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Comments - Helmets: An Exploration
May 13, 2011
Had a LAS Victory now a Catlike Whisper Plus...I can't wait to go back to the LAS, the Catlike is an unbelievable uncomfortable helmet. It may vent well, but after an hour or so on your head it digs in. Finally for those with large heads, their version of Large is well, not very large. However the Helmet Pod is brilliant.
- OGC, LA, CA
May 10, 2011
Jim from Calgary- Thanks for sharing your stories, and for your continued confidence in us. On behalf of everyone here, I hope the road is smooth from here on out. Best,
- Eric, Giro
May 10, 2011
Those Catlike helmets are really appalling. The white one looks like an old granny in curlers, and that ridiculous green one that Movistar wear looks like a head of broccoli.
- Brian, East London
May 10, 2011
The most important thing about helmets is whether they work. I've tried several brands over the years but have serious crash experience with two different Giros - one of the original Prolights that I was wearing in a 1988 crash and an Atmos I was wearing last year when I crashed in Italy. The Prolight was broken through in three places but I only had a mild headache. The neurosurgeon who examined me told my son that I would have died without the Atmos. I'm still suffering a bit of post concussion trauma ten months later but I hope to be on my bike again in the next couple of weeks. My younger son hit a guardrail head on after being tossed from his TT bike and his Garneau aero helmet worked too. When I saw Louis Garneau at nationals the following year, I thanked him for the helmet - my son's head was in a lot better shape than his shoulder, the other thing that hit the guardrail.
I'm not saying other brands don't work. However, I have so much confidence in Giro after my experience that I'll stick with them even though support in Canada is lousy (pay to ship your wrecked helmet back to the distributor and they'll sell you a new helmet at a discount similar to a normal team discount from your dealer). Thanks for saving my head twice Giro and thanks again Garneau for my son's head.
- Jim, Calgary
May 09, 2011
The Lazer has an optional foul weather cover that is not only practical, but dramtically increased its "aeroness" on cooler days that you do not need venting.
- The Dude, NYC, NY
May 09, 2011
You missed the a big issue I have with top tier Giro helmets. The newer giro helmets lack continuous and thick front padding to stop the helmet from dumping sweat into my eyes. The much cheaper, non-giro helmet I'm using now does a great job.
- eric, wayne pa
May 08, 2011
You left off my favorite, the Rudy Project Zuma. The weight is comparable to the Catlike Whisper Plus at 309 grams (medium). Good ventilation and a one piece insert of pads and netting that is very comfortable. The tightening mechanism is a dial that's easy to use. A great helmet.
- Don, Edmonds, WA
May 07, 2011
I like catlike but the company will not work with me in getting a early chrono exchanged for a legal one for the US, also I need a sticker to make the whisper plus legal com on guys you want in this US market or not??? Tired of DQ threats
- Jim, Spokane Wa
May 06, 2011
You are almost correct about Radars not fitting in the vents of the Prolight. I thought the same thing (to my dismay) when I first got it. Then I realized that they fit quite well in the back vents. Problem solved. My helmet still holds my sunnies when I don't need them.
- MvK, ATX
May 06, 2011
The mystery category answered my one burning question about the Aeon. I love my Ionos, and really like my Prolight, but the lack of "hosterability" in the Prolight drives me nuts. Looks like I just found my next helmet
- Craig, Melbourne, Australia
May 06, 2011
The LG Diamond is a fantastic helmet in all of the above categories. The retention system may be a "dated Giro system" in your opinion but it works great. One finger will tighten or loosen it and it's very user friendly on the fly. Anyway, as usual great info from the folks at CC.
- Tim, Kalamazoo, MI
May 06, 2011
How about "round" vs. "oval" head shapes? The Giro Aeon may have the best combo of all identified features, but it won't fit my roundish head. A Bell or Specialized (I have both) will. That parameter in and of itself is critical. (OK, sunglass holsterability is probably a close second)
- La Mosca, Sillycon Valley
May 06, 2011
MET SineThesis kills all of these. You forgot to mention the pads and strap material. MET is cleary superior here. Too bad they do not sell in the USA.
