Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute

Bicycle Helmets for the 2024 Season

Summary: Concussion awareness has forced manufacturers to offer some form of technology claimed to mitigate rotational force in 2024. Some newer helmet liners are pushing beyond the thin layer MIPS slip-plane and providing a thicker inner layer that can deform directionally. Virginia Tech has published independent test results confirming better performance of some models, although there is no consensus that their protocol accurately predicts concussions. We have a page listing models where their recommendations match high impact performance reported by Consumer Reports. We think fit, coverage and a well-rounded smooth exterior are more important in the widest range of dangerous impacts.

Rotational energy in a crash can be reduced by a helmet's external shape. If your helmet has points in the rear you might want to consider replacing it with one of the newer, better rounded models. And if you believe that a helmet liner can reduce your chance of concussion you should consult the Virginia Tech ratings and those of the Swedish consumer publication Folksam. Their test protocols may be arbitrary, but with no standards for that type of testing they are all we have.

Consumer awareness is also requiring new models with better coverage, mostly designated as "trail" designs. Once you adjust them in front, some of them do not offer more coverage in the rear. There are more smart helmets with lights and electronics, and more new ebike helmets are appearing.

If you live in the UK, there is the first custom-fitted bike helmet from HEXR. This 3D printed model marks a new era in helmet manufacturing. It could even lead to scanning heads and matching them to conventional off-the-shelf helmets to find the best fit. Others are bringing custom-manufactured helmets to the market, but not based on a head scan. See KAV below. We were impressed with the KAV's performance in lab testing.

Almost all of the helmets on the US market meet standards and offer good if not excellent protection, although you can find junk and counterfeit helmets online. We recommend looking for a helmet that fits you well, pleases you as wearing apparel and has a rounded, smooth exterior with no major snag points. Wherever you live, it should meet your country's national or international standard, of course.

Manufacturers experienced a marked drop in demand in early 2023 after skyrocketing demand in 2021 as cycling increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Retail stock levels dipped but have fully recovered in 2024 as the pandemic bike boom has cooled. Inflationary pressures that arose in 2022 resulted in fewer discounts and an increase in prices. Bell/Giro/Fox Racing (Vista Outdoor) began laying off staff in 2023. Prices should soften and stay that way this year.

If you buy a new helmet you can wash it with mild detergent before using it to make sure no active COVID or other virus remains on it, or manufacturing process chemicals. The same treatment is best for your daily use helmet.

We use a rolling update for this page, dating each review.

Trends

New Models

Descriptions by Brand

Index by Brand

Trends this year

Helmets are evolving more rapidly this year. There are new models in 2024 that are worth a look if you need a new helmet. The rounded compact profile that we think is best when you crash has largely taken over the market, eliminating rear points. There is still no verified major advance in impact performance, ventilation or wearability this year that would compel you to replace your current helmet, but there is new technology available that is worth considering.

Concussion protection dominates helmet news, brought up a decade ago by football injury problems. Virginia Tech's Biomechanical Engineering department has developed a methodology for testing helmets for what they believe is their ability to reduce concussions. We have some reservations about the computations behind their ratings, but we support the concept of trying to rank helmets for low-level impact performance, and this is the first system in the world to do that and publish results. We note their rankings for individual models below, and you can check out our page on their methodology for more background and a link to their rankings. We also have a page with the growing list of models where their ratings and Consumer Reports agree, giving you both high level impact and low level impact/rotation ratings to aid your selection.

Consumer Reports has an article on their website. They did not attempt to test low-level impact performance, but did test for rotational force, including MIPS models. We have a summary of their findings below. The Swedish insurance company Folksam issued a helmet report in 2020 for European models, and they provided their actual test data.

Highlights

• KAV's 3d printed helmets: KAV is selling a new custom-fitted design generated by 3D printing from your individual head measurements. The additive manufacturing technique permits the use of all available space between the head and the inside of the helmet shell for the energy management liner. This may be the future of upscale helmet manufacturing. Kav sends you a kit with calipers and a measuring tape, then a staffer does a Zoom interview where they guide you through the process of measuring various dimensions of your head. They generate a fitting cap from the measurements and adjust as necessary before producing the final helmet. The process was long but worked well for us, producing a helmet tailored to the wearer's head with a thick headband.
  
  The 3D printing uses nylon filament with carbon fiber reinforcing. It takes 16 hours of printer time to produce each of the five segments of the helmet. KAV certifies that the helmet meets the US CPSC standard.
  
  We sent a KAV to a test lab and were impressed with its performance. See below.
  
  
• HEXR's 3d printed helmets: HEXR was the first 3D printed helmet to reach the market. They fit the interior to individual heads scanned with an iPad. For uniquely shaped or very large heads that improvement alone could be a big advance. And it could provide a solution for those with cochlear implants or other special fit problems. The only test data on the HEXR is on their site, and to date their helmet only meets the less demanding European standard, so it is not available in the US, but they are working on a CPSC model. For the future, individual head scans could be matched to conventional mass-produced off-the-shelf helmets to find the best fit. For unusually-shaped heads and those with cochlear implants the scanning technique could solve problems.
  
  
• Rotational energy management liners: POC led the parade with a MIPS helmet years ago, and a different implementation of technology patented by the MIPS company has moved through the market after Bell bought part of the company. But others have kept pace: 6D, Kali and Leatt have elastomer pads that can move sideways. Trek has Bontrager models with an inner liner of a material called WaveCel, a plastic mesh that collapses on impact and can slip sideways while doing so. Fox has a 2024 model using the dual-layer construction of the original POC. Lazer has developed a liner they call KinetiCore with grooves and raised blocks of foam to allow sideways movement in an impact. Others with rotational management technology include 100 Per Cent, Airium, Briko, Fly and O'Neal. We expect many more as the year progresses, responding to marketing pressure.
  
  MIPS claims to make it easier for the head to move about 5mm (0.2") sideways inside the helmet at the moment of impact to reduce the rotational energy passed on to the head. We still regard MIPS as unproven technology unless you have a helmet that couples so closely to your head that you can't move it even a quarter inch under pressure. The Snell Foundation found no advantage to MIPS in their testing. But football injury analysis has linked rotational energy and concussions, so manufacturers are scrambling. The technology sells new helmets and adds as much as 50% to the price tag, so every manufacturer we talk to has incorporated it in their line.
  
  
• Impact liner evolution: Beyond rotational force technology, impact liners are evolving, including HEXR's 3D printed helmet, Smith's models with collapsible plastic modules looking like hollow straws, POC's honeycomb material, Kali's carbon nanotube material and Conehead designs with dual density impact foam in helmet liners. KAV claims that their 3d printed honeycomb shears sideways to handle rotational energy. As noted above, Lazer's KinetiCore liner has channels in the foam to promote the same effect.
  
  
• Smart helmets: There are many new smart helmet models either available now or coming to market. They have some combination of front and rear cameras, phone integration, WiFi, navigation connections, turn signals, brake lights, music players, intercoms, connections to bike computers and even impact sensors. They include the Airius, Babali, Coros, Eventy, Koros, Lazer, Lifebeam, Livall, Lumos, O'Neal, POC, Sena, Uvex and Video Head. WARNING: you should know that NIH released a study in February, 2018 that showed cancer tumors forming around the hearts of rats exposed to high levels of radio-frequency radiation. There are several little-heeded advocacy groups seeking to raise consciousness about "electro-smog" and particularly hazards for pregnant women. So there could be a down side. And an impact sensor in a helmet reports on the g's to the helmet, not the g's to the brain.
  
  
• There are more options for those who want a much heavier, more protective road helmet. Fox has a Dropframe Pro MIPS that brings protection down below and around the ears. In 2024 their Speedfram RS will feature a double-layer helmet like the original POC implementation of MIPS. It appears to be thicker than a standard model. At least three new models with removable chinbars meet the ASTM F1952 downhill standard: the Giro Switchblade, Bell Super DH and the Lazer Revolution FF. They are required to meet it with or without the chinbar, so if you don't use the chinbar on them you get a beefy road helmet with certified better coverage in the rear and on the sides and improved impact performance. Without chinbar it is still a pound heavier than a standard road helmet and looks like a "shorty" motorcycle helmet. To meet the impact requirements the foam liner is very hard, so we don't know how well it would perform in lesser impacts that are not tested by the standard. Giro's Tyrant MIPS has sides that swoop low to cover both ears, but again the added coverage is below the test line and the helmet meets only the CPSC standard.
  
  
• Removable chinbars came back several years ago. In addition to the Super DH, Switchblade and Revolution FF, there are others that only meet the CPSC standard, including the Bell Super 3R, Cratoni C-Maniac, Kuji FF3, Leatt DBX 3.0 Enduro, Uvex Jakkyl Hde and Ventura Trifecta Extreme. But they are not certified to the ASTM downhill standard, so they probably provide only CPSC protection when you remove the chinbar.
• Folding helmets: more folding designs are coming to market, spurred in part by shared bicycle programs. We have a page up on folding helmets. They include the Overage Plixi, Biologic Pango, Carrera Foldable and Closca, among others. Park and Diamond promised to deliver their rollable helmet, but it seems to have stalled.
  
  
• Helmets for electric bikes (ebikes, pedelecs) began to appear in 2013, typified by the Casco E-Motion Cruiser. There is no separate ASTM or CPSC standard for ebike helmets, but in 2016 the Netherlands published a standard for ebike helmets known as NTA 8776, and Europe is preparing to endorse it as their own ebike standard. It has similar impact protection to the CPSC standard, so considerably more than the European EN1078 bike standard. It has more coverage in the rear, but that does not actually have to be impact-tested to meet the standard. Many manufacturers now have helmets that meet it, and it is becoming a de facto standard because there is no other in the field. We have a page on ebike helmets.
  
  
• There are more trail riding helmets, urban, city, commuter and enduro models this year. Any company needing a helmet line can easily purchase one with pre-developed models from a number of Chinese OEM manufacturers. Some of the trail models have added coverage, but some just are styled to look that way.
  
  
• Strap adjustment fittings--buckles and side Junctions--still need improvement. Many of them slip too easily, causing "strap creep". We consider Bell's new fittings a net regression: they lie flat but slip. There are more models with fixed strap junctions, requiring a try-on to see if they fit. Most do not fit as well as a well-adjusted strap. Canyon will be introducing new helmets with HighBar straps.
  
  
• POC and Volvo testers are crashing helmets on car anvils.
  
  
• LED flashers in the rear of helmets are brighter each year, but most of them are still too small and have disappointing output compared to this year's best third-party flashers with always-improving LEDs.
  
  
• the ICEdot crash sensor was sold to Specialized, who replaced it with a new ANGi (Angular and G-Force indicator). It can call home if you crash. This excellent Bike World News review has details.
  
  
• POC has a partnership with twICEme using a Near-Field Communications chip embedded in the helmet to provide info on you and your allergies to EMT's after a crash. Almost all smartphones have NFC capabilities. The chip does not require a battery for reading or writing data.
  
  
• Anti-microbial helmet pad materials using silver or other chemicals might be useful if you are having unusual helmet odor problems. If you want to reduce your exposure to chemicals and metals they may not be something you want to have held against your sweating head on every ride.
  
  
• Fake and counterfeit helmets are a growing problem, mostly affecting online sales. If you buy online, you have to be confident of the source.
  
  
• So far, price adjustments are modest for 2024, but the inflation excuse presists, and increased shipping costs are exerting upward pressure. The cost of adding MIPS or other rotational management technology and the added marketing appeal have led to much higher prices for those models. The increase in helmet demand during the pandemic put upward pressure on prices, but it has ebbed last year and this.
  
  
• Some industry watchers estimate that helmet sales will be over 30 million worldwide in 2024. Others think that is exaggerated. We don't know, but sales that had been rapidly increasing with the demand for bicycles during the pandemic are declining now. The ebike market is still growing rapidly, and some ebike riders are looking for more protective helmets.

Some Interesting New Models:

• Bold has a new unique helmet design with space for a Sikh rider's hair.
  
  
• Giro has a second ball-and-socket construction double foam layer model called the Tyrant MIPS. The Tyrant is unusual, with sides that swoop low to cover both ears. The ball-and-socket was the first POC design with MIPS long ago.
  
  
• Bontrager has four models with their WaveCel inserts attempting to reduce rotational energy.
  
  
• 318 has a smart helmet with modular and replaceable electronics controlled by either a remote or a phone, and a bone-conducting speaker that does not encumber the rider's ears.
  
  
• Suomi has a new "smart strap" stretcher to combat strap creep.
  
  
• Zonzhou has a new smart helmet that turns on the turn signals when you tilt your head.
  
  
• Nutcase has a new dual-density foam liner in some of their skate-style helmets.
  
  
• POC has a model with a "Spin" shearing pad so similar to MIPS that MIPS sued over patent infringement.
  
  
• IKI has an XXS model fitting heads as small as 42cm.
  
  
• The hot color for 2022 was cherry. We don't know yet what 2023 will bring.
  

Consumer Reports and Virginia Tech Picks

If you want to pick a helmet using lab test data, we have a page up listing the top helmets rated by Consumer Reports and the top Virginia Tech ratings, with the list of helmets top-rated by both organizations.

More

We have pages up on helmets for

• New designs not yet on the market.
• Very large heads.
  
• Tiny heads.
  
• Rounder "Asian fit" heads.
  
• Narrower heads
  
• Folders
  
• Time trialing
  
• Anti-concussion helmets
  
• Helmet types
  
• Definitions for helmet terms
  
• Helmet accessories
  
• Our reports for previous 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 a road, urban, aero road enduro or mountain bike helmet with a thin plastic shell outside and a thick Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam liner inside. Except for the cheaper models, the foam liner is inmolded, meaning that the plastic shell is placed in the mold and the foam material of the liner is expanded into it, forming one solid piece. For lower-priced models the shell is generally molded separately and then taped or glued on the foam liner. The typical helmet has at least some vents, webbing straps made of nylon, polypro or a similar material, a plastic buckle, no reflective trim and either a ring fit ("one size fits all") or soft foam fitting pads inside. It may have a visor. We have a page up on visors explaining our lack of enthusiasm for them. Most aero road helmets are made for aerodynamic performance, usually with few vents.
  
  
• BMX models are "full face" (with chinbar) and have thicker hard shells shaped like a motorcycle helmet. The chinbars typically do not have effective energy management padding inside. Vents are usually minimal, and there is normally a very large visor bolted firmly on, a possible snagging hazard. Most manufacturers are unable to tell us what force level causes their visors and other mounts to detach in testing. (ASTM is working on a breakaway helmet accessories standard but it is not yet ready.) The ASTM standard for BMX helmets is F2032. Some BMX models meet more demanding motorcycle helmet standards for impact management.
  
  
• Downhill mountain bike racing models are similar to BMX but generally lighter and have vents. Most of them have minimal or no impact padding inside the chinbar. Unless noted they are certified only to the CPSC bicycle helmet standard rather than the tougher ASTM F1952 standard for downhill helmets.
  
  
• Chrono helmets are teardrop-shaped for time trials and pursuit events. They may have extremely elongated aero tails, medium tails or no tails at all. They usually have minimal vents if any. They are not suitable for street riding. We have a page up on chrono models.
  
  
• Skate style helmets are the classic round, smooth shape popularized by Pro-Tec in the 1970's with ABS plastic hard shells and small vents. Most now have EPS liners and are certified to the CPSC one-hit bicycle helmet standard rather than the ASTM F1492 Skateboard standard that requires multiple impact protection. Some are dual-certified to both standards, and we recommend looking for that.

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 because it seems more stable. With a hard blow the helmet can still be knocked out of position or even fly off if the straps are not adjusted correctly.

We note the largest and smallest sizes available where relevant, and comment on bright colors. Prices are the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, the price you might pay at your local bike shop with fitting services included. Discount store and Internet pricing will usually be lower. There are often deals on closeouts of prior year models either online or in bike stores.

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

You can find additional info on each of the helmets below at the manufacturer's site. Many of them are also demonstrated on YouTube videos, and many sites have detailed reviews.

Brands and Models

6D

6D has a high-end BMX motorcycle-style helmet and a trail model. Both have their proprietary liner, with a two layers of EPS separated by plastic hourglass-shaped bits designed to bend at the narrow point and displace energy to the side. We don't know if that will produce fewer injuries or not, but it is an attempt to deal with angular acceleration in crashes that might offer some benefit. 6D says that the liner reduces energy transmitted to the head from lesser impacts as well as harder ones. We hope to see independent test results to confirm that. In the meantime, the website has detailed info.

In 2017 6D won a prestigious competition for helmet technology sponsored by the NFL, GE, Under Armour and National Institute of Standards and Technology, taking home a $500,000 prize. They say that some of what they learned during the competition has already been incorporated in the helmets below. This year's 6D models include:

• ATB-1T a trail riding model with the appearance of good rear coverage and the 6D proprietary liner. It had significant upgrades in 2018, including improvements to the liner, dual-density foam and other impact management improvements. Worth a look if you want to wear technology that goes beyond MIPS. Still certified only to CPSC. Retail is $270.
• ATB-1 with a full chinbar and carbon fiber shell, this one is certified to the tougher ASTM F1952 downhill mountain bike racing standard as well as CPSC. 6D provides low-impact technology comparisons with other full chinbar bicycle helmets, demonstrating lower peak g's than the competitors they tested. It has the usual large bolted-on visor, but with plastic mounting screws designed to shear off on impact or if the visor is snagged, although the force level necessary to shear the pins is not noted. The retail price is $550, down $100 from last year. There is a youth model at $435. Worth a look because it meets the downhill standard. The LA Times has published a good article about the design, and its competitors.
• ATS-1 and ATR-1 are heavier full face helmets marketed as a motorcycle or motocross helmets, and meet the DOT and European motorcycle helmet standards. Depending on graphics, they retail in the $700 and up range.

6D can replace crashed inner liners, but more often offers a discounted price on a replacement helmet. Warranties are 1 year for the ATB-1T and three years for the other models. 6D's technology is interesting, and their test results are impressive, now endorsed by their win in the NFL competition.

Review updated: 2018

100%

Ride One Hundred Percent produces goggles, gloves and other protective gear. In 2016 they introduced helmets as well, and now have several models:

• Aircraft: a classic BMX shape with vents, long visor and chinbar. The shell material is a composite with carbon fiber and Kevlar. the visor bolts on with aluminum screws. This model has MIPS. The Aircraft is certified to the ASTM F1952 downhill mountain bike racing standard, the ASTM F2032 BMX standard as well as CPSC, CE, and AS/NZ bicycle helmet standards. It is worth a look for that alone. Fits heads from 53 to 64cm (20 7/8 to 25 1/4 inches) Retail is $450.
• Altec: a trail helmet with blocky looks and vents. It has a small point in the rear. Has a Smartshock "suspended rotational system," using elastomers between liner and shell to improve impact protection and possibly reduce rotational energy in a crash. Fits heads from 50 to 63cm (19 5/8 to 24 3/4 inches) but liners are 2mm thinner in the S and M sizes. Retail is $165.

Review updated: 2020

318

318 is a brand of Fitech Sports, a US company. They have a smart helmet with modular and replaceable electronics controlled by either a remote or a phone. It has very large front-to-back vents and unfortunate points in the rear. The speaker is bone-conducting, so the rider's ears are not affected although the brain may be distracted by music. The phone can call if you are in trouble. The retail price is $220.

Review updated: 2019

7.20

Seventwenty Airhelmets SRL is an Italian company with a road and mountain bike helmet introduced in March 2021 that has a honeycomb liner similar to the HEXR. The name is derived from the sum of the inner angles for a hexagon, the shape of the cells in the 7.20 liner. It is pronounced seven-twenty. The website claims that in European-style testing it keeps g levels well below those of its European competitors. They also say that the honeycomb manages rotational acceleration forces without the use of add-on layers. As we have said in our previous reviews of the HEXR, the honeycomb liner offers the ability to tune impact protection characteristics that exceeds that of EPS foam. The helmet has a well-rounded exterior. The website says it has excellent ventilation. The site says it weighs 499 grams/17.6 oz, heavy for a European model but in the normal ballpark for a US CPSC-certified helmet, and very unlikely to be a weight problem for riders. We do not know what the exterior dimension is. The helmet is certified only to the EN1078 European helmet standard, not to CPSC, so it will not be sold in the US. We tried to order a sample, but the order was refused due to our US address. Neither Folksam nor CERTIMOOV has tested the 7.20 yet. Retail is €199 plus shipping. In November 2021 they dropped their prices €50 for Black Friday.

Review updated: 2021

Abus

Abus (August Bremicker Söhne AG) is a German company also known in the US as a manufacturer of locks. Some of their helmets 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, but it provides strap adjustment every time you fasten it and would be easy to tighten with one hand when your strap loosens from sweat on a ride. (Few riders would think to do that.) Higher end models now have Fidlock magnetic buckles. Their rear stabilizers are also adjusted by a ratchet device. Visors mount with breakaway pins. Some models have bug net in the front vents. The company's philosophy on vents and safety was once summed up: "The more air openings a helmet has, the harder the absorbing material must be to compensate the weight saved. However, the protection level suffers thereby. The challenge is to find the best solution for a fresh head and good shock absorption." We agree with that, but some newer ABUS models below indicate that they have discovered the advantages of internal foam reinforcement and changed their formula. We don't have an Abus price sheet, so prices below are from websites. Abus gives a separate name to the visor version of its models, and we don't always figure that out. Abus is bringing more of their line to the US market now.

In 2021 Abus acquired Maxi Studio, an Italian helmet design and manufacturing company that produced the GameChanger, AirBreaker and StormChaser models below. There are details in this Bicycle Retailer story. The 2022 Abus PowerDome is now advertised as "made in Italy."

Here are the 2020-21 Abus designs and a newer ebike helmet:

• Pedelec 2.0: sold as a helmet for electric bike riders, and it meets the Dutch NTA 8776 standard for electric bike helmets. It has a nicely rounded profile with larger vents than most ebike designs and is inmolded. Has an integrated rain cover that stows in a rear pocket. The Pedelec 2.0 ACE also has winter ear covers and a face shield. LED rear light. Ring fit. Available in visible white and yellow. Retail is about $120.
• Aventor: the new Abus top of the line road helmet has front to rear vents with a reinforcing ring at about the top of the rider's forehead. In the Aventor model the reinforcing is a double band with space between. The design leaves an unfortunate shelf spoiling the round profile in the rear. As the Aventor Quinn a sensor included in the helmet registers impacts and can call your ICE contacts. As with all such sensors, it reacts to the g's the helmet sees, not what your head has experienced.
• Viantor: Similar design to the Aventor above, but with a solid reinforcing ring instead of the two separated bands. Advertised as having ponytail compatibility. As the Viantor Quinn a sensor included in the helmet registers impacts and can call your ICE contacts. Advertised as having ponytail compatibility: "Helmet well suited for braided hairstyles."
• AirBreaker: similar design to the Aventor above, with solid reinforcing ring and a large rear vent port leaving a small shelf across the rear. The strap junctions are sewn, so you must try it on to see if it fits you before buying, or be prepared to send it back if you buy online. Advertised as having ponytail compatibility.
• Macator: a road helmet with some of the design aura of the models above, but an entry-level model with less pzazz. There are bright color options including orange, yellow and red. Nicely recessed strap anchors. Advertised as having ponytail compatibility.
• PowerDome: a road helmet with large vents and a small point in the rear that seems like a throwback to the older "aero" styles. Has a small air scoop on the top that evokes the power dome air scoops of racing cars. Made in Italy. Retail is about 130 Euros with MIPS.
• Montrailler Quin: a trail-style model with the internal sensor to register impacts. Vents are smaller than the Aventor, and there is a bite out of the rear profile leaving an unfortunate high shelf across the rear. Has the internal impact sensor. Advertised as having ponytail compatibility: "helmet well suited for braided hairstyles." Also comes as the Montrailler MIPS and as the Montrailler ACE MIPS with trim that accents the high tech appearance.
• Moventor Quinn: another trail design with the ring reinforcing, but this one has a high sharp point in the rear. Has the internal impact sensor. Advertised as having ponytail compatibility: "helmet well suited for braided hairstyles."
• Trailpaver: another trail design with the ring reinforcing, but this one has a high sharp point in the rear. Advertised as having ponytail compatibility: "Perfect fit for people with long hair."
• StormChaser: a road model with elongated vents and a ventilation port in the rear that leaves a small high shelf. The strap junctions are sewn, so you must try it on to see if it fits you before buying, or be prepared to send it back if you buy online. Advertised as having ponytail compatibility: "Perfect fit for people with long hair."
• GameChanger: an aero road helmet with elongated side vents and a large rear ventilation port and a vented lump in the crown that leaves a high shelf. The strap junctions are sewn, so you must try it on to see if it fits you before buying, or be prepared to send it back if you buy online. Advertised as having ponytail compatibility: "Helmet well suited to plait wearers."
• GameChanger TT: an aero time trialing model with no vents and a unique profile. The strap junctions are sewn without adjusters, so you must try it on to see if it fits you before buying or be prepared to send it back if you buy online. Those straps are claimed to be airfoil-shaped so they will not "flutter in the breeze." Advertised as having ponytail compatibility: "Helmet well suited to plait wearers." Retail is $250.

Some of the models below are not in the Abus line for 2020, but we still find them online:

• Youn-I-Ace: introduced in 2018, an urban or trail model with an integrated rear led light. It retails for $80 in the US. Comes with face shield and winter ear covers.
• Yadd-I: a skate-style helmet for bicycle riders with small elongated vents and a small cap-style visor. It has excellent strap junctions that hold very well. It retails for $80 to $90. Also comes as the Yadd-I #credition with upscale trim.
• Aduro: a road helmet with a generally smooth and rounded exterior but featuring a missing bite in the rear to spoil that profile. Inmolded. Ring fit with an LED light in the rear knob. Comes in white with reflective trim.
• Hyban 2.0: updated for 2020, an urban model with an ABS hard shell that has the round, smooth shape we recommend. Similar to other urban models with blocky, rectangular vents, but with a hard shell instead of thin polycarbonate. Has insect mesh in the front vents, a rain cover and a rear LED light. Retail is $70. US model. Also comes as the Hyban 2.0 ACE with vent shutter, face shield and winter ear covers.
• Mount K: an elongated style road helmet with a rounded profile but tabs in the rear. Inmolded, and comes with rain cover and built in LED light. Ring fit. Also comes as the
• MountZ: for kids and youth.
• In-Vizz Ascent: a road helmet with huge vents and an unfortunate upswept tab in the rear. It has an integrated polycarbonate eye shield that pulls down to protect the eyes or slides up into the helmet if not needed. Comes in a visible white option or in black with high viz stripes. There is a bright yellow rain cover available. Not in the ABUS 2020 catalog.
• Urbanaut: A nicely rounded commuter-style helmet with many innovations. The foam liner is dual-density, and the shell uses both ABS and polycarbonate. The liner is inmolded. The two long narrow vents can be closed with a winter kit when used as a ski helmet or for cold or rainy weather. There is a tartan "Scots" version, but it appears to have external cloth and ridges. Straps are leather. Ring fit. An interesting helmet. Meets the European CEN bike and ski helmet standards. Retail is €85 and up. Not in the ABUS 2020 catalog.
• Metronaut: a hat-style urban helmet designed to look like an oversized cap, with a cloth cover and long visor. No vents. Comes in tweed and solid colors. Retails for €55 to €70. The hats could be a snagging hazard, but there is no test in the CPSC standard for snagging. See our page on hat-style helmets for more. Not in the ABUS 2020 catalog.
• Scraper 3.0: a skate-style helmet with narrow rectangular vents. and a hard ABS shell. As the Scraper 3.0 ERA it has a winter kit and unique finish. The Scraper 3.0 ACE can use an optional winter kit and there is an "Iriedaily" graphic version. Scraper 2.0, retailing for $50, and in small sizes as the Scraper Kid or Scraper 3.0 Kid.
• Urban-I 3.0: updated for 2020, a road helmet with reasonable vents and a well-rounded external profile. It is inmolded with reflective vent frames. There are a bright Signal Yellow or Signal Orange options with LED flasher and reflective shell. There is also a Signal Red, as well as a Signal Grey with reflectors. Magnetic buckle. Comes in XL size for up to 65cm heads. Retail is $100 for the US model.
• Lane-U: a road model with reasonable vents and a well-rounded external profile, similar to the Urban-I. There is also a Signal model with extra reflectors. Retail is €35 to €60. Appears to be another good compromise between vent area and foam. Not in the ABUS 2020 catalog.
• Arica: a road model with large vents. With visor it is the Aduro. The child size is the Chaox. The appearance is dominated by a missing piece of shell in the rear, giving the side view a unique profile with a flattened rear as if an aero tail had been chopped off. Otherwise the profile is nicely rounded. The retail price varies a lot for either model, centering around €50. Not in the ABUS 2020 catalog.
• Raxtor: a road model with large vents and a single high point in the rear. Mostly dark colors. Not in the ABUS 2020 catalog.
• Win-R: a road model with large vents and a high shelf with small points in the rear. Billed as a "crossover" model for urban and touring. Not in the ABUS 2020 catalog.
• Hill Bill: pitched as a mountain bike helmet, with one unfortunate pronounced snag point on the top rear. There is a very visible Signal Orange option. Retail is about €90 to €120. Not in the ABUS 2020 catalog.
• S-Force Mark IV: a lightweight road helmet with a compact profile with rear points and big vents. Retail is €75 to €120. Also available with visor as the S-Force Peak. Not in the ABUS 2020 catalog.
• Aduro 2.0: a lightweight road helmet with a single high rear point and big vents. Comes with visor. Some lovely pastel colors. Pony tail compatible as shown by advertising with all-female models.
• Tec Tical Pro V.2: a racy road helmet with lots of rear points and big, long vents. Retail is €75 to €120. There is a team model for the Bora-Argon 18 pro cycling team. Not in the ABUS 2020 catalog.
• New Gambit: a road helmet with reasonable vents and a very nicely rounded external profile. The value helmet in Abus' line, at €35 to €40. Not in the ABUS 2020 catalog.
• Chilly: a child model with good-sized vents retailing for about €26 to €45. Also comes as the Super Chilly with nicer fittings and an LED light in the rear. Not in the ABUS 2020 catalog.
• Smiley 2.1 and 2.0: a toddler model with vents, insect net and some bright colors available. Flattened rear to avoid tipping the child's head forward when riding in a trailer or bike carrier. Fits heads 45 to 50cm. There is also a Smiley 2.1 Royal version with enhanced finishes.
• Anuky: similar to the Smiley, a child's and youth model with vents, insect net and some bright colors available. Flattened rear to avoid tipping the child's head forward when riding in a trailer or bike carrier. Fits heads 46 to 57cm.
• Hubble 1.1: a toddler model with front vents and an innovative system that reduces direct sunlight striking the head. Has a flattened rear profile to prevent the helmet from pushing the child's head forward while riding in a bike carrier or trailer. Ring fit, and the XS size starts at 45cm. Retail is about €25 online.

Abus has a "universal" rain cap in neon yellow that covers the whole helmet and all of the vents. Sizes run from 45 to 63 cm (17.7 to 24.8 inches).

Abus offers a two year warranty on all models, but no crash replacement.

Review updated: 2022

Acro

Acro is a brand of Soyo, a longtime Asian equestrian helmet producer. They have one round, smooth model pitched as an urban helmet to wear with fashionable street clothes instead of sporty attire. The slogan is "protective but pleasant." Although it has no vent holes, the helmet is claimed to be "breathable." Coverage seems to be better than most on the sides. The Acro has passed the European CEN standard and will be tested to CPSC before sale in the US market. Retail is $170.

Review updated: 2018

Action/Senhai

Action and Senhai are both brands produced by Guangdong Senhai Sporting Goods in China. They have a wide range of bicycle, skate and ski helmets. The strap junctions vary, but some are very good. They can supply LED flashers, including one with remote controls. Their models are mostly sized between 48 and 61cm, but one large one goes up to 64cm. They have Asian Fit models beginning at about $25 retail.

Review updated: 2018

Aegis Helmets

Aegis is a Taiwanese company with an extensive line of helmets, who recently began using their brand Aegis rather than Hopus as the company identifier. 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. Aegis also has thin-shell models, some inmolded, and a unique fiberglass model that is inmolded. Some have stainless steel bug net in the vents. Their US models are all CPSC certified, but others may meet only CEN and be intended for the European market. Most of their models are sold with other brands on them, but in 2010 Aegis launched their own Aegis brand. They have a unique halo lighting system that uses LED's to light a 30 cm diameter ring around the helmet, on an inmolded model that retails for a very modest $20 to $40. We found the light output of the halo ring disappointing. Aegis now sells mainly in Europe. They use dual-density liners, making the helmet lighter and perhaps improving low impact performance. Aegis has sizes in most models to fit 50 to 62 cm heads, but some models only go to 60 cm.

Review updated: 2018

Aerogo

See Lucky Bell below.

AGV

See Fox below.

AGV has one five star motorcycle helmet among those tested and ranked by the British government's SHARP project, the only ranking system of its kind for motorcycle helmets.

Review updated: 2018

Airium

Airium is a new brand that had been planning to enter the US market. This Canadian company already has a hockey helmet made with a unique air-filled bladder as the liner. There is a special valve that lets a small amount of air expand a membrane into a cylindrical chamber when an impact starts. When the impact exceeds 30g the membrane contacts a sharp dart at the end of the chamber and the liner deflates through holes at the end at a controlled rate. The helmet becomes loose, signaling the wearer to replace the liner. Airium says the helmet will reduce both linear and rotational acceleration forces better than standard liners. We don't know when a bicycle version will be marketed.

We don't find Airium helmets on the web any more.

Review updated: 2020

All Pro and All Top

See Tung Kuang below.

Alpha Helmets

Alpha helmets have previously been found in the US under two other brands, but not as Alpha. Some are made by Mien Yow Industry Co., Ltd. in Taiwan. They have a line of well-rounded models led by the very well-rounded Argo Nuts 2 with an ABS hard shell and a flashing LED taillight built in. They have skate and toddler models as well. The manufacturer says their retail prices run mostly in the $20 to $25 range. Alpha also makes hockey, ski and batting helmets.

Review updated: 2021

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 has been available from Best Price Toys at $42 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, but we were unable to identify it among those on the current Snell certification list. As of December, 2015, the Best Price Toys site still includes an incredible statement: "Safety Tip: For maximum protection, CPSC recommends replacing after 1 year of use." Whoever wrote that should be ashamed--CPSC has never made that recommendation.

Review updated: 2021

Animiles

Animiles introduces itself as a Miami-based company. They have mostly kids helmets in unconventionally-shaped shells with shark fins and other cartoon features. The many of the models have sharp teeth along the front edge, the same edge that often contacts the nose and face when a helmet is takes a hit on the back. Others have the teeth along the entire edge, all the way around. The designs are similar to those of the Danish company Crazy Stuff below. Their adult helmets are available on Amazon and from the company with the Cigna brand on them. Prices are low. Nothing on their website mentions either "CPSC" or "standard."

We appreciate the motivation to add play value to helmets so that kids will take to them readily. But this particular line strikes us as a very bad idea. The helmets could not be sold in the US because the horns, ears and fins would not meet the CPSC limits on projections from the shell, even if the impact protection were sufficient. But the teeth along the edges are particularly troublesome. Parents do not realize the potential for facial injury that they represent. We can only think that if these helmets meet the CPSC helmet standard, that standard needs to be amended. See this page on sliding resistance to see why we think helmets that would not slide easily on pavement present a hazard, and do not recommend them.

Review updated: 2021

Answer/ANSR

Answer Racing has BMX models and motorcycle helmets bearing their ANSR brand and complementing their line of racing gear. Models include:

• Faze: full chinbar downhill racing helmet, retailing for $100.
• SNX 1.0: another motorcycle style model, meeting the DOT motorcycle helmet standard and retailing for $120. Also comes in smaller sizes as the SNX 1.0 Youth.
• Evolve II fiberglass shell model meeting the Snell 2010 motorcycle helmet standard, selling for $170.

Review updated: 2021

Armor

This Armor is the brand distributed by SDS Skateboards in the US. They have a skate model with the usual hard ABS shell that comes as the Youth Series, Old School Series and Graphic Series. It is the classic skate shape with small vents and CPSC certification, but is not certified to the ASTM F1492 skateboard standard. There are some bright, very visible colors along with drab camouflage. Retail runs from $20 to $35. You can ignore the statement that their helmets use "high density ABS foam." That's the shell material, not the foam. And the ace skateboarders in videos on the SDS page don't have a helmet on, either. See below for a second Armor. We don't know if they are related.

Review updated: 2017

Armor Manufacturing Corporation

This Armor has at least one brand of kid's helmets, vikingxkids.com and another line labeled LaBici. They have road, mountain, city and ebike models as well. They sell mostly in Asia and Italy, and produce OEM helmets for other brands that sell in a range of $50 to $300.

Review updated: 2017

Ascent

Ascent helmets are made in Taiwan, and have been sold in the US market by Performance and Bike Nashbar. There are at least five models, but we have not actually seen them. Some are inmolded, others have less expensive glued-on shells. Retail prices start at $20 plus shipping. The Strada at $40 has more radical lines and rear point.

Review updated: 2017

Aurora

Shenzhen Aurora Sports Technology Co., Ltd is a Chinese company with an extensive line of helmets made for other brands.

Review updated: 2020

Azonic

See O'Neal below

Babaali

Babaali helmets are produced by Shunde Moon. In addition to Moon's extensive line of regular helmets, they have developed smart helmets with rear view cameras and displays to replace mirrors, heart rate monitors, turn signals, GPS tracking, phone integration, music and intercoms. Some models have MIPS. Their MTB and skate models are well-rounded, but others still have rear points.

Review updated: 2019

Bandbox

Bandbox makes hat-style helmets. They use a compact basic helmet made by Yakkay with small round vents, and sell separate covers that disguise it as a hat. The appearance is more hat-like than most similar brands. According to the company's video, they are produced as a cottage industry with a lot of manual labor, using an elastomeric foam that they say meets the CPSC standard. It is designed to be thinner than most helmets. There are models shaped like ladies hats, leather caps, cowboy hats and many other styles, all hand-made and all with the same small vents in the crown. The hats could be a snagging hazard, and according to the website they are attached securely enough to withstand a 35mph downhill, but there is no test in the CPSC standard for snagging. See our page on hat-style helmets for more. Sized to fit heads from 18 to 24 inches (46 to 61cm). The basic helmet is $60, plus the cost of a

Review updated: 2021

Barbieri

See Vento below

BBB

BBB (Bikeparts for Bikers by Bikers) is an aftermarket bike component manufacturing company founded in the Netherlands in 1999. They distribute a wide variety of bike parts and accessories, and have been expanding to new markets. In Europe they have 27 helmet models. Some part of their helmet line may reach the US as well. High end models have anti-bacterial pads and insect mesh in the front vents. Most have reflective rear stickers. BBB attempts to position itself as a value brand.

• Varallo may be the most interesting helmet in the BBB line, an inmolded "mountain bike" helmet with chunky lines and possibly more coverage in the rear. Recessed strap anchors, visor.
• Falcon is the top of the line road model, inmolded with carbon fiber and aluminum reinforcements. The vents are very large. It has the usual high end points at the rear, nicely recessed strap anchors and flip-open strap adjustors. There is a visible white option. Retail is about €200. With visor it's the Everest at about €10 more. Also comes as the Fenix without the carbon and aluminum for about €100, and in that version as the Moco with a visor for a little more.
• Griffon has a more rounded rear profile than the Falcon, and is inmolded for about €65. Also comes for a little more as the Taurus with visor.
• Kite: road model, available with visor as the Elbrus.
• Hawk: an inmolded road model with large vents and a pronounced rear overhang, also available with visor as the Jaya.
• Traffic: a nice take on the commuter style, with lots of vents and a very rounded profile unfortunately spoiled for no good reason by a pronounced lip sticking up at the top.
• Rapido: No side vents, and the camo model has a definitely military look. Also available as the Police model in white with Police markings. Available only in size medium.
• Tabletop: a classic skate-shape.
• Child and toddler: BBB has at least six child and toddler helmets.
• Tribase: time trial model with a medium long tail in back and four narrow adjustable vents. Can be found for less than €100.

Most BBB helmets fit heads from 52 to 62cm, with the toddler models going as small as 46cm.

Review updated: 2021

Bell

Bell is still the largest company in the US bicycle helmet market. They have been making bicycle helmets since 1975. They were bought by Vista Outdoor in 2016, along with Giro and Raskulls (C-Preme), and bringing along the Bollé brand. In 2018 they were caught up in consumer reaction to Vista's ownership of companies that make ammunition and guns (Stevens and Savage Arms), so some dealers began phasing them out.

In April of 2018 Vista sold Bollé and announced that they planned to sell Bell, Giro, Raskullz, and Krashco. Bicycle Retailer and Industry News had a detailed article about the sale. But the Bell/Giro/C-preme part of it never happened, and Vista announced in mid-2019 that it would keep the three bike brands for a period of years until their sale price improved. They did sell part of their firearm and ammunition businesses in July of 2019. REI resumed selling the Bell brand after that sale and the heat subsided, but in fact Vista Outdoor still owns Bell and Giro, and still produces ammunition on a very large scale. In 2022 Vista announced that it now intends to split off the outdoor division into a new company, probably by 2023. And in 2022 Vista announced that it will acquire Fox Racing in the second quarter of 2023.

Bell has developed a fit system called True Fit for some of their discount store models. It attempts to make fitting easier and more automatic, and in our testing it succeeded. You can check it out on our True Fit page. We consider it their most significant achievement in recent years. Unfortunately it is not available in bike stores, only discount stores like Target and Wal-Mart, and has not been extensively marketed.

All of Bell's adult and youth models are inmolded. Their toddler helmets and the cheapest models of their mass merchant line have taped or glued-on shells. All of the models below come in white or at least one bright color combination. Bell's big BMX visors are held by nylon bolts, designed to shear off in a crash. Their camera mounts are also designed to shear.

This year all Bell skate-style helmets are dual-certified to both the CPSC standard and the ASTM F1492 skateboard standard, as we think all skate-style helmets should be.

We found in previous years that the straps on many Bell models would not stay in place when adjusted despite their "cam lock" side pieces. They now have a "lie-flat" junction piece that is even worse. Some Bell models have a no-pinch buckle with a tab behind it that keeps skin folds out while you push the two pieces together. It is now on some adult models, useful for seniors and anyone with loose neck skin.

