
• Missing Link: a vented design said to be "multisport," but actually certified only to the CPSC bicycle helmet standard. Well rounded, with some edges showing but no rear snag point. ABS hard shell. Retails for $20.

Selev

Selev is an Italian company with models made in Italy mostly for the upscale road rider market. They obviously make an effort to produce unique-looking designs. Most of their helmets are inmolded, and the more expensive they are, the more snag points you get on the rear. The Italian website says they meet EN1078, the European standard. Two Selev models are said by the manufacturer to fit rounder Asian heads better than others. Their models include:

• Zenith: a newer compact model with squared-off rear and no snag points. Worth a look for that alone. Reasonable vents. Visible yellow and white options.
  
  
• XP: inmolded with lots of long vents and snag points facing both front and rear. Recessed strap anchors, bug mesh. Two rear reflectors. Has the brow vent reminiscent of the Specialized Cobra models.
  
  
• Matrix: inmolded with a large rear snag point, four piece full shell, angular lines with ridges, brow vent reminiscent of the Specialized Cobra models, lots of vents and a click-slide tab rear stabilizer. Comes in regular colors or team designs. Some have bug net in the vents. All have reflective spots on the rear stabilizer, a good location for those who ride in the bent-over position. Retails for $130.
  
  
• Alien: inmolded with a really pronounced rear overhang and snag points, lots of longitudinal vents and partially recessed strap anchors.
  
  
• Atom: inmolded with a pronounced rear snag point, curvy elongated vents and four unique round vents at the brow that tunnel horizontally back through the foam. Recessed strap anchors, ring fit with dial, retailing for $150. Said to fit rounder heads well. Includes US and British flag graphics. The Atom Millennium model is made of blue foam.
  
  
• Tempo: Selev's chrono model with a full lower cover that comes all the way down to the neck. Meets the EN1078 standard. Has an internal radio wire channel. Fits sizes 54 to 59 cm. (21.6 to 23.2 inches).
  
  
• Tuo: Toddler/Child helmet with vents and a taped on shell.

Serfas

Serfas is a US-based company, known for grips, saddles and other accessories. Helmets disappeared from their website in 2007. A company rep told us they don't market in the US due to concern about legal problems but on Serfas websites in other countries helmets are still featured. We found their child helmets on a South African site, but there may be others if you have the patience to search.

Seven 20

Seven 20 is a skate brand. The ones we have seen are certified only to a European standard, EN 1385. Retail is about $25, but we have seen them at Sports Authority and Modell's for $15. The one we saw is not recommended for bicycle riding because it is not certified to the CPSC or even the European bicycle helmet standard. Not recommended for skateboarding because it is not certified to the ASTM F 1492 skateboard standard.

Shain

Shain (pronounced "shine") is an established Italian brand that was new to the US market in 2004. In 2005 they began using a new foam they call Re-Up, or "Tau Multi Impact Technology (Technologia Assorbimento Urti)." Their website courageously includes results of lab tests that show their helmet handling four hard impacts in the same spot before registering over 300g. That is not true multi-impact performance, but closer to it than standard EPS can manage and is similar to the testing for ASTM's F 1492 skateboard standard. Under normal bicycle use you would not have to throw the helmet away after the first impact, so even if you ride a lot this helmet should be good for five to ten years of normal crashes. This is the same foam formulation that Pro-Tec is using for some of its upgraded skate helmets. At one time Shain said that all of their helmets would meet the US CPSC standard, but they no longer advertise that on their website, and we don't see their helmets in the US market.

Shain has another wrinkle as well, supported by data published in their catalog. They have added an inner shell to some of their standard EPS helmets, and claim that it permits EPS to withstand two hits in the same spot. Inner shells are not a new idea--the Bailen Bike Bucket had one 25 years ago and Louis Garneau and others have had them for years--but Shain is the first to claim that they can meet standards with two hits at the same spot due to the inner shell.

Shain helmets have some European features like bug net in the forward vents on some models. All are inmolded except the toddler helmet. They have the best strap fittings we have seen, the Duraflex 2, holding their setting despite any combination of pulling and tugging we could devise. They also have reflective logos, a feature we appreciate even though the logos are too small to add much to the cyclist's visibility at night. Shain has an extensive line, but we have not seen them in 2008, so the pricing may have changed. Their round, smooth Urban model seems to have disappeared. The line includes:

• BK 100 Corsa: the top of Shain's road line, an inmolded model, with plenty of vents and plenty of snag points both in the rear and projecting up and forward from the front surface. Updated in 2005 with their new foam. The shell wraps under and there is an inner shell for full coverage. The strap anchors stick up entirely above the shell, adding another potential snag point that we would not normally expect to see with a retail price as high as $157. There is a mountain model with visor and one in Olympic colors.
  
  
• BK 100 Tour the BK 100 model with ordinary EPS foam.
  
  
• BK 90 Corsa: another high-end inmolded design with a pointy rear snag point and external strap anchors. It got the new foam in 2005, and has the inner shell as well. It has metal bug screen in the vents. Retail is $159.
  
  
• BK 90 Tour: the BK 90 model with ordinary EPS foam. There is also a mountain model with visor.
  
