We recommend smooth helmets that do not snag when you crash. The selection of well-rounded models has expanded in 2007, including:

• Abus Dorado/Limar 801
• Bell Deuce/Impulse discount helmet
• Bell City, Metro, Variant
• Casco Warp II time trial helmet
• Giro Xen
• GPR/PLIM Urbanus
• KED Event (Euro Model)
• Kent V-10
• LAS Hitek and Compact (Euro)
• Michelin MX Urban and MX Street
• Oktos (several)
• Pro-Tec Cyphon
• Shain BK51 Urban
• Specialized Instinct
• THE/Vigor F14
• Uvex Hawk
• Vcan S22-C
• Vigor X3
• Most skate-style helmets (usually too hot for bicycling)

• Bell Citi - Consumer Reports Best Buy
• Bell Slant - Consumer Reports Best Buy
• Bell Boomerang - For toddlers, Consumer Reports Best Buy
• Schwinn Intercept - Youth model, Consumer Reports Best Buy
• Specialized Aurora - Consumer Reports' highest impact protection rating.
• THE/Vigor F14 (New, extra coverage with good vents)
• Uvex Magnum and XP100 (New, extra coverage)

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

There are many, many more very decent cheap helmets on the market that are not molded in the shell, including the Schwinn Intercept mentioned above. We can't list them all. In the US we are fortunate to have a mandatory national standard ensuring at least a minimum quality level.

• Cratoni Titan Pro: Camera/light mount.
• Reflectec line: Reflective shells.
• Ironman line: very bright built in LED flashers.

See our page on helmets for very large heads.

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

Four manufacturers now have helmets certified to the ASTM F 1952 Downhill Mountain Bike Racing Helmet standard: Giro, Lazer, Specialized and Troy Lee. Coverage and impact requirements are more stringent than the CPSC bicycle helmet standard.

See our page on chrono models. They do not make sense for street use.

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

The "skateboard" helmets now on the market in big retail stores are mostly bicycle helmets in the classic skate style. They are fine for bike riding, as long as the sticker inside certifies that they meet the CPSC standard. If you need a multi-impact helmet for aggressive, trick, extreme skating or skateboarding with daily crashes, look for a true multi-impact skate model listed below or on our page of dual certified helmets. Dual certification to bike and skateboard standards is the biggest advance in skateboard helmets in recent years, denoting superior protection.

If your head is the rounder shape sometimes associated with Asian parentage, only two current manufacturers in the US market claim to fit rounder heads: Selev and Cratoni. Cratoni says some of their helmets fit round heads with just a different pad set. That suggests that you might be able to resolve the problem with pad changes. We have a page up on fitting rounder heads with more details.

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

Although we don't calculate averages, prices seem up a little from last year. Older models that were being discounted as the design ages have gone up a little too. In some cases this is just keeping up with inflation. European brands have risen faster here in response to the strong euro. The lowest prices in discount stores here still begin at $7.14 (Wal-Mart and Target) but are mostly in the $15 to $35 range. In bike stores where you can get help with selection and fitting you would expect to pay more, and the prices generally start over $30 and go up as high as you want. For many buyers the fitting help is well worth the extra you pay in a bike store. For an idea of what the lowest prices would be you can check Ebay or the internet retailers.

What We Did Not Find Again This Year

This year there are still not many new efforts to apply electronic and wireless technologies to bicycle helmets. You should be able in 2007 to find a mainstream helmet with a rear-facing camera and a heads-up display to replace your old mirror, but you can not. The Bluetooth headsets for use with an intercom system or cell phone are not in bike helmets, although you can use one if it tucks behind the ear well and Activeblu will sell you for $150 an add-on that clips to your helmet instead of your ear to access the cellphone in your pocket. (We don't recommend that, since you need to keep your wits about you to ride a bicycle safely, and cell phones are too much of a distraction.) There are a few more helmets with LED flashers built into the rear but riders can easily add a flasher with a hook-and-loop mount. There is one company making built-in batteries to power helmet accessories, but we have not seen one in the market yet. We wish the companies producing hot new games and innovative cell phones would design new products for the helmet market. Then we could complain about their price.