Most models below have a women's model, formerly called the "Joy Ride" series. Although Bell divides their line into road, mountain, urban and sport helmets, we consider those distinctions artificial:

• Sixer MIPS, 4Forty MIPS: this beautifully rounded, well-vented design is a standout in the Bell lineup. It has the appearance of lower rear protection (test on your own head). The Sixer is the upscale $170 model, with built in a breakaway camera mount that is actually calibrated to break away when necessary as opposed to straps that have never been calibrated. The Sixer MIPS earned 4 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing. The 4Forty is a less expensive version, retailing for $110.
• Daily LED and Daily W LED: a unique hard shell urban design, with a round smooth exterior that has the shape that provides the appearance of lower coverage in the rear. (Check it on your own head.) If you are hoping that MIPS will help reduce rotational forces in a crash, this is the external shape that best complements that system, since it is less likely to snag as you hit. Has a unique multi-hole vent cover and a sliding vent adjustment. Has a soft cap-like visor. There are high viz color options. Retail is $100 with MIPS. Also comes as the Annex with partially reflective shell but no high viz color options. Retail is $125 with MIPS. The Annex MIPS earned 4 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing for low impact and rotational protection. Also comes as the Annex Shield with a clear face shield and a white option for $170. A less-expensive version is available as the Hub without the sliding visor or MIPS or white option for $85. For youth there is a Daily Jr. LED or Spark Jr..
• Spark MIPS: a trail helmet with some blocky lines in its exterior and large blocky vents. Has the rear shape that promises additional coverage, but has to be checked on your head to see if that holds true when the front edge is one finger above your eyebrows. Retail is $80 for the MIPS version or €60 for the non-MIPS version sold in Europe.
• Nomad MIPS: a trail helmet with round and smooth exterior with large blocky vents. Has the rear shape that promises additional coverage, but has to be checked on your head to see if that holds true when the front edge is one finger above your eyebrows. If you are hoping that MIPS will help reduce rotational forces in a crash, this is the external shape that best complements that system, since it is less likely to snag as you hit. There is an XL size that fits heads up to 65cm. With women's graphics it is the Rush. Retail is $75, or $95 with MIPS. The youth model is the Sidetrack II or Nomad Jr.. at $40 or $60 with MIPS
• Z20 Aero MIPS: the most advanced design among Bell's current road helmets. The points that persist in the models below have been almost entirely removed to produce an aero road helmet, and the improvement is striking. If you are hoping that MIPS will help reduce rotational forces in a crash, this is the external shape that best complements that system, since it is less likely to snag as you hit. The Z20 MIPS earned 5 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing for low impact and rotational protection. Retail is $250.
• Avenue MIPS: a nicely rounded road helmet with reasonable vents and an exterior shape somewhat like the Z20 Aero. Retail is $70, or $95 for the LED version.
• Trace MIPS: a nicely rounded road helmet with fewer vents than the Avenue. Retail is €80, or €100 for the LED version. European model.
• Stratus MIPS: $150 retail. Z20 MIPS: $230 retail. Z20 Ghost MIPS: (reflective shell) $250 retail. Catalyst MIPS: $150 retail. Falcon MIPS: $100 retail. Tracker, Drifter MIPS: $100 retail. Formula MIPS: $95 retail. Bell's road line presents almost the same visual effect at price points ranging from $250 to $65, with MIPS versions running higher. The design was a disappointing step backwards to the days of angular lines and points on the rear. From the front it is smooth and rounded and looks like the old hairnet-imitation designs, with long angular vents. If you liked the back of Lance Armstrong's helmet you will love the current Bell road designs. We would recommend that you look for a helmet without rear snag points. Aside from the shape, the Z20 models have dual-density foam liners, used to either improve impact performance or produce a thinner, lighter helmet. There is a Formula LED model with the rear LED flasher. The Stratus MIPS and Formula LED models earned 5 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing for lower impact and rotational protection, and it earned a top impact rating in Consumer Reports testing, so despite our reservations about the rear configuration it is worth a look.
• Draft: a somewhat elongated road model with many small vents and modest rear points. The women's version is the Tempo. With visor it is the Traverse, and comes in an XL size that fits heads up to 65cm/25.5" or the women's Coast. This is a second value helmet in Bell's line, retailing for $40 or $60 with MIPS, and $5 more for the visor versions. The Draft earned 4 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing, so it is worth a look.
• Super Air R MIPS: a downhill mountain bike racing helmet with polycarbonate shell, removable chinbar. motorcycle-style design certified only to the CPSC bicycle helmet standard, not the ASTM F1952 downhill standard, so the performance of the additional coverage and chinbar are not required. It has the same "ball and socket" MIPS implementation as the Giro Tyrant, with the MIPS layer between outer and inner liners as pioneered by POC a decade ago. Retail is $275. It is available without the chinbar as the Super Air MIPS for $225, with more apparent coverage than most road helmets but still not certified to any standard but CPSC bicycle.
• Super DH MIPS: a downhill mountain bike racing helmet with polycarbonate shell, removable chinbar. motorcycle-style design certified to CPSC, ASTM F1952 downhill and ASTM F2032 BMX standards, verifying the performance of the additional coverage. There is a breakaway mount for cameras. Retail is $325.
• Full 9 MIPS: a high-end downhill mountain bike racing helmet with full carbon fiber shell, chinbar. motorcycle-style design certified to CPSC, ASTM F1952 downhill and ASTM F2032 BMX standards, verifying the performance of the additional coverage. A carbon shell bridge keeps hair out of vents. There is a breakaway mount for cameras. Interior vent channels, with an add-on Ipod Shuffle accessory for riding up those lift lines. Magnetic cheek pads for easy removal. Compatible with the Eject removal system that alerts EMT's to features that facilitate helmet removal. Retail is $400 in the US, €500 in Europe. The similar Full 9 Fusion MIPS has a fiberglass shell, is slightly lighter, certified to the same standards and costs $280.
• Transfer: a downhill mountain bike racing helmet with fiberglass shell and chinbar. Like the Full 9, it is certified to CPSC, ASTM F1952 downhill and ASTM F2032 BMX standards, verifying the performance of the additional coverage. The web page says the downhill certification is only to F1952-00, the 20 year old version of the standard, but it may be wrong--check the sticker in the helmet to be sure. It has most of the Full 9 features, including a breakaway mount for cameras. Compatible with the Eject removal system. The fiberglass shell adds about 5 ounces (150 grams), but the price is half that of the Full 9 at $200, so replacing it after a crash would be a lot less painful.
• Super 3R: a downhill helmet with the appearance of skate-style coverage, but in fact when adjusted level on the head it does not come down much further in back than the usual bike helmet. It has oval vents and a unique design at the sides with angular lines. Meets only the CPSC or CEN bike helmet standards, not the ASTM F1952 downhill mountain bike racing standard, so the impact performance of the additional rear protection is not tested and therefore not known. Whatever the marketing, this is a helmet designed for regular bicycling, where any additional rear coverage is as welcome as it is for racing. Bolted on visor, with brow vents underneath. Goggle arms. Breakaway camera mount. Icedot sticker. Retail is $230 with MIPS.
• Sanction: a BMX/downhill full face model. Does not meet the ASTM F1952 downhill mountain bike standard, so its impact protection is not as good as the Transfer or Full 9. It still has a fiberglass shell, however, a nice feature at this price point. The retail price is $75. The only cheaper full-face Bell is the $52 Servo in their mass-market discount line, but it lacks the fiberglass shell and looks cheap.
• Bell's skate style helmets include the Local: a hard shell skate-style helmet that has a reduced profile and a bike-style rear stabilizer. Dual-certified to CPSC and the ASTM F1492 skateboard helmet standard that requires multiple hits on the same location. Retail is $60, the same as for the similar Span. Without the stabilizer it is the Division or similar Block for $40. The Division earned only 3 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing, well below the leaders.
• Full Flex: a motorcycle-styled skate helmet that uses the segmented liner design, with a hard ABS shell and EPP foam that recovers most of its energy management capabilities after a crash. It is dual-certified to both the CPSC bike standard and the ASTM F1492 skate helmet standard, as we think all skate-style helmets should be. The moto styling comes from a side panel extending down with metal mesh vents, with the single chin strap attached. Styling aside, that makes for a very stable helmet. There is a visible white option that looks a lot less moto than the black model. This one is worth a look. Retail is $100. We do not understand why there is no MIPS model available for this one, where the improved coupling of helmet and head could make that system more useful if it works.
• Javelin: a long-tailed chrono model for time trials. It has flexible side pieces to make it easier to get on and off, and a channeled liner with two front vents. Ring fit. Has a removable face shield. The side junctions are fixed and cannot be adjusted, but this is not a True Fit helmet, so be sure to try it on before you buy and try to yank it off to see if it will work on your head. Retail is $215.

Review updated: 2020.

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 European catalog has many of the models sold in the US. But models sold in Europe, even with the same name as a US helmet, may meet only the European CEN standard required there, not CPSC. Buyers have to check the sticker inside to be sure.

Bell's Asian Fit Helmets

For those with rounder heads, Bell makes Asian Fit versions of the Draft, Traverse, Tempo and Coast. Unfortunately they are not sold in the US market, although a teaser was included in the 2017 catalog.

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 total sales are through Wal-Mart alone.) They are occasionally related to models from the bike store line. These cheaper versions 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 most other helmets on today's US market, so they provide fine impact protection if adjusted carefully. You may need to either sew the straps after adjusting or use rubber bands under the edge of the buckles to hold the adjustments, but that is true of some of the most expensive models. Some are inmolded and others have glued-on shells referred to as "tapeless." They start around $15 to $20. Many of these helmets are still produced in the US--millions of helmets each year--but labeled as containing US and Chinese components. There is one skate-style model, the Bell USA made entirely in the US. Unfortunately, Consumer Reports does not even test the helmets in this line, since the model names change and go out of date by the time their article is published.

The rounded profiles we consider optimum have always persisted in this line, since they are cheaper to produce. And some of them have Bell's True Fit fitting system that we recommend. Some of the skate models are dual-certified to both CPSC and the ASTM F1492 skate standard, the type of helmet we recommend for skate use.

Adult models include the Adrenaline (earning 4 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing.), Knack, Explorer, Reflex (3 stars), Rig, Torque, Surge, Connect, Impel Thalia, Hera, Bia, Moda unvented urban helmet and Surge downhill full face model, as well as the skate-style Trans, Manifold and Manifold XL for larger heads. The Trans is dual-certified to CPSC and the ASTM F1492 skate helmet standard that requires multiple hits on the same location. The Surge is certified to the same standard as Bell's full face Sanction, although it looks cheaper. Youth sizes include the Edge, Richter, Axle, Banter, Psycho, Maniac and Injector, Trans, Bike Candy and Exodus The Bike Candy is a dual-certified skate helmet, and the Exodus is a smaller version of the Surge full face model. Child helmet models include the Shadow, Zoomer, Bellino, Sprite, Star, Rally, Dragster, Blast, Rival, Psycho, Injection and Shield. The Shield is a unique dual-certified bike/skate helmet with a chinbar lined with EPS foam (football helmet foam) "designed with the junior shredder in mind." The Maniac, Psycho and Injector are also dual-certified.

Bell recalled their Exodus full-face model in May of 2011. We have more on our recalls page. It had been sold at Wal-Mart and on Amazon. It is a youth sized helmet, and is back in the lineup now.

The Impulse model was discontinued or renamed.

The same kids helmet once listed as the Ramble in the bike store line at $60 has been in the discount store line, called the Shield. It has a hard shell and a chinbar lined with EVA (football helmet foam) energy management foam. It is dual-certified to the CPSC bike standard and the ASTM F1492 skateboard standard. It is round and smooth, the shape we prefer, but has minimal vents. Colors are bright or dark and the price is right at $30 in your local Wal-Mart. Unfortunately it only comes in one very limited size. We don't know if Bell has discontinued it at Wal-Mart.

This line sells for low prices: $20 to $40. The Bell Turnpike toddler model sells for $5 at Five Below and is sometimes sold in bike stores. Some models are available to non-profits in large quantities for low prices through an arrangement for 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

"If your Bell cycling or Bell powersports helmet has been involved in an accident, you may be eligible for a discount on a new Bell replacement helmet." To learn if your helmet qualifies, please email us at consumersupport@bellsports.com with the below information: Picture(s) of the damaged Bell helmet, Bell helmet model and serial number, Bell helmet size and color, Bell helmet manufacture date, Your full name, Your phone number, Your shipping address."

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 was known as Easton-Bell Sports, owned by Fenway Partners, Jim Easton, and The Ontario Teachers' Pension Fund. It became BRG Sports. In 2016 Bell/Giro was purchased by Vista Outdoors, who have other brands including Bollé. But BRG Sports retained the stake in MIPS, so Bell and that chunk of MIPS are now under different ownership. Most consumers were probably unaware of any of those changes. Over the years we have not been able to identify any adverse effects of the corporate changes. But in 2018 Vista Outdoor was caught up in a reaction to Vista's ownership of companies that make ammunition (Federal Premium) and guns (Savage Arms), so some dealers were phasing their brands out.

Review updated: 2021

Bern Unlimited

Bern's helmets are skate or ski shaped, so they are very well-rounded except for the rigid visor on one. They usually have small vents, and only one now has enough ventilation for most riders 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 Bern says they "do not meet action sports head protection standards" but may work better in lesser multiple impacts to prevent concussion. Just don't hit too hard! Their catalog is very clear on the helmet liners that meet impact standards and the ones that do not. You can check the sticker inside to be sure. You have to be careful: some of Bern's models come with different liners that do or don't meet the CPSC bike helmet standard. That includes their Macon, Brentwood, Watts and Brighton models. Since they look exactly the same on the outside, you must find the standards sticker inside and be very careful about the model you buy for bicycling.

For their 2012 helmet article Consumer Reports tested the CPSC version of the Brighton, and found that it did not meet the impact performance requirements of the CPSC standard, rating it Poor.

Bern has a trademarked "Zip Mold" foam that they say uses liquid injected foam that is inmolded and is used in helmets that meet the CPSC bike helmet standard. It is expanded polyurethane (EPU) a foam in use for many years by a few Taiwanese manufacturers, and now produced by some in China as well. EPU feels so hard to the touch that it is difficult to imagine that it would manage much crash energy in lower end crashes, but it can meet the CPSC standard because there is no test at low impact velocities.

Some Bern helmets 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. All models have the mount hole for the clip.

Bern is unique among the manufacturers in this writeup for making different helmets for women. Their women's models are not just pastel color and graphics changes, but different helmets made with different molds. Sizes are smaller, and there is more room left for hair.

Bern's models all have hook and loop adjusted rear stabilizers. The Morrison, Allston and Diablo all have sewn side strap junctions rather than a sliding adjustor, so make sure it fits without adjustment before buying one. Models include:

• Hudson: An ebike model with a very well-rounded profile and more coverage to meet the Dutch NTA 8776 ebike standard. It has MIPS and small vents in a unique pattern that can be closed for winter use. Has a built-in visor. Visible white and "hyper green" are available. Has a rear LED light. Retail is $120. This helmet is on our list of helmets that achieved high rankings on both Consumer Reports and Virginia Tech testing.
• Union: Union introduced in 2017 with a women's version called the Parker. They are round, smooth, moderately-vented commuter helmets with a removable cap-style visor and Bern's zip-mold liner inmolded. The MIPS version scored five stars in Virginia Tech's testing for low impact/rotational protection.
• FL-1: a road model, inmolded with a rounded profile and large vents. It is available with MIPS, with an inner shell that extends well down the sides but is lacking in rear coverage. It has ring fit with a breathable ring. For 2017 Bern has the FL-1XC and FL-1XC Premium with visor, the FL-1 Trail with a rear stabilizer, and the FL-1 Pavé with no visor. The FL-1 Libre is the basic model at $50.
• Morrison: an unusual design, round and smooth with angular vents that are much larger than any other Bern model, and a unique visor that plugs into the shell with no vertical adjustment. It retails for $100, or $90 as the Allston without visor. Both have sewn side strap junctions, so be sure they fit before buying.
• Allston: a road model with a nicely rounded exterior with large vents and a cap-style visor. The women's version is the Melrose.
• Team Macon: a classic skate-style model with ABS hard shell and minimal vents. Available with MIPS. The women's version is the Team Brighton. In youth sizes it is the Team Diablo or Team Diabla for girls.
• Watts a classic hard shell skate-style helmet with minimal vents around the crown and a molded-in visor. The women's version is the Lenox. It is advertised as 62cm maximum size, but it may fit some larger heads. The Watts earned only 2 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing, with the highest (worst) score in the list.
• Brentwood: a classic skate-style model inmolded with minimal vents and meeting the CPSC standard. The youth version is the Bandito. The women's version is the Berkeley or Bandita in youth sizes. In kids size without the small front vents it is the Niño and the girl's model is the Niña. The Brentwood earned 3 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing, well below the leaders.
• Tigre: a toddler model, inmolded with small vents and a round, smooth exterior. It has Bern's Zip Mold foam. It retails for $40.

Bern's sizes range from 48 cm in the Niño model to 63.5 cm. in the Macon and Brentwood models. Those two models have three sizes of shell, with fit pads handling the intermediate sizes.

Note that Bern has the multi-impact Brock foam versions of some of the same models above that would not meet CPSC and could not be sold here as a bicycle helmet, but could legally be sold as a skateboard helmet since there is no US government standard for skate helmets. Others are certified to the CE 1385 Canoe/Kayak standard. No Bern model is listed as meeting the ASTM F1492 skateboard helmet standard, although most of them are skate-style helmets.

Bern has a special Asian Fit pad kit for rounder heads that they call the "Japan Fit" kit with top pads and inserts for their "Hard Hat" models that convert them to fit rounder heads. The kit can be ordered directly from Bern. Longer heads are accommodated by adding fit pads on the sides.

Most of the side strap adjustors on Bern helmets hold very well, among the best we have seen. They are Bern's own brand.

Retail prices for Bern's models are mostly in the $45 to $100 range, but can be much higher with options or carbon shells.

Bern will replace crashed helmets with EPS (one crash) liners for half the retail price.

Review updated: 2021

Bianchi

Bianchi markets team helmets to match their bikes. They have several models, mostly available in trademark Bianchi celeste blue. The helmets are made by Lazer of Belgium, and correspond to Lazer models of the same number. We found six models on the Bianchi website, ranging from €49 to €300. Two of them fit heads up to 64cm. In the US market they have the Ultrax (black with celeste logo) and the LZB-1 Cyclone.

Review updated: 2018

Biologic

Biologic developed a unique folding helmet called the Pango. It was formerly marketed by Dahon in Europe. It has a round, smooth profile, although the surface is a plastic mesh. Here it is unfolded: Then the sides slide up into the top. And the back folds down. Here is a YouTube clip with Biologic's Josh demonstrating the folding and unfolding, and the ratcheting fit using rear tabs, something the rider does each time. Fits 55 to 61 cm heads. Outer panels are replaceable. The Pango is not certified to the CPSC standard, so it is not available in the US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand. The Pango has a visible white option, and still retails for $130 on the Biologic site. Biologic is an international company, shipping from Taiwan. We have lost their website now.

Review updated: 2021

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. Their pitch:

"The cranium comprises zones of maximum resistance called also the resistance pillars of cranium and fragile zones. Certain fragile zones are crossed by arteries located in furrows situated on the inner surface of the skull. The fractures of the fragile zones may wound the brain by intracranial haemorrhages."

BiOS is the first helmet in the world designed to distribute the impact in a way adapted to the resistance of the various zones of the head. Because of its patented anatomical design, BiOS better absorbs the energy by deviating the impact towards the resistance pillars of the cranium and thus better protecting its fragile zones."

There are few skull fractures in bike crashes if the rider is wearing a decent helmet. It is difficult to see how redirecting impact toward stronger areas of the skull could protect better against the total g forces to the brain that are causing the injury.

In addition, the helmets are claimed to be less bulky than traditional helmets. The liner is thin overall, but has a separate raised ridge of thicker, harder foam glued in, in a front to back arc that runs along the side of the head. It also has small patches of a squishy foam at the temples and in the rear, with a diamond of the same material right in the middle of the upper forehead. The only advantage we can see for that kind of liner complexity is a weight saving, at a possible disadvantage of raising the point loading on the skull in the spots where the foam is thicker and harder. The manufacturer may be betting that the skull can take more load in that area, but we would not, since impact angles vary so much, while heads move around in helmets and you can't say for sure where the harder foam will contact the skull in a real world impact. Thinner helmets have to stop the head in less distance than thicker helmets, so they stop the head faster. That's based on the laws of physics that cannot be repealed by tricky design.

BiOS also maintains that the design is adapted to brain vulnerabilities and not just to skull strength.

BiOS says their helmets are for bicycling, roller skating, skateboarding, kite surfing, rafting, kayaking, jet skiing, paragliding "and other outdoor or indoor 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." There is a video clip of a BiOS helmet in an apparent CE test, with a 38g peak acceleration. That would indeed be a truly spectacular result, and about 1/6 of the permitted 250g in the test. A sample of the helmet that we bought in December of 2008 has a CEN sticker inside.

An analysis of one crashed helmet leads BiOS 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 reduced this year to €99, plus shipping of another €10 to €21. There are custom logos available for €19 more, reflective stickers for €10, extra pad sets recommended for "intensive use" at €6 for a pair and a signature model for an additional €100. We paid $148 US with shipping for the sample we ordered in December of 2008 before prices were lowered. It came reeking of cigarette smoke.

BiOS models fit heads from 53 to 61 cm. BiOS offers custom made-to-measure helmets designed for your head for an additional €50. The site says they are custom molded, but there is no selection for a size greater than 61cm.

At the bottom of the BiOS web pages appears a small "Made in France." Bios informs us that all of the major components of their helmets are made in France.

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.

Review updated: 2021

Bluegrass Eagle

Bluegrass Eagle is a brand of Italy's MET helmets. They have a line of protective gear primarily for BMX. Current models include:

• Legit: top of the line full-face helmet certified to ASTM's F1952 Downhill Mountain Bike Racing standard as well as ASTM's F2032 BMX standard. This one has a fiberglass hard shell and MIPS. EPS is single-use foam, not multiple impact foam, so if you crash in your Legit we would recommend replacing it. The Legit has a "flexible safety-release visor to avoid twisting your neck in impacts from any angle." We think that is how every bike helmet visor should be designed. Retail is €200. There is also a carbon version at €450.
• Intox: Full-face ABS hard shell helmet with EPS liner meeting the ASTM F1952 downhill mountain bike racing standard and the F2032 BMX standard.
• Golden Eyes: a road/mountain/enduro bike model, inmolded. It has large blocky vents and the shape that appears to offer additional rear coverage but must be verified for that on your head. Removable helmet cam mount. Meets European and Australian bike helmet standards. Removable helmet cam mount. There is a visible orange option. Retail is €100.
• Super Bold: a classic ABS hard shell skate-style helmet with small rectangular vents and EPS liner. Ring fit. Meets only European and Australian bike helmet standards. Retail is €50.

Review updated: 2020

Bobike

Bobike has been a European producer of high-end bike carriers for kids, with both front and rear models. In 2020 they introduced a new line a helmets to complement the seats. They are all inmolded and certified to EN1078 for the European market.

• Exclusive: styled to complement the Bobike Exclusive seats, with a very well rounded trail profile and large blocky vents in the rear. Sized for kids at 48 to 56cm (18.9 to 22 inches).
• City: an urban design with long vents and a very well rounded profile. Comes with a cap-style visor.
• One Plus: toddler helmet with a round and smooth profile and colors that match the Bobike ONE seats. Their chocolate brown is closer to a caramel, a color we have not seen on a helmet before.
• GO: matches the GO child seat. Well rounded child helmet with a very simple style and large vents. Comes in XXS fitting down to 44cm (17.3 inches) heads, one of the smallest helmets around for "your baby."
• Kids Plus: a well-rounded child helmet in adult styling with large blocky vents and child-friendly graphics.

Review updated: 2020

Bold

Bold is a Canadian company formed in 2023 to provide a helmet with a domed space on top for a child or an adult with a medium head who has too much hair to tuck into a standard helmet. It does not, of course, accommodate a full turban. Originally known as Sikh Helmets, the design accommodates the uncut hair of Sikhs who wear a patka in place of a turban. Two sizes fit heads from 48 to 59cmm with the medium shipping after March 2024. The website says the helmet is dual-certified to the US CPSC bicycling standard and ASTM F1492 skateboarding standard, as well as the European EN1078 bicycling and skating standard and the UKCA (EN1078) standard. There is a well-done fitting video explaining the features of the helmet. Riders with long hair looking for a dome on top to pile it in, or those with dreadlocks needing a nook to tuck them in may find it useful. Retail on the website is about $50 to $70 (unspecified US or Canadian) plus shipping. The company is looking for European retailers. The company hopes to eventually produce a hockey helmet. You can hear an interview with the CEO here for background on the company.

Review updated: 2024

Bollé

Bollé is best known for ski goggles and ski helmets, but launched into bike helmets in 2016. They are a French company that had been owned by Vista Outdoor of Utah who also owned Bell and Giro. In 2018 they were caught up in a reaction to Vista's ownership of companies that make ammunition and guns, so some dealers began phasing them out. But in the fall of 2018 Vista sold Bollé to Antelope Brands Bidco, an entity controlled by a European private equity fund.

Bollé says they use multi-density "AViD" foam and/or channels in their foam liners to "virtually" reduce the density where the channels are. We would have to see results of low and high velocity impacts to be convinced that there is a performance advantage. In 2020 Bollé announced that all of their helmets will now be equipped with MIPS. All of their models are well-integrated with matching goggles, of course.

Bollé's catalog says the Stance and Messenger described below are "suitable for E-bikes" but offers no justification for that such as certification to the Dutch NTA 8776 ebike standard.

• Stance: new for 2020, a road design with long thin vents. It is available in very visible orange and in white. There is a Stance Jr. in smaller sizes with some graphics designed to appeal to female riders.
• Trackdown: a trail model that is inmolded with reasonable vents and a well-rounded profile. Has a dual density liner, or perhaps it is just a configuration where the vents lower the effective density. Here is the web description: Bollé helmets with AViD liner technology use a combination of different EPS densities and/ or optimization of the ventilation channels to virtually decrease the density in the upper area." That's a hard one to untangle. With MIPS it is $170.
• The One Base: As the name indicates, this is designed to be the one helmet you need. It is a vented hardshell road helmet, with a basically skate/ski shape. There is a standard model at $90 and The One Premium for racing has a high gloss cover and hard shell covers for the vents at $170. The MTB model has a visor. There are fleece winter liners for ski use and an integrated LED blinker in the rear. There are vent caps for rainy days. There is a "goggle garage" depression in the front just above the rim for your Bollé sunglasses.
• Messenger: with the same basic shape as The One, this is an urban model with very small front vents along the brow line. The premium model has a hi-vis option that may even be reflective. The Messenger sells for $120, or $140 for the premium model with reflective panels that Bollé says will cut your risk of being hit by a car in half. Our own view is that reflective materials are not a substitute for active lights if you ride at night.
• Furo MIPS: a road model with upswept rear point for aerodynamics. Comes with panels to close up the vents to make it more aerodynamic. Retail is $300.
• Exo MIPS: a road model with upswept rear point similar to the Furo, and small front slit vents.

Bollé models fit heads from 52 to 63cm.

Review updated: 2020

Bontrager - Trek

Trek supplies a wide line of bikes and accessories to dealers, and their helmet graphics are designed to complement your Trek or Bontrager bike. They market the helmet line under their Bontrager brand. A helmet branded Trek was seen in the 2022 Tour de France.

There are now six Bontrager models at the top of the Virginia Tech ratings for low impact and rotational protection.

All Bontrager models are inmolded. Some have reflective panels. Most have ring fit systems. Many have a women's model with different colors and graphics. "Mountain" models have visors, while "Road" models do not. There are MIPS versions for $25 higher.

The big news for 2019 was that Trek has new Bontrager models with an inner liner of a new material called WaveCel, a hard plastic mesh that collapses on impact. They are making sweeping claims for injury reduction in certain crash circumstances, but when we sent a Specter model to a lab for conventional impact test results the results were very good but not amazing.

Virginia Tech tested the new models for concussion protection, and rated all of them five stars (best). That marks the new models as worth a look and possibly even better. The MIPS company, a competitor to WaveCel, issued a press release on March 31, 2019 saying that their "preliminary" testing of at least one WaveCel sample did not produce results as good as the Bontrager sales materials, but revealed at an ASTM meeting in November 2019 that they had tested non-WaveCel Bontrager models and routed out the liners to add WaveCel, but without coating the routed out grooves with polycarbonate, a step that Trek says strongly influences WaveCel performance. So the press release was based on testing of different helmets, not actual Trek WaveCel models. In our view the MIPS testing did not prove anything and cost them our respect. The fact that the fraudulent page is still on the MIPS site in November 2020 says volumes about the MIPS Company's integrity.

Note that the mesh does not extend all the way to the helmet rim, particularly on the sides, where conventional EPS foam gives the helmet its shape. The mesh is about 15mm thick, and the outer foam is another 15mm or so, giving your head a little more distance to decelerate. The conventional foam seems very hard, so in a hard impact it would provide energy management after the mesh has compacted, provided you don't hit on the rim or sides where there is no mesh. In addition, the mesh can collapse sideways in any direction, possibly providing management of rotational injury. Trek has info up on the new technology. The WaveCel models are all inmolded. They have the magnetic Fidlock buckle. All have thin inner pads that hopefully would protect your scalp from being cut by the hard WaveCel mesh in a crash. The tri-glides lock and hold the straps very well.

Since the WaveCel mesh is very stiff and the pads underneath it are thin, it is important to push the helmet down on your head during fitting to make sure that extended wear will not produce painful pressure points ("hot spots"). The foam deforms permanently in a very hard impact, so these are not multi-impact helmets.

Consumer Reports has published an article on their web page recommending rotational energy management as the number one buying criterion for new helmet buyers.

Current Bontrager models are:

• Bontrager Charge WaveCel Commuter Helmet: The roundest and smoothest of the new line, this helmet has minimal vents in the shell, perhaps relying on the WaveCel mesh to circulate the air that does come in. Trek says this one is "ebike approved" but offers no explanation for that, and no statement that it meets the Dutch NTA 8776 ebike helmet standard. The Charge scored five stars in Virginia Tech's testing for low impact/rotational protection. There is a high-viz yellow option. Worth a look. The XL fits heads up to 26"/66cm. Retail is $150, half the price of the XXX road model. This helmet is on our list of helmets that achieved high rankings on both Consumer Reports and Virginia Tech testing.
• Bontrager XXX WaveCel Road Bike Helmet: The top of the WaveCel road line, with a very well-rounded outer profile and the extra WaveCel liner supplementing the EPS liner foam. The XXX scored five stars in Virginia Tech's testing for low impact/rotational protection. There is an LTD model available only in purple or black. Retail for either is a very steep $300. Also available in Japan in an "Asia Fit" option for rounder (wider) heads. We don't know if US Trek dealers can get them or not.
• Bontrager Specter WaveCel Road Bike Helmet: At half the price of the XXX model, this one also rated 5 stars in the Virginia Tech testing for low impact/rotational protection, helped by its mostly round and smooth exterior, with a very small rear overhang. Large vents. Retail is $150. Also available in Japan but the same US model, dropping the size small apparently so riders with wider heads can just buy a size larger helmet. The helmet. The mesh layer is clearly visible. There is still an EPS foam helmet structure. Closeup of the mesh. It is very stiff. There is no mesh at some points, including the area around the rim where
  it does not come down far enough to help if you hit right at the rim. On the side of the Specter there is considerable area with no mesh. Only the conventional foam is there. This helmet is on our list of helmets that achieved high rankings on both Consumer Reports and Virginia Tech testing.
  
  
  
• Bontrager Blaze WaveCel Mountain Bike Helmet: Another model with the WaveCel inner mesh liner. This one has huge vents and a trail shape. The Blaze scored five stars in Virginia Tech's testing for low impact/rotational protection. There is a visible orange option. Retail is $300.
• Bontrager Ballista MIPS: Trek's top of the line aero road model, with an updated profile that is much rounder and smoother than the Velocis it replaced. It has long vents in the center, but none on the sides, and there is unique rear styling. Retail is $200. The Ballista scored five stars in Virginia Tech's testing for low impact/rotational protection, making it worth a look. It also was the first choice in a test of ten aero road helmets by BikeRadar.
• Bontrager Rally WaveCel and Bontrager Rally MIPS: a trail helmet with the appearance of lower coverage in the rear and many small vents. The Rally MIPS scored five stars in Virginia Tech's testing for low impact/rotational protection. The WaveCel version is very similar to the Blaze WaveCel, but at half the price. There is a visible orange option. Retail is $119 to $159 for MIPS, for $150 for WaveCel.
• Bontrager Velocis: Formerly Trek's top of the line road model, but the pronounced rear points make the design look dated. Carbon-look bridging between vents, and carbon internal reinforcement with internal strap anchors to avoid bumps on the shell. Visor. Retails for $130 to $200 depending on versions.
• Bontrager Lithos Mountain: a road model with large vents sold as a trail helmet. The profile is rounded. There are provisions for camera or light mounts. Retail is $150.
• Bontrager Specter WaveCel: a road model with a compact shape and rear points, with the WaveCel liner. Retails for $150. The lineup still has the older Bontrager Specter without WaveCel. It has two sections with composite reinforcement showing and internal strap anchors to avoid bumps. This helmet is on our list of helmets that achieved high rankings on both Consumer Reports and Virginia Tech testing.
• Bontrager Circuit: an elongated road model with sharp rear points, inmolded and retailing for $50 to $100. Also available in a women's model. This helmet is on our list of helmets that achieved high rankings on both Consumer Reports and Virginia Tech testing.
• Bontrager Starvos WaveCel: a 2020 version of the Starvos below with a WaveCel liner. In 2021 Trek released a version of this helmet for rounder heads (sometimes referred to as "Asian Fit") described as "round Fit sizing designed to accommodate rounder head shapes." Retail is $100.
• Bontrager Starvos Road: an elongated road model with sharp rear points, inmolded with the same internal strap anchors providing a smooth surface on the shell. There is a women's model. Both retail for $70.
• Bontrager Rally Mountain Bike: road model with long vents coming to a rear point. Ring fit. Retail is $100.
• Bontrager Quantum: road model with long vents coming to a rear point. Ring fit. There is a women's model. We have received comments from riders who find this one fits very large heads well, particularly long, narrow ones. Retail is $50. The Bontrager Quantum MIPS earned 4 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing, so it is worth a look.
• Bontrager Solstice: road model with long vents coming to a blunt rear point. Ring fit. Retails for $40. Also comes in a youth size as the Bontrager Solstice Youth, rated highly in 2015 by Consumer Reports. Retail is $36. The Solstice earned 3 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing, well below the leaders. Bontrager Jet WaveCel: a new 2020 design for kids with a hard shell and the WaveCel liner. Has a rounded profile except for a bumpout brim in front. Has large oval vents on the top only. Fidlock magnetic buckle. Fits heads 48 to 52 cm. Retail is a steep $100.
• Bontrager Big Dipper: very nicely rounded child helmet fitting heads 48 to 52 cm. with large oval vents on the top only, graphics and an anti-pinch chin pad. For 2015 it is also back as the Little Dipper, an infant-toddler model fitting down to size 46 cm. Retail for either is $29 to $35.
• Trek Solstice MIPS: Reviving the Trek brand on a new helmet, this one is on our June 2024 list of helmets that achieved high rankings on both Consumer Reports and Virginia Tech testing.

Trek has a camera and light mount that works with some of their models that passes a strap through the helmet vents. There is no info on the website about when or if it might detach in a crash. Retail is $25.

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

Review updated: 2020

Brainguard

BrainGuard has a helmet design that they say reduces rotational force. It is the inner and outer shell type pioneered by POC years ago and more recently by Bell and Giro as their "ball-and-socket" design. The inner layer can move about an inch and a half in the bicycle helmet design. The designer demonstrates their low-rebound padding foam, but a video on the website shows an impactor rebounding much more from a hit on the BrainGuard prototype than the "other" helmet. As of early 2020 the company has no bicycle helmets ready for market, but they have received NOCSAE football standard certification and are proceeding to manufacture their first football helmets. Here is an article on them in the UC Berkeley News with more info.

Review updated: 2020

Bravo Sports

Bravo Sports is an importer of many types of equipment. They import helmets labeled with various brands for mass merchant channels such as Sears, Target, and Toys R Us. They have a line of skate helmets under the brands Kryptonics, Pulse, VFX Gear and World Industries. We have not seen the helmets and do not have their retail pricing.

Review updated: 2017

Briko

Briko is an Italian company who began breaking into the U.S. market over ten years ago but has been slow to push its line here. All their helmets are inmolded. Most have bug net in the vents. All are listed as meeting the CEN 1078 bike helmet standard and most meet the US CPSC standard. There are two models available now with the FluidInside pads to improve rotational energy management. Briko models include:

• Cerebellum: a new model for mid-2020. Briko's smart helmet, linking to most Android and Apple phones. Retail: €490.
• Aires: a very well-rounded road model with many small vents in a unique vent pattern. There is a hi vis yellow option. Retail for the Aires Sport is €80. Also available as the Aires S-Line at € 54, the Aires Premium for urban use at € 66 and the Aires Corsa for racing at €60. (Discounted prices on the website in August, 2019)
• Quasar: compact road model with just the hint of a rear overhang. Retail is €110.
• Ventus: a very nicely rounded road helmet with many vents. It is essentially the same shape as the Gass below, but vented. Retail is € 120. There is also a Fluid Inside liner version for € 150.
• Gass: a rounded and smooth aero road helmet shape with slight shelf in the rear. Briko says it has venturi-effect venting. Has a very visible orange/white option. Retail is € 150. There is also a Fluid Inside liner version for € 180.
• Sismic: a compact design, but has rear overhang making the design look dated. US model. Retail is €109 The urban version is the Sismic NTA and retails for €140.
• Morgan: an elongated design with a single pronounced rear shelf point. Retail is €60.
• Kiso: an elongated design with many rear points. Has excellent strap fittings that hold well. At one time it was Briko's best seller in the US. Retail is €69.
• Fury: a toddler helmet with vents, moulded in the shell. Retail is €35.
• Chronometro: a short tail time trial model with small vents. There is an eye shield below the front rim. Retail is €120.
• Skate: a classic skate-style model with a hard ABS shell and small rectangular vents in the top. The interior may be EPP for multi impact rather than EPS. It retails for €40.

Briko has inner pad sets for three of their models available on the website.

Review updated: 2020

BTIN

BTIN is a helmet brand of the Korean company WRC. They have one model, a road design with long ribs curving down in front almost to the front rim. The helmet is equipped with Bluetooth and an intercom system. It was released in Korea in 2017 and may come to the US and European markets in 2018. We don't know the retail pricing.

The former WRC BTIN site has disappeared from the web in 2020

Review updated: 2020

Cairbull

Cairbull is a Chinese company with a line of mostly road helmets that sell at low prices on Amazon. They have a folding helmet called the Fender that is described on our folding helmets page. We have also seen it advertised on Amazon by BYN Bicycles, claiming it is suitable for motorcycles.

Review updated: 2021

Cannondale

Cannondale is owned by Dorel Industries, a Canadian group. All of Cannondale's models are inmolded. MIPS versions are $20 higher than the prices below.

• Caad: introduced in 2017, a road model with a single high point in the rear. Retails for $80, or $100 with MIPS.
• Cypher: top of Cannondale's line, a road helmet with long rear snag points. The dual density foam is used to lower weight and open up larger vents. With some trim and feature upgrades from the Teramo, it retails for $160.
• Teramo: a road helmet with long rear snag points. Retail for the Teramo is $115. Consumer Reports broke this helmets buckle their 2014 testing and rated it in June, 2015 as "Don't Buy: Safety Risk" We disagree and have a page up on that.
• Ryker: same name, but a new model introduced in 2016. A more compact road model with better-rounded rear profile and a dual-density liner. Inflatable pads. Retail is $100. This helmet is on our June 2023 list of helmets that achieved high rankings on both Consumer Reports and Virginia Tech testing.
• Radius: road model with rear points. Retail is $65.
• Quick: a toddler helmet that is inmolded with vents and Cannondale's only nicely rounded profile. Retail is $35.

Cannondale helmets are made in two sizes to fit 52 to 62 cm heads.

Cannondale says their helmets meet the appropriate standard for the market where they are sold, so we would not buy one of their European models that was certified only to the CEN standard.

Cannondale will replace your crashed helmet for 50% of the retail price, but there are many requirements to meet.

Review updated: 2017

Capix

Capix is a Canadian brand marketed in Canada through the Canadian Tire stores. Most of their helmets are skate-style models with ABS hard shells, but there is one inmolded bicycle model, the Hellion. It is a nicely rounded urban commuter style helmet with reasonably large vents. The side strap buckles do not hold well. Retail for the Hellion is $70 Canadian.

Review updated: 2017

Carnac

Carnac, a noted French bike shoe maker, introduced its first helmet model, the Hades in 2010. The Hades is constructed with uniquely angular planes rather than flowing or aerodynamic lines. In black, it appears to be inspired by the F-17 Stealth fighter plane, itself a 25 year old design that is being phased out. The Hades is inmolded with slippery strap adjustors and a padded chin strap. Sizes fit 54 to 62 cm heads. We find little to recommend about it, unless you like the unusual style. Here is the Carnac catalog for occasions when their site is unreachable.

Review updated: 2017

Carrera

Carrera is an Italian company better known for eyewear. They have made bike helmets in the past but we don't find them on the Carrera site any more. They may be on Facebook. Check our Helmets for 2020 page for our most recent writeup.

Review updated: 2022

Canyon

Canyon has been marketing innovative bicycles for some time and has added innovative helmets in 2024. The helmets are not available to consumers yet. They feature HighBar suspension straps. The Disruptr model is a road helmet with long vents, while the Stingr is an aero road model. Retail is set at a very high level for this type of helmet.

Review updated: 2024

Casco

Casco is a German company whose helmets we do not see in the US market. In addition to about a dozen bike helmet models they make helmets for equestrian, snow and firefighting use. Their Upsolute models are inmolded. They make some of the roundest, smoothest shell configurations available. Some are unique designs, but our descriptions come from the website and catalog since the only Casco model we have seen is the Warp II. Their website info on standards includes only CEN and the German DIN standard, not the US CPSC standard, probably explaining why we do not see them in the US market. Back in 2011, Casco informed us that they are looking into CPSC certification, and we hope to see them here soon.

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 eventually 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. Most come in two models, fitting 52 to 57 cm heads or 58-62 cm.

Casco has several models with nearly perfect round profiles and numerous vents. Those CEN-standard helmets would be worth a look if you are willing to settle for less than full CPSC protection. Our

Casco models include:

• Warp-Sprint: an almost perfectly round and smooth track sprinter/pursuit helmet with an above-the-nose shield completing the rounding. It has 12 tiny vents that look like hollow rivets, costs €260 and only meets the CE standard, but the shape is flawless for crashing. It has a section of six raised rubber dimples in the rear to lower air adhesion there. 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 the earlier Warp II sample we bought. The same shape has been used in other Casco helmets, without the face shield and with different construction. It retails for €248 (€300 with visor) and according to the CASCO site it is certified to the CPSC standard.
• E-Motion Cruiser: designed for users of electric bikes, the E-Motion looks a lot like the Warp II, with a very round, smooth profile and tiny round vents. Also comes as the E-Motion Air Control, eliminating even the tiny round vents and using small rear vents that can be closed by a slider. It is also sold as a ski helmet. Meets only the CEN bike helmet standard. Retail is €140 for the Cruiser and €110 for the Air Control.
• Ares Mountain: a conventional road helmet with points everywhere, and a roll bar visible in the center vent, retailing for €170. It is inmolded. The bright red model has a color-matched red visor. One mm larger than most Casco models, fitting 55 to 63 cm heads. Retail is €180. Becomes the Ares Road when sold without visor, for €170.
• Activ-TC: an urban helmet with a very round profile despite some angular lines that give it some style. Has reflective material, and a unique Casco buckle. Retail is €70.
• Cuda: a very nicely rounded profile, almost as well-rounded as the Warp, but with vents. Inmolded, with apparent extra coverage in the rear. If it met the CPSC standard it would be a strong competitor in the US with less-ventilated urban helmets. Retail is €130.
• Daimor Mountain: inmolded with rear points, retailing for €90, or €80 without visor as the Daimor Road. Also comes as the Rebell in youth size fitting 55 to 59 cm (21.7 to 23.2 inches) or the Rebell Lady for women, each selling for €70.
• Viper MX: a downhill racing model in the older elongated form with a removable chinbar. Inmolded, with the aluminum roll bar. It retails for €100 plus another €60 for the chinbar.
• G2 Generation: a skate-shaped helmet with bicycle-style vents, with a nicely rounded shape and apparently very good coverage but a strange screwed-on perforated plate in the front. It is inmolded. Comes as the Mini-Generation in a "junior" version fitting heads as small as 50 cm (19.7 inches). There is a Fun Generation in bright colors and small sizes, and an FM-Generation with more graphics. Retails for €40 to €50.
• Skiller: a classic skate model with small vents retailing for €50. Among the colors are camouflage grey and black models, presumably designed to make you less visible to other road users.
• Sportiv-TC: a very well-rounded road helmet similar to the Activ-TC but with more vents and a different visor. Has a raised center ridge that seems out of keeping with Casco's normally smooth designs. Retail is €90.
• Urban-TC: a skate-style helmet with the Warp lines and a few small vents. Retail is €80. The Urban-TC Plus looks very similar, but has more vents in the crown and retails for €120. The Casco Scarab is sold by Kong as a four sport helmet. See Kong below.