  
• BK 71 Pirata: the exterior of this one has lots of ridges and a small rear snag point. Has a standard EPS liner. Retail is $115. Also comes in a touring model as the BK 71 Tour, a mountain model with visor, and a very pretty woman's version, the Lady, selling for $80.
  
  
• BK 40 Solid: rounded exterior except for a modest rear snag point and a molded in visor lip. EPS foam. Inmolded. This one also comes in visor and the woman's Lady version. Retails for $55.
  
  
• BK 500: Shain's chrono time trial model is actually an EPS foam helmet liner with an additional fairing added on the exterior and a clear face shield. There are three small front vents, five in all. It retails for $197. Certified to the CEN standard.
  
  
• BK 11-15: Toddler helmet with vents. Taped on shell. Retail is $34 with graphics, or $26 in solid colors.

Shain will replace a damaged helmet "at a substantially reduced cost to the original owner."

Shenzhen Hezhen Bicycle Inc.

A Chinese manufacturer located in Shenzhen. We have not seen their line, but they have informed us that they produce 15 models, including some BMX style with fiberglass shells and some rated as bicycle/skate helmets. They say they export to 20 countries, including the US, but we don't know what brands they manufacture for.

Shenzhen Qukang Industry Development

Although we have not seen their 2008 line, this Taiwanese manufacturer makes both EPS and EPU helmets. Their EPU helmets are inmolded. The styles are well-rounded, but vents look small. They have a fiberglass BMX model. We don't have current pricing. You would be most likely to see their helmets with other brands on them.

Sixsixone

SixSixOne is primarily a BMX and skate equipment company with a racing slant. They have bicycle, BMX/Downhill and skate style models in their line. They seem to have many dealers in the UK.

• Hurricane Flight: a full-blown motorcycle helmet meeting the tough Snell M2000 standard. Full-face, and the Snell standard requires that the chinbar be padded for impact attenuation. There are small vents in the chinbar and the rear. The otherwise round and smooth shell has an unfortunate little tailpiece sticking up in the back for style, and we are surprised that Snell permits that kind of projection. The visor is bolted on with "oversize" bolts, making a bad feature potentially worse. The shell materials include Kevlar, carbon fiber and fiberglass. Retail is $300. The catalog contains the curious statement "EPS foam liner conforms to your shape for a perfect fit." We suspect they meant the fitting foam, not the EPS liner. EPS normally conforms to your shape only when you hit something and the stiff foam crushes. There is a highly visible orange available.
  
  
• Charger: a 2007 BMX full face design with polycarbonate shell and a big rear fin sticking up to spoil the profile. Has a groove that holds your goggles. Retail is $130.
  
  
• Strike: a BMX model with a mostly smooth polycarbonate shell and small vents. Retails for $100.
  
  
• Full Comp: a venter downhill model with a smooth, round polycarbonate shell and bolted on visor, retailing for $70
  
  
• Pro Bravo: a vented downhill model with a fiberglass shell and bolted on visor, rear lump sticking up to spoil the profile, retailing for $150.
  
  
• Pro Bravo Carbon: a full-face BMX model with vents, with visible carbon fiber in the shell and a lump in the rear, retailing for $220.
  
  
• Dirt Lid: a skate helmet in the classic round, smooth design with round vents and ABS hard shell, retailing for $22. It meets only the CPSC and ASTM bicycle helmet standards, not skateboard.
  
  
• Mullet: another skate model with slightly updated lines and larger vents at $30. Certified only to the CPSC and ASTM bicycle helmet standards, not to a skateboard standard.

Specialized

Specialized is one of the major U.S. helmet manufacturers sold through bike shops and a supplier of a wide range of bicycles and components. All of their adult bicycle-style helmets are inmolded. They have the straps in one model attached directly to the interior reinforcing, eliminating the nasty external strap anchors found on some competitors' high-end helmets. They also have a "U Turn" strap junction piece with a flip tab lock that they claim will eliminate strap creep. We found it slipped too easily on at least one of their samples. Most of the models below are available in a women's color scheme. In addition to the CPSC standard, many Specialized models are certified to Snell's older B-90 bicycle helmet standard, and the Deviant and Deviant carbon to the Snell B-95 standard, slightly tougher than CPSC. (Specialized is the last major US bike helmet maker to use Snell certification.) They have also now certified the Deviant and Deviant Carbon to the ASTM downhill mountain biking standard, F 1952. That standard requires better impact performance and coverage than the CPSC standard.

Specialized recalled their high-end 2008 model, the S-Works 2D, in the US market in December of 2007, replacing it with the current S-Works described below. There would not be any 2D's left in the US retail channel, but you can still find them in Europe, where presumably they meet the weaker CEN standard, at discounted prices. See our Recalls page for details.

• S-Works : new for 2008, this is a major new Specialized project with new technology that attempts to produce a much lighter helmet than their former top of the line. We regard weight reduction as misplaced effort, but it may sell helmets and may appeal to you. The S-Works is inmolded with a four piece shell for full coverage. Designed with a dual-density foam liner to cut weight, it has huge vents and kevlar inner reinforcement. It has extra-light polyester strap material that the manufacturer says will not stretch when you sweat on it, a worthwhile advance. And it has a drilled-out buckle to save a gram or two of plastic. It has a large Specialized vent at the brow level, and a large rear snag point despite the overall compact shape. Can be had in visible white and bright red. Retail should be about $220. We would rather crash in a cheaper helmet with more foam in it and a rounder, smoother shape, but if helmet weight is your main concern you might be interested in this one. See also the Limar 104, also claimed to be very light but probably meeting only the CEN standard. We would advise weighing any helmet before buying, since we find that published weights often differ from reality.
  