- Juan, San Diego, CA
May 06, 2011
What I like about the Helium is that the middle size (M/L) is good up to 60cm and fits me fine, while the Giro's middle size (M) only goes to 59cm and is just a little too snug forcing me to the large which looks like a laundry basket on my head. The Helium gives me the room I need but not too much. Check it out if you tend to run between the medium and large sizes.
- Kimball, Seattle
May 06, 2011
For my money, over-all weight, sun glasses stowability, ventilation, lock system, and cost thrown in, the LG Diamond is the best feature to cost (best value) out there. I'm also a big fan of the Giro Atmos for the same reason.
The one thing I would add to the discussion is that the LG Diamond tends to run more elliptically shaped. Other helmets I've tried, especially the Giro'/Bell's/Specialized models tend to have a more round head shape.
I have a longer, narrower head shape and the LG Diamond is the best for my head shape I've ever found. I absolutely REFUSE to pay $200 for a helmet. That's a joke.
Because of write ups like this, Competitive Cyclist is THE BOMB!
- El Roberto, Lafayette
May 06, 2011
Uh, nothig from Specialized? The Giro's I've purchased have always sucked ie., not enough padding, padding that precisley channels sweat into my eyes, and four- or six-piece padding that is easily lost or mishandled....never been worth the money.
- JoeBobTex, Tyler
May 06, 2011
Was happy with my Volt but team went from Bell to Lazer. I tried the Helium and I learned that all Lazer helmets come with rediculously short chin straps. Not long enough to even clip in on my small skinny face/head- definite manufacturing flaw by Lazer. Wore the Ionos for a couple months, never could get that comfortable fit. I settled with the Aeon. I think it all just boils down to fit because all manufacturers and models are going to fit differently.
- Tyler, Scottsdale, AZ
May 06, 2011
Currently use the LG Diamond. I would like to see any of these makers throw some type of screen or netting over the vents to prevent bugs from flying in. The LG Diamond, for example, has very deep front vents, and on fast descents I have caught a few bugs that cannot escape, and sustained one bee sting already.
- Kris, Alamo
May 06, 2011
I never buy top tier helmets, or if I do, I buy the previous year's model, and save $$$ for other bike parts & accessories. I have an 2009 Ionos, and I
- John, Sunnyvale, CA
May 06, 2011
Good point, Mick. What we need is a Consumer Reports test on helmet safety. These feathery lids are, literally, "scary light." CC: Why don't you crash-test these bad boys and report back?
- DaveStoller, Fairfield, CT
May 06, 2011
Hey, I know you don't sell them but what about Bell? I've never been able to find a Giro that actaully fits my large rectangular skull (maybe the Europeans all have nice round heads?), but Bell helmets work just fine for me!
- John, Newport
May 06, 2011
@captain obvious -- Yes, I realize that CC has them in stock, and I do live right down the road from them, but it's not exactly set up like a normal retail store where you can go in and try stuff on (Dear CC - you guys are great on the phone and e-mail, but terrible for walk-ins). And no other brick-and-mortar that I've seen has them in stock. So, bite me!
- Chris, LRAR
May 06, 2011
I have never had to adjust a helmet mid-ride. I always notice when my helmet is not on before I ride but never notice it at all once the ride starts. Venting? Feels the same as when I rode with styrofoam. Maybe I'm not going fast enough. Price? Buy low but not lowest and spend the difference on a great pair of shoes and a saddle you love to sit on all day long. On my daily 15 mile commute, the old guy with the funky helmet swats everyone else at will, vents or not.
- Patrick, Harbor City
May 06, 2011
I've had the Giro Ionos, the Prolight, and the Lazer Helium and Genesis. The one thing that isn't mentioned here is the customer care response from the manufacturer, should you need it. GIRO is excellent and domestic. They replaced my Ionos, free of charge. No squabbles. Apparently, my Lazer Helium has been recalled. But supply is so short that I've not been able to get one. That was a problem with the initial release last year too. Great helmet though. Prefer the Lazer overall.
- Jonathan, Boston, MA
May 06, 2011
You know what they say about huge heads: X(X)-Large helmet size. I rock the Helium and love the rollsys fit. They have the huge helmet sizes for my over sized dome.
- Joe, Sacramento
May 06, 2011
PLEASE publish the complete PRO Book of Nuance!