Based on the Warp II sample that we have, we would like to see the rest of CASCO's line, and regret that they do not make CPSC-certified models.

Review updated: 2017

Casqu' En Ville

Casqu' En Ville produces helmets in Vietnam with a plain round "liner" helmet and a cap that turns it into an urban fashion statement, a hat-style helmet. There are two basic liners and a number of caps and hats in different styles. CEN standard only, and you can order online for shipment in Europe. Prices run €65 for the liner helmet and €30 to €35 for the cap or hat to cover it, plus about €9 for shipping. The hats could be a snagging hazard, but there is no test in the CPSC standard for snagging. See our page on hat-style helmets for more.

Review updated: 2017

Catlike

Catlike is a Spanish company named for its founder, a former bicycle racer who was known as "The Cat." All of their helmets are molded in the shell. Most of their line had been designed to the European CE standard and sold only in Europe, but now they are producing CPSC-certified US models, including all of the helmets listed below. The strap side pieces on their models slip easily, a common problem. All of their helmets are made in Spain of Spanish and Asian components except the Tora, made in China. Catlike has a color customization option for some of their models that lets you set the colors of the top, sides, rim, Catlike logo, reflective stickers, fit system, interior foam, straps, finish and visor. You can also add text (your name, perhaps) in back and your logo, each for an extra €10. Models this year include:

• Whisper: has a unique nubby outer shape and 39 small oval vents giving an almost Swiss cheese appearance. Molded in the shell. The pads have been updated to accommodate four head shapes, including Asian heads. Pads come in 2, 4, and 6 mm thicknesses. This one is often seen on European racers, and Mountain Bike World Champion Julian Absalon wears it. Some very visible colors. Strap anchors are mostly recessed. There is a high-viz rain cover available that covers all vents for a more aero shape. Retail is $190 in the US for the CPSC-certified version, although it can be found online for much less.
• Mixino: Catlike's top of the line, an upgrade of the Whisper design with the same external honeycomb shape, but with Catlike's "Graphene nanotech" internal reinforcing permitting lower density foam and slightly lower weight. Catlike has posted a video of this helmet being tested with four impacts in the same spot, a remarkable achievement. Made in Spain, a US model. There are many color combinations. Retails for $290, including a carrying bag. Also comes as the Mixino VD 2.0, with a fixed outer shell covering the front and side vents to permit it to qualify as a chrono helmet under UCI rules. Some front and rear vents are still open because Catlike believes some venting improves performance on hot days. Retails for $320.
• Tora: introduced in, Catlike's entry level model but with the same compact shape and "Swiss cheese" multiple vents of the two models above. Retail is $50.
• Vacuum: a road/mountain model with long curved vents and tiny rear points. It has a one-piece full cover shell and retails for $140.
• Kompact'O: molded in the shell with a full shell wrapping around the bottom and large oval vents. Has pronounced rear points as well as external strap anchors sticking up. Has a nylon visor with push-point attachments. There are 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 $114. There is also the Kompact'O Urban, with a fabric visor and new graphics.
• Leaf: has a rounded compact shell and large blocky vents. Two position visor. Retail is $114.
• Tako: Road-MTB-Commuter model with a compact shape and big vents. This is Catlike's largest model, fitting heads up to 62cm. Retail is $75.
• Kitten: a child model with vents reminiscent of the Whisper and a much more stylish shell than most. Molded in the shell. Fits down to 46cm heads. Retail is $50.
• Chrono Aero Plus: a long-tailed time trial helmet that meets the European standard. It is molded in the shell, and has two small vents in front and rear. It fits 55 to 60 cm heads. It retails for $180, with visor optional.
• Aero Chrono WT: a long-tailed time trial helmet that is molded in the shell, and has one large vent in front and rear, with covers if you prefer them. The vents are in the shape of the Catlike logo, probably not chosen for its aerodynamic qualities. Ring fit, for 54 to 60 cm heads. Made in Spain. It retails for $280 with visor and bag.
• Rapid and Rapid Tri: a very round, smooth ball-shaped aero helmet with face shield. Side/rear vents. The Tri version has two front vents for longer rides or hotter weather. Retail is $355.
• 360 degree: a skate style helmet with larger vents than most, probably reflecting Spain's warm climate. Fits 54 to 58 cm heads. Retail is $80.

Catlike's crash replacement policy offers a 20 per cent discount from retail prices.

Review updated: 2017

Cigna

Cigna is an Asian company associated with RockBros with an extensive line of inexpensive helmets. You are likely to see their helmets with some other brand on them. We have found helmets with the Cigna brand on the Animiles site but do not know if they are made by this company or not.

Cigna models include:

• KP-1: a road helmet with long longitudinal vents, well-rounded except for a chopped-off rear.
• KP-2: a road helmet with many large vents and large points in the rear.
• : a well-rounded road helmet with many vents. It has LED lights in the rear and an LED headlight in front.
• TT-14: an aero road model with modest vents and a chopped-off rear section that leaves a high shelf in the back.
• WT-088: another road model with well-rounded lines.
• WT-086: a road helmet that is very well rounded and has modest vents.
• WT-085: a road helmet that is well rounded except for a single high point in the rear. It has a camera mount.
• WT-004: a hard shell road helmet that is well rounded except for a single point high in the rear. Has a molded-in visor.
• TT-30: a road model with pronounced point in the rear and a removable cover.
• TT-13: Cigna's version of an urban helmet, rounded shape but with an extended visor molded into the shell. Two front vents.
• KP-5: a trail-style helmet with a few very large vents and a high rear shelf.
• KP-6: a road helmet with large vents and a single point in the rear.
• TT-32: a full-face downhill-style helmet with detachable faceguard.
• KP-7: A child's helmet with a detachable faceguard.
• KP-3: A child's helmet with a detachable faceguard, very similar to the KP-7 but produced only for PUKY.
• TT-32: a downhill-style helmet for kids and youth with a detachable faceguard.
• WT-018: a well-rounded toddler helmet with small vents and an eye shield held on by a magnetic rim.
• TT-ET: a fanciful toddler helmet with cartoon characters with horns on the outside.
• WT-027: a colorful toddler helmet with ladybug graphics exterior.
• WT-026: a colorful toddler helmet with pumpkin graphics exterior.

Review updated: 2020

Closca

Closca of Spain produced its first folder model in 2013. It was CEN-certified at that time, but they then obtained certification to the US CPSC standard. The first design consisted of three concentric rings that telescope down inside each other for carrying. The folded height is about 2.5"/63mm. The rings give the helmet an unusual round profile. Unfortunately the Closca has a cloth cover rather than plastic. It retails on their website for €62. In 2019 Closca introduced their new Loop model, known in the US as The Stack or the 174 Hudson Stack. The shape is a little different from the original Closca, with a forward-swept lower ring. But the concept is the same, with telescoping rings that Closca says reduce the helmet's volume by 45%. And fully extended the helmet is round and smooth. Certified to the US CPSC standard and to EN1072. Cost is €70 in Europe and $80 in the US through Priority Bicycles. There is renewed interest in folding helmets since the shared bike rental programs are doing well in many cities. We have a page up on folding helmets with more info.

Review updated: 2019

Coros

Coros is a Kickstarter campaign company with a single model, the Coros Omni. It is a road helmet with large vents, inmolded, and would be reasonably well-rounded except for the unfortunate pronounced points in the rear. It has a sound system built in that uses bone conduction, leaving the ears free to hear traffic, although the distraction of the music or phone conversation is still there. We found the sound about as good as small speakers, although bone conduction sound has different qualities and audiophiles will not be pleased. Sound quality is much improved over earlier models. The system links to your phone and has a smart remote for the handlebars. If you crash, a sensor tracks the severity of the impact and will call home with your location if you don't cancel the call. The integrated lights turn on automatically as darkness falls. Coros includes an app for iOS or Android. It can use Google Maps for voice navigation. There is an intercom device sold separately. The LINX will be available retails for $200. The largest size fits up to 24 1/4 (62cm) heads. Coros offers a one year warranty. It is a shame that so much new technology can be negated by an unfortunate exterior shape.

Review updated: 2018

Cosmo Connected

Cosmo Connected is a French startup with smart helmet designs that include rear LED lights and connections to you phone. The light is oval, and includes a brake light function and turn signals operated from a handlebar unit. It detects crashes and notifies your emergency contacts, and does live route tracking. The unit can be removed easily when you lock your helmet outside, and can be used on any helmet, but comes with the three models below. One of Cosmo's partners is Kali, a respected helmet brand.

• Cosmo Road: a trail style design with a rounded exterior and large blocky vents. Available only in black and grey.
• Cosmo City: a well-rounded urban model with vents near the top and removable earpieces for additional warmth in winter. Comes only in black and grey, not ideal for a city helmet.
• Cosmo Urban: a well-rounded urban design that looks like a classic skate helmet with visor and it pitched for both bike and skate use. It has an ABS hard shell, small round vents, a cap visor and the Cosmo rear light/smart app connection. It is made with recycled materials and natural fabrics. There is a visible white option. Meets the US CPSC standard as well as EN 1078 for the European market. Retail is $100.

Review updated: 2020

Coyle Wooden Helmets

Dan Coyle of Corvalis, Oregon, produces wooden helmets that are unique. The shell is made of wood, machined from a block of wood and treated with "HMVK Polyurea impact shielding." Some of the interiors are made of sustainable cork, but the ones that would perhaps pass a standards test are lined with conventional EPS liners. There are four models, including one shaped like a classic skate-style helmet. They are nicely rounded, with no snag points, and all have round vents. The maker says that some models will pass the CPSC standard, but he has not had a full test series done for certification. We don't know how they would test after soaking in water for 4 hours as required for the wet sample, and we don't know how you would test one-off creations when five identical samples are required for lab testing to the CPSC standard. For that reason we don't consider these as bicycle helmets. Weight could be considerable, and splintering on impact might be a hazard. The maker says the wood shell aids in impact management. They can even build to a custom size or shape. Available only from Coyle, and the sample we have is a magnificent piece of craftsmanship that we would never want to smash up in a lab! Prices are in the $250-and-up range, depending on choice of wood and liner.

Review updated: 2020

Cratoni

This German company has an extensive lineup. Some of their models are for Europe, while others are also available in the U.S. market and meet the CPSC standard. All of their helmets are inmolded. All have at least some reflective trim. 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. Many of their models now have a buckle with a quick-release pull tab. 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.) There are anti-bacterial pads on some models. They recommend six of their models for ebike use, and four of them are certified to the Dutch NTA 8776 standard (noted below). Cratoni is now represented in the US market by SKS, so their helmets may be seen here again. Our pricing is outdated on some models.

• C-Classic: a well-rounded trail riding design with blocky vents and the appearance of lower rear coverage (check on your head to be sure). It has a full wrap shell. Advertised as an urban model. Has reflectors, reflective webbing and a rear light. Fits 54 to 61 cm heads. Retail is €100.
• C-Swift: a well-rounded trail riding design with blocky vents and the appearance of lower rear coverage (check on your head to be sure). It has more vents than the C-Classic. Advertised as an urban model. Has reflectors, reflective webbing and a rear light. Fits 53 to 59 cm heads. Retail is €60.
• Velo-X: a very well-rounded road helmet with large vents and the appearance of lower rear coverage (check on your head to be sure). Suggested as appropriate for short trips on a scooter. Has reflectors, reflective webbing and a light. Fits 52 to 63 cm heads. Retail is €80.
• C-Maniac 2.0 Trail: a slightly angular trail riding design with blocky vents and the appearance of lower rear coverage (check on your head to be sure). Has a camera mount that meets Cratoni's standard for breakaway. Has reflectors and optional rear light. Fits heads from 54 to 61cm. We don't know what the retail will be.
• Allset: a well-rounded trail riding design with blocky vents and the appearance of lower rear coverage (check on your head to be sure). Has a suggestion of a rear shelf. Has a camera mount that meets Cratoni's standard for breakaway. Retail is €100.
• Alltrack: a well-rounded trail riding design with long but still blocky vents and the appearance of lower rear coverage (check on your head to be sure). Has a camera mount that meets Cratoni's standard for breakaway and a goggle clip. Matte/rubberized finish. Retail is €150.
• C-Pure: a well-rounded trail riding design with blocky vents and the appearance of lower rear coverage (check on your head to be sure). Retail is €80.
• AllRide: a well-rounded trail riding design with blocky vents and the appearance of lower rear coverage (check on your head to be sure). Has huge vents in the rear. Retail is €70.
• Speedfighter: a nicely rounded road helmet with large front vents and a full-coverage shell. Retail is €170.
• Velon: a nicely rounded compact road helmet with reasonable vents. The XXL fits up to 65cm heads. Visors can be plastic or fabric. Retails for €80.
• C-Ace: a road model with many vents and a compact shape with just the suggestion of a rear shelf. Retail is €100.
• C-Pro: a road model with large vents and a compact shape. Retails for €230.
• Agravic: a road model with fewer but larger vents, and a compact shape spoiled only by a single pronounced snag point in the rear. Retail is €80.
• Evo: a very round, smooth urban or aero road helmet with a visor and an optional face shield. The slight elongation keeps it from looking like a skate helmet. It has vent covers and a rear LED flasher. Retails for €120.
• C-Loom 2.0: a very round, smooth urban helmet with a small visor and small slit vents on the sides where vents usually don't work very well. Has an integrated LED flasher in the rear. Retails for €100.
• Vigor: a very round aero road or perhaps ski helmet with vents covered with pinhole-perforated panels. Has a carbon fiber shell and a groove all around for a goggle strap. Has a clear face shield and the C-Loom's integrated LED flasher in the rear. Certified to a European motorcycle helmet standard and to the Dutch NTA 8776 ebike standard. Retails for €250.
• C-Bolt: a very light road model with and unfortunate tab that turns up in the rear, spoiling the profile. Large front vents. With visor it's the C-Tracer. Retail is €100 for either model.
• Pacer: a road model with reasonable vents and a mostly rounded compact shape with ridges in the rear that look dated. Ring fit. Fits 49 to 62 cm heads. Retails for €60.
• C-Stream: an elongated road model with a compact shape and minimal rear points. Retails for €70.
• C-Flash: road model with a compact shape and large, blocky vents. Retails for €90.
• Pacer: compact shape road helmet with minimal rear points. Retail is €70. In smaller sizes it is the Pacer Jr., retailing for €50.
• Maxter: a very round and smooth vented adult-style helmet for toddlers and kids. The shell flares slightly in front to suggest a visor. It is inmolded. Fits heads from 46 to 56 cm. Retail price is €40.
• Maxter Pro: new for 2020, a very round and smooth well-vented adult-style helmet for toddlers and kids. It is inmolded. Has a visor. Retail price is €50. Also comes with reflectors all around the shell as the Maxtor Pro-R in bright colors. Fits heads from 46 to 56 cm. Retail price is €55.
• SmartRide: an e-bike helmet that meets the Dutch NTA 8776 e-bike standard with fully integrated rear lights and turn signals. It is inmolded, with an eye shield. Certified to the Dutch NTA 8776 e-bike standard. It has a handlebar remote, or can be controlled with a Cratoni app on your phone that also shows speed and distance. As a two-way radio it can communicate over radio frequency for about 500 meters, or use cellular connections. The built-in speakers sounded good to us. Retail is €350.
• Commuter: an e-bike helmet certified to the Dutch MTA 8667 ebike helmet standard, this one is as round as a skate-style model with long narrow vents that are larger than most ebike models and can be closed with a slider. Has an eye shield. Retails for €150. Also available as the C-Mate without eye shield for €130. If the vents are adequate for your climate either model would be a good choice for a high-protection helmet. there is a C-Mate Jr. in small.
• C-Maniac 2.0 MX: A downhill-style model with vents, a visor and a full removable chinbar. It is inmolded with a polycarbonate exterior. The chinbar has vents along the sides and push button removal. Bright colors available, and reflectors and a light are optional. Fits 52 to 61 cm heads. There is also a C-Maniac 2.0 MX Jr. for smaller heads. Retail price is €150.
• C-Maniac: a youth model in small and medium with a detachable face guard using hex screws. It has a compact profile and minimal rear points. The chinbar is EVA padded. Retail is €80.
• Shakedown: a downhill-style model with vents, a visor and a full removable chinbar. ABS hard shell, so it is heavier than the C-Maniac Pro. Retail is €130.
• C-Reel: a classic skate-style helmet but a thinshell design inmolded. Small top vents. There is a ABS shell motorcycle helmet with vintage leather-like material extending down to the strap and around the rim. Clear face shield. Meets a European motorcycle standard and is labeled as an ebike design. There is a visible white option. Fits heads from 55 to 60 cm. Retail is €60.

Cratoni's child models fit heads as small as 46 cm (18.1 inches) and their largest adult model fits up to 65 cm (25.6 inches). Their ring fit models normally 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.

Review updated: 2024.

Crazy Stuff

Crazy Stuff is a Danish company with a line of European-standard helmets for kids 3 to 8 years old. The helmets are fanciful cartoon characters. Unfortunately, they have snag points all over the shell in the form of rigid ears, horns and fins. Many models have rigid teeth along the front edge, the same edge that often contacts the nose and face when a helmet is takes a hit on the back. You can see a brochure with the designs laid out here.

We appreciate the motivation to add play value to helmets so that kids will take to them readily. But this particular line strikes us as a very bad idea. The helmets could not be sold in the US because the horns, ears and fins would not meet the CPSC limits on projections from the shell, even if the impact protection were sufficient. But the teeth along the front edge are particularly troublesome. Parents do not realize the potential for facial injury that they represent. We can only think that if these helmets meet the EN1078 helmet standard, that standard needs to be amended. See this page on sliding resistance to see why we think helmets that would not slide easily on pavement present a hazard, and do not recommend them.

Review updated: 2017

Crnk

Crnk is produced by Analogue-Plus, a Korean company that produces bike and motorcycle components. They developed a bike helmet line in 2019. They sell in the Korean market only, and sell direct online. Their pricing is about $55. They have a smart helmet add-on called Ahead that attaches to link to your phone for music and calls. There are four models:

• Veloce: a nicely rounded trail style helmet with blocky vents.
• Helmer: a well-rounded road helmet with longitudinal vents.
• Chivalry: an aero road helmet with large front vents and a single high rear point.
• Robust: a road helmet with huge vents and a high point in the rear.

Review updated: 2020

Cycle Force

Cycle Force is a brand distributed by its subsidiary North American Cycles. There are road, commuter, reflective, youth, child and toddler models, including a toddler helmet with LED lights under the shell. Retail ranges from $18 to about $40. In 2021 Messingschlaager GmbH, a German distributor that had been working with Cycle Force acquired the company

Review updated: 2024

Cyclone Bicycle - Acclaim helmets

The Altair line of inexpensive helmets produced for Cyclone Bicycle (formerly Acclaim helmets from Action Bicycle) includes the Metro, a nicely rounded design with a ring fit system that still has some elongation in the rear. Their Curb Dog Shredder is a classic skate model. Cyclone has models from other manufacturers as well.

Review updated: 2018

D-Curve

D-Curve is primarily a goggles and sunglasses company, but they have three bicycle helmets to round out their line. All are inmolded:

• Freewheel V-07: a trail style helmet with blocky vents, nicely recessed strap anchors and a high point in the rear. Retail is $90.
• Veloride V-08: a road helmet with longitudinal vents and blacked-out bridges that emphasize the bright ribs. Retail is $120.
• Hyperglide V-09: a road helmet with longitudinal vents and the appearance of two rings wrapping around the rear of the shell. Retail is $100.

Review updated: 2020

Dahon

Dahon is a manufacturer of folding bicycles. They have two helmets that accompany their line:

• Vapor: a well-rounded road helmet with jillions of very small vents that could easily be mistaken for the Catlike Whisper. The extra-large fits heads up to 64cm. Ring fit. White option available. We don't see that one on their US site now.
• Aero 33: a rounded road helmet design with elongated vents. Ring fit. Bright red, white and blue option.

For Dahon's former folding helmet, see Biologic above.

Review updated: 2020

Demon

Demon expanded from snowboard accessories and now has a full face bicycle helmet with chinbar, the Demon Podium. It has a polycarbonate shell with small vents and an EPS liner. The shape is classic downhill/BMX, with a bolted-on visor and one pronounced ridge in the rear, but the helmet is certified only to CPSC for bicycling. They caution that "sizing runs small" so you may have to order a larger size. Fits heads from 19.3 to 24 inches/49 to 61cm. Retail is $100, or $150 with MIPS, both plus shipping. There are wired or Bluetooth audio kit add-ons available.

Review updated: 2021

Diadora

Diadora has a full line of bicycles, and gear to accompany them, including helmets. All are inmolded. Almost all come in dull grey and black colors with low visibility on the road. For 2016 we find only three available on the website:

• Free Ride 2.0: a road helmet with a rear shelf point and reasonable vents. Retail is $55.
• Free Ride 1.0: very similar to the Free Ride 2.0, but retail is $45.
• Pro Racer 2.0: Compact design with a rear points, in-molded with a two-piece shell for full coverage. Retail is $60.

Review updated: 2017

Dimensions

See Sakar International below.

DK

DK Bicycle Company has one skate-style helmet, the Synth, made in China and certified to the CPSC standard. It is inmolded, fits heads from 55 to 61 cm and comes in green, white or black. It retails for $38.

Review updated: 2017

DotOut

DotOut is an Italian company with clothing and other bike accessories including helmets. Their name signifies putting a period to your work and going outdoors to recreate. Their helmets are all inmolded, and they claim that it is an "exclusive manufacturing process" despite a description that mirrors that of about 75% of the helmets on this page. They have a unique strap junction piece but we don't know if it locks well or not, since we have not seen their line. The website says their helmets meet the European EN1078 standard, not CPSC for the US market. Models include:

• Coupé: DotOut's top of the line, a compact road model with a very nicely rounded profile that is said to be Danish-inspired. The liner is made with multi-density foam. There is a very large rectangular rear vent. The fitting foam has a fine film of carbon fiber designed to help wick sweat. There is a "Pro" version that has large brand graphics on the outside. There is an optional cap visor and an eye shield. Retail for the helmet is €149.
• Hammer: a trail model with a nicely rounded profile and large blocky vents. Has a visor. Retail is €99.
• Kabrio: a road model with long vents and points in the rear. There are visible orange and yellow options. There is an optional cap visor. Retail is €139, or €155 for the version with an aero cover.
• Shoy: a compact road model with a ribbed look and rear points. Has padding that is claimed to have impact-absorbing properties. Retail is €89.
• Targa: a compact road model with a nicely rounded profile that has a very small shelf protruding high in the rear. It has longitudinal ribs with vents reminiscent of the old hairnet designs. Retail is €99.

DotOut will accept returns, but "All returns must be in an original condition, as new, unwashed and not worn."

Review updated: 2020

Dux Helm

Dux is a Canadian company with a single road model in various versions that has a retractable eye shield. It has big vents and a big upswept tab at the rear. The strap fittings did not hold well on the sample we saw. It is inmolded with a full coverage shell. The eye shield is polycarbonate, and comes in amber, clear and tinted, with a UV coating. A magnet holds it in the retracted position. Meets the CPSC standard for sale in the US. Retail pricing runs from $130 to $200 US. Their website is "expired."

Review updated: 2023

Easetour

Easetour is a Chinese manufacturer with an extensive line of road, MTB, enduro, city, junior and BMX models. Most of them will appear under other brands, and the company encourages designers to develop their own models. Designs range from rounded and compact to elongated and pointy. Most appear to be well-ventilated. The high-end models have better strap junctions and reflective straps. Retail pricing should be around $30 and up.

Review updated: 2017

Ebon

Ebon is made by Co-Union Industry of Taiwan. Their bike helmets are inmolded, including the toddler models, with modest-to-pronounced rear points. They also have skate models. They use a ring fit system. Some models have well-recessed strap anchors. Their strap adjustment pieces slip too easily. Visors are attached with pins to flip off in a crash, as they should. There is a rainbow graphics option, the only rainbow bike helmet we have seen. Some models have rear LED flashers, and a few have front LED's as well. Ebon's child sizes go down to 47 cm and most adult models fit up to 63 cm. They are nice looking helmets, and prices should be reasonable, depending on whose brand is on the one you buy.

Review updated: 2020

Eco

Spitfire Industry is developing a new helmet known as the Eco made of recyclable paper in a radial honeycomb pattern. It will fold flat and be very inexpensive to produce. They are intended to be readily available for shared bike system users. A media reports says it is not yet certified to CPSC as of August 2016, and the testing shown on the company's video does not even approximate the CPSC lab test protocol. EcoHelmet was planning to launch early in 2017.

Review updated: 2017

Egg

Egg is a Dutch company with yet another series of cute helmet designs to appeal to kids by adding snag points on the exterior. Their helmets are skate style. Beginning with the round, smooth "Naked" version, you add a fabric skin and then various add-ons mount by shoving them into holes in the shell, including crowns, mohawks, horns and more. According to Egg, "This does not compromise the helmet's safety and effectiveness as they are designed to pop-off in the event of an impact." There is a proprietary buckle located on the side where it should not pinch skin. Meets the EU standard for sale there, using an EVA/EPP liner. In the US the liners are EPP. We don't like adding projections to the outside of a round smooth helmet, but at least these seem to readily pop off. The helmet retails for $90, with either skin or projections adding another $20.

Review updated: 2017

Ekoi

This French company has a high-tech bicycle clothing and accessories image as well as their helmet models. All are ring fit. Lowered prices on some models can indicate they are selling out and will disappear soon. Ekoi has a page up explaining their company philosophy and brand name. They favor bright colors in all their equipment. Some models can be customized with decals, colored visors and more, including your name. Retail prices are in British pounds.

• Corsa Light: a compact road model with many small rear points, inmolded. Retail is £92.
• Fast 3: road model, inmolded with a full interior cover as well. The rear points are rounded. Retail is £50, or £25 for the Fast 2.
• Monza 2: road model with a high point in the back. It is inmolded. Retail is £63.
• Shooting: road model with pronounced rear points and visor. On sale at £28.
• MTB First One: road model with visor. Retail is £75.
• CXR22: road model with large vents and rear points. A two-piece shell covers the whole exterior. Retail is £67 .
• CXR21: road model with large vents and rear points. A two-piece shell covers the whole exterior. Retail is £91 .
• Ekcel Magnetic Evo 2: a road model with elongated profile, rear points and carbon bridges. Retail is £54.
• Chrono CXR13 Evo: a round and smooth aerodynamic helmet for time trialing, with no tail and sides that flare inward below the helmet test line. No vents. Retails for 158.
• Chrono CXR14 Evo: round and smooth time trial helmet with no vents. Looks like a long tail has been removed, leaving a substantial gap between the rear of the helmet and the rider's shoulders. Retail is £238 with eye shield.

Ekoi offers a two year guarantee. Their helmets are sold on their own website, so shipping charges should be added to the retail pricing.

Review updated: 2017

Electra

Electra is a Trek brand, designed for their ebikes with smaller vents than Trek's Bontrager models and MIPS instead of the newer WaveCel liners. The line includes cruiser bikes available in the US and internationally. They have ebike and skate-style helmets to match. Their Electra Helmet earned 3 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing, well below the leaders. But at least part of their line is certified to the Dutch ebike helmet standard, with a little more coverage than CPSC helmets. The Electra Go! MIPS is very different, with large vents in the top and rear. It is an inmolded thin shell, meets the Dutch NTA 6776 standard and retails for $100.

Review updated: 2021

Elevety

Elevety is a brand of the Canadian company Domio Sports, with an accessory called the Domio that attaches to the outside shell of a helmet and turns it into a sound chamber. Ears remain unobstructed, but the distraction level is up to you. It couples with your phone, and the first model retailed for $100. We thought its sound was ok but not terrific, and it varied a lot depending on the helmet and placement of the device. For 2019 there is a Domio 2 for $130, said to be "meaner and louder." We have not heard that one. Recommended helmet types include: Vented Ski Helmet, Standard Snowboard Helmet, Visor Integrated Ski Helmet, and Full-face Snow Helmet. There is no mention of bicycle helmets on the website as of February, 2019. The Domio Pro model is supposed to ship in February 2019 after an Indiegogo campaign, with an intercom and noise-canceling microphone, to eventually retail for $270.

Third party devices are not tested in the lab with your own helmet. We don't like to see riders attaching things to the outside of their helmets, creating potential snag hazards. We hope this one would detach when it needs to, but the web page says "The strongest mounts available. Will withstand any force or impact."

Review updated: 2019

Endura

Endura is a British company with an extensive line of sport apparel. Their helmets are all listed on the website as certified only to the European helmet standard, and we have not seen their line in the US. They are all inmolded, and all use locking strap junctions. Most have reflective detailing in the strap material and antibacterial pad materials. All have removable visors. Retail prices are from online suppliers and are approximate. Models include:

• MT500: introduced in 2017, and promoted as an enduro event helmet, this one has a Koroyd liner similar to the Smith models. Their liners use a honeycomb of collapsing plastic tubes about the diameter of drinking straws, thermo-welded together and surrounded by conventional EPS to keep them perpendicular to the head. The straws collapse along their length when impacted, and so does the surrounding EPS, managing the impact energy by slowing the transmission of energy and reducing the peak impact, just as other helmet liners do. You can see the material on the Koroyd site. The material is made in Germany of polycarbonate and PET. The MT500 has a nicely rounded profile, big vents and anti-bacterial liner. Retail is £ 150
• Airshell: Elongated road model with twin points in front providing the effect of folded horns. Points in rear sweep back to an O-shaped center. Fiberglass or carbon reinforced bridges depending on the color of the helmet. Retail online is £ 91.
• Single Track: a trail riding style model with blocky lines and vents. The crown has a ridge in front rather than being smooth. Online retail is £ 67.
• Lumenite: elongated design with a high rear point that houses a USB-rechargeable LED light. It has areas of reflective material on the shell. Certified to CE standard EN1078:2012 + A1:2012. Two high-visibility colors plus black. There is a polyester rain cover available for about £ 24 in high vis yellow with an LED flasher. Retail is £45. Without the reflective material it is the Extractfor £40.
• Hummvee: the best-rounded model in Endura's line, a compact road design available in a blaze orange and other colors. Retail is £ 39.

Endura has a three year crash replacement policy, providing a helmet at half the retail price, providing: "That you are able to send Endura Ltd the damaged helmet and provide proof of purchase to establish that the helmet was purchased within the European Community from an Endura Authorised Dealer."

Review updated: 2017

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.

Review updated: 2020

Essen

Essen is a Chinese company with road, trail, skate and BMX models. Their products are sold on Amazon for $28 to $70.

Review updated: 2020

Etto

Etto is associated with the Scandinavian manufacturer Hamax. At one time they had many helmet models on their website, but we don't find them now. 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. Some of Etto's models have strap anchors that are not recessed at all, sitting up on top of the shell.

• City Safe: a road or urban helmet, inmolded with large vents. There is a very similar Bernina model for kids.
• Champery MTB: a trail model with one rear shelf point, huge vents and the appearance of extended rear coverage. Comes with visor. There is a youth size, the Champery Jr.
• Scalpel: a road model with compact shape and huge vents arranged in a pattern unlike any other helmet.
• Level: a very well rounded road model with large vents. Matte finish, magnetic buckle. CEN certification, not CPSC.
• Commuter: a city model shaped like a skate helmet, with small vents plus a unique small vent at the brow on each side. There are some high visibility colors available. CEN certification, not CPSC. Also comes as the E-Commuter MIPS.
• Venti: a road model with compact shape and a nicely rounded profile.
• X-Light: inmolded with one large rear point. Etto's entry in the lightest helmet contest.
• Stelvio: a road model with full cover shell wrapping under the liner and rear points.
• Champery MTB: shaped like a trail riding helmet with the appearance of lower coverage in the rear that has to be verified on your own head. MIPS model.
• Acelar: an aero road racing model with very well rounded profile. It is inmolded with very small vents that lead to internal channels. Has a spot above the rim designed to hold sunglasses. Very similar to the Scalpel model except that the Scalpel has very large vents.
• Chassis XXL: a road helmet with large vents and a single pronounced snag point in the rear. Comes in XXL size to fit up to 64cm heads. Comes in matte white or black.
• Breeze: compact shape, inmolded with three modest rear points.
• Zero: road model with a taped on shell and two points in the rear. Has unfortunate raised strap anchors above the shell. In the smallest size it is the child Shark.
• Zero +: road model with the same design as the Zero, but inmolded. Still has the raised strap anchors.
• Haze: a very well rounded child helmet with large vents like the adult models.
• Safe Rider: child helmet inmolded with compact rounded lines and a visor effect in front. Has vents like an adult helmet and looks like an adult model with the exception of the little visor.
• 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. Also comes in small as the Psycho Kid.
• Rail: classic skate style helmet inmolded with a thin shell and rectangular vents along the center line.

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

Review updated: 2019

Evolo

Evolo is a Taiwanese brand from Cycle Chris Company. Almost all of their helmets are and inmolded except for three child models. Most are certified to the EN1078 standard for the European market. The adult models mostly have rear points. They have one adult model with a detachable vented chinbar that is reasonably well rounded and sells for €110. Some of their models are made with Asian fit. Evolo helmets fit heads from 44 to 62cm.

Review updated: 2020

Exustar

Exustar is a Chinese bicycle accessory company that has a limited line of helmets. All are inmolded. Most of them have exaggerated rear points and look like something pros were wearing 20 years ago. They have very good locking strap junctions. They have one E-BHC301 trail helmet with blocky vents that is better-rounded than the others. Their E-BHM122 has a strange appendage in the rear to provide the point on an otherwise well-rounded helmet. All of their models are certified to the EN1078 standard for the European market.

Review updated: 2020

Fend

Fend has a folding helmet with ribs that fold in from the sides in two sections to stow in the helmet.





We like the way the helmet locks open, with two tabs to lift to let it fold. But the strap junctions do not lock and are so slippy that we would not use the helmet. Width when folded is about 5 inches. The Fend One is CPSC and EN 1078 certified. Comes in white, black and "NY Yellow." Retail on their site is $120 with free shipping.

Review updated: 2020

First Ascent

First Ascent is a South African manufacturer with a line of road helmets. All have big rear points except the Bolt, a compact design with a rounded profile and reasonable vents including large vents in the rear. Retail for that one is R899.

Review updated: 2017

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 point on the outside to snag, 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 impact protection considerably above that of any normal bicycle helmet, including a chinbar with effective energy managing padding. Some Fly models have the rubber debris deflectors known as roost guards. All of their DOT models are made with dual-density foam liners.

• Formula: a 2019 design, a downhill mountain bike racing model with full chinbar and carbon fiber shell. The Conehead dual density liner has been supplemented with Rheon pads, designed to help with rotational energy. There is more on the Rheon pads on Rheon's site. The pads are made with materials that react to the severity of the impact, giving more in milder impacts and stiffening up for the heavy ones. Retail for the Formula is about $500.
• Werx Ultra: introduced in 2017, a downhill mountain bike racing model with full chinbar and carbon/Kevlar shell. Small vents. Certified to the ASTM F1952 downhill standard. Retail is $400. Also available as the Werx Rival with MIPS for $450.
• Elite Onset: introduced in 2017, an entry level full-face downhill helmet with an ABS shell and dual-density foam liner. Meets the DOT motorcycle helmet standard. Retail is $125.
• Freestone MTB: Fly's only inmolded thinshell bike helmet. Made with Conehead dual-density foam that may offer some additional protection from brain injury in lower level impacts. It is a road/mountain bike model with minimal rear points, large vents with bug mesh, bright colors including hi-viz and good rear coverage. Retail is $110. Worth a look.
• Default: Fly's entry into the downhill mountain bike racing helmet category has only CPSC certification. It is not certified to the ASTM F1952 downhill standard. That makes it lighter than many full-face helmets, but gives a lot less protection than the others in the Fly Racing lineup. Has vents, and the standard large bolted-on visor. With CPSC certification, that visor is required to "readily break away" when impacted. Retail is $110.
• Kinetic: a full face model, with vents protected by exterior and interior stainless steel mesh. Dual-density liner may offer more performance in lower-level impacts. Roost deflector. Meets the DOT motorcycle helmet standard. Retails for $110, or $100 for the youth size. Also available for 2016 at $125 as the
• Kinetic Pro Rockstar edition.
• F2 Carbon: designed for BMX, MTB and motocross, has a carbon fiber-Kevlar shell. Fly's top of the line, a BMX/Motocross crossover helmet with a carbon fiber and Kevlar shell, dual density liner, small vents and aluminum hardware. Meets both the DOT motorcycle helmet standard and the tougher Snell Foundation M2015 standard. Has EVA foam in the chinbar for the chinbar energy management required by Snell. There is an optional vent wing to direct more air into the vents, and a pink women's graphic. Retails for $230. For 2016 there is a MIPS version retailing for $400.

Fly models are all designed to connect with neck braces, available from them at $200 or $300.

Fly has add-on helmet Mohawk and blades that you can tape to the top of your helmet for a sporty look. They retail for $17.

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. Along with their own brand, they distribute helmets made by Gmax and by THH.

Fly will replace a crashed helmet "at a discount.

Review updated: 2019

Fox

Fox Racing (Fox Head, Inc.) has BMX and skate style helmets to complement their lines of racing accessories. In 2016 they introduced a new liner they call Varizorb, a form of conehead dual-density EPS foam. Vista Outdoors, owner of Bell and Giro, announced that it would acquire Fox Racing in the second quarter of 2023. For 2024 Fox has interesting new models.

• Speedframe RS new for mid-2024, a double layer model that allows the inner layer to slip like the original POC implementation of MIPS. The combined layers provide a thicker helmet that is likely to be more protective by permitting a more gradual stop of the head. The construction is similar to the Fox Proframe RX full-face helmet already available. Worth a look.
• Dropframe Pro MIPS: new in 2020, a radical new enduro design that brings a lower section that wraps around and below the ears. The lines are blocky. It is intended for riders who want the additional coverage of a downhill helmet but do not want a chinbar. This helmet earned five stars in Virginia Tech's bicycle helmet ratings for low impact and rotational force protection, so it is definitely worth a look. Retail is $200.
• Ranger: introduced in 2017, a trail model with very large front vents and excellent strap junctions that hold very firmly. Retail is $55.
• Metah: a road helmet with a unique, blocky style. It has huge vents and the "mountain" profile that may offer more rear protection. The shell rises to a hump, has a point on the back, and can't qualify as a rounder, smoother design. Has the Varizorb liner with Conehead-style dual density EPS foam. In 2017 Fox added an XXL shell size that fits up to 64cm heads. Retail is $130 to $150.
• V3: new for 2019, a downhill racing/motorcycle model with angular lines, full chinbar and a new liner that includes both Conehead dual-density EPS foam and seven Fluid Inside pads that Fox says improve rotational energy management. Has vents and a vented chinbar, with plastic mesh covers. Wider than most to fit rounder heads but we don't know if it could be an Asian fit helmet. The EPS is inmolded. The visor attaches magnetically to avoid jerking your head and neck in an impact. The liner has smaller vents than the shell. Meets the DOT motorcycle helmet standard, much more stringent than any bicycle helmet standard. Retail is $500.
• Flight: a very well-rounded skate-style helmet with a hard shell and liner in segments, possibly offering a better fit for some heads. Has the Varizorb liner with Conehead-style dual density EPS foam. Has larger vents than most skate-style helmets. Retail is $40 to $55.
• Rampage: a downhill racing model with more coverage in the rear than most bicycle helmets. It has a full face chinbar. Retail is $130, or $450 for the Rampage Pro Carbon with carbon fiber shell and MIPS at $450. There is also the Rampage Comp with fiberglass shell for $200.
• Flux: a rounded profile helmet marketed as a skate model but looking more like a road model because of the large vents. It is inmolded with a two-piece shell and a "spoiler" in the rear that hopefully would detach if snagged. If you removed the spoiler, it would qualify as one of our "rounder, smoother" designs. Meets the CPSC standard but not the ASTM skateboard standard. There is a women's version. Retail is $60.
• Transition Hardshell: a skate style helmet with a hard ABS shell, small rectangular vents and a round smooth shape. Comes in visible white. Retails for $32.

Fox has other models on their website that are promoted for motorcycle use. Their crash replacement policy is a consumer-direct 30 percent discount off the retail price.

Review updated: 2022

Free Agent

Free Agent is a KHS Bicycles brand. They have a very well-rounded classic Street skateboard-style helmet that comes in one shell size with three pad sets of different thicknesses. It has an EPS liner and meets only the CPSC bicycle helmet standard. It retails for $25 to $35 in standard colors or $5 more with a chrome finish, and can be found on line 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. It has the standard BMX rigid visor that could be a snagging hazard. Retail is $100.

Review updated: 2022

Fuji

Fuji has been a major bicycle supplier to the US market for many years. In 2007 they added a helmet line to complement their bikes, with model names matching bike models in most cases. Their helmets generally do not seem to be available in the US market, but here are some out-of-date descriptions:

• NB 939: road model with an elongated shape with a rear point. It is inmolded and has ring fit. Retails for $40 with visor.
• Team: another inmolded model, this time with two shell pieces for full coverage. One rear point. Ring fit. Retail is $50.
• Crosstown: a road helmet with an elongated shape but generally rounded in the rear. There was a similar youth model called the Blaster. Retail was $50.
• L'il Fuji: toddler model. Taped or glued shell. Retail was $30.
• SE: a skate helmet with hard ABS shell. Retail was $30.

For crashed helmets, Fuji will replace at "a discounted price."

Review updated: 2017

Funkier

Funkier is an Israeli company with a line of Chinese-made helmets that meet only the European CE standard. They have three models. The ones we saw had slippy side strap adjustors. The MV-035 is the most rounded profile of the three, with Ebay pricing seemingly on the high side at $80-$100.

Review updated: 2017

Fuse

Fuse is primarily a maker of protective padding, but they have one skate-style helmet to complement their pad line. It is a hard shell classic skate helmet, but meets only the CPSC bicycle helmet standard, not the ASTM F1492 skate standard.

Review updated: 2017

Louis Garneau

Louis Garneau is an independent Canadian designer and manufacturer with an extensive helmet line along with many other bicycle products. All of their helmets are inmolded unless noted below. There are MIPS models, and the catalog said that MIPS is "a good reason to upgrade your helmet." 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 meet the CPSC standard and are sold here. For 2020 Garneau introduced ROTEXX pads with a fluid layer on some models as anti-rotational protection. RTR models have some retro-reflective portions.