  
• Propero: replaced the highly rated Aurora for 2008. Looks almost exactly like the S-Works above, and has the four piece shell. Has almost all of the light weight features too, including the no-stretch straps, but there is more foam, and the price is much lower at $100. Visible white and some bright colors are available.
  
  
• Instinct: introduced in 2006, inmolded with a two-piece shell. Listed as a mountain bike helmet. Like Giro's Xen model, it has the rounder profile we recommend and appeared to us at first to have more coverage than it actually does. The shell has some raised ridges, and is not quite as smooth as a commuter helmet. Recessed strap anchors, but the "U-Turn" strap adjustment pieces did not hold well on the sample we saw. Ring fit. Matte finishes with matching color visors. If you like Specialized, look at this one first. Retail is $100.
  
  
• Air-8: somewhat better rounded than most Specialized models with minimal rear snag points that look like little cat ears. Inmolded, ring fit. There is room in the rear stabilizer for your ponytail. Specialized calls this their "casual" model. Retail is $65.
  
  
• Chamonix: another road/mountain model. It has more rounded lines, with some shelf effect in the rear but a minimal snag point. Inmolded. Ring fit. Retails for $45.
  
  
• AirForce 3: Specialized's lowest-cost design, still inmolded, retails for $35. It has a compact profile and ring fit system with three shell sizes, visor and eleven colors, including three for women. Has reflective strips on the sides of the straps. Also available as the Air Force Youth. Specialized sells this helmet with the same fit pads in Asia, so it apparently is compatible with rounder Asian heads. Dealers can order the XXL largest shell size for you, fitting up to 65 cm (25.6 inch) heads, the largest Specialized model.
  
  
• Small Fry: a classic round, smooth toddler and child size helmet, but inmolded and has some vents. Ring fit, bug net in front vents. Has some reflective patches. In 2008 the smallest size is the toddler model advertised to fit 44-52 cm (17.25-20.5"). Retail is $40 to $45.
  
  
• Deviant and Deviant Carbon: full-face downhill racing helmet with decent vents, chinbar vents and a visor bolted on with plastic bolts that hopefully will break when you snag it on something. There is bug net in the vents. Specialized advertises the carbon model as the lightest full-face helmet you can buy. Certified to CPSC and Snell's tougher B-95 standard. They have also now certified the Deviant and Deviant Carbon to the ASTM downhill mountain biking standard, F 1952, exceeding some parts of the CPSC standard. Look for the sticker inside to be sure. That makes this one worth a look. Retail is $130 for the fiberglass shell version and $350 for the carbon fiber shell version.
  
  
• Skillet: a hard shell skate-style helmet for bicycling. It has a hard shell and small distinctive slits for vents. CPSC certified, but not certified to the ASTM F 1492 skateboard standard. Retails for $50, the upper range for a skate-style helmet. We recommend looking for one that is dual certified instead.
  
  
• Chrono: The Specialized chrono model does not appear in their retail or catalog literature, except for a catalog photo of the Cofidis team wearing them. Press reports indicate that it has larger vents than other chrono helmets. The tail is open underneath and the fit system is based on the Specialized Decibel road model. It is reserved for team use and is not available in retail channels.

Specialized sells replacement pads and visors. You can find them on their website under spare parts.

Specialized will provide a 20% discount voucher for any crashed helmet, but requires proof of purchase and may substitute another helmet if the one that was crashed is no longer available.

Spiuk

Spiuk is a Spanish supplier of a wide range of bicycles, components and clothing. The name is pronounced spee-yuke. They have some nice bright color combinations on most models including team graphics. Strap anchors are recessed. Their models include:

• Nexion: inmolded with large front vents, a full shell on the lower portion, and pointy rear snag points. US model meeting the CPSC standard. Worn in competition by teams supplied by Spiuk, comes in team colors or world champion stripes. Retail is $140.
  
  
• Zirion: introduced in 2007, inmolded with a very large snag point on the rear. Ring fit, visor. $80 retail, including the team graphics model.
  
  
• Rasgo: New for 2008, and available after April. An interesting cross between skate style hard shell and coverage, along with bike style vents and a couple of very minor rear snag points. There is a visible white option. Retail is $55.
  
  
• Gothic: new for 2008, a classic skate design with small vents and some sculpting of the exterior lines. No bright colors. Retail is $35.
  
  
• Child helmet - Casco de inño: a toddler helmet with vents and nice graphics. Meets only the CEN European standard, so will not be sold in the US.
  
  
• Kronos: a time trial teardrop shape with two small front vents and a rear vent through the tail. Ring fit. Meets the US CPSC bicycle helmet standard. Appears to be a fairing that was put over a normal EPS foam liner. Retail is $210 to $220.