- Steve, Seattle
May 06, 2011
When there's a PRO, there's a way.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sjaradona/4837914438/
- MC, NY NY
May 06, 2011
I understand that the pros will be willing to spend $250 for the best helmet. But for most folks, is there really enough of a difference between the $250 Giro Aeon (218g) and a $30 Giro Indicator (278g)? That $220 could buy some really good tires and tubes, for example, which would make a big difference. Or an excellent pair of shoes. Or the perfect seat. No?
- Alex, Cambridge, MA
May 06, 2011
re: the Prolight...
I tired one of these before I bought my Lazer and just wasn't comfortable with the way the helmet seemed to move on my head when I shook it... I tried both the Medium and Large and both didn't inspire confidence if I went down... which I did about two weeks after I bought the Lazer instead of the Prolight.... I was very glad to have the stability of the Lazer...
- Chris, San Diego
May 06, 2011
I LOVE my Lazer helmet, best retention system on the market PERIOD! Instead of smashing the front of the helmet against your forehead, it tightens around your WHOLE head... and it is light enough to forget its there... as far as the sunglasses issue... if I'm going to be out in anything besides bright sunlight, I wear my photochromatic glasses that change with the light... I'd hate to take bug or rock in the eye just so I could be cool and have a pair of Oakleys hanging in my helmet... besides, helmets are like saddles and the only way to tell if one is for you is to try it on...
- Chris, San Diego
May 06, 2011
I love the Prolight however my Oakley Jawbones don't fit very well together. I'm thinking a Giro conspiracy to wear their glasses instead! Dispite being between size M and L I find the Prolight fit very comfortable and the ventilation to be good. It's is so smallish that the side ventilations make up for the smaller ports. I am switching to the Aeon because the retention system is so great and they have it in Garmin's WC colors. The cranium (not size) adjustment is the 1st I've even seen and a great, underpublisized feature.
I still don't know why they won't make a small sun visor for us roadies. Even the great LA had Giro add one to his helmet.
- Curtis, Cottonwood, Ca
May 06, 2011
You seem to missing two key producers of helmets from your comparison. Even if CC does not carry Bell or Specialize, they figure prominently in the pro peloton. Their absence would seems to invalidate your analysis. Also my son wears my old Catlike and is the coolest looking 7 year old on two wheels
- Charles, Athens
May 06, 2011
Conspicuous omission of Bell helmets, which you also sell and which also appear on more than a few pro heads--how come?
- AMS, Brooklyn
May 06, 2011
Something that I read a few years ago: There have been concerns with helmets that have rearward facing "points" that could catch on the road in the event of a fall. I don't know if this is a real safety issue, but it is something I find to be a possibility. Are there cases of these helmet "points" getting caught on the road causing injury. Is more rounded helmet without the "points" a safer alternative?
- MickC, Sudbury
May 06, 2011
winter helmet = 1 size larger!!!
- max headroom, cyberspace
May 06, 2011
sunglasses not fitting in vents is a bummer!
- juanito, nyc
May 06, 2011
Michael, I've got an Ionos, Prolight, and Helium, and I just spent four months wearing a rapha winter cap on every ride and I'd say it works fine with both the adjustable Ionos and Helium, but the Prolight, since it lacks adjustment was too tight for my large head when I added the Rapha cap (helmet fits fine w/o any cap).
- Matt, Portland
May 06, 2011
chris, seriously, its on the CC right now, limited colors and sizes but in stock none the less!
- captain obvious, look it up, east coast
May 06, 2011
Great review/comparison, thanks. I'd figured this would be the result, but since apparently NO ONE has the Aeon in stock yet, it's been impossible to judge for myself. Looks like I'll be getting a new hat soon.
- Chris, LRAR
May 06, 2011
Genius! Finally someone factored in the "sunglass retention" category. I've given up on Lazer primarily for that. Second is due to the cable system, although I do love the fit the anchor for the cable is a bit underwhelming and mine broke loose during a race. Not a show stopper, but made for a distracted last couple of laps.
- Jason Evans, ATX
May 06, 2011
Do any of them become unwearable when you add a winter hat (like Rapha's) underneath?
- Michael, NYC
May 06, 2011
Honorable mention for Aeroshells and Winterkits available for Lazer Helium and Genesis...
- Uri, Easthampton
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