In March of 2020 Bicycle Retailer and Industry News reported that Louis Garneau Canada had filed for bankruptcy protection. The article quoted a Garneau representative saying the action does not affect their US subsidiary. They reported got help from the provincial government and private investors and have emerged from bankruptcy. Garneau says the company is profitable again and hopes to go public at some point.

• Asset: introduced in 2017, a road/trail model with a very nicely rounded profile and large, blocky vents. Two piece shell covers the whole exterior. The women's version is the Lisa. Retail in the US is $100.
• Héros RTR: a road design that has the most nicely rounded shape in the Garneau line and a distinctive oval in the rear that looks like a missing hole in the shell. There is a MIPS version that has an unusual full-coverage MIPS layer extending all the way around the back and under the fit ring. If MIPS is a high priority for you, this one is worth a look. In women's graphics it is the Shine RTR or the Shine RTR MIPS. Retail is $170, or $200 with MIPS.
• Raid MIPS: a trail riding model with mostly blocky lines and the shape that may offer additional rear coverage but must be verified for that on your head. Has an unfortunate sharp ridge across the back. Retail is $70, or $100 for the MIPS version. The Raid MIPS earned the next to highest score with 5 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing, making it worth a look.
• Course: Louis Garneau's top of the line road model is a nicely rounded compact design except for one little rear point left sticking up in the air. Very large lengthwise vents. Includes an LED light that attaches to the rear stabilizer. Retails for $220.
• Le Tour II: updated for 2017, a road model with a very pointy rear treatment. Retail is $55 or $85 with MIPS. The non-MIPS version earned 4 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing, so it is worth a look.
• Sharp: a road model with compact design and rear points. Consumer Reports rated this helmet in June, 2015 as Excellent for impact protection, despite the points. Retail is $90.
• X-Lite: Louis Garneau's entry in the superlight helmet competition sparked by Specialized and attempting to produce a CPSC-certified helmet that is as light as a CEN-only European helmet. The Garneau version looks like a normal road helmet with somewhat angular lines, but they have shaved every gram they could in foam, shell, stabilizer and fittings. CPSC and ASTM certified. There is a women's model. Retail is down to $85 as Garneau sells this one out.
• Edge: elongated design with high rear point and large vents. Retail is $95.
• Sprint: a road model designed for the cold season, with a panel that covers the center vents, leaving only five vents on the sides and back. Retail is $100.
• Ghost: A bicycle and ski winter helmet with detachable side pads to keep ears and the sides of your head warm. Round and smooth profile with a small molded-in visor. Minimal vents. Has a goggle retainer in the rear. Certified to the ASTM 2040 ski helmet standard as well as CPSC. The Ghost retails for $135. The women's version is the Voice, retailing for $95.
• Eagle: the value model of Louis Garneau's line is this inmolded compact design with a rear shelf point. Plainer graphics, ring fit. Retail is $40. There is an extra-large size called the Majestic that fits up to 65cm (25 3/4") heads. The women's version is the Tiffany. The youth version, with somewhat better graphics, is the Razz and the child size is the Niño, again for $40. Finally there is the Astral (women's Amber) without visor retailing 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 Charlie Brown version has Peanuts graphics. The retail price was $30 but the model is on its way out and being discounted at $15.
• Brat: Toddler helmet for the 5 and under crowd, round and smooth, with vents and cute graphics. The thin shell covers the entire exterior, but it is glued on. The smallest model is size 6, for a 48 cm (18 7/8 inch) head. Retail is $35.
• P09: a chrono model with the traditional curved surfaces in front, but with Garneau's dimpled surface, sweeping back to a short tail. There is one front vent, but it can be plugged. Garneau's marketing says they thinned the liner for a smaller front profile. There is flip-up visor to avoid fogging in triathlon transition areas. Retail is $350.
• P06: a chrono time trial helmet design from Louis Garneau, the first manufacturer to make a chrono helmet that passed the CPSC standard. This one continued that tradition, and represents the fourth generation of Louis Garneau chrono models. The Superleggera is dimpled like a golf ball in front for aerodynamics. Unlike most chrono helmets it has large vents--two in front and three in the rear. It has a medium long tail. The shell is glued to the liner, not molded. Garneau says the center of gravity has been adjusted to reduce neck fatigue and make it easier to maintain an aero position. It fits 52 to 62 cm heads. Retail was a bargain at $125, with an additional $45 for the Rocket Case and $35 for the windscreen. At the end of 2016 remaining sizes were selling out at $63.
• 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. It fits all of the LG chrono models. Comes in clear, smoked or contrast-enhancing yellow. The edges are unprotected except at the nose, 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. Retail is $35.
• H-Cover: Garneau's helmet cover is made of waterproof but breathable fabric. It comes in black or a very visible bright yellow for $20.

Louis Garneau offers a discounted replacement guarantee for crashed helmets.

Review updated: 2017

GES

GES is a Spanish manufacturer and supplier of many bicycle accessories. Their helmet line is mostly modestly priced, starting at E25. Some are inmolded, but some have glued on shells. Their urban model is well-rounded, but most of the road helmets are older designs, often with points in rear. Their strap junctions hold very well.

Review updated: 2021

Giant/Liv

Giant is a very large bicycle manufacturer originally based in Taiwan. They supply a full line of bikes and accessories to bike shops. Their helmets have good quality locking side strap fittings that hold well. There are women's colors for some models. Giant is owned by Dorel Industries, a Canadian group. In 2022 Giant rebranded a "sister company" called Liv (pronounced as in "live it up"), specializing in women's bikes and helmets. There had been Liv women's models previously, but Giant Group Chairperson Bonnie Tu founded the sister company to provide more women-specific products.

• Relay MIPS: Giant's value helmet, an inmolded road model with blocky vents and a well-rounded compact shape spoiled only by a small rear overhang. Giant says it has " deeper rear profile for additional protection at the back of the head," but that has to be verified on your own head. There is a Liv women's model. Retail is $50 for either one. This helmet is on our June 2024 list of helmets that achieved high rankings on both Consumer Reports and Virginia Tech testing.
• Path MIPS: an inmolded road model with a well-rounded compact shape and nicely recessed strap anchors. In XXL it was the Compel, but we don't see that one in Giant's line any more. Also comes in a female Liv version. Retail is $55. This helmet is on our June 2024 list of helmets that achieved high rankings on both Consumer Reports and Virginia Tech testing.
• Rail SX MIPS: a trail riding model with large blocky vents and the shape that appears to offer additional rear coverage that must be verified for that on your head to be sure. Large visor. Has a front surface designed for the Go-Pro stick-on mount. The women's model is the LIV Infinita SX. Retail is about $194.
• Rev MIPS: a road model with pronounced rear points, with sinuous lateral vents and underlying bridges that give the appearance of a separate inner helmet. It has unfortunate multiple points in the rear. The women's model is the Liv Rev MIPS Women's Helmet. Retails for $182, or $190 for the Liv version. The Rev Comp MIPS is on our June 2024 list of helmets that achieved high rankings on both Consumer Reports and Virginia Tech testing.
• Rev Pro MIPS: a road model with sinuous lateral vents and underlying bridges that give the appearance of a separate inner helmet. Looks very much like the Rev MIPS with an additional lateral rib, but the rear points have been rounded considerably for a better profile. There is a Liv version. Either one retails for $287.
• Roost MIPS: introduced in 2017, a road/trail model with a very nicely rounded profile with the appearance of more rear coverage and reasonable vents. The shell wraps under for full coverage. Also comes as the female Coveta. Retail is $100.
• Hoot: a toddler model with taped on shell and vents. Retail is $35. Also comes as the female Liv Musa.
• Hollar: a toddler model billed as an "infant helmet" with a very rounded profile and vents. Also comes as the female Liv Lena. Retail is $30.

Review updated: 2022

Giro

Giro has been a Vista Outdoor brand in recent years, along with Bell. They were bought by Vista Outdoor in 2016, along with Raskulls (C-Preme), and bringing along the Bollé brand. In 2018 they were caught up in consumer reaction to Vista's ownership of companies that make ammunition and guns (Stevens and Savage Arms), so some dealers began phasing them out.

In April of 2018 Vista sold Bollé and announced that they planned to sell Bell, Giro, Raskullz, and Krashco. Bicycle Retailer and Industry News had a detailed article about the sale. But the Bell/Giro/C-preme part of it never happened, and Vista announced in mid-2019 that it will keep the three bike brands for a period of years until their sale price improves. They did sell part of their firearm and ammunition businesses in July of 2019. REI resumed selling the Bell brand after that sale and the heat subsided, but in fact more than two years after their announcement Vista Outdoor still owns Bell and Giro, and still produces ammunition on a very large scale. In 2022 Vista announced that it now intends to split off the outdoor division into a new company, probably by 2023, and will buy Fox Racing in 2023.

Giro designs have been known for a unique fit and a trend leader. More Giro helmets come in MIPS versions each year. The line has been evolving and adding rounded compact profile models, but the most expensive high-end models still have the elongated shape and pronounced external points. All Giro helmets are inmolded, and high end models have lower shells molded in as well. High-end models use fitting pads, but the less expensive ones are ring fit. The Giro line has high viz color options. Some Giro helmets have reflective surfaces on the rear stabilizers, a logical 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 junctions are not among the best for holding securely after adjusting, although those on the Aeon and Rift models do hold well. Giro and other manufacturers have lighter hyper-ventilated models produced for the European market that meet the CEN standard but are not certified to meet the tougher US CPSC standard.

Giro has women's models, but their 2013 catalog was unusually frank about them: "What about fit for women? - While it is obvious that anatomical differences between men and women can dictate different patterning and fit for many items worn on the body, the head and skull are somewhat unique. When measuring men and women's heads, there is no significant difference in the skull shape, location of skull features or the scale of the ears, eyes and nose between men and women." Written, of course, by a person with short hair and no pony tail.

In February 2023 Giro recalled its Merit model for straps pulling loose.

• Merit a trail model with vents that appear huge until you look more closely. Recalled in February 2023.
• Tyrant MIPS For 2020, Giro has this unique model with sides that swoop down below the ears and the ears completely covered by the shell. It is a "ball-and-socket" model similar in construction to last year's Aether. It replaces the standard inner plastic slip plane with two layers of foam that can slip 15mm on impact, with a slippery layer in between. That is very similar to the design pioneered by POC's Cortex DH in 2009. It is also similar to more recent designs by 6D and Kali, who use rubberized disks between the layers to provide 360 degree movement. The hope is that displacement of impact energy will reduce rotational brain injury. Giro identifies the second layer as EPP foam, a rubbery formulation that recovers after a crash, but has a high coefficient of restitution giving it undesirable rebound characteristics. They are calling the MIPS implementation "Spherical MIPS." Apparently the Tyrant is certified only to the CPSC standard, so the additional coverage does not permit it to meet a more severe standard the way the Switchblade without chinbar does. This helmet is on our June 2024 list of helmets that achieved high rankings on both Consumer Reports and Virginia Tech testing.
• Montaro MIPS a trail model with the rounder profile that we recommend. Users report that the Montaro provides lower coverage. Venting is reasonable, and there is full wrap-under polycarbonate to protect lower foam edges. Retail is $160.
• Chronicle MIPS a trail model similar to the Montaro with the rounder profile that we recommend. Users report that it provides lower coverage. Venting is reasonable, but this is a lower-priced version with smaller vents and without the Montaro's full wrap-around polycarbonate to protect lower foam edges. There is an XL size available, and one user has reported that the Chronicle XL fits his very large head better than any other helmet he as tried. We have posted his review with precise info on the space available in the helmet and good suggestions for large-headed riders. Unfortunately it is available in only black or gray. Retail is $100.
• Aether a road model with the rounder profile that we recommend. Although it looks like the Synthe road helmet, with elongated vents, Giro is claiming that it provides better aero performance than previous models. There is a black version that is reflective, as if the only time you want to be seen in traffic is at night. Worth a look for the improved profile, but retail is a steep $325. There is also a GR version for $400 and up that lets you choose color combinations and even a reflective shell. One reviewer recommends checking your Aether in a mirror before going out to see if it is straight or if the foam layer has shifted to the side.
• Synthe a road model with the rounder profile that we recommend. Although it looks like a standard road helmet with elongated vents, Giro is claiming that it provides better aero performance than previous models. Worth a look for the improved profile, and the retail price is expected to drop to $220 when the very similar Aether model is introduced. There is a MIPS version, with the standard interior slip plane added. The non-MIPS version of the Synthe scored 4 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing, so it is worth a look. But VT did not test the MIPS version.
• Switchblade MIPS: introduced in 2017, a reasonably vented trail or downhill mountain bike helmet certified to the ASTM F1952 downhill standard, well beyond the requirements of a CPSC-certified helmet. That means that the extra coverage on the sides and back has actually been tested for impact performance and the impact testing is a little more stringent than a standard CPSC model. Worth a look for that reason. Giro says it also meets the Dutch NTA 8776 ebike standard, although it is not certified to the Dutch standard. It has an easily detachable chinbar. The MIPS coverage ends at the test line, rather than extending all the way down, but impinge on some vents (In the photo below the liner is the thin plastic with round dots.) Can be used without chinbar or visor as a road helmet, but weighs 26 oz/735g in size large, and looks like a light motorcycle helmet. The foam liner is very hard, to meet the more severe impact testing, so anyone concerned with how the helmet performs in lesser impacts may want to skip this one. Comes with two visors, one locked in the upper riding position. There is a high viz option. Retail is $250.
• Camden MIPS: a very well-rounded urban-style model with small vents that have adjustable flow for winter. Certified to the Dutch NTA 8776 ebike standard. Has an integrated rear light that makes the rear panel glow. Certainly worth a look if the vents are adequate for your climate or for ebike use. Colors are matte black and titanium, so it's not an ideally visible model. Retail is $150.
• Bexley MIPS: a very well-rounded urban-style model with small vents that have adjustable flow for winter. Has an integrated rear light that makes the rear panel glow. Has an integrated eye shield that slides up into the front when not needed, made possible by the use of a hard shell on the top section, with inmolded sides to reduce the profile. Giro calls that a "hybrid." Giro recommends the eye shield for those "higher speed ebike commutes," but the Bexley MIPS is not certified to meet the Dutch ebike standard like the Camden MIPS above. Retails for $250.
• Caden MIPS: Giro dropped the m from Camden and sells this very similar model for $80. Has a small cap-like visor peeping out the front. There is a hi-viz yellow option. Has the shape that appears to offer additional rear coverage but must be verified for that on your head, since it meets only the CPSC standard. Visor and goggle clip for skiing. This helmet is on our June 2024 list of helmets that achieved high rankings on both Consumer Reports and Virginia Tech testing.Also comes as a warm winter model, the Shackleton for $100. Also comes as the Crossley MIPS or the Cormick MIPS for $55.
• Aspect: a road model that is smooth and mostly well-rounded in front, but the rear has been chopped off flat, so not round and smooth there. It has long lateral vents, a small visor tucked in under the front lip, and side panels below the protection zone that are made of aluminum and rubber. The effect is striking. There is a women's version called the Ash. Retail is $175.
• Isode MIPS: the least expensive Giro road model at $45. Smooth and mostly well-rounded in front, but the rear has been flattened. Also comes with a visor as the Register MIPS or the Bronte MIPS, and in a women's model called the Vasona, a youth size, and an XXL called the Bishop fitting up to 65 cm. heads. Each of them is $50, or $65 with MIPS. The Register MIPS is on our June 2024 list of helmets that achieved high rankings on both Consumer Reports and Virginia Tech testing.
• Reverb: an urban model with well-rounded lines and a smooth exterior. It has long vents and a soft "cap-style" visor. The strap adjustments are sewn like Bell's True Fit system, but the resulting fit did not feel as secure to us, so be sure this one fits you well before buying, since there is no adjustment possible. There are three shell sizes (S/M/L) with fitting pads, and extra pads are included. Since this is a commuter model, Giro has a high viz yellow available in addition to white. Consumer Reports rated this helmet in June, 2015 as Excellent for impact protection. Retails for $60. No longer on the Giro web page, so on its way out if not already gone, possibly replaced by the $80 Caden MIPS.
• Bexley MIPS: introduced in 2017, an ebike model with very well-rounded lines and a smooth exterior. Minimal vents, and they are adjustable. Retractable eye shield. Has a huge rear LED panel. Meets the Dutch NTA 8776 ebike standard and would be worth a look if you ride an ebike. Retail is $250.
• Silo: a skate-style model with a liner of E-PLA (Expanded Polylactic Acid). Unlike standard EPS, it is an environmentally-friendly material that can be "industrially composted." The material is expanded in Australia, then shipped to Giro's assembly line in Rantoul, Illinois for assembly, including taping on the shell. The material is made of corn, but could be made of other biologically sourced materials. The ABS shell is recyclable, and the webbing is made from coconut fiber. The box is recycled cardboard and can be recycled again. Aside from its green design, the Silo has a conventional appearance, with very small rectangular vents. It retails for $50. This helmet is a good early demonstration of a promising technology, but it has disappeared from Giro's line.
• Aeon: once the top of Giro's road lineup, with huge vents and points in the back. Following Specialized's lead, Giro optimized every part of this model to reduce weight, including the straps, buckle and even the basic shape. We regard that as wasted effort, since nobody complains about the slightly higher weight of other thin-shell helmets. But if an ounce makes a ton of difference to you, you may disagree. Retails for $200.
• Savant: has a compact shape while retaining points in the back for those who favor that style. We think the strap anchors protrude more than they should on a $90 helmet. Available as the women's Sonnet. Also comes in XL, fitting heads up to 65cm. There is a MIPS version retailing for $110. The MIPS version earned 4 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing, so it is worth a look.
• Foray: a road model similar to the Savant, but with the points and other lines smoothed off for what Giro calls a "sleek" style. Retails for $65. It is $85 with MIPS. The Foray MIPS earned 4 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing, so it is worth a look.
• Xar: a compact shape, well-vented road helmet with a tiny little lip in the rear to suggest the old elongated styling. More angular lines and not quite as well-rounded as the Hex or Phase (below). High vis yellow as well as white options. The women's model is the Xara. Retail is $130.
• Fathom: As the Atmos, this was Lance Armstrong's helmet back in 2004, with the addition of a visor. In addition to several moderate 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. Uses fit pads rather than ring fit. Retail is $150.
• Hex: a reasonably rounded trail riding helmet with a shape similar to the former Xen and many vents. Has a compact profile with minimal rear lip. Available in XL, fitting heads up to 65cm. Retails for $80.
• Section: A skate-style model that is inmolded with the usual small vents. To reduce the profile, Giro put a section of higher-density foam in the front part of the liner, hence the name. It is also cut a little higher in the front than a skate helmet to clear glasses. Comes in plain colors or a very visible neon yellow or white. Meets only CPSC, not the skateboard standard, so this is a bike helmet for those who like the skate style and very small vents. Retail is $45. We are not fans of higher-density foam, so would avoid this one, even though we used it for other reasons for our experiment with substances that damage helmets.
• Sutton: an inmolded, thin shell skate-style "urban" model with small vents and good coverage. It has reinforced reflective rear vents to put your U-lock through. Meets only CPSC, not the skateboard standard. There is an optional LED light for the rear. Retail is $80, or $100 for the MIPS version. The non-MIPS version earned 4 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing, so it is worth a look.
• Scamp: An inmolded youth helmet. Nicely rounded profile with just a small visor molded in. Retails for $35, or $55 with MIPS.
• Quarter: an ABS hard shell skate style helmet with very small rectangular vents. In youth size it is the Dime. Retail for either is $60.
• Disciple MIPS: A downhill racing helmet with a fiberglass shell and a full chinbar. It has small vents and a reasonably rounded exterior, marred only by the industry-standard bolted on visor, but is has been tested to break away in a crash. There is at least some vinyl nitrile foam (football helmet foam) padding in the chinbar. Has a breakaway camera mount. It retails for $200.
• Aerohead Ultimate MIPS: introduced in 2017, a short-tailed time trial model that Giro says they designed with wind tunnel averaging to reduce the usual sensitivity to minute changes in rider position. The textured shell is carbon, and the liner foam is low density, a desirable feature even on a helmet that may never be crashed. The shell shape is unusual, with a notch to provide ear clearance. No external vents, relying instead on internal vents in the liner and air intake at the front edge. The MIPS layer extends down almost to the lower edge. There is a wraparound eye shield made by Zeiss. Retail is a steep $550. Also available as the Aerohead MIPS with a standard polycarbonate shell that has four small exterior vents for $250. The shape is the same, and Giro markets the two as a choice between more aero or better ventilation.
• Air Attack Shield: Giro took a page from Casco's book and produced an aero helmet that is almost as round and smooth as the original Casco Warp. It even has an eye shield to extend the roundness down on the face. The Giro has more vents than the Casco, and lacks the golf ball dimpled surface. The Giro is a thin-shell rather than a hard shell. Casco claims the round shape is ideal for those who do not keep the aero "tail" tucked down on the shoulders. Also comes as the Air Attack without the shield. Both are listed among Giro's aero helmets, but for most climates they should be rideable on the street in three seasons even with the modest vents and internal channels. The suspension leaves 3mm in front for air to enter between head and helmet, and Giro claims it has 90 per cent of the airflow of their Aeon model. The shape is exactly what we have advocated for years--round and smooth. We would ditch the face shield for street use, since it is made of polycarbonate and could probably slice meat. It has a magnetic release mechanism that would facilitate detachment in a crash. Retail is $240, or $200 without the shield.
• Advantage II: A chrono time trial helmet meeting the US CPSC standard. It is inmolded with five small front vents and a long tail. Like most chrono helmets, it only makes sense for time trialers or track use, when your coach tells you to buy one. Retail is $165.
• Selector: Another chrono model with no front vents, small rear vents and a shorter tail. Giro says it accommodates new time trial positions and off center yaw better than the long tail models. There is a removable piece that attaches to the bottom of the tail to extend it downward if that configuration closes a gap in the rider's hunched over position. It retails for $275 with face shield.
  
  

Giro has other models sold in Europe for use where CEN helmets are required. Those may not meet the US CPSC standard, even the ones with the same model names described above.

This year Giro helmets fit heads from 48 cm (18.75") to 65 cm (25.6"). A graphic in their 2007 catalog showed that at that time they considered the 63 cm size as the tail of the bell curve distribution of head sizes, but they added a centimeter for the Atlas II in 2008, and another centimeter when the Venti replaced it in 2010.

For those with rounder heads, Giro has Asian Fit models for the Aeon, Savant, Sonnet, Revel, Verona and Raze. Unfortunately they are only certified to the European standard and are not available in the US market unless your dealer can special order one. Giro's term for them is "wide fit."

Giro recommends replacing their helmets after 3 years. The Giro crash warranty is the same as Bell's, a 30% discount if you crash within 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.

Review updated: 2017

Gmax

See Fly Racing above.

Golex (Zhuhai Golex)

Golex is a Chinese producer of bicycle, skateboard, BMX, motorcycle and other types of helmets. There are at least 29 models in their catalog. Golex helmets should be available in mass merchant channels, and some may be found in bike stores, probably under other brand names. Their K-15 is a familiar round, smooth design made by several manufacturers.

Review updated: 2017

Gonex

Gonex has a low-cost line of road helmets, actively marketed online. There is only one model on their site, a dated design with rear point, but online there are others that are compact style with rounded and smooth exteriors. The ones on Alibaba come from Hebei, China and the brand name is Aofeite. Pricing from US sources is $25 to $35.

Review updated: 2020

Gray

Gray Cycling has one helmet in their Gray line for triathletes, the Aerodome. It is a full chrono or time trial helmet, not suitable for street use. It is inmolded with the long teardrop shape of the classic chrono, with six small slit vents in the front and partially recessed strap anchors. It has soft "wings" on the sides. It is CPSC certified and comes in one size. It retails for $230.

Review updated: 2017

GT

GT bicycles is a BMX bike and gear company with one skate-style model to match their product line called the GT BMX Fly Helmet. It is available in black, gray or visible white, with an ABS hard shell and black EPS liner. It has small trapezoidal vents. It retails for $30.

Review updated: 2017

GuangZhou LongSheng

Guangzhou Longsheng Sporting Goods Company is a Chinese manufacturer of a line of adult, toddler and skate style helmets. They use the Speedzone brand, but most of their helmets are marketed under other brands, to both the US and Europe. Profiles are generally well-rounded, but there are points on the high-end road models. The inmolded models are priced about $30, while glued shells are $15 and those with taped-on shells go for $12. Visors on some models add about $0.50 to the price. The side strap adjustors are simple buckles, and do not hold their adjustment at all, a serious oversight.

Review updated: 2017

GUB

GUB Bike International is a Chinese company with a full line of bicycles and accessories. They distribute a number of brands, including their own GUB helmets. Models range from a full-bore long-tail chrono helmet to pointy-backed road helmets including one that has a raised point on two arms floating above the rear shell and another with what looks like a metal spoiler raised above the rear. They mention only the European CE standard on their website. We don't know their retail pricing.

Review updated: 2017

Halfords

Halfords is a UK automotive and sports store that sells many helmets made by other helmet manufacturers. They have added a line of their own branded helmets. Their helmets are certified to the European standard, not the US CPSC standard. They include:

• Commuter: Although Halford's calls it an urban model, this is a standard road helmet in black with many mostly elongated vents and a compact profile. It is not particularly smooth on the surface. It has a built-in LED flasher in the rear. Reviews are glowing. Only black was available when we checked, but reviews speak of a silver colorway. Almost all reviewers recommend it. Retail is £35.
• Descent U: Halford's trail model is so well-rounded that the profile is almost that of a classic skate helmet, but it has big blocky trail model vents. Retail is only £25. Again 99 per cent of the reviews recommend this model.
• Advanced Road AER: a road model with a mostly rounded profile, modest vents and premium features including a Fidlock magnetic buckle. Halford's says it is aerodynamic, partly due to the narrow straps. Retail is £45.
• Road: mostly well-rounded road model with one unfortunate tab popping up in the rear. Has a wrap-under shell, a nice feature at this price level. Available in hi-visibility yellow and white. Retail is £30.
• Urban: a very well-rounded city helmet with small elongated vents. Retail is £25.
• Essential: an older road design with modest vents and a swept up rear ridge. Retail is a very low £10. We didn't know there were helmets that inexpensive available in retail stores in the UK.
• Essential Skate: a classic skate model, nicely rounded of course, with small vents in the top. Retail is £10.

Halfords helmet line is worth a look for its pricing and features.

Review updated: 2021

Haloglow

Haloglow is a Hong Kong company with helmets that have fiber optic lights incorporated in the shell. LED's in the rear "lightbox" generate the light, and the optical fibers carry it in a ring around the shell. The light output of the ones we have seen was not impressive. The light can be flashing or steady. The helmets come in various models, including one that is admirably round and smooth. They are certified to US and European standards. Note that the same halo effect using LED's and fiber optics is incorporated in some Aegis designs. We don't find Haloglow on the web any more.

Review updated: 2020

Hamax

Hamax is a Norwegian company that develops and produces bicycle and ski helmets under the brand name ETTO. See Etto above.

Happy Way Enterprises

This Taiwanese manufacturer has a nice 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.

Review updated: 2017

Harsh Protective Gear

Harsh has one skate-style model, the HX1 Classic. The website is confused about the shell material, saying in text that it is an ABS hard shell, but in graphics that it is a polycarbonate thin shell. Since they tout its light weight, it is probably a thin shell. It has no front vents, but several on top. Retail is $50.

Review updated: 2017

Haven Sport

Haven Sport is a Czech Republic retailer marketing helmets throughout Europe. Their helmets have bug mesh in the front vents, good strap junctions that do not slip and recessed strap anchors that are removable to wash the straps or change strap colors. Their helmets retail for €30 to €130. The Toltek is their most successful model, with large high points in the rear. The &€130 top of the line has turn signals, a remote and USB recharge, but comes only in black.

Review updated: 2020

Headlight AB

Headlight is a Swedish company with a line of reflective helmets. 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 gray 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.

Review updated: 2017

HedKayse

Hedkayse is a UK company (formerly Headkayse) that ran a long Indiegogo campaign to develop a new soft helmet that folds, with ours actually delivered in 2020. The design is interesting, with no standard EPS foam but a flexible material they call "Enkayse." It is a multi-impact material and the manufacturer says it outperforms EPS in lesser impacts and can pass EN1078 after 300 impacts, but it seems to rebound more than EPS. The helmet is thick and feels solid and heavy. It is made of segments held together with straps that open enough to provide vents when it is worn. Folded, our sample flattens to just over 3 inches, and elongates about three inches in the fore-and-aft direction.




Despite strap fiddling we have not been able to get a secure fit that does not ride up in front. Hedkayse has a fit video up that may help, but did not help us.

The helmet has a nice slotted tab buckle that adjusts every time you wear it, but we found the end of the tab a little too sharp. The strap junctions hold exceptionally well. Hedkayse designed the helmet to meet the European EN1078 standard. Instead of test results the company has a YouTube video that would be simply fun and laughable if it were not so misleading about the EN1078 standard. That calls into question the 300 impacts cited above.

Review updated: 2020

Hedon

Hedon is a British manufacturer of mostly motorcycle helmets. They have a skate-style model called the Cortex with carbon shell, no vents and calf leather trim. Hedon says the design is "conceived with the idea of our helmets cradling your prefrontal cortex." Four sizes fit from 52 to 59cm. (20.5 to 23.2 inches) Retail is £199. The company also has leather face masks for the lower face at £130.

Review updated: 2017

Helite (B'Safe)

Helite's line of airbag products does not actually include a helmet, but an accessory piece of safety equipment. They make two airbags--one a vest and the other a surround for a bicycle rear babyseat. In both cases the rider wears a conventional helmet, and the airbag is designed to pop out in case of a fall to mitigate the force of the collision with the ground. So if the airbag fails to deploy, the rider is no worse off than a rider without the airbag. Here is the deployed product on a bicycle seat. And there is a YouTube video that shows how it works in a stationary fallover (about 30% of child seat injuries).

The airbag sensor for both products is on the bicycle. So if the bicycle's motions do not telegraph the imminent impact, the airbag would not deploy. The product is not cheap, but can be re-used after a crash, and replacement air canisters are only about &euro45.

Helite is a French company. We have not seen their products in the US market.

Review updated: 2020

Helmets R Us

This unique West Coast distributor of bicycle products provides helmets 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. (Prices are much higher for individual orders.) Some models have rear stabilizers and full cover shells, features almost never seen in this price range. Helmets R Us also has a genuine dual-certified skate-style helmet, the Model 17, that has the stickers inside attesting to the fact that it is certified to both the ASTM F1492 and CPSC bicycle helmet standards, at a very low price. Sizes range from 49 to 62 cm (19.3 to 24.5 inches).

Review updated: 2017

HexR

HEXR is a UK producer who began shipping helmets in 2019. They produce custom helmets with a 3D printed liner of hexagonal honeycomb cells that crush on impact. The interior liner is custom made for the wearer's head, using data from a head scan done with an iPad. Scans can currently be done by HEXR if you are in London. In 2020 they have introduced a process using your iPhone that can be done at home if you have access to "devices supporting iOS 13 onwards (iPhone 6S and newer)."
HEXR claims their helmet provides better energy management than a foam helmet, but cites only one European standard lab test with linear impact results at an average of 144g, a level that is good but can be attained with a good standard thick EPS foam liner. For tangential impact they have an amalgam of test data on their site with a chart they have pieced together showing great performance in oblique impacts, citing testing at the University of Strasbourg. In July 2021 we did not find any data on the HEXR on the University of Strasbourg's CERTIMOOV site, but HEXR has a link to the test report for their helmet. HEXR also cites data from the Swedish Folksam published 2019 tests.

HEXR says their shell is designed to pop off in an impact to improve the response to angular forces. We consider that very poor design for a helmet that often has to perform in dual impacts with a car, then the pavement. If the shell is missing after the first impact the performance of the helmet is in question, and there are no test data presented for that scenario.

When HEXR produces a CPSC model they can submit it to Virginia Tech for oblique impact protection ranking by Tech's star system.

In theory, a custom helmet can use all of the available space between your head and the inside of the shell for energy-management liner, so this technique could be the future of high-end helmets. For football, Ridell has a Precision model football helmet that is made with 3d printing to individual head shapes. For uniquely shaped heads that alone could be a big advance. HEXR is receiving many inquiries from riders with exceptionally large heads, whose varying head shapes often contribute to the size problem. And those with cochlear implants will not be far behind.

The outer shell detaches from the liner. An inner fit system is provided for those who want it, but may not be necessary.

The materials in the helmet liner are made from castor bean oil, a sustainable product. The shell is unspecified, but is probably a petroleum-based plastic.

This helmet might be useful for riders with unusual head shapes and sizes. We don't know what the maximum and minimum sizes would be. There is no model for children.

The HEXR is certified to the European EN1078 standard, so will not be available in the US market until a CPSC-certified model is developed, planned for later in 2020.

The HEXR sells for £300, including the head scan. For comparison, the only custom 3d printed football helmet currently on the market sells for $1700. HEXR has a 100% crash replacement guarantee for the first year for crashed helmets.

The easily-managed head scan raises the possibility that manufacturers of conventional off-the-shelf helmets could match individual head scans done at home or in a shop with the interior dimensions of their helmets to provide best fit recommendations at a fraction of the price of a custom helmet. For those who must buy online that could be a big advance.

Review updated: 2022

Hong Kong Sports

The Hong Kong Sports name is not familiar to consumers and you will not find helmets under their company brand, but they manufacture millions of helmets each year for a number of US and other brands, some of them well known.

Review updated: 2020

Hopus

See Aegis above.

Hornit-Clug

Hornit-Clug first produced a clip that mounts a bike on the rear bumper of a car and called it the Clug. They now have a child/youth helmet with the classic round skate-style shape, LED lights in the rear and a rear stabilizer for fitting. They fit heads from 40 to 58cm. Retail price is $45.

Review updated: 2020

Hövding

We have a separate page on the Hövding airbag. The company has been liquidated.

Review updated: 2024

IXS - Iki - UrbanIki

Iki means tiny in Japanese and is a brand of Japanese helmet maker OGK. They have a toddler helmet that is the smallest on the European market at 42cm (16.5 inches). We saw them at Eurobike in 2019 but can't find them now on the web. You can try the Urban Iki child seat site. There is a chance that it would not show the helmet to a US browser. According to Bicycle Retailer and Industry News, Urbaniki is a Dutch brand. Availability should improve in 2023 as the distributor QBS will be distributing Urbaniki products in the US. Retail for the IKI is €27.50.

Review updated: 2022

IXS

IXS is a Swiss company with motorcycle history going back to 1906. Their entry into clothing and helmets is more recent. Most of their models are motorcycle-style full face helmets, but they also have road and skate-style models. All of their helmets are either compact shape with minimal rear points or very well-rounded. All of their adult bicycle helmets are inmolded, but child models are taped or glued on. Most are European models but there are some models certified to the CPSC standard for sale in the US, listed in the top three below. The current models include:

• Trigger AM: a trail riding style model with mostly rounded profile, big blocky vents in front and many small vents in the rear spread across the whole helmet. Has small shelf lines across the rear. It has the shape that appears to offer additional rear coverage but must be verified for that on your head. Has a full shell covering all foam. The styling is very similar to the Trigger FF, but without a chinbar. Has a large bolted on visor. Colorful options. Retail is 130 euros. CPSC certified for sale in the US as well as EN1078 certified for sale in Europe.
• Trail RS EVO: a trail riding style model with mostly rounded profile, big blocky vents in front and many small vents in the rear spread across the whole helmet. Has small rounded shelf lines across the rear. It has the shape that appears to offer additional rear coverage but must be verified for that on your head. Has a full shell covering all foam. Has a large bolted on visor. Colorful options. Retail is 99 euros. CPSC certified for sale in the US as well as EN1078 certified for sale in Europe.
• Trail XC: a trail model with rounded profile, large vents and the suggestion of a point in the rear. Has recessed strap anchors. Retail is 89 euros. CPSC certified for sale in the US as well as EN1078 certified for sale in Europe.
• Trigger FF: introduced in 2019, a full-face downhill helmet with blocky lines and large visor. Meets the EN1078 standard, the US CPSC standard and the more stringent ASTM F1952 downhill mountain bike standard. Retail is $240.
• Trail EVO: a full face downhill model with vents in the helmet and chinbar, a small shelf in the rear and a very large visor. It is inmolded. Retail is $250. CPSC certified for sale in the US as well as EN1078 certified for sale in Europe.
• Xact EVO: a full-face downhill/enduro helmet with well-rounded lines and large visor. Has an ABS hard shell with small vents. Meets the ASTM F1952 downhill mountain bike racing standard. Retail is 130 euros.

The largest helmets in the IXS line fit 62cm/24.4 inches.

Review updated: 2019

JBI Bike (J&B Importers)

J&B is a long-established bicycle wholesaler with warehouses all over the US. Their products are sold in bike stores. Their Airius line has models beginning at about $24 retail to about $30, with a few high end models ranging as high as $57. Their inmolded models start at $20 and qualify as value helmets. The profiles vary from the well-rounded ones we favor to elongated models with rear points. They have an urban helmet in the Aerius line, priced at $44. Colors are solid on the lower cost models, with higher end graphics as prices rise. Their largest helmets are 63 cm/24.8 inches. They have an unfortunately named "Skid Lid" (a name from the past) skate-style helmet, certified only to the CPSC bicycle helmet standard. With a built-in speaker it is $40. J&B has an active program for schools and non-profits either through a local shop or direct. They offer an unusual lifetime crash replacement for all of their models. J&B distributes the Limar line in the US as well. They also have a "KidZamo" branded line of graphically-coordinated child accessories, including helmets at about $20 retail.

Review updated: 2020

Joovy

Joovy has a line of kids toys and balance bikes for teaching kids to balance before they can pedal, sold in big box retailers like Toys R Us. Their helmet complements that line, with a single vented toddler helmet similar to an adult road helmet but with a visor molded into the front. Has a pinch guard chin strap. Joovy says it is made without PVC, BPA or formaldehyde. There are many bright colors. Fits heads from 18.5 to 20.5 inches (47 to 52cm). Retail is $40.

Review updated: 2017

Joy Kie - JoyStar

Hangzhou Joy Kie Industrial and Trading Co exports an extensive line of bicycle, motorcycle and other helmets. They range from nicely rounded road helmets to elongated designs with rear points. There are toddler models, skate style models and downhill mountain bike models with full chinbars. Pricing is low but we don't have exact retail in the US.

Review updated: 2017

Kali Protectives

Kali is a leader in researching and using new technology and materials. The company has unique manufacturing techniques that produce a full line of helmets that are all inmolded, some with dual-density foam liners molded together so there is no gap between them, and no gap between liner and shell, using all the shell space for foam. Liner density can be different in various areas of the helmet, or there can be "ConeHead" cones of less dense foam extending into the dense section. Other Kali liners use the Armorcel rubber hourglass-shaped pieces between layers attempting to displace impact energy to the sides similarly to the claims for MIPS. We have more on their use of Cone Head technology on our page on helmet liners.

Kali can make full face helmets with chinbars inmolded, a unique capability among manufacturers. The resultant helmet is lighter and has a thicker liner than normal motorcycle helmets. Visors have Kali's Pop Out breakaway mount to avoid snagging hazards. Some motorcycle/BMX models mate with body protectors. The Kali models mostly have Sanskrit names:

• Interceptor: Introduced in 2018, advertised as an enduro model with the new Nano Fusion layer and low density layer in the liner. Some ridges, but overall a Well-rounded shape and the appearance of additional rear cover. Retail is $180, and it is worth a look.
• Therapy: a road helmet with reasonably rounded shape and Kali's low density layer in the liner. Rear treatment has ridges, but no snag points. Retail is $100. With visor it is the Alchemy and advertised as a trail model at the same price.
• Tava: a very round and smooth urban design with just two large front vents and the appearance of extended rear coverage. It has a lower density liner inside, said to reduce rotational forces and low g impacts. In addition, the liner has Conehead cones facing in both directions to soften both the initial helmet impact with the pavement and the head impact with the helmet. To keep the profile from ballooning, they have used their liner foam made with acrylic based foam and carbon nanotubes that they are calling Nano Fusion. This is one of this year's most interesting helmets, but we have yet to see test results confirming any of the performance claims. Retail is a steep $240.
• Danu: a round and smooth urban design with an ABS/polycarbonate blend hard shell and ConeHead dual-density liner made with recycled EPS. Retails for $60, or in the Danu Reflective version for $80 with a full reflective shell.
• City: a round and smooth skate/urban design with a polycarbonate blend shell and ConeHead dual-density liner. Has an integrated eye shield. Retails for $125. Worth a look if you want a skate-style helmet. The City earned 3 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing, well below the leaders.
• Maya: a 2015 design with the ConeHead liner, this time in a compact trail model rising to a single rear point. It is labeled as enduro but meets only the CPSC bike standard. Retail is $100.
• Maraka: this was Kali's first bike helmet with the conehead dual-density liner. It is a compact model with blocky lines and some unfortunate rear points. Carbon and polycarbonate shell, pad fit, "breakaway" visor. Retail is $190. Without visor it is the Maraka RD.
• Avita: a road model with what appears to be extended rear coverage, with a reasonably rounded compact shape exterior marred only by very small rear points. The appearance is dominated by big blocky vents. The shell is polycarbonate. Retail is $70, about half what it had been in the past with other shell materials.
• Phenom: a road model with big vents and big points in the rear. Has a dual-density Conehead foam liner. Kali says the fitting pads help with energy management in a crash. Retail is $140.
• Loka: a road model with big vents and big points in the rear. Has a dual-density Conehead foam liner. Retail is $80.
• Ropa: a road model with big vents and big points in the rear. Kali's entry level model, with retail at $65.
• Maraka RD: a compact but somewhat lumpy road model. Has the dual layer Conehead liner. Retail is $160. Also comes as the Maraka RD with visor at the same price.
• Amara: compact, nicely rounded road helmet profile despite some blocky lines. Polycarbonate shell. Has a unique platform on top to attach mounts for camera or light. Kali says it has extended rear coverage, but we have not seen test results. Visible white option. Retail is $90 with camera and light mounts.
• Chakra Solo: Kali's value model, with many vents and a well-rounded compact profile despite suggestions of rear points. Has the dual-density Conehead liner. Sells for $40 in the standard version, or $55 with full wraparound shell, bug mesh and upscale graphics as the Chakra Plus. There is a Chakra Youth model for $40 and a Chakra Child model for $30.
• Saha: Kali's green helmet. It has a classic skate shape with a hard Polylactide shell made from a polymer derived from corn. The liner is 100 per cent recycled EPS, and all fabrics are unbleached cotton or flax. Marketed as an urban helmet meeting only the CPSC bicycle helmet standard. Retail is $50.
• Viva: a classic skate shape helmet with a hard ABS shell. Kali manages to mold the liner in the hard shell, using all the space for foam, and place triangular blocks within the liner with different density. That makes it a very high-end skate helmet. But it is not certified to the ASTM F1492 skateboard standard, just to the CPSC bike helmet standard. There is a visible white option. Retail is $50.
• Maha: classic skate shape helmet with ABS hard shell and single-density EPS foam. Traditional small, round or oval vents. Certified only to the CPSC bicycle helmet standard. There are some bright color combinations available. Retail is $35, or $40 for the version with external graphics.
• Shiva 2.0 Carbon: new update for 2018, a full face helmet model with carbon shell, meeting the DOT motorcycle helmet standard with reduced weight and profile by using all of Kali's technological features including the nano layer in "the helmet Kali Protectives was born to design." There is energy management foam in the chinbar. Retails for a steep $550. There is also a Shiva 2.0 with composite shell and the same protection for $350, and the olderShiva Carbon is still in the line.
• Avatar X: a high-end full face helmet, with Kevlar and fiberglass shell and dual-density foam liner inmolded, producing a light helmet certified to the ASTM 2042 BMX standard. Big BMX visor, very small vents. Retails for $300.
• Savara: A full-face downhill mountain bike helmet, with the classic big visor. Fiberglass shell. Certified to the ASTM F1952 downhill mountain bike racing helmet standard and to the ASTM F2032 BMX standard, confirming the protection of the extra coverage. The retail price is a reasonable $100.
• Zoka: Kali's value helmet in its full-face line, with "traditional construction" and an ABS shell. Retail is $100.