Star

Star Helmets (formerly Zhuhai H.N.Z. Star Safety Helmets), located in Zhuhai, China, produces an extensive line of helmets under the Star Sport brand. Some are certified to the more stringent Snell B-95 standard, but we are unable to match the model numbers, so check the Snell list for details. Most should sell in the $10 to $20 range in the US market, with the BMX models around $65 and ski models probably in the same range.

Stash

Stash is a folding helmet designed to be stored in a smaller space than a standard helmet. It looks like a better design than the 1990's Motorika, a hard shell model that bombed in the US market. The shape is admirably round and smooth. Both sides fold into the middle to store it compactly. The manufacturer of the Stash says it meets the CEN EN 1078 European bike helmet standard. If it does, it would be roughly equivalent to any one-piece Euro helmet. At an advertised 300 to 330 grams (about 12 oz.) it would be about a half to a third heavier than a standard thin-shell CEN helmet, but that should not make much difference to any rider, particularly for short trips in town. Since there is no mention of testing to the US CPSC standard, this one probably cannot be sold in the US. The typical CEN standard helmet does not meet our more severe impact tests. The Stash has protruding lumps for the hinges that might not pass our limits on protrusions as well. Although their web description of lab test results indicates the author had some serious confusion about helmet testing, this is a really innovative design that might well encourage people using bikes in town to wear a helmet, particularly those who regularly borrow or rent a bike for short rides. Comes with a pouch, and the company has shoulder bags and backpacks with special Stash compartments. Comes in visible white with chrome trim, as a commuter helmet should. The two sizes fit heads from 55 to 62 cm (21.7 to 24.4 inches). The Stash retails in the UK market for 50 pounds ($100).

Strategic Sports

Strategic Sports produces helmets for a number of U.S. and European companies with the other company's brand, and have informed us that they rank among the world's largest helmet producers, with annual sales in the millions of helmets. Ten of their helmets appear on Snell's list. We have comments on Strategic models under a number of other brands in this review, but you are not likely to see a Strategic Sports brand name, since they avoid publicity.

Streetboardz

Streetboardz is a supplier of skateboards and gear. Their skateboard helmets are mostly classic Pro-Tec style with the small round front vents. They carry a number of logos, including Triple 8, S-One, Zoo York, Capix, Bullet, Darkstar, ProSkate and Viking. Some are clearly indicated as certified to the CPSC standard and would be ok for bicycle riding. One is an "audio helmet" so it must have speakers inside, but we have not seen one. Retails for $60.Retail prices mostly run from $25 to $40. But if you need a helmet for both skateboarding and bicycling helmet, we recommend that you look for one that is dual certified to both the CPSC standard and the ASTM F 1492 skateboard helmet standard.

THE Industries

THE, founded by Toby Henderson, has mountain bike fenders, saddles and other accessories. The company added helmets to its product line with four helmets from Vigor Sports, who may own the THE brand now. Their F-14 model caught our attention as a rounder, smoother model with style and really good coverage, and finally reached the market in mid-2007.

• F-14: a well vented inmolded bicycle-style helmet with extended skate-style coverage in the back and sides. The shell is round and smooth, and the vents extend down the back. Comes with extra padding to adjust the sizing. Should appeal to those who want more coverage for bike riding. Retail price is about $80.
  
  
• B1: very similar in profile to the F-14 above, but it is a skate model with an ABS shell and smaller vents. Retail is about $40.
  
  
• X-25: a road model with long vents, carbon fiber inserts, snag points facing both front and rear and lumpy external strap anchors.
  
  
• BMX styles: THE has a full complement of full face BMX/downhill racing models, including carbon fiber, fiberglass and ABS shells. The fiberglass shell version retails for $250 and the vented carbon fiber shell model is $350. Has a "dual EPS liner," but we don't have any info on its performance.

Tung Kuang / Tong Ho Hsing (THH or TKLI)

TKLI sends its line to the U.S. through Trans National Trading Company of Vernon, California. In China they are known as Shanghai Tung Kuang, or in Taiwan as Tung Kuang I Light Industry Co. Ltd., appearing on the Snell certification list as Tung Kuang I. They market their own Alltop and Allpro brands, but also produce helmets for other companies under different brand names. Their EPS models are probably all made in China and mostly have taped-on shells, while the EPP models noted below would come from Taiwan and are all inmolded. Most of their designs feature the round, smooth shapes that we prefer, but some of the models have vents that we would find too small for summer use in the US. Their models include:

• T-91: replacing an older T-91, this 2006 model is a newer style bicycle helmet, inmolded with EPS foam, with a reduced rear snag point and external strap anchors. Some bright colors. Retail is $35.
  
  
• T-38: a nicely rounded design with moderate vents and visor. Bright graphics. Snell B-95 certified. Taped on shell, visor. Retail should be about $16.
  
  
• T-37: a generally rounded but somewhat elongated design with moderate vents. Dark colors and red. Snell B-95 certified. Taped on shell. Retail should be about $16.
  
  
• T-36: a nicely rounded design with smaller vents and visor. Has three vents in front, three in the top and only one in the rear. Available in a bright yellow. Taped shell, visor. Snell B-95 certified. Retail should be about $12.
  
  
• T-35: a nicely rounded design with fewer vents. Some bright colors available. Snell B-95 certified. Taped on shell. Retail should be about $12.
  