Kali has a "lifetime replacement" policy, but it has strict requirements and you have to pay shipping both ways.

We expect Kali to continue to produce innovative new products.

Review updated: 2018

Kask

Kask is an Italian manufacturer. All of their US helmets meet the US CPSC standard, European CE standard and the Australian standard as well. There are some nice bright color combinations in the line. Their strap adjustors are average in holding power, and one model has sliding strap junctions. Straps have a unique Coolmax pad or vinyl section at the chin, and some are reflective. Pads are treated with Sanitized brand chemicals. Kask informs us that their helmets are produced in Italy with no Asian components, and they have a FAQ on their website covering that. Their helmets are expensive in the US. The road models all have a "mountain" version with visor. All are inmolded. Custom graphics are available. Models are sometimes renamed when graphics change. Kask bike helmet models include:

• Rex: a trail model, well-rounded but with blocky vents. Has a full-cover shell and a camera mount. Has the shape that appears to offer additional rear coverage but must be verified for that on your head. There is a unique X-shaped pattern in the rear. The visor can be stowed flat against the front. There is a rear goggle clip. US model. Retail is $200.
• Lifestyle: a very round, smooth design with transverse slits for vents. It is inmolded. Has a flip-up face shield and leather strap. There are side slits for ear covers. The strap junctions are fixed, so be sure it can fit you before buying. Retail is $250.
• Rapido: a compact style road helmet with long vents and minimal snag points in the rear. US model. Retail is $100.
• Protone: a high-end "aero" road model, but instead of a covered shell like the Infinity below this one has very large vents in the front and rear coupled by a ventless midsection. It is molded in the polycarbonate shell, joined to an inner polystyrene cap for strength. Retail is $300.
• Infinity: a unique aero road helmet with a very round profile except for a shelf in the rear. Has three huge vents in front with a panel that slides forward to cover them for lowest drag or slides back for cooling air, adjustable while riding. There are small vents with the panel closed. This one has a sliding strap junction piece that Kask says will adjust itself to fit your head. We would try that out before buying one. US model, retails for $370.
• Mojito: a road helmet with an unfortunate point the flips up in the back. There is a version with women's graphics. The Mojito XL is an Asian-fit helmet for wider heads that fits up to 64cm/25.2" heads. Retails for $200. US model.
• Vertigo 2.0: Kask's top of the line, a classic road helmet with compact profile but many ribs and rear points. US and Australian model. Has all of Kask's high-end details, and is available in women's and Sky team colors. Retail is $250. There is a Vertigo XC model with visor for $10 more.
• Bambino Pro: a chrono helmet in the Casco style that is almost as round and smooth as any helmet in the world, with just a hint of oval in the shape. It is inmolded with a thin shell. There is a face shield that completes the round profile. Thin "micro vents" in the front with channels underneath provide some air flow. Has a magnetic visor mount. US model. Retail is $500.
• TT: a chrono helmet with face shield, tiny slit vents in front. Leather strap with fixed side junctions. Meets the CPSC standard for the US market.

Kask accessories include a winter cap and a storage bag. Their website has model-specific insect net replacement screens in plastic that are shaped to fit the vents, as well as pad replacement kits and visors.

Kask has some interesting helmets. They are one of the few helmet manufacturers who say they are not using any Asian components. Their replacement guarantee depends on the distributor, so check with the dealer.

Review updated: 2017

Kav

KAV began selling custom-fitted helmets in 2022 They use 3D printing to produce a custom helmet generated from your individual head measurements. They send you a kit with calipers and a measuring tape, then a staffer does a Zoom interview where they guide you through the process of measuring your head. They generate a custom "cap" from the measurements and adjust as necessary before producing the final helmet. The printers use "proprietary carbon fiber-reinforced copolymers" and KAV says the liner handles rotational energy by shearing sideways when needed, so it does not need MIPS.

We sent the original KAV model to a test lab and the results were impressive. The lab tested at the lower level impact we are trying to have added to the ASTM bicycle helmet standard and the results were on a par with the best EPS foam helmets the ASTM task group has tested. Considering the rigidity of the printed honeycomb that was very reassuring. The lower velocity tests represent the level of impact in a typical bike crash. At higher level drops required to meet the CPSC standard the KAV's performance was still excellent. We did not have the lab test against the curbstone anvil, but on the flat and hemispherical (grapefruit-sized) anvils in CPSC-level impacts the helmet held together well. All of the tests were at ambient temperature, the most common condition for crashing. Here are some post-testing photos of the helmet to show how well it held together:


After impact on flat anvil at lower impact level (marked F2) and full CPSC drop height (marked F3)


After impact on hemispheric (grapefruit-sized) anvil at full CPSC drop height (H4).
Material cracking is important to managing energy of the impact.


Interior after testing. Helmet segments held together well.


KAV says their newest Nova model has softer honeycomb in the inner layer to reduce g's in lesser impacts further and allow more sideways shear to reduce rotational energy. We have ordered one and will post a summary of lab test results when we have them.

KAV's helmets are heavier than EPS foam helmets. When you pick one up that is the first impression. But a good portion of the weight is below the center of gravity of the head, and Army research on combat helmets has showed keeping weight lower improves the wearer's perception of how heavy a helmet is on the head.

The current models are the Portola: Kaze at $225 or the Nova at $300 direct from the manufacturer. KAV prints their helmets in California.

Review updated: 2024

Kazam

Kazam is a manufacturer of kids balance bikes (no pedals) with accessories. Their helmet is a classic skate-style with ABS shell and EPS liner with small oval vents. There are bright colors. Meets the CPSC bike helmet standard. Fits heads from 18.75" to 20.5" Retail is $30.

Review updated: 2018.

KBC Helmets

KBC has manufacturing facilities in Korea and China. They have more than 20 motorcycle helmet models on the Snell M-2005 motorcycle helmet list and one on the newer M2010 list. KBC has a range of helmets ranging from full-face motorcycle-style helmets for BMX selling for about $200 to "half helmets" for the Harley crowd.

Review updated: 2017

KED

KED is a German company that had manufactured helmets in Germany for other brands for more than ten years before introducing its own line. All of their models are made with shells attached with a cold-gluing process that leaves no space underneath the shell and makes the helmet look inmolded. Gluing the shells on allows KED to put the strap anchors under the shell, and facilitates fully reflectorized shells on some models. Some KED models have the internal reinforcing that many manufacturers use to strengthen the shell and permit larger vents. Some KED 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.)

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 except the Paganini Race. Their US distributor for CPSC models is Cycle Force. The website emphasizes that the helmets are made in Germany. KED tends to rename models from previous years. Models include:

• Trailon: a trail riding helmet with a round overall shape but blocky edge lines. Has one strip of exposed foam between the top and bottom shells, a fashion detail. Has a camera/light mount and visor. Glued on shell.
• Berlin: a compact design with a well-rounded skate-style profile, but with small blocky vents. The lines suggest both a trail helmet and an urban style. Small, blocky vents, rear goggle clip and two rear LED flashers built in. Front vent closes in cold weather. The Berlin K-Star has a reflective shell and sells in the US for $120. Also available as the B-Vis with the reflective shell and front face shield/goggles.
• Companion: a compact design that has angles and a well-rounded profile with just the suggestion of a rear point. Glued on shell.
• Wayron: a compact design that has angles but a rounded profile with modest rear points. Has bug net in the front vents. There is a visible white option, and four blinking LEDs in the rear stabilizer. It retails for €60. With visor it is the Wayron Visor or Wayron Visor Pro with upscale fittings. With a ventless aero road helmet shell it is the Wayron Race.
• Pylos: a compact design that has angles but a well-rounded profile overall without pronounced rear points. Has some structure below the normal shell profile in the rear.
• Neo Visor: a lumpy exterior design with rounded off rear lines. With rear LED flasher it is the Neo Visor Quicksafe Tronic. Available in XXL fitting up to 64 cm heads.
• Chrom: a compact road helmet with very large blocky vents and no rear point. Has the shape that appears to offer additional rear coverage but must be verified for that on your head.
• Certus: nicely rounded compact shape model with big vents. There is a Certus Pro with upgraded fittings and graphics, and a Certus K-Star with fully reflective shell retailing in the US for $80.
• Tronus: a very well-rounded compact model with many vents.
• Opus: compact shape, many vents, modest rear points.
• Spiri 2: road model with another lumpy outer shell with large front vents and rear points. LED flasher. CPSC and CEN certified. The and a Spiri 2 K-Star with fully reflective shell retails in the US for $80.
• VS: elongated but nicely rounded design with a minimal rear point. LED flasher. CPSC and CEN certified.
• City: elongated road model but better rounded than some with an upswept rear point. Certainly not a classic city or commuter shape. This is KED's model for large heads, coming only in XXL fitting sizes 60 cm to 64 cm (23.6 to 25.2 inches).
• Pina: formerly the Sky. Has the round, smooth urban shape, with modest sized vents covered with a plastic grill with small holes. Comes in some notably visible colors, including orange. It is pitched as a "hybrid" helmet, and has overtones of an equestrian helmet. Fits sizes 52 cm to 64 cm (20.5 to 25.2 inches). The adult Sky is no longer on the KED site, but the Pina toddler version is, and it is said to be certified for bike and equestrian.
• Joker: nicely rounded road helmet with double shell protecting lower edges and an LED flasher in the rear. Available in flower or star graphics.
• Flitzi: another rounded road style, pitched for youth. Has the LED flashers. CPSC and CEN certified.
• Gekko: compact road style youth helmet with large vents, particularly in the rear.
• Dera: toddler helmet with vents and visor giving it the same style as the parents' helmets. Bright colors. LED flashers in the rear. The Dera K-Star with fully reflective shell retails in the US for $70.
• Control 2: a child's helmet shaped with flat planes to look "futuristic." Fits 53 to 59cm heads. The Control 2 K-Star with fully reflective shell retails in the US for $80.
• Meggy: toddler helmet with good-sized vents and both CEN and CPSC certification "only for American market." LED flasher. There is a Meggy Originals version with licensed cartoon character graphics, and the Meggy Reflex has a visor. Meggy Rescue comes in EMS red, and Meggy Reptile has a snake theme. The Meggy K-Star with fully reflective shell retails for 45 Euros. The XXS size fits heads as small as 44 cm.
• Fazer Junior and Street Junior Two: extra small versions of adult models that have been dropped from KED's line. Like the Status Junior they are road-style helmets with many vents in child or youth sizes.
• Risco 2: a thin-shell skate-style helmet with small rectangular vents. Similar to the 5Forty and the child's Control. The Risco K-Star with fully reflective shell retails in the US for $80.
• 5Forty: a thin-shell skate-style helmet with rectangular vents that are a little larger than the average skate helmet.
• Razorblade: a downhill racing model with a chinbar. It has vents and a visor. CEN certified only.
• Zeitfahren/Time Trial: 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. There is a long version with a long rear fairing added that covers the rear vents. Both versions are CPSC and CEN certified.

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

Review updated: 2018

Kent Bicycles

Kent has a line of inexpensive helmets marketed mostly to discount retail stores and a few bicycle stores. Their helmets are branded Razor, and at least one is branded as Genesis. The line includes skate and BMX style helmets. The skate models include the Aggressive Series and Iridium. The packaging says they are multi-sport helmets, but certification is only to the CPSC bicycle helmet standard. One of the BMX models is the Full Face, a youth sized helmet with vents and a removable chinbar, a unique feature at the $45 price point. Kent also markets a full face youth helmet called the Razor, fitting heads from 21.5" to 23" and selling for $48 at Target.

Review updated: 2017

Kiddimoto

Kiddimoto has a line of motorcycle-style balance bikes for kids with matching helmets. The helmets are classic ABS skate-style, with two round front vents, fit bands and cute graphics. Designed in the UK. Advertised as meeting ASTM F1447 as well as CPSC, so they would have to perform with lighter headforms in the lab testing as well as the heavier ones for CPSC. Their latest addition to the line is a full face model with removable chinguard. They fit heads from 19 to 23" (48 to 58cm). Retail in the US is $40 for most with a few at $55. In the UK they range from £27.50 to £65 for the full face model.

Review updated: 2021

Knucklehead

A Knucklehead Company entered the US market in 2008. They primarily produce bike and skate helmets that they make in China for companies who want their own helmet brand. Knucklehead brand helmets are distributed in the US through NAC. Some of their models are inmolded, while lower priced ones have glued or taped on shells. Their Palz series has unfortunate external projections in the form of animal ears, tails, etc. Sizes run from 44 to 62 cm (17.3 to 24.4 inches). The company provides free replacement of crashed helmets.

Review updated: 2017

Kokua

Kokua is a German company named for the forest where the owners grew up in North West Germany. (It is also a Hawaiian word.) They primarily market balance bikes (no pedals) and pedal bikes for kids. They have one toddler/kids helmet model with graphics complementing their other products. It is certified to EN1078, not to the US CPSC standard, so is available in Europe but is not on the US website. Fits heads from 46 to 58 cm. Colors include blue or Pink. Made in Germany. Retail is €35.

Review updated: 2021

Kong

Kong is an Italian climbing equipment company. They have one helmet from Casco called the Scarab that goes beyond dual-certified to be certified to European standards for rock climbing, bicycling/skateboarding, 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.

Review updated: 2017

Kranium

Karanium Design was founded by a London-based designer who pioneered the use of a helmet liner made of a corrugated paper product that looks like cardboard. There was an Abus Kranium model that used the liner but added a conventional EPS liner layer as well. As of 2015 Kranium had been bought by a US company that intended to bring the helmets to the US market. In 2016 they were involved in a court case related to the sale of the technology. We have a page up on the Kranium technology.

Review updated: 2020

Krashco

Krashco is a companion brand to Raskullz, with similar helmets.

Kuji Sports

Kuji Sports Ningbo is an Asian company based in Taiwan and China. They make over 8 million helmets annually. You have not seen their brand because the helmets are branded for other companies, some of them well known. They produce many models in bicycle styles, including inmolded road helmets, glued or taped on shell road helmets, toddler models and full face downhill helmets, including the FF3 below. Kuji also has an array of hard shell and thin shell skate models. They make different helmets for Asian fit, but also have some that can work for Asian heads with just pad changes. They have some models that meet the Dutch NTA ebike standard. Retail prices span a broad range.

Review updated: 2020

Kunshan Yiyuan Sporting Goods

Kunshan Yiyuan manufacturers a line of helmets including road, toddler and skate styles. They supply a broad range of styles and price points. Some are inmolded, other have glued or taped on shells. Some have nicely recessed strap anchors. Shells are polycarbonate or PVC, or hard ABS for skate helmets. Their helmets are sold direct to dealers by Shanghai Cathay (Shanghai Cycle).

Review updated: 2017

Kylin

Kylin Motorcycle Fittings is a Chinese manufacturer of bicycle, motorcycle, ski and other helmets. Many of their models are motorcycle/BMX helmets, but they have 12 bicycle helmets and one classic skate style model. Some are inmolded, some taped on. Some have Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA) covers. Some of the less expensive models are nicely rounded, but the upper end of the line all have rear points. All meet the CEN standard, and many are designed to CPSC. Their helmets will appear in the US market under other brands. Sizes run up to 62 cm/24.4 inches. Prices should be around $15 to $40.

Review updated: 2017

LAS

LAS (or L.A.S.) is an Italian company with a line of high-end helmets made in Italy since 1974. Some are available in US bike stores. LAS continues its emphasis on style. There are some nice bright colors available and finish quality is good. High end models have internal carbon reinforcing. Some models have an "LDHR" design that LAS says provides high resistance to side crush(Important in equestrian sports, but not in cycling and not tested by any bicycle helmet standard in the world). Most models have silver-impregnated liner material to retard bacterial growth, a feature that some may appreciate and others want to avoid. Strap anchors on most LAS models are hidden under the shell, a nice feature that improves the smoothness of the helmet exterior. The strap junctions do not hold well on most LAS helmets. LAS says their helmets work for Asian-fit heads except for the new Anubi. The Euro models meeting only the CEN standard are different designs from the US models we list first. LAS models are "100% made in Italy."

US Models

• Virtus Carbon: a road design with very large elongated vents, a compact shape with a large vent in the back and only one high rear ridge across the back. It has carbon internal reinforcing and LAS's LDHR design. The entire inner padding can be removed in one piece for washing and drying. Retail is €250. The regular Virtus without carbon is €190.
• Cobalto: a road design with a compact shape spoiled by one high rear tab that sticks up. It has smaller vents than the Virtus. Retail is €130. With a cap-style visor it is the Cobalto Urban for €150. With a shell that covers almost all of the front vents it is the Cobalto Aero with retail at €180.
• Galaxy 2.0: a older road design with an elongated shape and a number of rear points. It has bamboo fabric padding covers. With visor it is the Galaxy 2.0 MTB. Retail for either model is €110.

Non-US Models

• Enigma: a trail design with a well-rounded compact shape and no rear points. It has the LDHR design to resist side crush. There is a visible orange option. Retail is €
• Fisico Evo: a trail design with well-rounded compact shape and only a small ridge in the back.
• Gravia: a trail design with a well-rounded compact shape but very large rear points. It has the LDHR design to resist side crush. There is a visible orange option. Retail is €130.
• TT Chrono: time-trial or pursuit aero helmet with a polycarbonate shell, no front vents and an integrated clear partial front face shield. There are two small rear vents. The shape is very round like Casco's Warp dropping the long tail that most riders don't keep tucked against their back. Ring fit for 54 to 61 cm (21.3 to 24.0 inches) heads. Retail is €170.
• Mistral Ice: an elongated skate helmet with a smooth profile and no vents. It is inmolded. Meets the ASTM F1849 short track speed ice skating standard. Retail is €90.

The regular LAS line fits heads from 51 cm to 63 cm (20.1" to 24.8"). LAS replaces crashed helmets for one year after purchase for half price. LAS sells helmet parts, including pads.

Review updated: 2020

LaBici

LaBici is a brand of Armor Manufacturing. They have several road models with points in the rear, as well as a newer compact HMM 11.5 and classic skate models with ABS shells. They are all certified to the CEN standard, but we don't know if they would pass the US CPSC standard for sale in the US market.

Review updated: 2017

Lazer

Lazer was originally a Belgian company but in 2016 they were acquired by Shimano. For 2024 they have 33 models achieving four or five stars in the Virginia Tech low impact/rotational ratings. But many are older MIPS models, and Lazer started removing MIPS from its line in 2022. Their new rotational force technology is called KinetiCore. They now have 14 KinetiCore models rated four or five stars. KinetiCore is built into the helmet design, not an add-on layer. The helmets have grooves in the interior foam rather than smooth liners, designed to permit a test headform to move sideways on impact, denting or even breaking off the foam tabs that stick up. It's a simple concept that Lazer says took twelve years of herculean research effort. The grooves enhance ventilation and Lazer claims they reduce the amount of foam used in the helmet, reducing weight. The Virginia Tech ratings confirm performance. The best explanation from Lazer is in this YouTube video. And Bike Radar has a nice review of KinetiCore models with photos of the interior foam channels. In all, Lazer currently has 19 KinetiCore models and 16 MIPS helmets in their line. Note that all models rated by Virginia Tech are the CPSC version of the helmet available in the US market. Virginia Tech will not test a helmet unless it has CPSC certification.

Lazer's high end models have nicely recessed strap anchors. Kids' models have bug net in the front vents and chin protectors on the straps. Some of Lazer's models have a ring fit system called Rollsys that narrows the band as it is tightened, rather than just pushing the head forward in the helmet. Lazer sells the Rollsys helmets in Asia, where heads are rounder, and says that their fit system adjusts well for the Asian Fit shape. They also have a spring-loaded version that they call Autofit. Some Lazer models have an "aquavent" you can pour water into for cooling.

Lazer says they sell some models in both Europe and the US without having to make changes to meet the CPSC standard. But some models are different for the two markets. Some models come in a women's "MOi" version 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, although button cells don't last very long and are expensive to replace. Model names change, and we don't keep track of the old ones. There are neon options for most models, with the color molded into the plastic shell. There are also sunglasses available with short side pieces that end in a magnet, matching with a rubber-covered metal piece on the helmet strap. There are winter kits for cold-weather riding that cover the ears. There are plastic shells that Lazer calls Aeroshells that fit on top of some models to close the vents for time trials or winter use. Some models have a magnetic buckle. Newer models have more coverage of the temple area. US models have US pricing noted. Models include:

• Lupo KinetiCore: a new KinetiCore model with a rounded profile, blocky vents, brow vents and a rounded ear cutout profile. US retail is $70. The youth size is the Finch. Rated five stars in Virginia Tech testing.
• Verde KinetiCore: Lazer's new "green" urban helmet with a rounded skate-style profile and large blocky vents in front and rear. There are no top vents, and Lazer says "The helmet features cleverly designed vents to boost ventilation without allowing rain to enter." No comment required. The helmet is made of 70 per cent recycled materials by weight. Reuse or recycling is facilitated by a design that permits disassembling the helmet readily. But the materials may end up in a landfill anyway, since EPS foam is difficult to recycle. The Verde does not appear on the Virginia Tech site, although Lazer's website says "Verde KinetiCore is rated 4 stars for safety in rotational impact tests." US retail is $100.
• Tonic KinetiCore: a trail helmet now with the KinetiCore liner with a mostly rounded profile marred only by a raised hoop across the back. Large vents. Rated 4 stars in the Virginia Tech testing. The XL model fits up to 64cm (25.2 inches). US retail is $80.
• Jackal KinetiCore: a trail model with big vents, brow vents, a full lower shell and large visor. It has an accessory mount for your camera or light. Rated 5 stars in the Virginia Tech testing. US retail is $220.
• Vento KinetiCore: a new aero road model with a very large side front vent cutout backed by more material that is not immediately apparent. Aerodynamically shaped for a 15 degree position. Has a blacked-out side panel giving it a swoopy side profile. Rated five stars in Virginia Tech's testing. US retail is $300.
• Strada KinetiCore: another new road model that shares the side profile of the Vento but has conventional vents. There is an aeroshell that can be added to make it more aerodynamic. Rated five stars in Virginia Tech's testing. US retail is $110.
• Cityzen KinetiCore: a well-rounded urban model with KinetiCore and modest vents. US retail is $60.
• Urbanize MIPS: a nicely rounded urban helmet with the appearance of lower coverage in the rear, confirmed by the fact that it meets the Dutch ebike standard NTA 8776. With a visor instead of a face shield it is the Cruizer MIPS.
• Z1 Kineticore: a high-end road helmet with multiple vents formed by what appears to be two layers of shell/foam strips crossing in different directions. Has one large rear legacy-look tab sticking out to spoil the compact lines. There is an optional aero add-on cover. The team version is bright and colorful, but there is also a camo finish with matching sunglasses to help you sneak through traffic unseen. It scored five stars in Virginia Tech's testing for low impact/rotational protection, slightly higher than the previous MIPS version. US retail is $170.
• Anverz NTA MIPS: an ebike model with lower coverage in the rear that meets the Dutch NTA 8776 ebike helmet standard. Based on a former version of the Revolution, it has rounded ear cutouts on the side and comes with a clear face shield. It has large vents and a strange hoop that arcs over the surface of the back and crown providing a snag point. There is an optional solid shell for rainy days. Scored five stars in Virginia Tech's testing for low impact/rotational protection. With visor for road/mountain use it is the Revolution-e NTA MIPS.
• Z1 Kineticore: a high-end road helmet with multiple vents formed by what appears to be two layers of shell/foam strips crossing in different directions. Has one large rear legacy-look tab sticking out to spoil the compact lines. There is an optional aero add-on cover. The team version is bright and colorful, but there is also a camo finish with matching sunglasses to help you sneak through traffic unseen. It scored five stars in Virginia Tech's testing for low impact/rotational protection, slightly higher than the previous MIPS version. US retail is $280.
• Tempo KinetiCore: A trail helmet with a mostly rounded profile. It is essentially a slimmed-down version of the Revolution, with the same unfortunate hoop across the back spoiling the profile. With visor it is the Codax. This is Lazer's entry-level model. US retail is $50. This helmet is on our June 2024 list of helmets that achieved high rankings on both Consumer Reports and Virginia Tech testing.
• Century: A nicely round road helmet similar to the Bullet in the front, but with more vents and a different rear vent design. There are vent plugs to achieve the aero effect.
• Impala MIPS: a nicely rounded trail helmet with large blocky vents and a visor. Has more coverage than some Lazer helmets. Comes with a camera mount. The MIPS version scored five stars in Virginia Tech's testing for low impact/rotational protection. Retails for $130, or $140 for the MIPS version. There is a Compact "sport" version with lower trim level that is on our June 2024 list of helmets that achieved high rankings on both Consumer Reports and Virginia Tech testing, and a kid's version called the Petit DLX that also has a MIPS version.
• Coyote KinetiCore: a nicely rounded trail helmet with large blocky vents and a visor. Has more coverage than some Lazer helmets. US retail is $110. This helmet is on our June 2024 list of helmets that achieved high rankings on both Consumer Reports and Virginia Tech testing.
• Cannibal MIPS: a simple-looking trail model with large vents and an angular look, marketed for road or trail use. Fewer but larger vents than most trail models. There is an extra-large size fitting heads up to 64cm. With a visor it is the Cameleon. They scored five stars in Virginia Tech's testing for low impact/rotational protection.
• Cerro KinetiCore: very similar to the Canibal above, but with the new KinetiCore liner. It scored four stars in the Virginia Tech testing, a not very significant difference.
• Bullet 2.0: An aero road helmet with its rounded exterior spoiled by a pronounced rear point. Under the rounded top is one elongated vent that can be opened for airflow or closed for aero effect. Or you can replace it with a smooth, solid cover. There is an optional inclination sensor to indicate when the aero shape is not helping. A steep $260, or $290 with MIPS.
• Roller MIPS: a road model with many vents, in the value segment of Lazer's line. With MIPS it scored five stars in Virginia Tech's testing for low impact/rotational protection. Also available without MIPS
• Sphere: a road helmet with large swept-back vents and an unfortunate tab high in the rear. The Euro version is very light. There is an optional full cover that converts it to an aero helmet with no vents. It scored five stars in Virginia Tech's testing for low impact/rotational protection.
• Cyclone MIPS: a road helmet with very small points in the rear. It has partially recessed strap anchors and three reflective panels. The side strap junctions lock moderately well. Consumer Reports rated this helmet in June, 2015 as Excellent for impact protection. It scored five stars in Virginia Tech's testing for low impact/rotational protection. Retail is $75.
• Genesis: a high end helmet with the legacy elongated shape, rear points and three front points as well. It has multiple shell pieces wrapping around the lower foam sections. Fiberglass reinforcing shows on top of the bridges between the vents. The Genesis earned only 2 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing, near the bottom of the 30 models tested. The Genesis LifeBeam has an optical heart rate monitor, using ANT or Bluetooth to connect to your smartphone. There is a full plastic aero shell cover available. We have received emails from riders with round heads and others with elongated heads saying the Genesis fits them well.
• Lizard MIPS: a simple-looking trail model with large vents and a nicely rounded profile. It has one large vent in the rear to accommodate U-locks. Lazer markets it for urban use and calls the fit system "auto-fitted" because the fit band is elastic and has the nerve to show the helmet without straps on its website as if the user would not have to adjust the straps. Comes with a chintzy visor.
• Cage KinetiCore: A full-face downhill racing model with a fiberglass shell with carbon fiber reinforcement, the KinetiCore liner and large vents. Meets the ASTM F1952 Downhill mountain bike racing standard. Has a fixed breakaway visor that Lazer claims produces less rotational force than an adjustable visor. Scored five stars in Virginia Tech's testing for low impact/rotational protection. US retail is $300.
• Chase KinetiCore: A full-face downhill racing model with the KinetiCore liner, but with smaller vents than the Cage reducing ventilation and a little heavier weight. Meets the ASTM F1952 Downhill mountain bike racing standard. Has a fixed breakaway visor that Lazer claims produces less rotational force than an adjustable visor. Scored five stars in Virginia Tech's testing for low impact/rotational protection. US retail is $200.
• J1: a vented, inmolded youth model for ages 5 to 10, round and smooth except for an extension in the front to form a visor.
• Nutz Kineticore: a vented, inmolded Kineticore helmet for youth with heads 50 to 56cm. US retail is $50.
• Pnut Kineticore: a vented, inmolded Kineticore helmet for toddlers from age 1 up. Meets the CPSC standard for toddler helmets, requiring additional testing of the rear coverage. US retail is $50.
• Gekko: a vented, inmolded youth model for ages 5 to 10, round and smooth except for an extension in the front to form a visor. Retail is $45. The smallest size is the L'il Gekko, fitting heads down to 46cm.
• Max+: toddler model with a round smooth profile and small vents. It has colorful yellow duck graphics.
• Bob: toddler "Baby-On-Board" model with a round smooth profile and small vents. Visible white among other graphic schemes. Certified to CPSC. Lazer's smallest helmet, fitting 46 to 52 cm heads. Retail is $30.
• Armor 2 MIPS a classic skate shaped helmet with small rectangular vents, but it is inmolded, with a rubberized polycarbonate thin shell and EPS liner, and is marketed as an urban helmet. Has reflective material in the rear. Meets the CPSC standard. We don't like the rubberized coating on the shell because it may increase sliding resistance in an impact. Lazer says it fits different shaped heads, including rounder Asian ones, with different fit pads. There are some nice bright colors.
• One MIPS: Skate style helmet with the same look as the Armor above, but with an ABS hard shell. Graphics are colorful.
• Phoenix+: BMX full face model with a fiberglass shell and bolted on visor. Meets the CPSC bike helmet standard and the ASTM downhill F1952 standard, but not the ASTM F2032 BMX standard. Fits heads up to 62cm. There is a kids version fitting heads as small as 52cm.
• Wasp Air: Lazer cut the tail off their earlier Wasp and made a rounded, smooth sided, short-tailed chrono helmet with face shield. There is also the Wasp Air Tri with a fourth "Aquavent" you can squirt your water bottle into. Either model has an optional inclination sensor to ensure your angle is giving maximum aerodynamics.
• Victor KinetiCore: Lazer's answer to the rounded aero Casco Warp-Sprint, with a full wraparound smoked face shield and a very short tail to reduce drag when the head is turned sideways or out of position. The front is similar to the Wasp. US retail is $350. With a longer tail it is the Volante Kineticore. US retail is $400.
• Tardiz 2: originally named for Dr. Who's time machine, but the s at the end has become a z. An elongated chrono model with an "Aquavent" water intake and channeling pads used to replenish an evaporative cooling system, just in case you don't sweat enough in your almost unvented time trial helmet. Dual shell enables a dimpled rear section that burbles air like a dimpled golf ball for better aerodynamics. There is a full plastic aero shell available to eliminate the vents. An older design with no MIPS, no KinetiCore. US retail is$160.

Except as noted, most Lazer helmets fit heads from 52 to 61cm.

Lazer has an LED cap that fits over their Rollsys adjustor on top of the helmet. It is included with the Neon, and can be added to other models for $12.

Lazer has EVA interior pads for some of their models that they say hold up well under repeated cleanings and work well for rental bike helmets.

Lazer has a magnetic retention system for sunglasses called Magneto. It is available with three different lens options or as a single photochromatic lens that adapts to varying light conditions. If you often fasten your helmet straps outside your glasses temple pieces and they get uncomfortable, this could be useful. Most riders put their sunglasses on after fastening the helmet.

Lazer has a Cappuccino Lock, an insert that slips between the two sides of a standard two-prong plastic helmet buckle and has a three-wheel combination. You can't open the lock without the combination, but you can still cut the strap. Could be used to lock the helmet to the bike, but your bike lock is easier for that. Could be used in place of a bike lock, but only if you have your eyes on the bike at all times. Maybe to grab a quick cappuccino.

Lazer may replace a crashed helmet at 50% of the MSRP if it is less than 3 years old. Internationally, everything is at the discretion of the distributor. In the US, you contact Lazer US and they provide a discount code.

Review updated: 2024

Leatt

Dr. Leatt founded this South African company to make neck braces. They have added helmets to their line, starting with a motorcycle-style full face helmet that integrates well with the neck brace during a crash.

The Leatt design uses a dual density liner with "V Foam" that is a ConeHead implementation with spikes of softer foam extending into the stiffer layer. They say it has been used to reduce the thickness of the helmet. The liner also incorporates small round rubbery Armourgel pads that Leatt calls "turbines" that are designed to allow the head to move in the helmet on impact in a manner similar to MIPS, and claimed to produce a "30% reduction of impact at concussion level." They also claim that the liner reduces rotational acceleration of head & brain by up to 40%. And it permits a thinner helmet that "is 10% smaller, transferring up to 20% less rotational forces to the neck, head and brain." We don't know where they get their numbers. The test reports they formerly posted on the web have disappeared.

There are some bright colors in the Leatt line, but no white models. Current Leatt models include:

• DBX 6.0 Carbon: introduced in 2017, the full face design with carbon fiber shell. One step down is the composite (fiberglass) shell model, the DBX 5.0 Composite. The design has vents and a bolted-on visor designed to break away in a crash that comes with extra bolts. It is certified to the CPSC bicycle helmet standard and the tougher ASTM F1952 downhill mountain bike racing standard. The composite shell model retails for $400, and the carbon fiber model is $500.
• DBX 4.0: Introduced in 2019, a full face model with removable chinbar, breakaway visor and optional neck brace compatibility.
• DBX 3.0 Enduro: Introduced in 2018, a full face design with removable chinbar that meets the CPSC bicycle helmet standard. Note that Leatt claims the "chin bar conforms to ASTM1952 standard" on their website, but the helmet is not certified to that standard, and the standard prohibits that kind of advertising claim. The Enduro has large vents, the usual big visor and rounded lines compromised only by a small rear shelf. The chinbar clips on with two external clips. Retail is $240. The 3.0 All Mountain is outwardly the same helmet, with the same liner, but without the chinbar, and also certified to the CPSC standard. Retail is $169.
• DBX 2.0: Introduced in 2018, a similar model retailing for $100 with an unfortunate shelf sticking out in the rear.

Review updated: 2019

LifeBEAM

LifeBEAM was a 2013 startup developing a "Smart Helmet." The prototype was Lazer's Genesis model with an optical physiological sensor in contact with the forehead, accelerometer (unexplained function), and wireless communication with Bluetooth or ANT+ devices. It monitors heartbeat without a chest strap. Lifebeam calls it the Smart Helmet. You can buy a Lazer Genesis Lifebeam now through a Lazer dealer.

Review updated: 2020

Limar

Limar is an Italian brand. Their models usually have some bright color choices and nice graphics. Some of them are CEN certified only and 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 nice pinch protector tabs on the buckle. Their side strap adjustors have not held well in the past, but the ones on the Ultralight Pro 104 are excellent. Their MIPS slip layers have better rear coverage than most. 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, but say their helmets are designed, styled and tested in Italy. Limar is distributed in the US by J&B Importers.

• 797: introduced in 2017, a compact road model with rounded profile and no points on the rear. Shell wraps all the way down. Nicely recessed strap anchors. Retail is $120. With visor it is the 767.
• Lux: introduced in 2017, a compact profile road model with only a slight overhang in the rear. The strap junctions hold well. Has an LED light in the rear.
• Ciao: a very smooth and round road helmet with reasonable vents and a visible white option. There is a reflective shell version. Has the shape that appears to offer additional rear coverage but must be verified for that on your head. As a skate helmet it would be much better vented than most, but would probably only meet bicycle standards, not the ASTM skateboard standard. There is a reflective version. With visor it is the 848DR, with a very visible orange option.
• 808DR: a very smooth and round road helmet with the same profile as the Ciao, but with larger vents.
• 888: compact style road helmet with one point in the rear. With visor and camera mount it is the 888CL. With a larger visor it is advertised for enduro as the 949DR for $185.
• Velov: A unique road helmet with big vents and a compact shape. It has ridges on the top. When four large panels are placed between those ridges, it is transformed into a round, smooth aero road or urban model. Panels can be various colors. The blocky graphics of the panels make it clear to observers that this is not a skate helmet. It is being marketed as an urban helmet. Retail price is $94, and the cover plates are $24.
• Ultralight+: billed by Limar as "the world's lightest helmet." The size small is advertised as 160 grams in the CEN version and 200 grams in the one that is certified to CPSC. It is inmolded with large vents, would have a round and smooth profile except for a rear projection ring that forms a pronounced shelf in the rear and spoils the profile for us. Has excellent side strap adjustors that hold very well. There is bug net in the front vents. Retail is €150 with or without visor, or €200 for the MIPS version. It has better rear MIPS cage coverage in the rear than most. The CPSC version sells in the US for $200.
• 778: back in 2010 this one was billed as "the new trend for roadies" with the compact profile, but marred by angular points on the surface and in the rear. There is a reflective shell version. Retail is €79. With visor it is the 757 MTB.
• 555: a road model with compact shell profile spoiled by a shelf overhang in the rear. Retails for €59.
• 545: fewer but very large front vents, inmolded with wrap under shell piece. Almost no rear point. Ring fit. This one retails for $60 to $75 depending on finish.
• X-Ride: for "demanding offroad and freeriding" with a compact profile marred by one high and pronounced rear point. Limar cut huge blocky vent holes in the shell, but they neck down to much smaller holes going through to the interior. With black liner foam the dramatic visible effect is a helmet with immense vents. Has bug net. There is a reflective shell version. Retail is $110.
• 690: an elongated road model, inmolded with angular lines and modest rear point. There is a reflective shell version.
• 560: a road model, inmolded with angular lines and modest rear point. It has few side vents, but huge rear vents. Ring fit. The XL fits up to 64cm heads. $45 retail.
• Champ: a youth model inmolded with a very smooth, rounded exterior similar to a skate model but graphically very different. It has reasonable vents. Retail is $65
• 505: a youth model, inmolded with a rear point and a lumpy exterior. Modest vents. Ring fit. Retail is $45.
• 249: inmolded, a round and smooth vented child's helmet with a ring fit system. Front shell pooks out into a visor. Vents are larger for 2016. Retail is $40.
• 124: inmolded, a round and smooth vented child's helmet with a ring fit system. Vents are larger for 2016. Front shell pooks out into a visor.
• 242: a vented toddler/child model, inmolded with a round, smooth profile.
• 360 degree: a skate-style helmet with an ABS hard shell and small rectangular vents. Ring fit. The similar 360 City model has ear warmers and a rear LED light. An optional brim enhances the city look.
• 720 degree: a skate-style helmet, inmolded with ring fit. There are some bright colors. Retail is $80. There is an optional brim for a more urban look.
• X-Action: classic skate helmet with ABS hard shell, small rectangular vents that are larger than most skate helmets and a ring fit system. There is bug net in the front vents, seldom seen on skate style helmets. Retail is €59. Also comes in plain colors with three extra vents in the rear as the X-Urban, with a retail price of $45. They are advertised as multi-sport helmets, but we don't know what standards they meet.
• Cruiser BMX: a classic BMX full face helmet with small vents, large visor bolted on and ABS shell. Very plain graphics, no bug net. Retail is €89.
• Nutcase: another classic BMX full face helmet, with snappier graphics, small vents and a fiberglass shell. Has bug net. This one is certified to Snell's B-95 bicycle helmet standard. Retail is €129.
• Speed King: an aerodynamic pursuit and time trial helmet. It is inmolded with 5 small vents. It has a flexible ear flap to avoid the chafing problem. Limar says the short shape permits more efficient bike position and works better when the rider is out of aero position or standing. Ring fit for heads 53 to 59 cm. Again the carbon version refers only to the black color, not the shell material. Retails for $239.
• 007: a chrono helmet inmolded with 6 small vents. Ring fit for heads 54 to 61 cm. More elongated than the Speed King and cut a little higher on the sides. Retail is $239.

Some Limar models are available in Bianchi colors, and Limar makes the Michelin line. Limar will have an add-on LED light in 2017 that clips on the rear stabilizer.

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

Review updated: 2017

Livall

Livall began producing smart helmets in 2015. They launched an Indiegogo campaign in 2016 with the Model BH-100. They began replacing it in late 2016 because of manufacturing defects related to the durability of the charging module in front and missing screws securing the USB port under the rear lip. Although the company refers to this as a "recall" it is not related to the impact protection covered by the CPSC standard, and is not a CPSC-required recall. They were charging $30 to supply a new helmet, an improved design referred to as the MH-1 with a more compact shape that looks a lot more current than the elongated BH-100. Owners were allowed to keep the first helmet, but the smart features may not work for long. Here is the original BH-100 and the MH-1 replacement. Livall models now include:

• EVO21 - New for mid-2021, a smart helmet with 270 degree super-bright rear light, color-changing front light, and proprietary SOS system. Livall says ventilation has been increased. Launched on May 13 on Indiegogo.
• MT1 and MTL - Mountain/Road: a rounded design with large vents and no snag points in the rear. It is inmolded.
• BH60SE - Road: An otherwise rounded road helmet with unfortunate points on the rear.
• BH51M Neo and BH51T Neo - urban/skate : a round and smooth skate-style helmet with ABS hard shell and small transverse vents in the crown.
• KS2 kids model has many transverse vents like and adult helmet, with some smart features.
• KS1 kids model shown below, with moon-like round circles in the design, fitting heads 51 to 56cm (20.1 to 21.7 inches) coming to market soon as seen in the center of the photo below:

Depending on the model the smart features of the Livall include turn signals, tail lights, Bluetooth phone connections and music, photos, performance tracking, fall detection, press-for-SOS, intercom, voice navigation and heart rate monitors. They have a group riding app for the models with intercom. There is a handlebar-mounted controller.

Livall is developing dealer distribution. For now, they are mostly available through Indiegogo Kickstarter campaigns or on Amazon. Most of their models fit heads from 55 to 61cm (21.7 to 24 inches).

Review updated: 2021

Louis Garneau

See Louis Garneau above under "G"

Lucky Bell

Lucky Bell is a Hong Kong company producing Expanded PolyUrethane (EPU) helmets mostly for other brands, with some under their own Aerogo brand. They have bicycle models, most of them round and smooth, with small to reasonable vents, nicely recessed strap anchors and visors. There are also skate-style models. We can't find the Aerogo pages on the web any more.