  
• T-29 : toddler helmet with small vents, very round and smooth. Available in orange. Taped on shell. Snell B-95 certified. Should retail for about $10.
  
  
• T-22: smaller vents, updated graphics. EPU foam (heavier than EPS, has a solid feel and very uniform cell structure), visor, dial fit system. Elongated shape but without a sharp rear snag point. Inmolded as most EPU helmets are. Retail about $13.
  
  
• T-21: Smaller vents, EPU foam, some bright graphics, visor. Inmolded. Retail should be about $12.
  
  
• T-40: Downhill racing helmet with chinbar and an ABS shell. Some bright colors, including all white. Bolted on visor.
  
  
• T-39: Downhill racing helmet with chinbar. ABS shell, bolted on visor, vents. Retail is around $65.
  
  
• AP-866: motorcycle-style BMX/downhill helmet with full chinbar and polycarbonate shell. A nice visible orange is an option. No vents. Certified to the DOT motorcycle helmet standard.
  
  
• AP-87: motorcycle-style BMX/downhill helmet with full chinbar and polycarbonate shell. No vents. Snell certified.
  
  
• AP-89: motorcycle-style BMX/downhill helmet with full chinbar and carbon fiber-kevlar shell. No front vents. Snell certified.
  
  
• TA-78: classic ABS hard shell skate helmet with standard dark colors plus white, pink and flame graphics. Has a little sculpted line and two unexplained snaps in front, probably for a visor. No vents, so it looks more like a ski helmet than a skate helmet. We don't know what standards it may meet, so it may not be certified for bike riding or skateboarding. Comes in an extra small size.
  
  
• TA-77: classic skate helmet with standard dark colors plus some impressive gold, silver and stars-and-stripes colors rarely seen in skate style helmets. Smooth, round ABS hard shell with small vents. We don't know what standards it may meet, so it may not be certified for bike riding or skateboarding.
  
  

STKI also produces helmets for other uses, including military, baseball, motorcycle, equestrian, football and snow sports.

Tirreno

Tirreno is a house brand of Performance Bicycle shops. The bicycles of that brand are made in Taiwan, but we don't know who makes the helmets or where.

Top Gear

Top Gear is the house brand for Helmets R Us, a bulk supplier of many models of inexpensive helmets to helmet promotion campaigns. They also sell retail to individuals at about $10 per helmet. They have a unique "Face Saver" model with a chinbar at $14. They also have a Model 17 skate style helmet that is dual certified to the CPSC bicycle standard and ASTM F 1492 skateboard standard at $9.45 with a minimum $30 order.

Trek USA

Trek supplies a wide line of bikes and accessories to dealers, and their helmet graphics are designed to complement your Trek bike. Some models have reflective panels. Most have ring fit systems. Trek dropped their Anthem series following the 2006 recall of the Anthem C Elite and Anthem C Elite WSD models. Other Anthems were not recalled. Current models are:

• Zone: new for 2008, an interesting model listed as a mountain bike helmet. Inmolded with a lower shell covering the whole surface. Has a compact shape and angular lines but no rear snag point. Comes with a visor. No bright colors available. Retails for $100.
  
  
• Sonic Elite: inmolded design with a lower shell and a pronounced rear snag point. Ring fit system with three shell sizes. Available in visible white and two women's colors. Retail is $90.
  
  
• Interval Sport: inmolded with a minimal rear snag point and recessed strap anchors. Available in visible white and in two women's pastel colors. Retail is $70.
  
  
• Vapor 3 Sport: inmolded with the roundest, smoothest profile in Trek's current lineup, leaving only a minimal rear shelf. Reflective panel and a visor. Available with labels: Police, Sheriff, EMT and Fire. Available in visible white and women's pastel colors. Also comes as a Vapor Youth. Retail is $50.
  
  
• Vapor: new for 2008, inmolded with a pronounced rear snag point. Retail is $50.
  
  
• Little Dipper 2: Infant-toddler model with a taped-on shell, vents, graphics, a soft rubber visor, an anti-pinch chin pad. Retail is $35.
  
  

Trek has a one year free replacement policy for crashed helmets. They have helmet replacement parts on their website and available through their dealers, including buckles, pads and visors.

Triple Eight

Triple Eight appears to be primarily a skate and ski helmet company. We have not seen their helmets, but their website shows a number of skate-style models under the Brainsaver logo. There is a footnote saying that some of them can come with liners that meet the CPSC standard, so we assume that some do not. There is no mention on the website of the ASTM F 1492 skateboard standard, although there is standards info for the ski helmets including the ASTM standard for ski. If the Triple Eight helmet you are considering does not have a CPSC or ASTM standard sticker inside, it does not meet either standard, since one of the requirements to meet the standard is to have the identifying label inside. One of the Triple Eight vendors on the web says the model they are selling is only approved for skate use. There is no legal requirement for a skate-only helmet to meet any standard at all. Without a standards sticker you have no way of knowing how the helmet will perform in a crash. For 2008 they have added rubberized finishes. We don't recommend those because they are likely to increase a helmet's sliding resistance in a crash. They do have some nice bright colors, including white. We don't know their retail prices.