Review updated: 2017

Lumos

Lumos launched a new helmet in September of 2016 with white LEDs in the front and red LEDs in the back providing a claimed 80 lumens of light. It has turn signals activated from the handlebar remote, and when you slow down all the rear lights turn bright red as a brake light, controlled by an adjustable accelerometer. There is a mobile app to adjust the motion level. The lights are said to last for 4 hours in solid mode and 7 hours blinking. The liner is a very hard EPU - Expanded PolyUrethane, a foam that crushes in hard impacts and meets standards but raises questions about performance in lower-level impacts. For some models the phone app lets you "customize your light flashing patterns, check your battery life, track your activity and sync with Strava and Apple Health." Lumos now has four models:

• Kickstart: the original Lumos model launched on Kickstarter. It is a road helmet with reasonable vents that has an outdated elongated shape resulting in a big unfortunate rear point. Comes in black, white and blue, brilliant pink and matte lime. Retail is $160, or $200 with MIPS. The cover of Time magazine for November 26, 2018 had the Kickstarter prominently displayed among the "Best Inventions of 2018." And it was proclaimed on of Oprah's Favorite Things that year. The manufacturer said in 2020 that it is now NTA 8776 certified for ebike use, although the label on those already manufactured would not have that. And there is now an XL size fitting heads up to 65cm (25.6").
• Kickstart Lite: has the same features as the Kickstart, with front and rear LED lights except no turn signals or remote control. Retails for $129
• Matrix: replaces the original rear LED array with a rectangular 7x11 LED panel that can display different customizable patterns. It is often shown with a triangular image lighted, but it can also do changing patterns. For the brake light it lights the entire panel. It is round and smooth, with small vents and a little visor shelf in the front. Available in black or white, fitting sizes 56 to 61cm (22 to 24 inches). Retail is $230, or $250 with MIPS.
• Street: a round, smooth skate-style helmet with small crown vents and a small shelf visor in front. Similar to the Matrix, with front white LEDs providing a headlight and smaller LED lights in the rear. Available in black or white, fitting sizes 56 to 61cm (22 to 24 inches). Retail is $210, or $240 with MIPS.

You can buy a Lumos helmet from their website. In November 2020 they were available at $180.

Review updated: 2020

M-Wave

M-Wave is a brand distributed by North American Cycles (now "out of stock") and on Amazon (now "Currently Unavailable). In early 2020 we found the M-Wave Retro Crash Cap available on both sites, but in October 2020 they are no longer being sold. Both say "It's got that genuine leather look the hipsters will love! In addition to the style, it's fully functional, meeting the EN 1078 standard (European ISO)." But the cap has no strap to hold it on, so it could not pass EN1078. The Amazon listing has that quoted language, but also says "Stylish retro looking bicycle cap; NOT intended for use as an actual bicycle helmet." The price was quoted in dollars at $50 to $60. In mid-2020 the listing said not available. North American Cycles once distributed it as the Ventura Crash Cap, but now has it as the M-Wave. They had several other M-Wave models as well.

Review updated: 2020

Magicshine

Magicshine is known as a manufacturer of powerful but unfocused LED bicycle headlights. Their helmet line was introduced for 2017, and as expected they have very powerful LEDs. The helmet is a road helmet, with ring fit. The headlight has the classic Magicshine beam, and lasts for 3.5 hours. There is an accelerometer-controlled rear brake light that lights when the rider slows down. There is a handlebar remote for controlling the lights. There is no Asian Fit option. Magicshine will replace crashed helmets at half price. Retail is $170.

Review updated: 2017

Martone

Martone Cycling has a single helmet model that is shaped like an equestrian helmet, with a large permanent visor and no vents. We always recommend avoiding permanently-attached visors, since they could yank your head in a crash impact. We do not know what standards the Martone meets. Retail is $115.

Review updated: 2017

Mavic

Mavic entered the helmet market in 2012 and says they developed their designs in-house, but the helmets are made for them by a third party. All are road models, and all have a small fin in the rear reminiscent of 1950's US cars, with an M on it.

• Crossride: a trail model with blocky vents and a rounded profile that is spoiled only by a Mavic fin in the rear. Has the shape that appears to offer additional rear coverage but must be verified for that on your head. Mavic calls it "full rear coverage." Retail is $100.
• Aksium Mavic's best-rounded road profile, with just a suggestion of the fin in the rear and fewer vents is $70. There is a women's model, the Aksium Helmet W.
• Crossmax SL Pro: a road model with a generally rounded shape but a shelf point in the rear, retailing for $150. The very similar Crossride SL Elite: is a completely different model from the Crossride, retailing for $110. The Sequence XC Pro Helmet W is the women's model, at $150. Without visor it is the Echappée Pro Helmet W for $140. It also comes as the Aksium Elite without visor for $100.
• Cosmic Ultimate: the top of the line road helmet with a pronounced shelf point in the rear and large vents. Mavic's lightest, with upscale interior fit components. Retail is $240. The similar Cosmic Pro has a lower trim level at $170, and is 20 grams heavier. The Cosmic Pro Vision has a yellow rear panel to make it more visible in low light conditions, retailing for $170. The Sequence Pro is the women's version, black with tiny yellow polka dots, again for $170.

Mavic helmets fit from 20 to 24 inch (51 to 61cm) heads. Mavic has replacement fit pads on their site for each helmet model for $10.

Review updated: 2017

Meilan

Shenzhen Meilan Technology produces small electronic devices for bicycles. They have one helmet model, an elongated design with a modest rear point and long vents. It is inmolded with a two-piece shell. Its rechargeable battery powers a wireless turn signal system, Bluetooth music playing and mobile phone answering.

Review updated: 2017

Melon

Melon is a German company launched in Europe in 2013 with a single skate-style model that they customize with high-quality graphics, competing with Nutcase. It is inmolded with a thick polycarbonate shell, many small round vents, a ring fit system and a Fidlock magnetic buckle. All models have some reflective graphics. Melon scored well in a Swiss consumer testing magazine article. They have a visor made of thick polycarbonate that could be a hazard if it shatters. They have bike bells to match 12 helmets that they call their "Bell Couture" line. Retail in Europe is € 79.

For 2020 Melon has added two very different new models:

• Hybrid Road: a well-rounded road helmet with long vents that give it a ribbed style. Inmold with a thin polycarbonate shell. Has interesting graphics in the Melon tradition and the Fidlock magnetic buckle. Meets both En1078 and the US CPSC standard for sale in the US market.
• Hybrid X: a well-rounded trail style helmet with large blocky vents and a visor. Inmold with a thin polycarbonate shell. Has interesting graphics in the Melon tradition and the Fidlock magnetic buckle. Meets both EN1078 and the US CPSC standard for sale in the US market.

Melon will have an add-on LED in 2020 that clips onto the rear stabilizer. Their original helmet fits heads from 44 to 63cm. The two newer models fit heads 52 to 61cm. Melon offers a lifetime crash replacement guarantee with replacement at half price. Melon has a storybook for toddlers that introduces them to the helmet in a story to make it seem more natural to wear one the next day.

Review updated: 2019

MET

MET is a family-owned Italian manufacturer who brought their line to the US market in 2013. MET says their road and off-road helmets differ in the placement of the vents to optimize them for the type of riding, 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. MET uses the term "homothetic" for their internal reinforcing. Some models have Kevlar straps and others have normal polyester straps that MET claims are specially woven. Some have antibacterial pads. Strap anchors are under the shell in some models, a nice touch. Logos are reflective. The more recent models are radically different in appearance, with the elongated shapes and points disappearing. MET's weight figures show that they sometimes produce a heavier, more protective CPSC model for the US market than the CEN-certified European model. They candidly say they have not designed a helmet specifically for women, but all their helmets are designed for both men and women. Their strap junctions hold well. MET has a very informative video online about how their helmets are made and tested. MET is planning a special helmet for fall 2022 to honor Tadej Pogacar, Tour de France star, who famously has hair poking out of his helmet vents.

• Grancorso: an ebike model meeting the Dutch MTA 8776 ebike standard. Has a well-rounded skate-style profile with very small vents. Replaced the Corso introduced in 2017. Comes with a removable visor and has an optional led rear light. Lighter than most ebike models. Bright yellow available.
• Rivale: introduced in the 2015 Tour but with an updated version available starting in October 2020, the Rivale is fully vented but claims aero efficiency. It is also certified to the CPSC standard for sale in the US market. Retail is $180.
• Idolo: introduced in 2017, a very well-rounded road helmet with big vents and a hint of trail styling.
• Strale: introduced in 2017, a very well-rounded compact road model with fewer but larger front vents advertised as light and aerodynamic.
• Manta: introduced in the 2015 Tour, the Manta is an aero road model with blocky, sculpted lines, minimal vents and projections in the rear. It has CPSC certification.
• Crossover: a compact road design with some rear points. Has a rear LED flasher. The US and European models are the same. Retail is €60 or $80 in the US.
• Parachute: this model brought back a MET model name from the past, this time with inmolded construction. It is a full-face downhill helmet with a chinguard that is more vent than structure. The shell is well-rounded, and there are big vents. Has a camera mount. MET certifies the Parachute to the ASTM F1952 downhill mountain bike racing standard as well as CPSC.
• Lupo: a freeride design, the Kaos is molded in a shell. It has big vents and big rear points. There is a visible white option. Retail is €130.
• Funandgo: compact "all-rounder" road model with large vents and very modest points in the rear. For this one the same helmet is sold in Europe and the US. Also comes as the Espresso without visor.
• Crackerjack: a youth model with a compact shape but angular lines. It has fewer but larger vents than other MET models. Comes with visor. Retail is €50. Also available as the Gamer without visor.
• Yo-Yo: a skate-style toddler model with vents and an ABS hard shell. Fits heads from 51 to 57cm.
• 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. Retail is €35 to €38. Fits heads down to 46 cm.
• Buddy/Super Buddy: a toddler helmet with smaller vents than the Genio/Elfo and a taped on shell. Fits heads down to 46 cm. Retail is €25.
• Drone wide body: with an aircraft-inspired name, this one is a chrono helmet with long tail. It is inmolded. European standards only, so not available in the US market.

MET has replacement parts available on the website.

Review updated: 2020

Michelin

Michelin, best known in the US for tires, launched a 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 are made by Limar. All but the toddler helmet are inmolded. We are having difficulty finding Michelin helmets on the web now. The few we found this year are on closeout sale at half price or less.

• MX: sweeps back and up with a pointy rear profile. Very large vents including a heart-shaped one in the front. The strap anchors are recessed into the grooves in the shell. The front vents are designed to work with the visor.
• MS: inmolded with an elongated shape, reasonable vents and a minimal rear point.
• SX1: elongated shell but chopped off in the rear.
• RX1: elongated shell with more rounded rear treatment except for a little tab left sticking out at the top. With visor it is the MX1.
• RX5: elongated shell with rounded rear lines.
• MX3: elongated shell with pronounced points in the rear and visor.
• MK: toddler helmet with vents, inmolded as few toddler helmets are, nice bright colors and graphics. The extra small size fits 45 to 52 cm (17.7 to 20.5 inches) heads. Retail is $25.

Review updated: 2021

Mien Yow Industry

See Alpha above.

Miga-Safety

Miga markets helmets under their own brand and also manufactures OEM for others. They have commuter, urban enduro, mountain and road bike models, including youth and kids sizes. They also have e-bike helmets, including one that meets the Dutch NTA 8776 standard.

Review updated: 2022

Mobo

Mobo is the brand name of ASA Products helmet line with LED-powered fiber optic rings around them providing light. We had first seen those on Hopus/Aegis helmets in the past. The Mobo 360 degrees LED Light Helmet is a standard road model, inmolded with moderate vents and otherwise not exceptional, but the retail price is very high at $119. We have not been impressed with the light output, although the ring effect is cool. Mobo models fit heads 57 to 62 cm.

Review updated: 2017

Mongoose

Mongoose is a Dorel Industries brand, so the helmets are not produced by the same people who make the bicycles. The company is positioned 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 this year and do not have pricing for their models.

Review updated: 2017

Moon

Shunde Moon Helmet Co., Ltd. is a major Chinese manufacturer for many other brands. You are not likely to see their Babaali brand in your market. The web page says that Moon manufactures for Catlike, Giant, Merida and Disney, among others. Their smart helmet brand is Safe-Tec. They make an extensive line of inmolded helmets, including road, mountain, trail riding, urban and child models. Some models have reflective shells. We do not have their retail pricing.

Review updated: 2017

Morpher

Morpher began raising funds on November 1, 2013 through Indiegogo to launch a new line of helmets that fold flat. They folded the company in 2020 and CPSC issued a recall for the helmet.

The Morpher folded to just under 3 inches/75mm. The helmet was made of segmented blocks of foam joined by internal plastic strips like the old non-folding SportScope design, with plastic clips on each side holding it in helmet shape. The clips require two hands to unfold the helmet, and on our sample they were initially stiff and difficult to snap in place. The helmet was still flexible when unfolded and the clips were fastened, pressing inward on the sides. We found the original helmet less than comfortable. It had "hot spots" where angular foam bumps contacted the head and when unfolded the segmented construction still caused it to press on the head. A revision of the design dealt with that problem. We tried it briefly, and it seemed much improved, but we were unable to try it for a long ride to see how well it worked. The Fidlock buckle was held together by a magnet. When folded, the helmet had four internal magnets that held it flat, seen as the small circles below the side clips in this photo. The original strap junctions did not hold well, and we found it hard to adjust for a truly stable fit. Morpher redesigned the junctions. Morpher produced a CPSC model. Although the only color available was matte black, there was supposed to be a white option. There were two small reflective rear logos and reflective strap stitching. The US retail price was $120.

In July of 2019 Consumer Reports published a rating for the Morpher helmet of "Don't Buy: Safety Risk" after it failed their impact tests. The tests are basically identical to CPSC testing. Although Morpher said their helmet had passed in other labs, that raised a serious question about its protection. The CPSC recall announcement more than a year later answered the question, but by that time Morpher was no longer in business to fund a recall. We got an email from Morpher in October 2020 informing us that we should no longer use the helmet we had bought from them. Their closeout web page now says "It's being great fun..." but has no mention at all of the recall, leaving you to draw your own conclusions about the company.

We were surprised in 2024 when we discovered that the Morpher is still being sold and is available to customers outside of the US, Canada or Australia on the UK Amazon site. No hint of the failure to conduct a recall in the US or the company's supposed dissolution. The only indication of standards problems is the refusal to ship one to the US, Canada or Australia. The current web page for Morpher is copyrighted by Vigil Helmets Ltd, majority-owned by Jeffrey Wolff OBE, the developer of the Morpher.

There is renewed interest in folding helmets since shared bike rental programs are doing well in many cities. We have a page up on folding helmets with more info.

Review updated: 2024

Netti - Atom

Netti is an Australian company named for founder Annette Guerry that has been around since 1948 and 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, but the models below are currently on their website, reduced to only six. They also have a Facebook page. Prices below are in Australian dollars. Netti models include:

• Phoenix: a road helmet with elongated shape and many vents, in celeste blue to compliment Bianchi jerseys as well as other colors. Has alloy bridging and a carbon fiber inlay patch at the front. Full two piece shell covers all foam. Priced at $130 Australian.
• Fuse: elongated shape but with minimal rear shelf. Inmolded, bright colors available. Retail is AUS$50.
• Lightning: elongated shape with a shelf across the rear. Glued-on shell. Retail is AUS$40.
• Coolus: classic skate helmet with small vents (four in the rear) and ABS hard shell. Comes in visible white. Retail is $59.
• Minimax 3: Toddler model with heart-shaped vents and full shell cover. Comes in extra small. Retails for $40.
• Pilot: Child/youth model with ring fit, bright graphics and AS2063 Certification. Retail is $40.

Review updated: 2017

Ninebot/Segway

Ninebot is a brand of Sakar International. They have one model, a skate-style helmet with small rectangular slit vents. On March 24, 2022 CPSC announced a recall of the XS size of the helmet. We have more in this Update newsletter.

Review updated: 2022

Nishiki

In addition to their bicycles, Nishiki has in the past had a complementary line of clothing and accessories. We don't find their helmets easily on the web any more, but some are still around, and usually at good prices.

• Hermosa: compact shape with a very nicely rounded profile, inmolded. Retail is $30, putting it in the value helmet category.
• Pagosa: compact shape with rear points, inmolded. Has a Conehead (tm) dual-density liner, possibly offering better performance in low-velocity impacts. Retail is $60, in the value range for a Conehead design.
• Socorro: compact shape with two high rear points, inmolded. Retail is $30.
• Breckenridge Skate or Bike Helmet: a skate-style helmet with small vents and a very rounded shape. Advertised as "approved for bike and skate use" but without mention of skateboarding standards, so that means inline skating and biking rather than skateboarding. Retail is $35.
• Youth Versa Bike and Skate Helmet: a skate-style helmet for children with small vents and a very rounded shape. Bike and skate" would refer to biking and inline skating, but not skateboarding. Retail is $35.
• Mondio: Youth model with lines that sweep back and up to a point in the rear. There is a girl's model. Retails for $30.

Review updated: 2017

Norin

Norin Development Company is a Chinese manufacturer supplying a wide line of bike helmets for other brands. Their prices FOB China are typically from $2 to $12, translating to a US or European price in the $15 to $40 range. They have inmolded models, as well as taped on shells, ranging from elongated styles with points to more up-to-date compact models that are sometimes nicely rounded. They have child, skate and light motorcycle hard shells. We do not know what standards they normally design to. They can do custom designs. Their helmets are not on the web.

Review updated: 2017

Northwave

Northwave is an Italian brand primarily known for shoes and clothing, but at one point had added a line of bicycle helmets. They had four models, but we don't find them on the Northwave site any more. We have not seen their line, but found this Northwave 2015 Storm Helmet on Amazon UK, an outdated road model with rear points for £62. It is now listed as "Not Available." There was also a similar Aircorsser (Aircrosser) at £58.

Review updated: 2020

Now

Now stands for Nonstop on Wheels. The company came to the US for the first time in 2016. They have a line of very well-rounded models, but almost all of them have a spoiler point on the rear. They make a concerted effort to use low density foam, a plus if you are worried about performance in low-level impacts. All of their helmets are inmolded. Models include:

• Urbi : an urban model, round as a skate-style helmet with transverse narrow vents. The sides are unique, with a large contrasting inset above the ear region. Optional visor. Retail is $90 to $100.
• Evolution Furi: a road model with a rounded, compact shape except for the upswept rear spoiler point. Angular lines and a logo centered on the side reminiscent of a bird's eye.
• Zappi: a road model with a rounded, compact shape except for a rear point. Angular styling lines. Retail is $200.

We are encouraged to see a new company appear that is focused on designing helmets with lower density foam.

Review updated: 2017

Nutcase

Nutcase is now owned by Bravo Sports, whose brands include ONE and SixSixOne. Nutcase began its marketing years ago with a single classic skate helmet with ABS hard shell in many colorful and whimsical graphics designed to convince stubborn kids that wearing a helmet is cool. They now include a removable visor. Some of their models have strap junctions that slip too easily and would not retain their adjustment well. All come with three sets of pads. All have MIPS option for 2018 and a Fidlock magnetic buckle except the Zone. The Street model earned 3 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing, well below the leaders.

• Zone: introduced in 2017, a skate-style helmet with a segmented liner that flexes and may improve fit for some head shapes. Has a standard plastic buckle, not the Fidlock magnetic one on the other Nutcase models. Retail is $50.
• Tracer: introduced in 2017, a classic Nutcase skate-style helmet with a MIPS layer inside. The vents can close. There is a removable cloth visor and sweatband in the front. This one has excellent strap junctions that hold very well. Retail is $90, or $115 with MIPS.
• Metroride: updated in 2017 to add MIPS with a full layer covering all of the interior. The design retains the round, smooth shell of the classic skate helmet but adds two very large front vents. This one is inmolded with a thin shell and has a rear stabilizer. There are ten graphic styles. Has a snap-in visor. Strap junctions did not hold well on the sample we saw. Retails for $80 or $105 for the MIPS version.
• Street: the standard Nutcase skate-style helmet. It has a hard ABS shell and EPS liner. The US version is dual-certified to the CPSC bicycle helmet standard and the ASTM F1492 skate helmet standard. There are many graphics combinations, including polka dots, watermelons, tartan, pink flamingos and solid colors of all types. The retail price is $70 for the models sold in bike shops. There are ear pads for winter riding, and an optional visor. Comes in XXL sized to 64cm, Nutcase's largest helmet. Also comes as the Little Nutty with many of the same graphics themes, fitting heads down to 48cm. and also dual-certified as complying with ASTM F1492 as well as CPSC. This helmet is on our June 2024 list of helmets that achieved high rankings on both Consumer Reports and Virginia Tech testing.
• Baby Nutty: A skate-style children's model, inmolded with a thin shell and some of the same nutcase graphics themes, fitting heads down to 47cm. For May, 2018 there is a new MIPS model called Head in the Clouds. The rear stabilizer is elastic to permit the helmet to grow with the child, but hopefully will not press too hard on the kid's head. Adjusting the straps carefully is more important in any case. Complies only with the CPSC bicycle helmet standard. Retail is $50 for the standard version and $70 for the MIPS.

A shop specializing in large bikes for large people informs us that the Nutcase in L/XL fits many customers who have large heads. The Nutcase site fitting chart says that size fits heads up to 64 cm (25").

Nutcase will replace a crashed helmet for the first year after purchase, but they want a photo of it.

Review updated: 2018

O2

O2 manufactures helmets in India. Their helmets were marketed in the US for the first time in 2013. The brand includes a full line:

• Oakley: promised for early 2018, with MIPS.
• Dexter: a commuter model, round and smooth. Retail is $55.
• Storm: a road model with elongated shape and rear points. Retail is $90.
• Breeze: the value model in the line, less elongated than the Storm and with nicely recessed strap anchors as well as strap adjustors that hold reasonably well. Retail is $30.
• Rush: a road model with elongated shape and rear points. Retail is $50.
• Roo: toddler model retailing for $28
• Carter: skate style model retailing for $30.
• Moto: a motorcycle-style helmet with very rounded lines. Comes with a face shield. Meets the DOT motorcycle helmet standard and is intended for motor scooters.

Review updated: 2018

OGK - Kabuto

OGK is a Japanese company that marketed OGK helmets in the US back in the 1980's. They produce bicycle helmets under the Kabuto brand and are very well known in the Japanese market. They are the official supplier to the Japan Cycling Federation, the Japan National Team and the Japan Para-Athletics Federation. Their line includes road, urban, kids, downhill and chrono helmets. All are certified to the Japan Cycling Federation JCF standard. We don't know their pricing. In Japan, all are made for the Asian head shape, of course, and their catalog explains the difference in head shapes. We don't know if their export line is sized for western heads or not. The OGK Kabuto Steair-X has been cited as a solution for very large Asian-shape heads. See our page on rounder heads for more.

Review updated: 2023

Oktos

Oktos is a European company selling accessories and sunglasses as well as helmets. They sponsor 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 current line. In the US, Oktos helmets are distributed by Persons-Majestic Co. (the link above). Since December of 2015 all of the Oktos helmets are listed on their site as "Not in stock." We don't know what that means, so the descriptions below may be obsolete.

• Altos: inmolded with a full cover shell, an elongated profile and moderate rear point.
• Destructor: inmolded with a full cover shell, an elongated profile and pronounced rear points.
• Protector: nicely rounded profile, inmolded.
• Pro Team: inmolded with a full cover shell, an elongated profile and moderate rear 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 road 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 net, meeting the CEN European standard.
• W10: inmolded with nicely rounded profile, lower shell and bug net.
• Agressor: BMX model with chinbar and a vented shell.

Review updated: 2020

One

One Industries has a line of motocross and motorcycle helmets that they have begun marketing for BMX use. The brand is owned by Bravo Sports, whose other brands now include Nutcase, Pro-Tec and SixSixOne. They introduced MIPS in the Gamma MIPS model in 2014. The MIPS system permits the helmet to slip slightly on impact, possibly improving performance. It seems more appropriate here in a full face helmet that fully encases the head than in the typical bicycle helmet. One's models include:

• Gamma: a Snell-approved full face model with a fiberglass shell and dual density EPS liner. The chinbar has expanded polyurethane energy management padding. Retail is $275 to $300. Comes in XXL size fitting heads up to 25.5"/64cm. The Gamma Camber has the MIPS slip plane layer and sells for $400.
• Atom Phantom: One's "value" helmet, with fiberglass shell and EPS foam in the chinbar. Still has the dual-density EPS liner to keep weight down. There is an XXL size fitting heads up to 25.5"/64cm. Retails for $170. Also comes as the Youth Fizzle at $110 and the Youth Fizzle MIPS at $170.

Review updated: 2017

O'Neal

O'Neal USA (formerly Azonic/O'Neal) has mostly motorcycle-style hard shell no-vent full face helmets for BMX. They have removable inner liners for cleaning and the standard large bolted-on BMX visors, always a potential snagging hazard. Most have the Fidlock buckle, held closed with a magnet.

• Pike Enduro: introduced in 2017 and updated with an optional new liner in 2019 for the European model, a trail model with round profile but blocky rear lines, inmolded with reasonable vents and a visor. CPSC model when sold in the US market. The black version only has a new liner with a system for managing rotational force trademarked as "IPX ACells" We have not seen one in person, but on the web the inserts seem similar to the SixD and other rubberized disks. We don't know how effective they would be. O'Neal's catalog says the liner can be moved into other Pike colors. Apparently this version is a European model.
• Defender: a road/trail model with round profile but blocky rear lines, inmolded with reasonable vents and a visor. CPSC model in the US. Retail is €80.
• Trailfinder: a road/trail model similar to the Defender with round profile but blocky rear lines, inmolded with reasonable vents and a visor. CPSC model in the US.
• Orbiter II: a road/trail model with round profile and some angular lines, inmolded with reasonable vents and a visor. Has a Conehead dual-density EPS liner. European/Australian model certified to the European EN1078 and Australian AS/NZS 2063 bicycle helmet standards. Retail is 80 euros.
• Thunderball: a road/trail model with round profile and some angular lines, ABS hard shell, unusual in this type of helmet, with blocky vents and a visor. Has the shape that appears to offer additional rear coverage but must be verified for that on your head. Single-density liner. European/Australian model certified to the European EN1078 and Australian AS/NZS 2063 bicycle helmet standards. Retail is €70.
• Q: a road/trail model with rounded profile but angular lines and just a small bump at the rear, inmolded with a visor. Certified to the European EN1078 and Australian AS/NZS 2063 bicycle helmet standards. Visible yellow option. Retail is $50.
• Q RL: a road/trail model with rounded profile but angular lines and a single tab at the rear, inmolded with a visor. US model certified to the CPSC as well as European EN1078 and Australian AS/NZS 2063 bicycle helmet standards. Color-matched straps. Visible graphic options include matte orange and neon yellow. Retail is $60.
• Moto XXX: introduced in 2017, a full face model, round and smooth with a big visor and small vents. Has a roost guard. US model certified to the DOT motorcycle helmet standard. Retail is $180.
• Warp: full face model with ABS shell, round and smooth with a big visor. US model certified to the CPSC and more difficult ASTM F1952 downhill mountain bike racing helmet standards. Retail is €140.
• Fury RL 2: A full face model with ABS shell, round and smooth with a big visor. Available in XXL size. CPSC certified for bicycle riding. Retail is $120.
• Fury: A full face model with ABS shell, round and smooth with a big visor. Available in XXL size. DOT certified, so legal for motorcycle riding. Retail is $119, or €120.
• Sonos: A full face model with ABS shell, round and smooth with a big visor and some vents for enduro. Magnetic buckle. European model.
• Backflip RL 2: A full face model with ABS shell, round and smooth with a big visor. US and European model. Retail is €100.
• Spark Steel: Lighter weight full face model, round and smooth with a big visor. European model certified to the European EN1078 bicycle helmet standard. Retail is €160.
• Dirt Lid: a classic skate-style helmet with ABS shell and small rectangular vents. Has a magnetic buckle and some bright color and graphics options. Certified only to the European EN1078 bicycle helmet standard, so it can be sold as a skate helmet in the US, but not a bike helmet.
• Dirt Lid Inmold: a classic skate-style helmet but inmolded with rectangular vents. Has a magnetic buckle and some bright color and graphics options. Certified only to the European EN1078 bicycle helmet standard, so it can be sold as a skate helmet in the US, but not a bike helmet.
• Slash: a classic skate-style helmet with ABS shell and small round vents. Certified only to the European EN1078 bicycle helmet standard, so it can be sold as a skate helmet in the US, but not a bike helmet. Retail is €40.
• O'Neal motorcycle models: in its motorcycle persona, Azonic/O'Neal has a number of very protective full face motorcycle helmets. They are certified to DOT, European and Australian motorcycle helmet standards, tested to impact levels that exceed by a wide margin any bicycle helmet standard in the world. Some of their models are designed to fit with neck braces. They include the Moto XXX, 2 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series 10 series and Commander. They meet one or more of the Snell 2010, DOT, AS/NZS and ECE standards.

There are more O'Neal models in the European market. O'Neal helmets fit sizes from 54 cm/20.5" to 64 cm/25". They will replace a crashed helmet at half price.

Review updated: 2019

Orbea

Orbea is a long-established Spanish bicycle manufacturer. In 2010 they developed a line of helmets with distinctive styling with four models: Odin, Thor, Rune and Ari. All are road helmets with large vents and rear points. For 2013 they added Sport City, an urban style helmet with a nicely rounded profile, available only in black and retailing in the UK for £55. Orbea's website has no standards information.

Review updated: 2017

Overade

Overade has a folding hardshell helmet called the Plixi with a complex folding mechanism. It meets the CPSC and CEN helmet standards. Consumer Reports rated its impact performance as Good in their 2019 helmet ratings, but downrated it for fit and ventilation. You can see the folding action in this video. The Overade folds into a chunk instead of flattening like most folders. Folded measurements are about 4.75"/120mm by 8.4"/210mm by 6.4"/106mm. There are accessories to include a soft visor and rain cover. Strap junctions on our sample did not hold at all, so unless they have been upgraded, fitting would be difficult without sewing the straps or using rubber bands below the fittings to prevent them from slipping. Retail is €99. We have a page up on folding helmets with more info.

Overade is bringing a rear light with turn signals and handlebar controller to market in 2020. It is listed now on Kickstarter.

Review updated: 2020

Pacific Cycle

See Schwinn below, or Mongoose above. Pacific Cycle owns the Schwinn brand. In 2009 they bought PTI, the former manufacturer of Schwinn brand helmets.

Review updated: 2020

Pillow Pets

Pillow Pets has a helmet line they call Tricksters. It is a skate-style helmet with cute fluffy animal covers. Cute, but the fluff and the noses, ears, etc., sticking out from the surface of the helmet are not recommended. This one at least meets the ASTM F-1492 multiple-impact skateboard standard as well as CPSC, although the liner is EPS and not truly multi-impact. Retail is $30. There are blankets, slippers, purses and more in the same themes as the helmets.

Review updated: 2017

Polisport

Polisport is a Portuguese company known for manufacturing plastic items and sporting goods, including child seats for bicycles. Their helmet models include:

• City'Go: A nicely rounded road design with many small vents and an LED light in the rear.
• Commuter: An urban model shaped like a skate-style helmet with small front vents and a rear LED.
• E3: Polisport considers this an enduro model. It has the shape of a trail model with a nicely rounded profile and the appearance of lower coverage in the rear. Large blocky vents.
• Light Pro: A road helmet with longitudinal vents, a modest shelf high in the rear and an LED light in the rear.
• Aero R: A road helmet with angular lines and very small front vents.
• Twig: An elongated-profile road model with points in both front and rear.
• XXS Baby: Listed as a "bicycle helmet for babies" this one has a glued-on shell, medium-sized front vents and bug mesh in the vents. Fits sizes 44 to 48cm.
• XS Kids: This almost-adult road helmet is inmolded and has angular lines and vents. Fits heads 48 to 52cm.
• Junior: A child helmet with vents and the front pooked out as a visor that fits heads 52 to 56cm.

Polisport has a joint venture in helmets called Headgy with Strategic Sports of Hong Kong.

Review updated: 2020

POC

POC is a Swedish company founded in 2005 who entered the US bicycle market in 2009. In mid-2012 they were bought by Black Diamond, known for its outdoor and ski equipment. In mid-2015 POC was acquired by Investcorp, a corporate investment manager publicly traded on the Bahrain Bourse. Ownership changes do not seem to have affected the product line. Their helmets are made in China, "designed and engineered by POC."

POC's other lines include body armor, gloves and protective eyewear as well as ski helmets. All of the models below meet the US CPSC standard. Some of their helmets meet standards other than the CPSC and CEN bicycle standards. If you are buying outside the US market you should check the sticker inside to be sure.

Back in 2011 POC introduced two models that incorporated the first MIPS design, with a slip-plane layer intended to mitigate rotational force by sliding the outer liner layer over a Teflon-coated inner liner layer at the moment of impact. POC was an early adopter of MIPS, and their implementation was more extensive than most current helmets with just interior slip pads. Bell/Giro introduced similar models for 2020. POC also began using a new magnetic Fidlock brand buckle in 2011, one of the first to use it. POC has a visor design introduced in 2020 with a calibrated breakaway force level to prevent snagging.

In 2019 POC introduced a slip-plane layer in the pads of some of their models that is a concept similar to MIPS. It is a silicone material and is called "SPIN" for Shearing Pad INside. MIPS sued for patent infringement. The two settled the suit, but we don't know the terms of the settlement. POC appears to be phasing out their SPIN helmets.

POC is embedding a Near-field Communications (NFC) chip in some models that can be read by a phone to give EMT's info on your inert body. You program it with your vitals and allergies using an app from twICEme. Almost all smartphones have NFC capabilities. The chip does not require a battery for reading or writing data.

In 2022 POC announced a partnership with AutoLiv to develop hybrid airbag/helmet headgear, with the airbag intended to mitigate an impact before the helmet underneath comes into contact. The image below was posted on the AutoLiv site, appearing to show a helmet liner with an airbag that inflates ribs, blowing apart the outer shell of the helmet into sections. The rider would be wearing helmet protection at all times, whether or not the airbag was activated by its deployment mechanism. This contrasts to the Hovding, where the rider's bare head is unprotected unless the airbag in the collar has deployed.

POC's models for this year include:

• Ventral MIPS: a trail riding-style with rounded profile, angular lines and blocky vents. We confirmed that the lower coverage is POC's best for a trail helmet, although we have no test results to verify the level of performance at the lower edges. POC says the helmet's aerodynamics are enhanced by a slight band in the back that they identify as a "22 degree aero trailing edge, the perfect angle for minimizing turbulence." There are very visibile orange, white and bleached-out hydrogen white (with light grey logo) options. Retail is $300. The outwardly similar Ventral Air MIPS with many more vents sells for $260. The Ventral Air MIPS NFC has an embedded location chip for $270. The Ventral Lite is the Air version with somewhat lighter weight at $275. And the Ventral Tempus is a semi-aero racing model with fewer front vents for $280.
• Axion MIPS: a trail riding-style with rounded profile, angular lines and blocky vents. It has a shape very similar to the Tectal, but has fewer vents and not quite as much coverage. Retail is $150. Without MIPS the Axion retails for $
• Octal MIPS: a "classic" road model, the first POC helmet with very large vents in a distinctive squared-off shape. The EPS liner is thickened at the temples for more impact protection. It comes in orange, white and hi-visibility colors only. Retail is $200. There is an Octal X MIPS at $250 described as having an extended shell for best gravel and cyclocross performance.
• Omne Air MIPS: trail style model with a rounded profile with only a slight bump in the rear. Sleeker and less bulky than the old POC profile. Has three large front vents framed by side vents that seem to meet across the front in a smile. Has visible white or fluorescent orange or pink options. Retail is $170. There is also an Omne Air Spin with POC's spin pad technology, now largely replaced with MIPS, retailing for $150. And there is an extra small version known as the Pocito Omne MIPS retailing at $100.
• Pocito Crane MIPS: Extra small skate-style model.
• Cerebel Raceday: POC's aerodynamic chrono model. It has a compact short-tail style that POC says enables the time-trial rider to vary their riding position for lactate-clearing without losing efficiency. There is a Zeiss visor with magnetic fasteners. Fits heads from 54 to 60cm. Retail is $350.
• Trabec: a conventional inmolded model with very good skate-style coverage in the rear and large rectangular vents. It has a very large front visor, and is described as a mountain bike helmet. It has Aramid fiber reinforcing the EPS liner. Comes in some bright colors, with the contrasting color on the rear section. Consumer Reports rated this helmet in June, 2015 as Excellent for impact protection. Retail is $150.
• Coron Air SPIN: a full face downhill helmet that meets the ASTM F1952 downhill mountain bike racing standard. It has a multi-impact EPP liner and a new shell material called M-Forge that is said to be more resistant to crush than fiberglass and carbon, contributing to multi-impact performance. One rider with a round head found that it fit his head well. Retail is $450.
• Corpora: a skate style helmet with small rectangular vents and small round holes in the crown. The shell is ABS, and the liner is multi-impact EPP. It is a smart helmet that pairs with the rider's phone and can call for help with an Ice Dot crash sensor. The Corpora Aid version has a five LED brake light array in the rear that is controlled by an accelerometer to light up automatically when the rider brakes.
• Crane: a skate-style model that is inmolded with what POC says is a thicker thinshell (1 mm) to avoid dents. Dual density liner with rectangular vents. Retail is $120, or $170 with MIPS. There is a child version called the Pocito in bright orange at $90, and an adult Crane Pure that is lighter and uses a thinner shell material retailing for $70, so you pay less for a lighter helmet and more for a more protective one. The Crane Pure Pro model is $90.
• Cerebel: an aero road helmet looking like a very short tail chrono model with a round front and no vents. With integrated face shield it will retail for $350.

POC's small models fit 51cm heads, and their XL goes up to 62cm. The company promotes very brightly colored bike clothing to go with their brightly colored helmet models, and their AVIP orange is still available although not in the catalog. They do not have a crash replacement discount. They have an "Eye Garage" on some models, with high-friction pads that help store sunglasses while riding. And they have new aerodynamic sunglasses for 2023 retailing for $250. Their website has a wide selection of replacement parts, including fit pads, stabilizer bands and visors.

POC, Volvo and Erickssen have collaborated on developing a system connecting cars drivers and bike riders via cell phone and GPS location technology. It uses a programmable RFID chip. If a collision is about to happen, the Volvo driver would see a bike on a heads-up display, and the bike rider would see a warning light on their helmet. It's a concept at this point, but could be on the market soon since the car piece is already in Volvo's XC-90 model. The research could open up interesting possibilities for the future.

POC has also collaborated with Volvo on testing helmet performance when the rider is hit by a car. As shown in this video, they have been impacting helmets on actual cars in various locations to research possible optimization for that type of crash.

Review updated: 2023

Potenza

Potenza is a brand of Seattle Bike Supply, a large distributor of bicycles and related products. 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. Pricing should be reasonable. The website has disappeared, and we find the helmets only on Amazon or Ebay.

• Pantheon Pro: inmolded with an elongated but reasonably smooth shape with only one rear point. Comes in XXS to XL, in red, silver and blue.
• Pavè (Pavè with a backward accent on the e, not the French Pavé): a well-rounded, smooth design with reasonable vents and a taped on shell. Selling on Amazon for $15.
• Piccolo: a toddler model with the usual round, smooth taped on shell. It has minimal vents. Comes in blue, pink and green with graphics.

Review updated: 2017

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 B95-certified in addition to meeting the CPSC standard, and those are likely to be better quality and worth the extra cost. Most of their models have the rounder, smoother shapes that we believe are best when you crash. 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 $4 each including shipping when purchased in large quantities for a helmet program, but those are not Snell-certified. 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 helmets, but we recommend the Snell-certified models. ProRider will also sell to individuals at somewhat higher prices but still below $20 including shipping.

Review updated: 2023

Pro Supergo

Pro Supergo is a Taiwanese company 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 website shows a number of models, including adult, child, BMX and skate style. Some are in EPU foam, some in EPS. Some of the adult models are inmolded. We do not know what their retail pricing would be

Review updated: 2017

Pro-Tec

Pro-Tec was one of the original skate helmet companies in the 1970's, and is associated with the classic skateboard-style helmet with a round, smooth hard shell and small round vents. The company has changed hands at least four times since it was founded, and in December, 2015 the Pro-Tec brand was sold to Bravo Sports, whose brands include Nutcase, ONE and SixSixOne. Pro-Tec formerly sold some models that were dual-certified to both the ASTM F1492 skateboard standard and the CPSC bike helmet standard. Now their catalog sometimes refers to "dually certified by CPSC and CE standards." That is not dual certification to skate and bike standards, just certification to the CPSC bike standard and automatically passing the easier European bike standard. So check carefully inside the helmet for the F1492 sticker attesting to real dual certification. In 2014 Pro-Tec introduced "vent badges" with their brand on the rings that edge the vents on some models in a further effort to differentiate their brand from the hundreds of almost identical skate style helmet brands.

Pro-Tec's "certified" line uses mostly EPS crushable liners. But they also use a foam they call SXP for some models that replaced the lower grade protection of prior years. It is a modified formulation of Expanded PolyPropylene (EPP), allowing them 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 hard hits in the same location. We have more comments on our foam page.

Consumer Reports announced in January, 2017 that Pro-Tec planned to recall their City Lite model after CU's testing showed: "The Pro-Tec City Lite's helmet retention system-the chin straps and buckle that should keep the helmet securely on your head in the event of an accident-failed to work properly in three out of the four City Lite helmets we tested. In one case, the buckle broke; in two others, a strap detached from the body of the helmet." On September 25, 2017 Pro-Tec issued a recall. But when we checked the web in January 2020 we still found a few "original City Lite" helmets for sale on Amazon and on a UK site (half price!).

Pro-tec's models include:

• Full Cut Certified: introduced in 2017, shaped like the classic Pro-Tec skate style helmet, round and smooth with small vents and an ABS hard shell, but with ear flaps that extend down to cover the ears entirely. This one has an EPS liner and is CPSC certified for bicycling and dual-certified to the ASTM F1492 skateboard standard, as we think all skateboard helmets should be. Retail is $60 to $70.
• Cyphon SL: a hard shell bike helmet with round, smooth lines and what appears to be extended rear coverage. Inmolded with ABS/PE hard shell and normal vents. Has a visor. Retail is $110. This one is worth a look for the extended rear coverage with bicycle helmet vents.
• Classic Certified: round and smooth, with small round vents and good coverage, the classic Pro-tec design. Comes in visible white and bright red as well as the standard dark colors. Dual-certified to the CPSC bike helmet standard as well as the ASTM F1492 skateboard standard. Retails for $50 in pad fit, or $60 with ring fit with magnetic buckle. There is an outwardly similar Classic Skate and Classic Full Cut Skate that are not certified to either the CPSC bicycle standard or the ASTM F1492 skateboard standard and therefore to be avoided. There is a bright yellow rental model, again at $50, certified to the European EN1078 standard but not to CPSC. And finally there is a very small child model called the Jr Classic Certified, still with hard ABS shell and fitting heads from 47 to 54 cm. It retails for $60.
• Classic Lite: introduced for the 2019 model year, the Classic Lite is another thin shell model. It includes MIPs and there is a visible white option. Retail is $100.
• City Lite: Not in the current line. Recalled and withdrawn during 2017--See the note above on the recall--but still being sold online.
• Old School Certified: another classic Pro-Tec with hard ABS shell. CPSC certified. Retail is $60.

Pro-Tec continues to sell skate-only models through skate shops. They are hard shells with two-stage EVA foam liners (squishy foam) that are softer than EPS and might cushion smaller impacts better, but bottom out in a really hard hit. We see no reason to buy one of those when the ASTM-certified models are available.