Troy Lee Designs

Troy Lee is a motorcycle helmet and gear manufacturer with a BMX line known for high quality rad graphics. They originated the large bolted-on visor style that makes the visor a potential snag point and has become universal on BMX models. Troy Lee says that the plastic mounts in the helmet will pull out when the visor is snagged. Unfortunately there is no standard for testing that, and nobody will do it for you at the bike shop or bike show, either, so we still regard the visors as potential snag points. The Troy Lee bicycle line is named D2 for Daytona 2 and has three models.

• '07 D2 Carbon: a classic BMX/motorcycle model with a shell made of 60% carbon fiber, 20% Aramid and 20% fiberglass. Has titanium visor screws to hold on that big visor. The carbon has exposed carbon fiber mesh in a sunken rear section they term "cosmetic," a style quirk but probably not a serious snag hazard. Four small vents. Meets the ASTM F 1952 downhill racing helmet standard and the ASTM BMX cycling standard, easily exceeding the CPSC standard. Strong and durable D-ring buckle. Retail is $375.
  
  
• '07 D2 Composite: another classic BMX/motorcycle model, this time with a shell made of 50% fiberglass, 20% Aramid and 30% carbon replacing the Kevlar in previous models. Four small vents. Meets the ASTM F 1952 downhill racing helmet standard and the ASTM BMX cycling standard, easily exceeding the CPSC standard. Comes in somewhat more visible gold. Strong and durable D-ring buckle. Retail is $295. The D2 fits heads from 53 to 62 cm (21 to 24.5 inches).
  
  
• '07 D2 Open Face: recently added to the Troy Lee line and described as a "retro-style open face" this model has no chinbar, but otherwise is the classic BMX/motorcycle style, with the ever-present big visor. The shell material is not specified, but probably fiberglass. Small vents. Meets the ASTM F 1952 downhill racing helmet standard and the ASTM BMX cycling standard (neither standard requires a chinbar), easily exceeding the CPSC standard. Comes in visible white. Retail is $225.

Troy Lee has a stylish-looking blinker in a chrome housing to add to the back of your helmet. It runs on watch batteries for 300 hours and costs $32. Since it is an add-on we assume it would break off properly in a crash.

Troy Lee will replace helmet liners after a crash if the shell is not damaged.

TSG - Technical Safety Gear

This Swiss company sells skate helmets in the US in the classic skate style, and one BMX model. They are advertised as certified to EN1078 and CPSC, both bicycle helmet standards. Despite the stronger euro, most of TSG's retail prices are lower this year in the US market.

• Road Helmet: new for 2008, the Road Rodeo has the apparent coverage of a skate helmet, but the vents, visor and style of a bike helmet. It is inmolded with an ABS hard shell. The exterior is a bit angular but still very well rounded, without snag points, and the strap anchors are recessed. Meets only the European CEN bicycle helmet standard.
  
  
• Superlight: new in 2007, this one has the classic skate shape and few vents, but with a thin shell instead of ABS. Inmolded with an inward curve in the lower shell achieved with a special molding system and four piece shell. Comes in visible white as well as dark colors. Advertised as a skate/bike helmet, but meets only the European CEN bicycle standard, not the US CPSC or ASTM skateboard standard. Retail is $70.
  
  
• Evolution: almost the same skate model as the Superlight, with small rectangular vents and an ABS plastic hard shell. This one meets the CPSC bicycle standard. Available in many colors and graphic schemes. There is a "rubber finish" model that we would avoid as a novelty that may not slide as well on pavement as the regular ABS shells do. Retail is $45 or $50 for graphic models. Also comes with different graphics as the Evolution Pro Design, in XXL size fitting up to 62.5 cm (24.6 inches) and in a kid's model fitting heads as small as 52 cm (20.5 inches). There is even a Wakeboarding model with ear flaps.
  
  
• Skate/BMX: a classic ABS plastic hard shell skate design with one less vent than the Evolution, meeting the CPSC bicycle helmet standard but not the ASTM skateboard standard. Colors include visible white. Retail is $30. This one is available in a matched set that includes a helmet and protective pads for skate park rental programs. To deter theft, the helmet and pads are the same unusual "rental blue." The helmet has "Rental" woven into the strap and on a prominent decal in the back. The pads have "rental" on them as well, and are supplied in a "super durable/washable" material. We do not understand why this idea has not been developed by a bicycle helmet manufacturer, preferably with an easy-to-clean interior to prevent passing lice to the next wearer. It is possible that renters don't want a helmet that says "Rental" on it, or possible that some would steal it as a cool souvenir.
  
  
• Dragon/Stealth/Classic Junior: classic BMX/motorcycle style helmets with chinbar and a big visor. Fiberglass hard shell with vents. Certified to the Snell B-95 bicycle helmet standard, exceeding the CPSC standard. Retail price is 120 euros.
  
  
• District/Flame: a classic BMX/motorcycle style helmet with chinbar and a big visor. ABS plastic shell, no vents. There is a fin appended to the top. Certified to the DOT motorcycle helmet standard, exceeding the CPSC standard. Retail is 70 euros.
  
  
• District: another classic BMX/motorcycle style helmet with chinbar and a big visor. Has a fin glued onto the ABS shell, no vents. Certified to the DOT motorcycle helmet standard, exceeding the CPSC standard. Retail is 150 euros.

TSG's skate helmets fit heads from 56 to 59 cm. Their full-face helmets fit heads from 56 to 64 cm.

TSG has a free crash replacement policy.

Tung I Hsing

See THH above.

Txed

Txed is a Chinese company new to us for 2007. They have 15 models in the low price range. All the bicycle models we have seen have taped-on shells and recessed strap anchors. They have a full face fiberglass BMX helmet and an ABS plastic hard shell skate model as well. The US company is Friendly Toys Corp of Santa Fe Springs, California.

Uvex

Uvex is best known internationally for its optical products, but in the bicycle market they find more interest in their helmets. Their helmets are designed and mostly made in Germany, and all of them are inmolded using Bayer's Makrolon polycarbonate material similar to GE's Lexan. They have reflective logos, nicely recessed strap anchors and front vent net for insect protection. They have a unique buckle that uses a ridged tab that inserts and pushes in, that we have only seen on Abus and Uvex helmets. It is adjustable with one hand while riding, particularly useful to take out the slack as you sweat on longer rides and the strap loosens. All of their helmets have a ring fit system with a dial adjuster. For 2008 some can be had in a sunglasses-plus-helmet combination and there is an optional LED flasher that replaces the rear strap anchor for some models. The line includes:

• Urban: new for 2008, inmolded with the round and smooth profile we think is optimal. Unfortunately it also has the rubberized finish that we don't think is optimal. Still worth a look. Retail is $60.
  
  
• X Ride: new for 2008, in the compact shape with a small rear snag point that Uvex calls a "spoiler." Fits up to 65cm (25.6 inch) heads, the largest Uvex model. Retail is $130. Dealers can order an optional package with sunglasses for $150.
  
  
• Sport Boss: an inmolded model with a dual shell covering all the foam, rear snag points and some shell ridges. Retails for $90, or $100 for the Boss Race version. The Boss Race has an optional LED flasher. It also has an optional package with sunglasses for $150. Both models have bright color options.
  
  
• Supersonic RS: an inmolded model with a more rounded design with large vents. Retails for $90. Bicycling magazine picked it as the best value of the three helmets they reported on in their January/February 2005 issue. In 2006 Uvex added the Supersonic GT, with a special matte finish for $10 more. Inmolded, has bug net in the front vents. There is an optional package with sunglasses for $120.
  
  
• XP 100: large vents and squared-off rear treatment with a blunt snag point, but skate-style coverage. Medium size only. Inmolded. Visor. Retail is $90.
  
  
• Magnum: new for 2007, reasonably rounded compact profile model with extra coverage in the back and on the sides. Inmolded with large vents and a visor. Retail is $70.
  
  
• Compass: new for 2008, inmolded with a rounded, upswept shell that ends in a very modest snag point. There is an insert of Reflectek material in the rear to provide a reflective surface. The most visible color choice is titanium gray. Retails for $60.
  
  
• Touring: reasonably well rounded, inmolded with a single shell that does not wrap under. Can mount the new LED flasher. selling for $50.
  
  
• Viva: new for 2008, inmolded with an extended rear shelf snag point. Has a reflective sticker. Retails for $40, the lowest price point in the Uvex line.
  
  
• Superhelix: a youth helmet for smaller heads with a rounded profile, almost no snag point, visor and one bright color choice. Inmolded. Small ponytail port. Fits sizes 52 to 57 cm (20.5 to 22.4 inches). Retail is $60.
  
  
• Uvision Junior: a 2007 child helmet with fairly large vents that Uvex says do not let any direct sunlight through to the head. If that is true, there would be a market for an adult version for bald riders. Inmolded. Fits 52 to 57 cm (20.5 to 22.4 inches) heads. Retail is $50.
  
  
• Cartoon: a toddler helmet, inmolded. Large vents. Reflective sticker. Fits 49 to 55 cm. heads and retails for $40.
  
  
• Factory Pilot 2 - fp2 Time Trial: a time trail chrono model that meets only European standards. It hums when it is off-center to alert the rider to less-than-ideal aero performance. Uvex reps say it would retail for $500 but is not available through retail channels. Look for it on the T-Mobile team.

Uvex offers a crash replacement discount of 30% off the retail price.

Vcan

Vcan is produced by Shanghai Hehui Safety Products, and includes a line of helmets that vary from beautifully rounded and smooth to angular with very large rear snag points. Some are inmolded. Price points run from $9 to $40 retail, and there are some nice designs at that modest level, including strap anchors that are recessed or internal on all models. All are ring fit. Most are sold under other brands. Vcan also has skate and snow helmets.

Vigor Sports - VSI

Vigor Sports (Hong Jin Cycle Corp.) is a Korean company with a large and varied line of helmets, some made for them by other companies. They have some models with EPU "double impact" foam as well as more conventional single impact EPS. Their models that are not inmolded have a band of 3M reflective tape around the shell edge, a nice feature seldom seen in this price range. The black tape is not 3M's most reflective product, but it represents some additional cost and an effort to make the helmets safer that we wish more manufacturers would adopt. See our cautionary note below about their skate helmets. Some of their models have strap fittings that lock very well. Most are ring fit, and all but two of the adult models have visors. Vigor produces the THE F-14 pictured above and the THE B-1 as well.