Most Pro-Tec models fit heads from 52 to 64 cm (20.8 to 24.4 inches). Pro-Tec does not have a crash replacement discount. There are no Asian Fit models in their line for people with wider heads, but the Full Cut is somewhat rounder.

As always with Pro-Tec, check the sticker inside the helmet for what standard it meets before you buy!

Review updated: 2020

Proviz

Proviz is a UK retailer of high-visibility bicycle gear, including helmets. Their Saturn Hi Visibility model comes in neon yellow or pink and has five LEDs in the visor. Unfortunately that means that to use the lights you would have to use the visor at night when you probably don't need it. It is CPSC certified. They have other hi-viz models, including one that is all black. It at least has the rear red LED light built into the fit ring of all of the Proviz models. Although "Designed and built to CE EN 1078 safety standard" the Saturn is now certified to the CPSC standard for sale in the US market. Fits only 55 to 59cm (21.7 to 23.2") heads. The retail price is £55.

Review updated: 2017

Prowell Helmets

Prowell is a Taiwanese company producing a line of helmets in EPU foam. They have a very interesting web page with an explanation of the foam and their technology. 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 6 models in the line ranging from radical elongated styles with rear points to more rounded commuter helmets and child models. They have a "Shark Fin" LED light designed to mount on top of a helmet and flash in all directions. Most of Prowell's models should retail for about $25. The company manufactures helmets for other brands.

Review updated: 2017

Pryme Protective Gear

Pryme was a brand of Seattle Bicycle Supply, purchased by Hawley-Lambert in 2016. Some of the helmets are still being sold through. The line included helmets for BMX, downhill racing, whitewater, snowboarding and skate use, most of them with catchy names. All came with three sets of fitting pads. They fit heads from 52 to 62 cm.

• Pryme 8 V2: a classic skateboard style helmet. Has small vents and an EPS liner. Meets the CPSC standard. Some bright colors are available. Retails for $37.
• Pryme 8 V2 Lite: a classic skateboard style helmet, but a thin shell that is inmolded. Has small vents and an EPS liner. Meets the CPSC standard. Comes in some very bright colors. Retails for $65.

Review updated: 2020

Puky

Puky is a German company with a wide range of bicycles and accessories, mostly for children. Their helmet models include skate-style child models, some with big vents. They have one full-face model with a detachable vented chin guard that is inmolded and fits heads from 49 to 58cm. but we can't find it on their website.

Review updated: 2020

Punisher

Punisher is a brand of skateboards and skate helmets. They have two models. One is a hard shell classic skate style helmet with small round vents in front and small oval vents on the top. It is certified to the CPSC bicycle helmet standard, not to any skateboard standard. Among the graphic versions is a visible white option as well as the usual black. Fits heads from 53 to 57 cm. The retail price is $30. The second model is their Pro Series Neon, an upgraded helmet certified to the ASTM F1492 skateboard standard as well as CPSC. Retail is $40. It comes in bright colors as well as white and black.

Review updated: 2017

R2

R2 is a Czech Republic company that markets high-definition sunglasses for every condition and an extensive line of bicycle helmets. Some have the old high points in the rear, others are more rounded. There are road, aero road, trail, kids, and one round chrono model. We don't know their retail prices.

Review updated: 2020

Radkappe

This German company (also known in the US as Radkappa, corresponding to its German pronunciation) has one model, a round smooth urban-style helmet with a long molded-in visor that is almost cartoonish. But it has a true pony tail port in the rear, where the coverage appears low like a skate-style helmet. Has a thin shell and EPS liner. It is CEN and CPSC certified. Colors are muted white, gray and blue. Retail is €79

Review updated: 2017

Raskullz

Raskullz is the brand for a line of 3D child and toddler helmets with rubber animal ears and noses mounted on them. Some go beyond that. They have a companion brand called Krashco. All of the projections are soft rubber, but some have a harder core, and do not readily detach. See this page on sliding resistance to see why we think helmets that would not slide easily on pavement present a hazard, and do not recommend them. The CPSC child bicycle helmet standard prohibits projections of more than 7mm that do not collapse or break away readily when tested. These collapse partly, but the remaining lump is higher than 7mm. We were dismayed to see that Target is selling Raskullz to unsuspecting parents.

In April of 2018 Vista sold Bollé and announced that they planned to sell Bell, Giro, Raskullz, and Krashco. Bicycle Retailer and Industry News had a detailed article about the sale. But the Bell/Giro/C-preme part of it never happened, and Vista announced in mid-2019 that it will keep the three bike brands for a period of years until their sale price improves. They did sell part of their firearm and ammunition businesses in July of 2019. REI resumed selling the Bell brand after that sale and the heat subsided, but in fact more than two years after their announcement Vista Outdoor still owns Bell and Giro, and still produces ammunition on a very large scale. In 2022 Vista announced that it now intends to split off the outdoor division into a new company, probably by 2023.

Consumer Reports rated the Raskullz Mohawk helmet in June, 2015 as Excellent for impact protection, although the Mohawk was rated Poor for fit and Poor for ventilation, and received the lowest overall score of any helmet CU tested that year.

Review updated: 2020

Razor

See Kent above

Rhoads

Rhoads is a brand distributed by North American Cycles. There are road, and urban models. Retail is low, about $11.50 to $20. When we checked in 2020 the only remaining Rhoads helmet on the NAC site was "out of stock"

Review updated: 2020

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 points and recessed strap anchors, and some are very well-rounded, notably the KS-04. There are bright color options for each model. They have a unique strap fitting that tightens with a screw. They should all retail 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 52.3 cm (20.5") to 62 cm.

Review updated: 2020

Rudy Project

This European manufacturer markets sunglasses and sporting attire from founder Rudy Barbazza. We are not sure what models you may find in your market, but check their US web page for the ones certified to the CPSC standard. All of the models listed below are inmolded. Most have partially recessed or even embedded strap anchors and some have small reflective patches in the rear. Their models have 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. There is at least one model that has provision for the Icedot crash sensor. We don't have their pricing for this year, so some prices below may be outdated. Models include:

• Airstorm: a compact road model with very pronounced rear points. It has deep internal air channels, so Rudy rates it as their best-ventilated model. There is a visible white option. Retail is €119.
• Zumax: a compact road model with a single rear point. There is a fluorescent yellow option available. Retail is €95.
• Boost 01: a compact road model introduced in 2017 with a rounded shape but a "dorsal ridge" that Rudy Project says reduces neck strain and converts side winds to forward boost. The design is intended to provide less drag than a normal road helmet. There is a visible white option. Retail is S350, or $400 with eye shield.
• Racemaster: introduced in 2017, a road model with many vents and many points in the rear, including a pointed shelf raised above the shell of the helmet as if the designer just could not get enough points on the rear without going an extra step. Retail is €229.
• Windmax: an elongated road model with a high rear shelf point, big vents and a lower shell covering all foam. Has lots of visible "ultralight polymer fiber" reinforcement showing between the ribs. There is a very visible neon yellow option. Comes with a microfiber pouch. Retail is $179.
• Rush: an elongated road model with points in the rear, big vents and a lower shell covering all foam. Retail is €79.
• Sterling: an elongated road model with points front and rear, big vents and a lower shell covering all foam. It has a unique "impact protection grid" reinforcing cage that is visible through the vents. There are no visible strap anchors, a nice feature in a helmet that is inmolded. Also comes as the Sterling MTB with visor. Retail is €145.
• Snuggy: a youth model road helmet with reasonable vents, compact shape and two pronounced rear points. Retail is €55.
• Jockey: a nicely rounded, well vented child helmet. Retail is €39.
• Avenger: a full face BMX/downhill racing model with vented chinbar with mesh in the vents and a bolted on visor. Retail is €179.
• Wing57: a chrono model designed by John Cobb with short tail, vents and an optional face shield. Comes with a magnetic piece to add length to the tail and a tab resting on the shoulder of those with flat backs that lets the rider raise and lower the rear of the helmet to achieve that critical angle that yields best aero performance for different rider back profiles. The side vents have a role in reducing airflow disruptions. Has inserts for the vents to close them or reduce their intake and improve aero performance for specific events and air temperatures. The dorsal ridge along the top is to help in cross winds while maintaining a low front profile. Retail is €299.

Rudy Project always has some interesting design innovations, but their elongated shapes with rear points seem dated.

Review updated: 2017

S-One

All of S-One's 2022 skateboard helmet models are certified by the manufacturer to the ASTM F1492 skateboard, CPSC bicycle, the EN 1078 European bike/skate standard and the AS/NZS 2063 Australian bike/skate standard. That makes them all the type of helmet we recommend for skateboard helmets. All are classic hard-shell skateboard models, available in many colors including highly visible ones for street use. S-1 has a very impressive video up with lab tests generating actual test numbers. Although they are apparently testing only ambient temperature helmets and none that had been immersed in water, the numbers are very good.

• The Lifer is for heads up to 23.5" (59.7 cm). For heads as small as 18.5" (47 cm) it comes as the Mini-Lifer. And for larger heads the Mega Lifer has been scaled up to fit heads up to 25.5" (64.7 cm). If you remove the fitting inserts it can accommodate 25.75". There are visors and eye shields available. Retail is in the $60 range.
• The Retro Lifer is a classic skate-style helmet with much lower coverage than the standard Lifer. It has edging, and S-One calls it a "retro-moto look." There is one shell size, and for $10 they will supply all the foam inserts to take it from X-small to 3X-large. Retail is $84, and the extra coverage would be worth it if you like the look and find it comfortable.

Although the company stopped producing non-certified helmets in 2011, it is possible that there may be some of S-One's older models still in the marketplace that were not certified to the same standards. Check the box and standards sticker inside to be sure, but in 2022 it seems unlikely.

S-One has informed us that they are working on and even larger Lifer Mega and on accommodation for rounder heads, so check their website for the latest. Review updated: 2022.

Safe-Tec

Safe-Tec brand helmets come from Shunde Moon Helmet Co., Ltd in China. They were introduced in the US at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2020. The helmets are inmolded and have Fidlock magnetic buckles and lithium ion batteries. The strap junctions are the type that do not hold well. All are CPSC certified. Models include:

• Thor: the only reasonably well rounded model in the Safe-Tec line, a trail model with big blocky vents. Has just the hint of a rear point. Has bone conduction speakers. Retail is $129.
• Tyr: an elongated road model with many vents and pronounced points in the rear and even in the front. The look is geeky/tech. There is bug mesh in the front vents. It has turn signals, a brake light and wireless remote. Retail for the Tyr is $129. The similar Tyr 2 adds LED strips in front and back, a microphone and bone conduction speakers for $170. The Tyr 3 adds MIPS for $199. The Tyr Plus for $199 adds Alexa.

Safe-Tec helmets fit heads from 53 to 63 cm (20.9 to 24.8 inches). The manufacturer offers a two year crash replacement guarantee.

Review updated: 2020

Sahn Helmets

Sahn is located in Vancouver. They have one model, the Sahn Classic, an elegant skate-style helmet with a built-in hard shell visor and no vents, but with internal vent channels. Retail at Walrus, a "contemporary lifestyle boutique," is $129 Canadian. Sahn now has dealers across Canada and in the US and Europe as well. For 2016 Sahn will have a new Carbon model with Fidlock magnetic buckle retailing for $200.

In September of 2016 Sahn recalled their Classic model for failure to meet CPSC impact standard requirements. We are not finding a website for them now.

Review updated: 2020

Sakar International

Dimensions and Tony Hawk are brands of Sakar International. CPSC announced the recall of the Dimensions Bluetooth Speaker Helmet, a skate-style helmet with small rectangular vents and built-in Bluetooth speakers, on March 24, 2022. We have more in this Update newsletter.

CPSC announced the recall of the Tony Hawk Silver Metallic skate-style helmet with a Tony Hawk signature on the shell on July 14, 2022. We have more in this Update newsletter.

Both helmets were sold exclusively by Walmart.

Sakar International has a place marker for a website that says "Sakar.com is Coming Soon!".

Review updated: 2022

SDS / San Diego Speed

See Armor above.

Sawako Furuno

Sawako Furuno is a London fashion designer with a line of cycle accessories and clothing who is promoting a skate helmet model with an ABS hard shell and fashion covers. They include the Leopard, one in alligator skin and a number of others. They have small round vents and a visor. They come only in size medium to fit heads 54 to 58cm. They are certified to the US CPSC standard. They are stocked now by some US women's design retailers, at prices around $120 to $150, showing what the fashion industry can do to add value to a skate helmet. There are also fleece ear cozies for cold days.

Review updated: 2018

Schwinn

The Schwinn brand is now the property of Dorel Industries of Canada. 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 under $20. Most of their adult models also have a "youth" size. We can't find information about the line on the web any more. The Schwinn Thrasher and Schwinn Flash earned 3 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing, well below the leaders.

Review updated: 2018

Scott

Scott is a high tech sporting goods company that grew out of the invention of the first aluminum ski pole. They now produce many products, and have a line of bike helmets. At least two of Scott's models use dual-density "cone-head foam" liners. Most have bug net in the front vents. A number of the models have a Contessa version with ladies graphics. Most Scott models are now available with MIPS. Some of the models below are European helmets that are certified only to the CEN standard and would not be sold in the US. In 2015 Scott's Vanish Evo was recalled (see below).

• Arx: a compact road model with long vents and a minimal rear point. Retail is $100. Replaced in 2017 by reducing the price of the Arx Plus version with MIPS and a visor to the same $100. Consumer Reports rated the Arx Plus as Excellent for impact protection and gave it their highest composite score in their June, 2016 issue. And the MIPS version earned 4 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing, so it is worth a look.
• Torus Plus: Scott's urban helmet is an ABS hard shell with very round, smooth lines and small vents similar to a skate helmet. But this one has straps, shell lines and rectangular slit vents that are very different. Has a MIPS insert. Retail is $80.
• Cadence Plus: an aero road model with a well-rounded profile and big vents in front and rear. Three of the front vents can be plugged for more aero performance. MIPS model with a matrix of holes in the MIPS material for ventilation. Retail is $225.
• Centric Plus: said to be better ventilated than the Cadence Plus but still providing some aero benefit, and with the perforated MIPS layer. Retail is $200.
• Vivo: a road model with large blocky vents and the appearance of lower rear coverage. Retail was $100. For 2017 it was replaced With a MIPS version known as the Vivo Plus at $130. With more aggressive graphics and a larger visor it becomes the Stego at $190, pictured below with the yellow interior layer. Scott pitches this one to enduro riders.
• Taal: a compact road model with the most reasonably rounded rear treatment of any of Scott's models. It is inmolded, and has MIPS. Retail is $75.
• Watu: road model with lines very similar to the Taal, but this is Scott's "value" helmet at $45.
• Groove II: elongated road model with rear points and many vents. Retail is £60. There is a MIPS version called the Lin. Both are European models.
• Wit-R: a road/mountain helmet with rear points and many vents. Retail is about $135. The Wit-R is the road model without visor.
• Karma: a "mountain" design with a very reasonably rounded contour except for a strange lump in the back and very large vents. It is inmolded, with a ring fit system. Retail is £75.
• Fuga: a road model, inmolded with a ring fit system and a reasonably rounded contour. Retail is £100. For 2017 there is a Fuga Plus MIPS, retailing at $150.
• Supra Plus: a road model, inmolded with a ring fit system and a reasonably rounded contour. Retail is $75.
• Vanish Evo: Recalled, February 2015 Scott's entry in the ultra-light road helmet competition, recalled in February, 2015 for failure to meet CPSC and even CEN impact standards. Had two unfortunate and very sharp rear-facing points. It is inmolded and has ring fit. Had dual-density foam using the Cone-head design. The recall notice said it did not meet either CPSC or CE impact standards. Had internal strap anchors, eliminating any surface bumps, but so many points and angles all over the shell that strap anchors would not make much difference. Also came as the Vanish Evo MTB with visor, also recalled. The replacement was the Vanish II, a similar design with angular lines. It has MIPS.
• Spunto a youth model road helmet rising to a high shelf point in the rear. US model, retailing for $40. There is a Contessa women's graphic version.
• Chomp: a youth helmet with the classic skate-style profile, but inmolded with a thin shell and much larger top and rear vents than a skate helmet. Retail is $35.
• Jibe: a classic skate helmet with a hard ABS shell and small vents. Meets the European CEN standard. The strap junctions do not lock at all, but that may not a big problem for a skate-style helmet. Has a huge Scott logo on the side. Retail is $40.
• Spartan: downhill helmet in classic BMX shape with the classic BMX visor bolted on. Has an ABS shell. There is no energy management foam in the chinbar. Meets the CPSC bike standard but is not certified to the tougher ASTM F1952 downhill racing helmet standard. Has the standard BMX large bolted-on visor, always a potential snag hazard. Four sizes fit 54 to 62 cm heads (21.3 to 24.4 inches). Retail is $110.
• Split: a compact chrono model with integrated face shield and flexible side pieces around the face to facilitate putting it on. No front vents except slits at the top of the shield linking to internal channels. There are very small rear vents. Has MIPS. The strap adjustors hold reasonably well. Retail is $250.

Review updated: 2017

SDL

SDL is a Thai company that makes colorful jerseys in Thai styles. They have one road helmet, the SDL Wonga, an elongated design with long vents, a heart-shaped front vent and big rear points.

Review updated: 2020

Seattle

Seattle was a brand of Seattle Bike Supply.

SE Ripper

SE has a classic skate style helmet with a hard ABS shell to complement their BMX and freestyle bikes. CPSC certified only. Retail is about $25.

Review updated: 2017.

Sector9

Sector9 Skateboard Company has two helmet models in their line:

• Summit: a classic hard shell skate model, with ABS shell and EPS liner to pass CPSC. It has very small round vents. There is another model with dual-density EVA (football helmet) multi-impact foam that is not certified for bicycle riding and can not be sold in California. Retail is $35.
• DH6 Downhill: a longboarding helmet with the slant required to ride a long skateboard prone down a hill. The shell is fiberglass and the liner is EPS, and it is certified to the CPSC bicycle helmet standard. It comes with clear and tinted flip up face shields. The chinbar is padded. Retail is $300.

Review updated: 2020

Sena

Sena produces motorcycle headsets and intercoms, and in 2017 they introduced a smart helmet for the bicycle market. They have two models. Both are round and smooth compact design road models with longitudinal vents. The electronics integrate with the rider's phone by Bluetooth, providing an intercom, voice prompts about cycling status, audio and FM radio. We thought the speakers were not too pleasing, but at least they eliminate the need for earbuds that block traffic sounds. They have noise canceling. There is a remote control and of course a smartphone app. Retail for the R-1 is $230 with all features, including gps and a half-mile intercom for four riders. The X-1 is similar but with fewer features and retails for $200.

Review updated: 2019

Selev

Selev is an Italian company with models made in Italy mostly for the upscale road rider market. Most of their helmets are inmolded. More recent models are compact shape, but older ones have many rear points. The high end models are "100% made in Italy." Others are designed in Italy. The website says they meet EN 1078, the European standard. Their models include:

• NKD: a nicely rounded road model with minimal rear point and angular vents. Retail is €80. Without visor it is the Weg for €75.
• MP3: a compact model rising in the back to a minimal rear point. Made in Italy. Retail is $260.
• XP ITA: elongated road model with modest rear points and long vents in a shell configuration that in some graphics versions suggests the old leather hairnets. Made in Italy.
• Avatar Light: a road model with many vents and points in the rear, certified only to the CEN standard. Made in Italy.
• Matrix: inmolded with a large rear point, four piece full shell, wavy 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 including visible white or team colors that can be customized for different combinations. Some versions of this model 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. Retail is €110. Made in Italy.
• Blitz: a more compact design but still has many small points on the rear and one on top in the front. Light weight. There are white and bright color options. Made in Italy. Retail is €75. With visor it is the Mito, still €75. With a cover for the large central front vents it is the Moda at €80.
• Nitro: another compact design with only one rear point. Some bright color choices. Made in Italy. Retail is €45.
• Doc: inmolded with a really pronounced rear overhang and points, lots of longitudinal vents and partially recessed strap anchors. Retail is €120.
• Tempo: Selev's chrono model with a full lower cover that comes all the way down to the neck. Meets the EN 1078 standard. Has an internal radio wire channel. Fits sizes 54 to 59 cm. (21.6 to 23.2 inches). Made in Italy.
• TT Evo: a compact aero road helmet made for track racing. It has two small front vents. Sidepieces come down the cheek in chrono style. Retail is €160.

Selev has a crash replacement policy in the US market that provides a helmet at half the retail price.

Review updated: 2017

SH+

SH + is an Italian company with a full line of bike helmets, some made in Italy and only one is imported from China. Most of their helmets are only certified to the European CEN standard, but some meet CPSC for sale in the US, They entered the US market in 2014. Most road models have large vents and rear points. They have an anti-pinch buckle that is backed by a tab. There is a skate style model, as well as long tail and round chrono helmets, and downhill racing full face models. Retail prices ranges from 24 to €160. All are inmolded. The largest fits 62cm heads. SH+ models include:

• Shalimar: Introduced in 2018, an unusual road helmet with a sleek but somewhat elongated shape with rear bulge and two large front vents, each with three slats in the middle. Retail is $250.
• Shake: introduced in 2017, a road helmet with a mostly rounded compact shape with only one point in the rear. Has front slit vents that resemble an automotive grid, enhanced in some color combinations by contrasting shell covers. SH+ markets it as an aero road helmet. It has excellent strap junctions that hold very well. SH+ is beefing it up to pass the CPSC standard for sale in the US. Retail is $140.
• Shake: a road helmet with a Nicely rounded compact shape. Angular lines wrap around to add some interest to the rear, with just a hint of points. Made in Italy. Retail is $140.
• Sniper: newer compact model, with rear points. Retail is €65.
• Shabli: a road helmet with many vents and large rear points, including one that juts up into the air. Colors include some bright graphics. Also comes as the Shabli S-line in team colors. All have a hi-viz yellow option. All have an optional winter cover that covers most of the vents. Made in Italy. Retail is $220.
• Shot: a road helmet with many vents and large rear points. Colors include some bright graphics as well as white. Made in Italy. Retail is $170. There is also a Shot XC model with a visor that projects forward more than most with mounts that hold it out from the helmet, and a Shot R1 version. Retail for that one is $200.
• Tri Aghon: a very rounded chrono helmet for time trialing with a matching face shield that can slide up to stow on the front. Small slit vents. Retail is €400.
• Eolus: a chrono helmet for time trialing with the round profile similar to the Casco Warp except for a slightly flattened rear. Has only tiny vents in the rear. Ring fit. Comes with mirror and clear integrated face shields. Fits heads 55 to 60cm. This one is certified to the CPSC bike helmet standard as well as CEN, and is available in the US for $360. With small vents it is the Tri-Eolus.

Review updated: 2018

Shadow Conspiracy

Shadow Conspiracy is the brand of BMX bikes, apparel and parts manufacturer Sparky's Distribution. They have one skate-style helmet with rectangular vents. Certified only to the CPSC bicycle helmet standard, not the more demanding ASTM F2032 BMX standard. Shadow's helmet fits sizes 50 to 62cm. They replace crashed helmets. Retail is $45.

Review updated: 2018

Shaun White Supply Co

Shaun White Supply Co is a brand for skateboards and trick scooters and accessories. They have a classic skate-style helmet with a hard shell and small vents. It comes in black or white, and the corporate logo on the front just says Supply Co. Retail is $30.

Review updated: 2020

Shenzhen Baojiali

Shenzhen Baojiali Sport Equipment is a Hong Kong company with a full line of bicycle helmets. They have road, children's and skateboard helmets in many styles. Most are EN 1078 certified for the European market and some are CPSC certified for sale in the US. Some models are inmolded. Prices in the US should be in the range of $10 to $40 retail.

Review updated: 2020

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.

Review updated: 2017

Shenzhen Qukang Industry Development

Although we have not seen their current 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.

Review updated: 2020

Shred

Shred is a manufacturer of protective body gear, sunglasses and goggles. They have added helmets to their line, some meeting the right standards for skate and downhill. All of their helmets have provision for the Icedot crash sensor. Several models have liners with a "honeycomb cone structure" that is added to EPS and EPP to attempt to displace energy sideways in a crash. Shred also uses a layer of "Infinite R.A.A." flattened disks in some models to provide a slip plane similar to MIPS. Some liners also have "impact channels" that are designed to deflect energy. But we have not seen any test results indicating that either approach improves performance. Shred's models include:

• Short Stack: a road model with large, chunky vents and the appearance of extended coverage in the rear. It is inmolded, with a two piece shell covering all the foam. The liner has both the Infinite R.A.A. and plastic disk layer. Has a large, bolted on visor and a pad on the chin strap. Retail is $180.
• Bumper Light: a classic skate-style helmet with hard shell and EPP multi-impact liner. In addition to the CPSC bike helmet standard this one is dual-certified to the ASTM F1492 skateboard standard, as we think all skate helmets should be, and to the ASTM F2040 Snow Sports standard, similar to CPSC. The liner includes all three of the features outlined in our introductory paragraph. Retail is $120. There is also a Bumper Asian Fit model for those with wider heads, and a reflective Bumper Beacon for night use.
• Half Stack: a classic skate-style helmet with hard ABS shell and a dual-density EPS liner. Certified only to the CPSC and European bike helmet standards. Retail is $80.
• Slam Cap: a skate-style model inmolded with a thin shell and rectangular slit vents. Can be used in winter with ear cover tabs for the ears, and is certified to the ASTM F2040 snow sport standard in addition to CPSC, and to EN1077B snow sport (reduced coverage) as well as EN1078, but not to the ASTM F1492 skateboard standard. Retail is $160.
• Brain Box: a vented full face downhill mountain bike helmet with an ABS shell. Has a large, bolted on visor. Certified to the ASTM F1952 downhill standard. Retail is $150.

Although we have no data to substantiate the performance of Shred's technology, we are impressed that they are among the companies developing new approaches to helmet liners, and by their certification to the skate and downhill standards for some models.

Review updated: 2017

Sixsixone

SixSixOne is primarily a BMX and skate equipment company with a racing slant, owned by Bravo Sports. They have bicycle, BMX/Downhill and skate style models in their line. They have many dealers in the UK. SixSixOne pioneered the "trail-riding" style by adopting Toby Henderson's design, and brought the basic shape back with the revamped Recon.

• Evo Am: a sleek-looking rounded-profile road model with large vents and a big visor. Has a Conehead dual-density foam liner. Has the shape that appears to offer additional rear coverage but must be verified for that on your head. Retail is $150, or $175 for the MIPS option. There is also a lower-priced Evo Am Patrol without the Conehead liner that sells for $110 or $135 with MIPS.
• Recon Scout: this is one of the original trail-riding style models with blocky vents and lines that added some styling interest to the round and smooth commuter look. It has the shape that appears to offer additional rear coverage but must be verified for that on your head. The visor can be easily removed and is designed to pop off in a crash. There are visible color options. Retail is $80.
• Reset: Introduced in 2018, a full-face downhill model with angular lines and two small ridges in the back. Has an ABS hard shell and the usual very large visor. Retail is $100.
• Comp: a full face vented downhill model for rental programs only with a smooth, round polycarbonate shell and bolted on visor. Meets only the CPSC standard, not the ASTM downhill mountain bike helmet standard. Retails for $80, but only to rental shops.

Review updated: 2018

Sikh Helmets

See Bold Helmets above.

Smart

Smart helmets come from Shunde Smart Helmet Co in China. They supply helmets for other brands. Most of their helmet models have the elongated shape with many vents and points in the rear, but more recent designs are compact, and a few are nicely rounded. Some are inmolded, some taped on. There are kids and skate models as well. We don't have their retail pricing.

Review updated: 2017

Smith

Smith Optics has been known for eye protection and helmets for snowboarding and skiing. They launched a new bicycle helmet line in 2014. Their bike helmets have integrated eyewear available. Their liners use a honeycomb of collapsing plastic tubes about the diameter of drinking straws, thermo-welded together and surrounded by conventional EPS to keep them perpendicular to the head. The straws collapse along their length when impacted, and so does the surrounding EPS, managing the impact energy by slowing the transmission of energy and reducing the peak impact, just as other helmet liners do. You can see the material on the Koroyd site. The material is made in Germany of polycarbonate and PET. The Koroyd part of the liner is similar to Cascade's Seven liner system for lacrosse helmets. The Forefront became available in the spring of 2014, aimed at the mountain bike market segment. Here is an article in Bicycle Retailer and Industry News. The first test results we saw came from the 2016 Consumer Reports article, where they rated the impact protection of the ForeFront as Excellent (23 others rated Excellent). Now there are Virginia Tech ratings as well. The liner is mostly EPS in some segments, so any impact is likely to involve both Koroyd and EPS areas. The Koroyd tubes can leave honeycomb abrasion marks on the rider's head in a crash, but cushioning them where they meet the skin would reduce ventilation, and many riders feel that abrasion marks are not life-threatening. Smith will accept their helmets back for recycling, but you have to ask. Smith recalled their Quantum ski and snowboard helmets in September 2017 for buckle failures, but that problem has not surfaced in any of their bicycle models. There were no reported injuries or incidents with the buckles, so apparently they failed lab tests.

Smith's models include:

• Forefront: was the first helmet in the Smith line in 2014, a trail helmet with Smith's EPS/Koroyd liner. It is inmolded, with the liner molded first then the shell. It has a distinctive look with the shape that appears to offer additional rear coverage but must be verified for that on your head. Riders have reported very good ventilation through the Koroyd tubes. There is a small breakaway visor and a breakaway camera mount. Has a very visible matte neon orange option as well as white. Retail is $220, or $250 with MIPS. Consumer Reports rated the Forefront as Excellent for impact protection, but only Good for ventilation. For overall score it was number 8 on their list. The Signal MIPS model is on our June 2024 list of helmets that achieved high rankings on both Consumer Reports and Virginia Tech testing.
• Route: a trail model with the typical blocky lines and vents of conventional trail models, although Smith calls it a road helmet. The shape is well-rounded and free of points and shelves. It has Smith's Koroyd straws/EPS liner. White and neon orange options. Retail is $150, or $180 with MIPS. With visor it is the Rover at the same price.
• Overtake: a road model with the EPS/Koroyd liner. Has an elongated shape, very large vents and points in the rear. The vent pattern gives it a layered look. The MIPS layer has very large gaps to match the vents. Retails for $250, or $280 with MIPS. The MIPS version earned 4 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing, so it is worth a look.
• Maze: a skate-style helmet with a conventional thin shell and EPS liner, with one small vent in the front. The MIPS slip plane is larger than other helmets we have seen, extending all the way down to the helmet rim. Retail is $80, or $120 with MIPS. If you want a thin shell skate helmet with MIPS, this one is worth a look. MIPS would make sense only if the coupling of head and helmet is very tight, as it might be with a skate style helmet. Available in Asia fit.
• Axle: a skate-style helmet with an ABS hard shell and multi-impact EPP liner, with very small rectangular slit vents. The MIPS slip plane is larger than other helmets we have seen, extending all the way down to the helmet rim. Has a very visible matte neon orange option as well as white. Retail is $100, or $130 with MIPS. If you want an ABS hard shell skate helmet with MIPS, this one is worth a look. We think MIPS would make sense only if the coupling of head and helmet is very tight, as it might be with a skate style helmet. But note that this one is certified only to the CPSC bicycle helmet standard, not to the ASTM skateboard standard, despite the EPP multi-impact liner.
• TT Podium: Smith's first chrono/time trial design. It is very round and smooth with some elongation but no tail. There are very small vents in the front and around the face shield, but much larger exhaust vents in the rear backed by a section of Koroyd straws in the Koroyd/EPS combination liner. It has MIPS, with an extensive MIPS cage. The face shield is magnetically attached and is a new type that Smith says enhances detail vision and color rendition. Fits heads from 55 to 62cm. Retail is $350.

Smith's crash replacement policy lasts for two years. They will replace the helmet at a discount of 30% off the MSRP.

Review updated: 2017

SMS Speed Mobility System

SMS is a Chinese manufacture located in Hong Kong, with an extensive line of road, mountain, urban and downhill helmets. Most are inmolded. Some have Conehead dual-density foam liners. Some are certified only to the European CE standard, others to CE and CPSC, but the skate and downhill models are not certified to the more demanding ASTM standards for those sports.

Review updated: 2020

Specialized

Specialized is one of the major U.S. helmet manufacturers sold through bike shops and is a supplier of a wide range of bicycles and components. All of their bicycle-style helmets are inmolded. They have the straps in some models attached directly to the interior reinforcing, eliminating the external strap anchor bumps found on most helmets. Other anchors are recessed.

Specialized now has its Tri-Fix fitting system on all models, with the strap junctions on the side sewn in place. It lacks the special inside cage that makes Bell's True Fit work, and does not function well for this reviewer, but works better on some other heads. Since you can't adjust the junctions, we would not buy a helmet with Tri-Fix without trying it on first to see if it works for your head. That is normal when you buy the helmet in a bike store. Specialized models consistently top Consumer Reports ventilation ratings.

All of Specialized's models are ring fit. Several of the models below are available in a women's color scheme. In addition to the CPSC standard, Specialized models are certified to Snell's older B-90 bicycle helmet standard, very similar to CPSC. Specialized is the only major US bike helmet brand still using Snell certification. All Specialized models have some hi-vis colors and all have a white option. There is at least some reflective material on almost all models and two colors that are all-reflective on some models.

Specialized was slow to adopt MIPS, but they now have a version that they claim is superior, permitting more ventilation and "10 to 15 millimeters of rotation in every direction." That would be considerably more than other MIPS implementations.

Specialized bought ICEdot in 2018 and replaced it with a new design they all ANGi ANgular G-force indicator). It glues onto any helmet and works with your phone to call for help if you need it. The first year of service is free and it costs $30 per year after that.

Specialized's available models include:

• S-Works Evade II: newly updated for 2020, an aero road helmet that is of course round and smooth in front, but unfortunately has a pronounced shelf and points in the rear. The S-Works series has been a major Specialized project pushing technology to produce a lighter helmet. We regard weight reduction as misplaced effort, but it may sell helmets and may appeal to you. Specialized claims it has reduced the Evade's wind drag, although most helmets with vents are not optimal for that. The Evade has a "multi-density" EPS liner and Aramid internal reinforcing, reducing the weight and reducing the thickness in some areas. We do not regard that as desirable--thicker helmets have more stopping distance when you hit. Has the ANGi crash sensor. Also has a new brow pad that promises to act as a sweat gutter and a magnetic buckle. Retail is $275. With Peter Sagan graphics and the ANGi crash sensor it retails for $247. The S-Works Evade II MIPS earned 4 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing. An older version of the Evade has been reduced to $149.
• Ambush: a sleek version of the trail style helmet, with much smoother lines than most trail style models and large, blocky vents. Has the shape that appears to offer additional rear coverage but must be verified for that on your head. Has a "multi-density" EPS liner and Aramid internal reinforcing, reducing the weight of the extended coverage to the range that is normal in Specialized's line, and reducing the thickness in some areas. We do not regard that as desirable--thicker helmets have more stopping distance when you hit. Visible white and orange options. There is a women's version. Retail is $180, or $200 with the ANGi crash sensor. The Ambush with MIPS earned 5 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing. There is a somewhat plainer Ambush Comp without the Aramid at $90, or $150 with the ANGi crash sensor.
• Airnet: the name is a cockney pronunciation of the old hairnet since it resembles the headgear with leather strips that racers used before you were born. The long lateral vents are emphasized by dropping the black foam connecting bridges between the strips down. The profile is round and smooth except for the vent edges. Has Merino wool pads. Retail is $150 for the MIPS version.
• Centro: a MIPS-equipped road model promoted as urban with well-rounded shape and large vents with a blocky appearance on the sides. Has prominent blacked-out strap anchors that are nicely recessed into the shell but provide a visual effect. There are hi-viz color options and reflective trim. Has a visor. Retail is $70. The Centro LED version has a blinker light that fits into one of the rear vents and retails for $60. The Centro Winter LED version has an insulated liner at $80. The Centro with MIPS earned 4 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing.
• Chamonix: a road helmet with large vents, a compact design and rear points. There is a visible white option, and reflective material on straps and decals. Retail is $80 with MIPS. The Duet women's version has additional space for a pony tail, carved out of the rear stabilizer and the rear part of the helmet liner. Retail is $50. This helmet is on our June 2024 list of helmets that achieved high rankings on both Consumer Reports and Virginia Tech testing.
• S-Works Prevail II: has a full coverage shell and a large rear point despite the overall compact shape. 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 is hydrophobic and 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, not a worthwhile advance. This model will be available in Europe, where it can be lighter and still meet the CEN standard, and in Asian markets where the molds are changed to fit Asian heads. Can be had in visible white and bright red, as well as team colors. Retail without MIPS is $169, or $250 with MIPS and the ANGi crash sensor. There is a team version. The S-Works Prevail II earned 5 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing.
• Propero 3: profile looks almost exactly like the S-Works Prevail above, but has a one piece shell, and there is more foam in the form of smaller vents and thicker bridges breaking up the largest ones. Has almost all of the other light weight features, including the hydrophobic no-stretch straps. Retail is $110, or $140 with the ANGi crash sensor. Visible white and some bright colors are available as well as a reflective black, and there is some reflective surface on both black and white models. There is also a Propero II at $60.
• Tactic III: full coverage shell and compact shape, but retains a small high shelf point in the rear. Has MIPS. Vents are a little smaller than the Vice, so it has more foam. Retail is $100. A rider with the rounder Asian head shape found the Tactic II fitted him well. The women's Adorra model has a larger pony tail port at the same price.
• Echelon II: has a one piece shell, with many areas of exposed foam with no shell at all. We would avoid it for that reason. It has the newer compact shape, but retains some rear points. It retails for $90. There is a high-visibility yellow option. The women's Aspire model has a larger pony tail port.
• Shuffle Youth and Child: a youth model and a toddler road helmet with normal vents and a round, smooth profile that resembles the Centro but is a different design. The youth or child sizes are $50 with a magnetic buckle, while the Youth or child SB models have the usual plastic buckle at $40. There is a MIPS version with LED in the rear for $55 and another with the ANGi crash sensor for $65.
• Mio: 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. The smallest size is the toddler model advertised to fit 44-52 cm (17.5-20.5"). Retail is $55 for the LED and magnetic buckle versions, or $40 with plastic buckle.
• S-Works Dissident: a full-face downhill racing helmet with few vents and a carbon fiber/Kevlar/fiberglass shell. Certified to the ASTM F1952 Downhill Mountain Bike Racing standard, tougher than the CPSC standard. It also meets Snell's B-95 bicycle helmet standard. That makes this one worth a look. There is some energy management padding in the chinbar. Has provision for using a Leatt neck brace, and is compatible with the EJECT system used by EMT personnel at events to help get helmets off without straining the neck. (The side pads can be removed by pulling a tab marked with the EMT logo.) The large BMX-style visor is bolted on with plastic bolts designed to break away when you snag it on something. Has a Fidlock magnetic buckle. Retail is $262, or $385 with the ANGi crash sensor. there is also the Dissident Comp, without the carbon fiber but still meeting the ASTM downhill standard and Snell's B-95 standard at $150.
• S-Works TT: a long tail chrono model. Has one large brow vent in the front in Specialized style, and four large rear vents on the tail. The tail is open underneath. Has non-stretching straps. Two sizes fit 52 to 61 cm (20.5 to 24") heads. Retail is $225. Specialized has other chrono models not available through retail, and sometimes only CEN certified for European racing. They include the TT1, TT3 and TT4. The TT4 has aerodynamics technology contributed by McLaren. It is a very expensive limited edition model with multiple very narrow "gill" vents on the top and sides that Specialized says improve the aerodynamics.

Most Specialized models fit 51 to 63 cm (20.0 to 24.8") heads. The Max fits up to 64 cm (25.5") heads.

Specialized sometimes has older models of their helmets on their website's sale page at reduced prices, but never any of the current year's models, available only through bike shops. The discounted models now are mostly non-MIPS versions.

Specialized sells replacement pads and visors on their website for many of their models.

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.

Review updated: 2020

Speedzone

See Guangzhou above.

Spiuk

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

• Dharma: an elongated shape with pronounced rear points. It is inmolded with full coverage of all foam. Has a Cone-head (TM) liner with dual density foam. Comes with a case. There are visible white and bright color options available.
• Synergis: a compact design with one pronounced rear point. it is inmolded with a full coverage shell and some carbon fiber reinforcements. Visor. Meets the CPSC standard.
• Tamera: inmolded with a full coverage shell. Compact shape but still has rear points. Meets the CPSC standard.
• Nexion: inmolded with large front vents, a full shell on the lower portion, and pointy rear points. Worn in competition by teams supplied by Spiuk, comes in team colors or world champion stripes. Meets the CPSC standard.
• Zirion: inmolded with a very large point on the rear. Has so many small vents that it is reminiscent of the Catlike Whisper. Ring fit, visor. Meets the CPSC standard.
• Casco Kids/Casco de niño: a toddler helmet with vents and nice graphics. Meets only the CEN European standard, so will not be sold in the US.
• Aizea: a chrono and tri helmet. It is inmolded, and comes with two interchangeable tail pieces of different lengths. There are long thin front vents that can be closed with a screen, and a face shield held on with magnets. Meets the CPSC standard for sale in the US.
• Kronos: a time trial teardrop shape with two small front vents and a center rear vent through the long tail. It is inmolded. Ring fit. Meets the US CPSC bicycle helmet standard. The photo on the website shows the tail flying in the breeze, not a very aerodynamic position.

In some cases Spiuk will replace crashed helmets at a discount.

Review updated: 2017.

Spoton

Spoton was introduced in the US market in 2018. This Chinese company has a line of road, trail, toddler and skate models. Most have older designs with elongated shapes and points in the rear, but all we have seen is a 2015 catalog. We don't know what their retail pricing would be

Review updated: 2018

Star

Star Helmets (Zhuhai Star Sports Equipment), located in Zhuhai, China, produces an extensive line of helmets under the Star Sport brand. Most are inmolded, the rest have taped on or glued on shells. Their B3-11 model is well vented, round and smooth. Most of the rest have rear points. In 2015 Star added their B3-23A and B-3-27A mountain bike models, with a compact shape and reduced rear points. Some models are only CEN certified, but others are certified to CPSC and ASTM F1447 bicycle, and fourteen appear on Snell's B-95 bicycle helmet certification list, indicating better than CPSC impact protection. They have one helmet model certified to the ASTM F1849 Speed Skate standard. Star seems to be moving more toward the high end of their line. Most should sell in the $20 to $50 range in the US market, with the BMX models around $65 and ski models probably in the same range. Star sells Asian Fit helmets in Japan and Korea, and they are now making some MIPS models for customers' brands.

Review updated: 2017

Strategic Sports

Strategic Sports designs and produces helmets for a number of U.S. and European companies with the other company's brand (known as OEM arrangements), and they rank among the world's largest helmet producers, with annual production in the millions of helmets. Ten of their helmets appear on Snell's list. They are the prime licensee of the Cone-head dual density foam design. They also manufacture Contego foam, with lengthened polystyrene molecules, resulting in a polymer that they say is more crack resistant and has better impact absorption than standard EPS. Their rotational-mitigation technology uses rubberized inserts in the liner that may assist in reducing rotational force. Strategic has a Biodome process that uses corn-based outer shells with water-based coloring, EPS they have saved from ending up in landfills, straps made from recycled plastic bottles, bamboo padding and interior fabric made from flax seed.

Strategic has a joint venture with Polisport of Portugal called Headgy helmets, but we have not seen a Headgy brand. 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 consumer publicity. Their web page names only a few of the brands they produce for.

Review updated: 2020

Sunshine Helmets - Foshan

Foshan Sunshine Sporting Goods Company Ltd. was established in 2013. Foshan is a Chinese supplier of helmets for other brands, with their own Sunshine brand. They have many bike helmet models on the web. Some are inmolded, some taped on. There are kids and skate models as well. We don't have their retail pricing.

Review updated: 2017

Suomy

Suomy is an Italian company that began in the motorsport helmet sector and has expanded into fashion goods and bicycle helmets. Their helmets have unusual styling. Their helmets are all inmolded, with mostly recessed strap anchors and bright color options. They market their Minimum Contact System, creating a gap between helmet and head for air circulation. Their strap junctions are excellent, holding very well. All of their models are certified to the US CPSC standard as well as the European EN standard.

• Vision: Introduced in 2018, a very round, smooth design with six large rectangular vents in front and an integrated eye shield. Retail is $150.
• Sfera: a very well-rounded road model with many small rectangular vents in front and rear resembling an automotive grill but few on the top and sides, resembling an aero road helmet. Has a wrap-under shell. Retail is $140.
• Timeless: a road model with angular lines and many, many small elongated vents. Retail is $95. For 2018 there is the Timeless All In with padding upgrade and a full wrap-under shell at $130.
• Gun Wind: Rounded profile spoiled by a big rear overhang near the top. Many large vents. Retail is $225.
• Scrambler: a round and smooth road helmet with the suggestion of trail model styling. It has blocky vents in the center and elongated ones on the sides. Plain colors are $150 and graphics versions are $175.
• Jumper: a full-face downhill model with carbon fiber outer shell covering a polycarbonate under-helmet that is inmolded with polycarbonate vent rims that show from the outside. Retail is $550 to $600 depending on version. This one is not available in the US market.
• GT-R: a long tail chrono model with the normal teardrop profile and vents that push air into internal channels. It is inmolded. Comes with a face shield. Fits 54 to 61cm heads. Retail is $300
• All Black: a classic skate-style helmet with small rectangular front vents and a dual-density EPS liner. Retail is $60. 60

Suomy helmets fit heads from 54 to 62cm Suomy offers a 2 year warranty.

Review updated: 2018

Sweet Protection

Sweet Protection has been a Norwegian company, but is now owned by Action Brands of the US. It is associated with skateboard, ski and other outdoor protective gear. Some of their European-market Ripper models were mistakenly sold in the US and had to be recalled in August 2020. Some of their helmets have a unique air channel that directs air from a side vent through an internal channel onto the temporal artery for cooling. Their 2023 aero model is strikingly different. Models include:

• Outrider: a compact road model with a ribbed appearance and only the suggestion of a rear shelf. The vents are opened only on a section between each rib. US model meeting the CPSC standard. Retail is $120, or $150 with MIPS.
• Trailblazer: a trail model with a shelf in the rear. US model meeting the CPSC standard. Has an air channel designed to cool the temporal artery. Retail is $150, or $180 with MIPS.
• Dissenter : a trail model with large blocky vents and a small rear shelf. Has an air channel designed to cool the temporal artery. There are many color options. US model meeting the CPSC standard. Sweet Protection pitches this one as their value model, with retail at $120, or $150 with MIPS, and $80 for the youth model without MIPS.
• Bushwhacker II: trail model with a compact profile. There are MIPS, carbon fiber and women's models. Has an air channel designed to cool the temporal artery. US model meeting the CPSC standard. Retail is $190, $220 for the MIPS version, or $270 for the carbon model with MIPS.
• Falconer II : a road model with rounded top and an extreme rear overhang. It has raised shell sections with contrasting colors in the lowered portions. Has an air channel designed to cool the temporal artery. There is a separate US model meeting the CPSC standard. Retail for either version is $200, or $230 with MIPS.
• Falconer II Aero : the aero version of the Falconer II has fewer vents, and additional magnetically-attached vent covers to lower wind resistance. Has an air channel designed to cool the temporal artery. Euro model, but there is a CPSC version for sale in the US. Retail is $260 for either version, without MIPS.
• Ripper: a mostly well-rounded trail model with a shelf in the rear. There are MIPS and youth models. This is Sweet Protection's entry-level model, without the temporal vent. Meets only the European EN1078 standard. Some Rippers that had been mistakenly sent to the US market were recalled in August 2020, but the recall did not affect helmets sold in Europe. Retail is $60, with the youth model at $50 ($80 with MIPS) and the adult MIPS model at $80.
• Chaser: a trail model with small rear shelf. Pitched as a commuter model, but there are no highly-visible color options. Euro model. Retail is $100, or $130 with MIPS.
• Arbitrator MIPS: A downhill full-face helmet with detachable chinbar. Has small vents, visor and camera mount. US model meeting the CPSC standard, and beyond that the ASTM F1952 downhill mountain bike racing standard. As a trail helmet without chinbar it still has to meet F1952, so the level of protection is higher than many other trail models. Retail is $300.
• Tucker MIPS: a chrono model for time trialing. Compact teardrop shape with small slit vents and an air scoop vent in the top. Magnetic face shield attachment. The four-piece shell has pieces on the side that lift outwards to facilitate putting on and taking off. "The Tucker is not yet for sale in the US." (August 2020) Retail is $300.
• Redeemer 2Vi: This chrono model has flared shoulders and a straight back, giving it a dramatically different profile. The company says the flared sides smooth the airflow over the riders shoulders and body, reducing drag. A vent in the top is said to allow some of the air build-up in front of the helmet to bleed through the helmet's interior, reducing its pressure. MIPS. Now on the heads of the Uno-X team who helped develop the design, available probably in the fall of 2023 at $480 retail.

Sweet Protection models fit heads from 50 to 61cm. (19.7 to 24 inches). They offer a two year materials warranty but the 40% crash replacement discount is available in Europe only and has some qualifications.

Review updated: 2020

Taizhou Vista Sports Goods

Taizhou Vista is a Chinese supplier of helmets for other brands. They have 65 bike helmet models on the web, most of them elongated models with many vents and points in the rear. Some are inmolded, some taped on. There are kids and skate models as well. We don't have their retail pricing.

Review updated: 2017

Tony Hawk

See Sakar International above.

TEC Components

TEC Components is a Swedish company with a wide range of bicycle components including helmets. Almost all of their models have pronounced points in the rear, but two have nicely rounded profiles: the aero road Ventum and the Acror MIPS. The website does not discuss standards, but they are probably all certified only to the European EN1078 standard and would not be available in the US market.

Review updated: 2017.

THE Industries

THE, an Enterprise founded by Toby Henderson, has mountain bike fenders, saddles and other accessories. The company provides helmets to Vigor Sports, where Henderson was one of the founding partners, and we write them up under Vigor, below. Their F-14 model was the first rounder, smoother trail-style model and really good rear coverage to catch our eye, reaching the market in mid-2007. It was replaced by a similar helmet with bigger vents and unfortunate rear points in the form of an added-on "air deflector" that is removable. THE also has two full face helmets and a very round and smooth skate helmet with an ABS hard shell. They produce a road model with the Draco brand with a rounded profile, many vents and what looks to be extended rear coverage. In early 2017 they had their youth downhill full face model, the T3 Shield on sale for $40, the lowest price we have ever seen for a helmet certified to the ASTM F1952 downhill mountain bike racing standard. Their Point 5 full face was on sale for the same price, but certified only to CPSC.

Review updated: 2023

Thousand Helmets

Thousand has two models. Both are skate-style, with small elongated vents in the top. The Heritage 2.0 and similar Thousand Jr. have a small visor molded onto the front, a cable lock that pops out of the rear shell, and "vegetan leather" eco-friendly straps. Available in about a dozen colors. Their upscale Chapter model has a different visor and MIPS, selling for $145. The Chapter scored high in both Consumer Reports and Virginia Tech testing. Retail is $99.

Review updated: 2024

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. Prices start at $3.65, including shipping for orders over 24. They also sell single helmets retail to individuals at about $18 to $25 per helmet including shipping in the continental US. Their Model 18 skate style helmet is dual-certified to the CPSC bicycle standard and ASTM F1492 skateboard standard for $25 single quantity.

Review updated: 2017

Torch

Torch Apparel was inspired by a commuting cyclist who felt that the integrated helmet lights on the market were inadequate. They have one round, smooth urban-style model with rectangular vents (front, sides and rear) and integrated led lights in front and rear. The lights are large rectangles faired into the shell to make it smooth. We have not seen one to evaluate the light output, but the large surface area at least eliminates the tendency for small led lights to appear far away because of their size. The lights--white in front, red in back-- operate on a built-in USB-rechargeable batteries that last up to 12 hours. Ring fit. Retail is $100 on the Torch Apparel website, $8 extra if you need the USB charging cable. There is a visible white option. Fits heads 53 to 61 cm. Here is a very favorable review on Bike Forums. Their website is down, so we don't know if the company still exists or not, and another Torch Apparel has appeared with fitness apparel only.

Review updated: 2023.

Tour de France

Tour de France is distributed by North American Cycles. There is one model, a skate-style helmet with matte finish said to be "great for BMX and skateboards." There is no info on the standards it might meet. Retail is $40.

Review updated: 2017

Triple Eight

Triple Eight has primarily been a skate and ski helmet company. They have expanded their line with interesting new helmets dual-certified to both the ASTM F1492 skateboard helmet standard and to CPSC bike.

• Certified Sweatsaver: Introduced in 2018, a classic skate-style design with a wide band around the inside of soft EVA/PU foam covered with terrycloth. It is dual-certified to CPSC bicycle and ASTM F1492 skateboard standards. Retail is $50.
• Dual Certified: For years this classic skate style shell was Triple Eight's basic model, coming in an array of different liner materials and graphics. Some are not certified to any standard, but one of the series is now the Triple Eight Dual Certified with EPS Liner model, certified to both the CPSC bicycle helmet standard and the ASTM F1492 skateboard helmet standard. Those are the skate models we recommend, and we are glad to see Triple Eight market them. This model fits with pads. There is a visible white option, and the retail price is $40. The MIPS model is $75. The non-MIPS version earned 3 stars in the Virginia Tech STAR system testing, well below the leaders.
• Wipeout: introduced in 2017, the "dry erase helmet." A skate-style helmet designed to be written on with any dry erase marker, either freestyle or with a stencil. Many colors, and one that glows in the dark. Retail is $30, with a marker included.
• Lil 8: a high-end toddler/child skate-style helmet with ABS hard shell that is dual-certified to the ASTM F1492 skateboard standard and to CPSC. That makes it unique among toddler helmets. Has an anti-pinch padded chin strap. Fits heads down to 46cm. Retail is $40
• Gotham: a skate style model that is also dual-certified, with a Conehead (TM) dual-density foam liner. It is the classic skate shape with an ABS hard shell and small vents, unfortunately with the rubber surface that could increase sliding resistance compared to slick plastic. Although we have not seen test results comparing it with the Brainsaver dual-certified, it is likely that this model will perform better for lesser impacts. It has ring fit, a rear stabilizer and reflective logo. It retails for $60, and is worth a look if you want a skate style helmet. There is a MIPS version for $90 and a Darklight version with reflective shell for $70.
• Compass: a road helmet, not skate-style, with reasonable oval vents, combined with grooved EPS liner for air flow. A thin-shell helmet that is inmolded, with the appearance of extra rear coverage. Large bolted-on visor. Retail is $50, or $75 for the MIPS version.
• Invader: a full-face BMX/downhill model with full chinbar and small vents. Has a fiberglass shell and a large, bolted-on visor. Certified to both the CPSC bicycle helmet standard and the ASTM F1952 downhill racing helmet standard, denoting better protection. This is the standard we think all downhill helmets should meet. Comes in visible white or black matte. Retail is $130. Worth a look.
• T8 Racer: a full-face downhill longboard/luge skate model in the BMX/motorcycle style with integrated aero flip-up face shield with the sleek profile that longboarders favor. Certified to both the CPSC bicycle helmet standard and the ASTM F1952 downhill racing helmet standard, denoting better protection. This is the standard we think all downhill skateboard helmets should meet. Notches in the clear or tinted visor permit it to be partially open. Worth a look if you are a longboarder. Retail is $300, but at least that gets you certified downhill protection.

Triple Eight clearly understands the value of marketing dual-certified helmets. But they also produce skate models that are not certified to CPSC or any other standard, and can't be shipped to California.

Review updated: 2017

Troy Lee Designs

Troy Lee is best known for its motorcycle helmet and gear with a BMX line known for high quality rad graphics. Long ago they originated the large bolted-on visor style with rigid mount that adds a potential snag point and has become universal on BMX models. Troy Lee says that the plastic mounts in their helmets are designed to break away or pull out when the visor is snagged. Unfortunately there is no standard for testing that, and nobody will damage a helmet to do it for you at the bike shop or bike show, either, so we still regard the visors as potential snag problems.

• A-3: New for 2021, a road/mountain bike model, well rounded except for an unfortunate small fin in the rear. Has a dual EPP/EPS foam liner said to be better for low energy impacts. Has earned five stars on the Virginia Tech STAR system testing. Comes with a sweat guide said to help channel sweat away from the eyes. Troy Lee is promoting the helmet's comfort. With MIPS the retail is $220. We would like to see test results.
• A-2: A road/mountain bike model, nicely rounded, inmolded with a full-cover shell and large but reasonable vents. It has MIPS. It is similar to the A-1 below, but has a new dual-foam liner of EPS and EPP, said to improve performance in a wide range of impact severity. It has the shape that appears to offer additional rear coverage but must be verified for that on your head. Certified only to the CPSC standard. This helmet earned five stars in Virginia Tech's bicycle helmet ratings for low impact and rotational force protection. Retail on the website is $189.
• A-1: Troy Lee returned to the road/mountain bike helmet market with this nicely rounded helmet that is inmolded with a full-cover shell and large but reasonable vents. It has the shape that appears to offer additional rear coverage but must be verified for that on your head. Retail on the website ranges from $83 to $139 for the MIPS version or $105 for the non-MIPS version. The Youth version has variations listed as $65 to $100. This helmet earned five stars in Virginia Tech's bicycle helmet ratings for low impact and rotational force protection, scoring just below the A-2 above.
• Stage: a downhill mountain bike racing/enduro helmet with a well-vented chinbar and large vents throughout. Like the A2, the liner is dual-density with EPS and EPP layers, and "offers protection against high and low-speed impacts." The exterior is mostly round but has some angular surfaces. There is of course a large Troy Lee visor. Meets the ASTM F1952 downhill racing helmet standard and the ASTM F2032 BMX cycling standard, easily exceeding the CPSC standard. Those are the standards we think downhill and BMX helmets should meet. Has a Fidlock magnetic buckle. Retain on the website is $299 with MIPS.
• D-4: A new downhill helmet for 2020. A classic downhill helmet with full chinbar, some small ridges and just a small style point in the rear. It has MIPS and of course the Troy Lee visor. There are small brow and crown vents, small diamond-shaped rear vents and a vented chinbar. There is a relieved area along the lower rim designed to reduce impact with the collarbone, padded with EPP foam. Meets the ASTM F1952 downhill racing helmet standard and the ASTM F2032 BMX cycling standard, easily exceeding the CPSC standard. Those are the standards we think downhill and BMX helmets should meet. The carbon fiber version retails for $575. The composite version is $400.
• D3 Fiberlite: very similar to the D4, a classic BMX/motorcycle style with full chinbar and Troy Lee visor. The shell is reinforced with fiberglass. Meets the ASTM F1952 downhill racing helmet standard and the ASTM F2032 BMX cycling standard, easily exceeding the CPSC standard. Those are the standards we think downhill and BMX helmets should meet. Strong and durable D-ring buckle. Comes in sizes up to XXL fitting 65cm (25.6") heads. Retail is $249 without MIPS.

There are custom sizing kits available for D4 and D3 helmets. Troy Lee will replace helmet liners after a crash if the shell is not damaged.

Review updated: 2020

TSG - Technical Safety Gear

This Swiss company sells mostly skate helmets in the US in the classic skate style, one road model and one BMX model. The models below are all certified to EN 1078 and US CPSC standards, but not to the ASTM F1492 skateboard standard. TSG's models include:

• Trail Fox: a trail riding style helmet with reasonable blocky vents and the shape that appears to offer additional rear coverage but must be verified for that on your head. We found that it did in fact provide lower coverage. Retails for $90, or $136 with MIPS. Worth a look for the profile and coverage.
• Seek: a unique cross between a trail riding and skate style helmet, with ABS hard shell and large blocky vents in the shape that appears to offer additional rear coverage but must be verified for that on your head.
• Substance 3.0: a road model with a very nicely rounded exterior and many vents. It is inmolded. There is bug mesh in the front vents. Available in visible white for urban use as well as black. Comes with a visor. Retail is $70.
• Meta: introduced in 2017, a classic skate model with ring fit, inmolded with a thin shell. The strap junctions on the sample we saw did not hold well. There will be an Asian Fit model available, both promised for spring 2017 and both retailing for $60.
• Kraken: a classic skate model with ABS hard shell and EPS liner. But the liner is in sections, linked by a mesh, and TSG says the segments flex and enable the helmet to conform to unusual head shapes better. That is similar to the old Sportscope design. There are gaps around the edge of the liner. TSG says the improved fit permits a thinner helmet and better ventilation, even though the helmet has only 14 very small vents. They also say this model has protection extended lower on the head than others, but we can't verify that. Certified to the CPSC and EN1078 bicycle standards, but not the ASTM F1492 skateboard standard. Available only in flat black. Following in TSG's footsteps, Bell introduced in 2014 a segmented liner skate helmet called the Segment. The retail price of the Kraken is $76.
• Dawn: a unique skate style helmet with a polypropylene flexible shell that extends down to cover the ears. EPS liner, very small front vents. Retail is €52.
• Dawn Flex: a unique skate style helmet with a polypropylene flexible shell that extends down to cover the ears. Along with the flexible poly shell it has the Kraken's segmented EPS liner, providing the possibility of a better fit for some heads. Very small front vents. Retail is $67.
• Superlight: classic skate shape and small rectangular vents, but with a thin shell instead of a hard shell. It is inmolded with an inward curve in the lower shell. Comes in visible white as well as dark colors. Meets the European CEN bicycle helmet standard and the US CPSC bike helmet standard, but not the ASTM F1492 skateboard standard. Retail is $70.
• Nipper: classic skate shape, but a thin shell design certified only to CPSC. Sized for kids with two sizes covering a range from 48 cm to 56 cm (18.9 to 22.0 inches). Retail is $50.
• Evolution: almost the same skate model as the Superlight, with small rectangular vents and an ABS plastic hard shell. Meets the CPSC bicycle standard. Available in many solid colors and graphic schemes, including neon orange, lime yellow and women's graphics. 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. A new graphic effect called "colored clear" uses transparent or semi-transparent shells, and some bright colors are available. Retail is $48 or $62 for graphic models. Also comes with different graphics in XXL size but fits only up to 60.5 cm (23.8 inches) at $50, and a youth model. A plainer version is the All Terrain in solid colors. There is even a wakeboarding model with ear flaps. There is also a "Stay Strong" version commemorating and supporting paralyzed BMXer Stephen Murray. This model fits some Asian heads well.
• Skate/BMX: a classic ABS plastic hard shell skate design with one less vent than the Evolution. Colors include visible white. Retail is $34. This one is available in a matched set in cobalt blue that includes a helmet and protective pads for skate park rental programs.
• Staten: classic BMX/motorcycle style helmets with chinbar and a big visor. Fiberglass shell with vents. Certified to the Snell B-95 bicycle helmet standard, somewhat exceeding the CPSC standard. Retail price is $154.
• Advance/Advance Carbon: classic BMX/motorcycle style helmets with chinbar and a big visor. Almost no vents. Certified to the ASTM F1952 downhill mountain bike racing standard, surpassing CPSC. Retail is $190, or $320 for the carbon shell model.
• Pass Pro/Pass Pro Carbon: a downhill longboard style full-face model with either carbon or fiberglass shell, no vents and the full face shield that longboaders prefer. No visor. There is no energy management padding in the chinbar. Certified to the ASTM F1952 downhill mountain bike racing standard, surpassing CPSC. Retail is $455. The fiberglass shell version is the Pass, at $260.

TSG's skate helmets fit a narrow range of heads from 54 to 60 cm. Their full-face helmets fit heads from 56 to 61 cm.

Review updated: 2017

Tung I Hsing

See Tung Kuang below.

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 more likely 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. Most of the models below are on Snell's B-95 list, denoting somewhat better protection than CPSC-only models. We have not seen their line or pricing this year. TKLI also produces helmets for other uses, including military, baseball, motorcycle, equestrian, football and snow sports.

Review updated: 2017

TurboSke

TurboSke helmets are made by in China by Dongguan Flying Sports Goods Co. Ltd. and sold on the internet, including Amazon, by SKE Outdoors. In September of 2021 CPSC announced a recall of their toddler helmets.

Review updated: 2021

Urge

Urge entered the US market in 2011 with bicycle helmets that are environmentally sensitive and in some cases linked to green causes in other countries. They contribute one percent of their profits to environmental causes. Some models use recycled EPS, and all have straps of recycled PET. There is a signature round vent with Urge logo surrounding it on most models. Packaging has "the legal minimum of plastic bags and other useless gadgets" with boxes made of recyclable unvarnished cardboard. All models are certified to CPSC for the US and the CEN EN 1078 standard for Europe. The line includes:

• AllM: (named for all mountain sports) a road model inmolded with only eight very large vents, and double bridging showing through the vents across the front and a very large round vent dominating the sides at the rear. Pad fit. European model that does not meet the CPSC standard.
• Supacross: a road model inmolded with large vents, and a high back bump. The liner is recycled EPS. It has the signature round vents prominently in the sides. Ring fit. Retails for $125. There is a version with visor called the Supatrail for $130.
• Endur-O-Matic: skate-style profile, but molded in the thin shell with 8 larger round vents. Still has the extended skate coverage in the rear, and a visor that is made with soft material to prevent it from snagging, but is strongly attached. The visor also directs air to the vents. Some bright colors available. Retail is $105.
• Down-O-Matic: a full face downhill racing model with an unusual shape that has shoulders below the crown. Round vents. Still only CPSC and CEN-certified. Retail in fiberglass is $200.
• Archi Enduro: Pitched as the first enduro event helmet, a full face model with round vents, visor and a very narrow chin piece. Retail is $190.
• Archi Enduro Veggie: a full-face downhill Archie Enduro with the hard shell reinforced with linen plant fiber. Bolted on visor. Retail is $225.
• Activist: a classic hard shell skate style helmet with small round vents. It is made with recycled EPS and an unpainted, dyed ABS shell. Urge calls this their "entry level" helmet, but the one that goes furthest in environmentally appropriate materials. There are high visibility green and yellow options. Retail is $40.
• RealJet: an open-face BMX helmet with fiberglass hard shell and the general shape of a shorty motorcycle helmet. There are six of the signature Urge vents in the top, but none on other surfaces, and the round theme is repeated on the visor and visor anchors. This is a European model only, and a limited edition that will be confined to 400 helmets.

Urge helmets fit sizes from 54 to 61 cm (21.3 to 24.0 inches).

Review updated: 2017

Uvex

Uvex is probably best known internationally for its optical products, but in the bicycle market there is interest in their helmets. Their helmets are designed and all made in Germany except for the Urban, Hero and Viva. All of them are inmolded. They have reflective logos, mostly recessed strap anchors and front vent net for insects. 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 warm rides and the strap loosens. It is one of the few designs that prompts the rider to automatically adjust the chinstrap each time they put it on. All of their helmets have a ring fit system with a dial adjuster. Some can be had in a sunglasses-plus-helmet combination and there are optional small LED flashers in red and white that replace the rear strap anchor for all inmolded models. Uvex helmets are distributed by Magura in the US.

In December of 2014 Uvex recalled seven of their models. We sent out a newsletter with info on the recall. It was for strap and impact protection failure, but was not an official CPSC recall.

The Uvex line includes:

• Finale: a trail riding style road helmet pitched for enduro events with a very round, smooth profile and large, blocky vents. Full wraparound shell and the shape that appears to offer additional rear coverage but must be verified for that on your head. Retail is $130.
• Stivo: a classic elongated road helmet with a high point in the rear. Has a full wraparound shell and the shape that appears to offer some additional rear coverage but must be verified for that on your head. The Stivo cc variation is less expensive. Also comes in different trim as the City S. With glossy finish it is the Stivo C. There is a women's model, the Stiva cc. Retail is $120. European model certified only to the CEN standard.
• Jakkyl: a trail riding design with a round profile and large vents that becomes a full face downhill helmet with an optional quick-change chinbar, or you can buy the full face version as the Jakkyl Hde. That one got a gold product award at Eurobike 2016. For enduro events Uvex says their team riders climb with the chinbar off and snap it on for the descents. Meets only the CPSC bike standard, not the ASTM downhill mountain bike racing standard, but apparently for Eurobike the CPSC standard is enough to merit a gold award.
• P8000 Tour: a skate-style model with a very different style, certified as a bike/snow/climbing helmet. Has a goggle bracket, headlamp mount and detachable winter lining. European model.
• Quattro: a road model with a nicely rounded smooth shell and reasonable vents. Retail is $160. There is a women's version at the same price. If you don't like rounded helmets, the Quattro Pro comes with a "spoiler" that you insert and it provides a point to stick up in the rear. Has Uvex's breakaway camera mount built in. Retail is $190. There is also a Quatro Junior for kids with fewer vents.
• Oversize: a road model with many vents and a very modest rear point, made in XXL to fit heads up to 65cm (25.6"). US model, retail is $140.
• City e: an urban model with a very round and smooth profile, nicely recessed strap anchors and reasonable vents. Similar to a trail riding style design, but smoother lines. The vents are not fully covered by the shell, leaving black foam accents around each vent for a unique look. Optional LED flasher for the rear. European model certified only to the CEN standard.
• EDAero: an aero road model with very small vents and a full wraparound shell. Retail is $220.
• Race 1: an elongated road model with rear points and many vents.
• Race 5: an elongated road model with rear points, inmolded with an inner shell also co-molded. Many vents. Fits heads 50 to 59 cm. Retails for $260.
• Pheox: a compact model with modest rear points, inmolded with an inner shell also co-molded. Many vents. Fits heads 50 to 59 cm. Retails for $190.
• Boss Race: a classic elongated road model, inmolded model with a wraparound shell covering all the foam. Has rear points and ridges. Retails for $130. Recalled in December 2014 along with the Sport Boss.
• i-vo: compact shape with one small rear point and a small visor. Retail is $80. Also comes as the i-vo cc with larger visor for $100. There is also a City i-vo with a visible white option, and a youth version called the Air Wing with splashy graphics.
• XP City: large vents and squared-off rear treatment with a blunt point, but skate-style coverage. Has a rear LED light and reflective trim. Medium size only. Visor. Without the light it is the XP CC with visor for $120.
• Onyx: a youth helmet for smaller heads with a rounded profile, almost no point, visor and one bright color choice. This is the former Superhelix. It is inmolded and has a small ponytail port. Fits sizes 52 to 57 cm (20.5 to 22.4 inches). Retail is $90. This one is a US model. Recalled in December 2014.
• Kid 1: a helmet for toddlers 1 to 3 years old. Has small vents and extended rear coverage. Euro model, not CPSC certified.
• Kid 2: a helmet for toddlers 1 to 3 years old. Has small vents and an adult style but toddler graphics. Euro model, not CPSC certified.
• Kid 3: a classic ABS hard shell skate-style helmet for kids. Has rectangular vents and extended rear coverage. Euro model, not CPSC certified.
• Hlmt 5 Bike: a skate style helmet with a small brim and rectangular vents. Retail is $70. Also comes as the Hlmt 5 Bike Pro
• City 5: a skate style helmet with hard shell and rectangular vents. Retail is $70. Also comes as the City V with a partial face shield and visible white and orange options. European model certified only to the CEN standard.
• Race 4: a round aero helmet similar to the Casco, with a carbon fiber shell and a full face shield to complete the bowling ball profile.
• Hlmt 9 Bike: full face downhill model with a vented polycarbonate hard shell and vents. Certified only to the CPSC bike helmet standard, not the ASTM downhill mountain bike racing standard.
• Race 2 Pro: an inmolded long tail time trial/chrono model with four small triangular vents. An audible signal helps the rider maintain optimal helmet position. Fits heads from 54 to 59cm. European model certified only to the CEN standard. Retail is €200.
• Race 6: a full carbon shell long tail time trial/chrono model with small front vents and a face shield with magnetic mount. Retail is $1250, the highest we know of. Recalled in December 2014.

Some Uvex helmets fit heads up to 63 cm/24.8 inches. Uvex offers a crash replacement discount of 30% off the retail price.

Review updated: 2017

Van Rysel/Decathlon

Van Rysel is the house brand of Decathlon outdoor and fitness equipment. They have an interesting story of how the name was selected on the Decathlon website. Their models include road, skate, ski and equestrian helmets. They have a helmet liner (cap) that they claim will lower your skin temperature by 5 degrees through evaporation (?) and another "helmet" that has bulky facial protection for kids.

Review updated: 2021

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 points. Some are inmolded. Strap anchors are recessed or internal on all models. All are ring fit. Most are sold under other brands. Vcan also has skate and snow helmets, but their website emphasizes motorcycle helmets.

Review updated: 2017

Vento

Barbieri Accessories began in 1985 with a revolving brush chain cleaner, adding other accessories like carbon fiber and titanium mini pumps, to now proving a full range of bike accessories. To round out their line they have the models below. All are certified to European standards and are branded Vento.

• CAS/3018IN: a road model with rear points, inmolded, with larger vents.
• CAS/235IN: Another road model with rear points, introduced in 2009 with glued-on shell.
• Helmet: Barbieri's original model, with a distinctive bumpout in the back. No longer in their web catalog but still on the web page.
• Kid Adjustable: A vented toddler helmet with ring fit and taped on shell. Also comes as the Kid Small, apparently in a smaller size, but also with a ring fit.

Review updated: 2017

Velotec - Freetown - Cyclic

Velotec was incorporated in 2015 in Inglewood, California, but the company has other addresses in Louisiana and two main helmet brands: Freetown Gear & Gravel, and Cyclic. Their helmets are in Costco stores and online at Amazon, among others. All of them are inmolded. Retail prices start at $40 and go up, but are much lower at Costco and Home Depot's 2018 Black Friday sale had one model at $13. Styles are nicely rounded in the lower price ranges, but tend to the older elongated shape with points in the upper range.

Review updated: 2020

Ventura

Ventura is a house label of the bicycle distributor North American Cycles. The helmets mostly retail in the $15 to $35 range. They are available in mass-market retail stores. In mid-2016 they introduced the Ventura Retro Crash Cap, a leather-covered "helmet" with huge vents that is advertised to meet only the European EN1078 standard but was selling at Sears and K-Mart in the US, so it is required to be certified to the CPSC standard. Our sample did not meet the CPSC or European labeling requirements, since it has no label inside at all. We now cover it under the M-Wave brand above. It is on the NAC web page as the M-Wave Retro Crash Cap, but "out of stock."

Ventura also produces a full face helmet with a removable chinbar, the Trifecta Extreme Helmet. It is CPSC certified and retails for $55.

Review updated: 2020

Vigor Sports - VSI

Vigor Sports (Hong Jin Cycle Corp.) is a Korean manufacturer formerly bringing to the US a large and varied line of helmets. For 2017 they have dropped their conventional helmets to become an "audio helmet" company with all skate-style models. There are four models, different mostly in color. All have integrated Bluetooth audio and are dual-certified to the ASTM F1486 Skateboard standard and the CPSC bike helmet standard. EPS liner. Retail is $90 to $100.

Review updated: 2017

Vittoria

Vittoria is known in the US for its well-established line of shoes and has expanded its line here with helmets. All are inmolded. There are bright color combinations. Most have bug mesh in the front vents. For 2016 many helmets in the line have been replaced or renamed:

• VHE: introduced in 2017, a well-rounded trail model with thick frames around the vents. Has insect mesh and a bolted-on visor.
• VTY: a road/urban helmet with a very nicely rounded profile and reasonable vents. It has reflective stitching on the straps. Retails for $50.
• VH-Ikon: an aero road helmet with a unique rounded profile and just a few very large vents. It has a shelf effect in the rear. Made in Italy. Retail is $250, or $275 with MIPS.
• VH1.0: a rounded, compact road helmet with minimal rear points and many vents. Retails for $60. With "Soft Touch" external finish it is the VH2.0, retailing for $70.
• VH6.0: a compact road model with many vents and points in the rear. Retail is $90.
• VH2.0: an elongated road helmet with rear points and many vents. Without visor it is the VH1.0
• VH Race: a compact road model with one modest rear point and many large vents. Retail is $120.
• VDRT: a compact mountain bike design with large vents and just a shelf in the rear. Retail is $90.
• VHTT Chrono: a long tailed time-trialing helmet with small slit vents. It is inmolded. Meets the CPSC standard for sale in the US. Fits heads from 55 to 61 cm.

Review updated: 2017

Wheels

Wheels is a rideshare company that rents you an electric bike. On the rear carrier of the e-bike is a helmet. You unlock the helmet with your phone app and use it for free during the ride, relocking it on the bike when you are finished. The inside of the helmet has layers of biodegradable liner, and you just peel off a layer before you put it on to have a fresh helmet. For an introductory period Wheels gives you a 20 per cent discount on your ride if you use the free helmet. The concept is extremely well thought-out.

We have not seen the Wheels helmet in person, and the web description is minimal, but it is obviously a very well-rounded urban/skate-style model. There are no vents, probably to accommodate the peel-off liner. Since this is an ebike, that should not pose a problem for most riders for short rides in most climates. We are speculating that the peel-off layers may even provide some rotational energy mitigation, and the smooth round exterior is the shape we think is optimal for that. No helmet can fit all heads, of course.

We think this is a break-through moment for shared ebikes.

Review updated: 2020

Woom

Woom is primarily a child bicycle company, with a child helmet in classic skate shape with larger than usual vents. It earned a "Don't Buy: Safety Risk" from Consumer Reports in July of 2019, with a note that the helmet flunked the impact testing. They reported: "Woom Bikes said it halted U.S. and Canadian sales of its helmets soon after CR contacted the company and is figuring out its next steps." But a month later the helmets were still for sale on the Woom site, but with a price of $69 and the notation "available soon." So perhaps the helmet was being reworked. There was nothing on the site to indicate a recall of the failed helmets, but CPSC announced a recall in August of 2020, more than a year later, of only the size small.

Review updated: 2020

X-Factor

See Kent International.

Xnito

Xnito has a single ebike helmet, introduced in 2022. It meets the Dutch NTA standard, and has a well-rounded shell with angular graphics to avoid the skate style look. It has larger vents than a skate helmet, but much smaller than a typical road model. It has LED lights front and rear. Has removable liners for summer and winter, but the vents would be really small for summers in the US. Although the website mentions a "hard shell" the weight indicates that this is a thin shell helmet. We have not seen one. Fits heads 22 7/8 to 24 1/8in (58 - 61cm). Comes with a removable fabric visor. Retail is $150.

Review updated: 2022

XS

XS "designs and manufactures helmets and apparel with a focus on the women's action sports market." They have three skate-style models with a hard shell and small vents:

• Skyline: a skate-style helmet with a slight visor flair in front. Rectangular slit vents in front. Ring fit. There is a fit kit for narrow heads and wider Asian Fit heads. It comes in six colors. Retail is $70, or $50 for the youth version.
• Classic Skate: even more classic than the Skyline, with no visor flair and small round front vents. Retail is $60.
• XS X Predator DH6: a longboarding helmet with the usual laid-back aerodynamic lines. There is a chin vent to help keep the face shield from fogging. Comes with clear and shaded shields. Certified only to CPSC and EN1078 bike helmet standards.

Review updated: 2017

Yakkay

This Danish company sells a hat-style helmet. It is a basic skate-style helmet with covers that convert it into a fashion accessory that does not look like a helmet. The hats could be a snagging hazard, but there is no test in the CPSC standard for snagging. See our page on hat-style helmets for more. It is well suited to places where wearing a helmet is considered over-the-top for normal riders. The looks include a tweed hat with a brim that can flip up or down, a military-style cap in tweed, orange or other colors and two others that conform to the helmet shape but have different detailing and textures. There is one with Swarovsky crystals. There are no vents in the covers. The Yakkay site lists dealers in a number of European countries. List price in Denmark is 299 Danish Kroner ($60 US), or £90 in the UK. Prices can be much higher for some high-fashion covers. Lazer now has a similar cap-covered helmet, and others are using cap-style visors to make their helmet look more like a cap. A great concept for those who would not be caught dead in a helmet.

Yakkay has an accessory called Safe One that is basically a padlock for locking your helmet's straps to the bicycle. It has a case that stashes a bag to cover your helmet with, keeping it clean and dry. It is a good thought for a helmet that has a fashion cover. See also Casqu' en Ville and Abus for similar designs.

Review updated: 2017

Zefal

Zefal helmets appear in the US under the Michelin brand. Their Zefal Pro 24 is on our June 2024 list of helmets that achieved high rankings on both Consumer Reports and Virginia Tech testing.

Zero Gravity

Zero Gravity makes helmets that are usually used for downhill street luge or longboading. Their ZG Vector m-5 is certified to the ASTM F1492 skateboard standard, not to CPSC. It is a hard shell full face helmet, with a full face shield. The shell is made of layers of fiberglass and a layer of carbon fiber, with an EPS liner. It has the sleek backward slanted profile that downhill luge riders favor for tucking in their chins while on their backs. Retail is $200 and up.

Review updated: 2017

Zhuhai Golex

See Golex above.

Zhuhai Safety/Tstar

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 they call TStar. Most are sold by others under their brand, 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).

Review updated: 2017

Zhuhai Star Safety

See Star Helmets above.

This page is frequently updated during the model year.

If you see something that needs updating, please send us an email!

Index to Brands

• 6D
  100%
  318
  7.20
  Abus
  Acro
  Acclaim
  Action/Senhai
  Aegis
  Airium
  Aerogo / Lucky Bell
  AGV
  Alltop, Allpro (Shanghai Tung Kuang)
  Alpha
  Angeles
  Animiles
  Answer
  Apple (Lumos)
  Armor
  Ascent
  Aurora
  Azonic/O'Neal
  B'Safe (Helite)
  Babaali (Moon)
  Barbie
  Bandbox
  Barbieri (Vento)
  BBB
  Bell
  Bern Unlimited
  Bianchi
  Biologic
  BiOS
  Bluegrass Eagle
  Bobike
  Bold
  Bollé
  Bontrager/Trek
  Bravo Sports
  BrainGuard
  Briko
  BTIN
  Cairbull
  Cannondale
  Canyon
  Capix
  Carnac
  Carrera
  Casco
  Casqu'enville
  Catlike
  Cigna
  Closca
  CNS - ProRider
  Coros
  Cosmo Connected
  Coyle
  Cratoni
  Crazy Stuff
  Crnk
  Cycle Chris/Evolo
  Cycle Force
  Cyclic
  Cyclone Bicycle
  D-Curve
  Dahon
  Demon
  Diadora
  Dimensions
  DK
  DotOut
  Domio (Elevety)
  Draco
  Dux
  Easetour
  Ebon (Co-Union)
  Eco
  Egg
  Ekoi
  Electra (Trek brand)
  Elevety
  Endura
  Etto
  Evolo/Cycle Chris
  Exustar
  Fend
  Fisher-Price
  First Ascent
  Fly Racing
  Fox Racing
  Free Agent
  Freetown
  Fuji
  Funkier
  Fuse
  Louis Garneau
  Genesis - Kent
  GES
  Giro
  Gmax
  Golex
  Gonex
  Gray
  GT
  Guang Zhou Long Sheng
  Hades/Carnac
  Halfords
  Haloglow
  Hamax
  Happy Way
  Harsh Protective Gear
  Haven
  Headkayse (now Hedkayse)
  Headlight AB
  Hedkayse (formerly Headkayse)
  Hedon
  Helite (B'Safe)
  Helmets R Us
  HexR
  Hong Kong Sports
  Hovding
  Hopus Technology/Aegis Helmets
  Hornit-Clug
  Hot Wheels
  Iki
  ISX
  JBI Bike/J&B Importers
  Joykie
  Kabuto - OGK
  Kali
  Kask
  KAV
  Kazam
  KBC
  KED
  Kent
  Kiddimoto
  Knucklehead
  Kokua
  Kong
  Kranium (see also Abus)
  Krashco
  Kuji Sports
  Kunshan Yiyuan Sporting Goods
  Kylin
  L.A.S.
  LaBici (Armor)
  Lazer
  Leatt
  LifeBEAM
  Limar
  Liv
  Livall
  Louis Garneau
  Lucky Bell / Aerogo
  Lumos
  M-Wave
  Magicshine
  Martone
  Mavic
  Meilan
  Melon
  MET
  Michelin (Zefal)
  Mien Yow Industry
  Miga
  Mobo
  Mongoose / Pacific Cycle
  Moon
  Morpher
  Netti
  Ninebot/Segway
  Nishiki
  Norin
  Northwave
  Now
  Nutcase
  O2
  OGK
  Oktos
  One
  O'Neal (Azonic/O'Neal)
  Orbea
  Overade
  Pacific Cycle
  Pillow Pets
  POC
  Polisport
  Potenza
  ProRider - CNS
  Pro Supergo
  Pro-Tec
  Proviz
  Prowell
  Pryme
  Puky
  Punisher
  R2
  Radkappe
  Raskullz
  Razor/Kent
  Rhoads
  Roar
  Rudy Project
  Safe-Tec
  Sakar International
  San Diego Speed - SDS - Armor
  Sahn
  S-One
  Sawako Furumo
  Schwinn / Pacific Cycle
  Scott
  SDL
  SE Ripper
  Seattle
  Sector 9
  Segway/Ninebot
  Sena
  Selev
  SH +
  Shadow Conspiracy
  Shaun White Supply Co
  Shimano (Lazer)
  Shanghai Tung Kuang (Alltop, Allpro)
  Shaun White Supply Company
  Shenzhen Baojiali
  Shenzhen Hezhen Bicycle
  Shenzhen Qukang
  Sikh Helmets
  Sixsixone
  Smart
  Smith
  SMS Speed Mobility System
  Specialized
  Spoton
  Speedzone
  Spiuk
  Star
  Strategic Sports
  Sunshine - Fosan
  Sweet Protection
  Taizhou Vista
  TEC Components
  THE
  Thousand
  Tong Ho Hsing (THH)
  Tony Hawk
  Topgear
  Torch
  Tour de France
  Trek/Bontrager
  Triple Eight
  Troy Lee
  TSG
  Tung Kuang
  TurboSke
  Urbaniki
  Urge
  Uvex
  Variflex - VFX (Bravo Sports)
  Van Rysel (Decathlon)
  Vcan
  Velotec
  Vento (Barbieri)
  Ventura
  Vigor Sports
  Vista - Taizhou Vista
  Vittoria
  Wheels
  Woom
  WRC - BTIN
  X-Factor
  X-Games
  Xnito
  XS
  Yakkay
  Zefal (Michelin)
  ZG Zero Gravity (skateboard only)
  Zhuhai Golex (Golex)
  Zhuhai Safety
  Zhuhai Star Safety