• Quicksilver: a 2006 design with modest rear snag points, inmolded with a lower shell piece and Vigor's locking strap fittings that actually lock and hold well. Ring fit. Retail is $70, high for the Vigor line.
  
  
• Atomic: a 2006 model, inmolded with a second lower shell piece and a pronounced rear snag point. Retail is $50.
  
  
• Fast Traxx: another 2006 model, inmolded with nicely recessed strap anchors and a modest rear snag point. Ring fit, visor. Visible white option. Retails for $40.
  
  
• NOX: once Vigor's top of the line, made of EPU foam and inmolded. Has an upper and lower shell and a minimal protruding rear shelf. The ribs are reasonably rounded. Has external strap anchors, but they are tucked in among the ribs. Retails for $30.
  
  
• Jr. Nox / Avenger has four fewer vents than the NOX and an elongated front visor molded in, but the same rear treatment for $25. The Jr. comes in XXS, but with its elongated rear it would not be suitable for a child in a trailer or high-backed child seat unless you put a thick pad behind the child's back to prevent the helmet tail from pushing the child's head forward and down.
  
  
• Sequel: introduced in 2001, this is another EPU model, also inmolded, with upper and lower shell. It resembles the NOX, but has fewer vents. It has in a very bright yellow option and retails for $25. No visor. This one comes in size XXL to fit heads up to 64 cm.
  
  
• L'il Tyke: a toddler helmet with a very nicely rounded profile, vents, a pinch proof buckle tab, 3M reflective tape and ring fit. Comes only in xxs for 50 to 52 cm (19.7 to 20.5 inches) heads and retails for $20.
  
  
• The One: a 2007 downhill racing/BMX model with carbon shell for $300 or in fiberglass for $200 (both down $50 from 2007 prices). Has soft rubberized paint that we would steer clear of for sliding resistance questions on a helmet for road use, but for off-road biking it would probably not make much difference.
  
  
• X5: a downhill/BMX model with a fiberglass shell with vents and a bolted on visor. Certified to the Snell N-94 multipurpose standard. Retail is $120.
  
  
• Ten-Eighty (1080): A skate helmet design with the classic smooth, round exterior, round vents, polyethylene shell and an EPS liner. It is listed as a bike, snow or skate helmet, but certified only to the CPSC bicycle helmet standard. Has a nice bright yellow option and a white option. The strap adjustors are simple buckles that do not lock, and they move readily, so they will not hold adjustment well. It retails for $25 to $32 depending on the graphics.
  
  
• Royal: Skate-style helmet with oval vents and cheap buckle strap adjustors that slip easily, retailing for $25 to $30. Has a visible white option and a chrome model. Comes in X-Large fitting really big heads.

Vigor's accessories include a breathable helmet bag for $20 and a "drysock" designed for shoes but usable in a helmet. It contains a lot of desiccant of the type found packed in electronic gear to dry your helmet out in case you have to pack it somewhere after a ride.

Vigor's crash replacement policy provides a replacement of the same helmet or another current one at 30 per cent off of retail cost for the lifetime of the helmet.

World Industries

World Industries is a skateboard company with a line of skateboard helmets certified to the CPSC bicycle helmet standard. Models include the Skullbo, Rockstar, Battle Helmet, Black Metal Helmet and Heavy Metal Helmet. The helmets they sold from October, 2000 to May 2001, imported by Variflex, were recalled. We have a page up with the details. World Industries also markets Banshee helmet earphones that you attach to a skate helmet or snow sports helmet. "No more having your headphones come off your head when you fall." We now find some World products on the Bravo Sports site.

Yakkay

This Danish company sells a skate-style helmet with covers that convert it into a fashion accessory that does not look like a helmet. The looks include a hat, a military-style cap and two others that conform to the helmet shape but have different detailing. No vents in the covers. Meets the CEN standard but apparently not CPSC for the US market. Dealers are listed in Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. List price in Denmark is 299 Danish Kroner or about $60 US.

X-Factor

See Kent International.

YoLite Industrial Co.

YoLite supplies reflective helmets from China in quantities of 3,000 or more. They say that the entire surface of the helmet is reflective. We have not seen them and the website does not have info on them, so we do not know what standards they might meet. At the consumer level they would probably have a different brand name.

Zefal

Zefal helmets appear in the US under the Michelin brand.

Zhuhai Golex

See Golex above.

Zhuhai Safety

This Chinese manufacturer (Zhuhai Hindun Safety Helmets, also Zhu Hai Safety Helmet Manufacture Co. Ltd and Zhuhai USA Safety) has an extensive line of bicycle and BMX helmets. Most are sold by others under their own brands, including some of the best-known in the US, with others labeled with the Caluk or T-Star brand. Their numerous adult, youth and toddler models feature both nicely-rounded and sharply-edged shells. Some are inmolded, and some have lower shells. Their Series 08 model is on Snell's B-95 bicycle helmet standard list. Sizing runs from 49 cm (19.3 inches) for the smallest to 64 cm (25.2 inches) for the large. Zhuhai Safety helmets are provided at low prices for helmet promotion programs through Helmets R Us (above).

Zhuhai Star Safety

See Star Helmets above.

This article is frequently updated during the model year.

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