The Helmets

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

We have a page of definitions for most of the terms used below, and a second page explaining helmet types.

Models

Abus

Action Bicycle

Aerogo

AGV

All Pro and All Top

Alpha Helmets

Angeles

Answer Products

Armor

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

Atlas

Avenir

• Sonic: Taped shell, dial fit, moderate snag point in rear, reflective material in rear. Retail is $25.
• Sonic Comp: Molded in the shell, very small rear snag point, retails for $40.
• Sonic Jr.: Toddler helmet with ring fit, dial adjustment. $15 retail.
• Diamondback BMX Hucker: Classic skate-shaped model in glossy or matte black for $20.
• Diamondback FF: BMX model with a fiberglass shell and bolted on visor. $85.

Azonic

• 907: Carbon fiber and Kevlar shell, full chinbar, retails for $300. The visor is bolted on, but the bolts are plastic and hopefully might break when you need them to.
• 307: A classic motorcycle-style BMX helmet with polycarbonate shell. Meets the DOT motorcycle helmet standard. Retail is $90.
• 308: Polycarbonate plastic shell, Meets the DOT motorcycle helmet standard. Retails for $90.
• 707:Another polycarbonate shell model. Meets the Snell Foundation motorcycle helmet standard. $150.
• Fury: has an "injection molded fiberglass" shell with vents. Meets the CPSC and CEN bicycle helmet standards. Retails for $70.
• Skidlid: A vented skate helmet with an ABS shell and some angular lines unlike the classic skate shape. Retails for $27 in matte black or gray.

Barbieri

Bell

At the top of Bell's line are their molded-in-the-shell models, called the Fusion Series:

• Variant: Bell's newest model for 2007 is pitched for mountain biking. It has the new "compact" shape without an elongated rear, and qualifies as a "rounder, smoother" helmet, but comes off as a lot more stylish than the Metro/Citi. It has top and bottom outer shells, both molded in the shell. Lots of vents. Muted colors. Retail price is $100. Worth a look.
• Citi/Metropolis: The Metro was introduced in 2004, with a unique rounded exterior. It is pitched for the commuter market, as a "Life+Style" type helmet, "distinctively non-Lycra and intentionally toned-down." For 2005 Bell added a less expensive version called the Citi. It eliminated the rubberized coating on the lower half of the Metro, and changed the fit system from pads to a "universal" ring fit, so it really qualifies as a different model despite the identical profile. The ring fit may or may not work out well for you. The Citi was rated by Consumer Reports in their June, 2006 article as one of only four helmets they tested with superior impact performance. Both models come with plenty of vents and a visor, and have only partially recessed strap anchors. Both have a useful pony tail port in the stabilizer for those with long hair. The Metro can be outfitted with a whole range of expensive accessories: a flimsy mirror that folds back into the visor for storage, an innovative winterizing kit with ear muffs and vent plugs, a rain cover with hot reflective trim and a red LED flasher that attaches to the helmet's rubber strip in the back. Bell brought back a yellow Citi--brighter than the 2005 color--and introduced a safety orange Metro in 2007. The Metropolis still comes in white, but yellow is the only visible color for the Citi. Bell also added reflective trim on both helmet and strap. Retail is up slightly this year to $74 for the Metropolis and $48 for the Citi. The Metro with accessories is $115. If the ring fit works for your head the Citi would be preferable if only because it eliminates the rubberized section that could interfere with sliding when you hit the pavement and jerk your neck. We found that the straps on the Metro would not stay in place when adjusted, and would have to be sewn or locked with rubber bands snugged under the strap fittings to be useable, but that is a common problem. For a less-expensive but equally well-rounded alternative, see the Impulse below. At $15 to $35 it is still molded in the shell, and seems like a real bargain at Wal-Mart's $25 price.
• Slant: The Slant was introduced in 2006 with mid range pricing, now up a bit to $54. It has three modest snag points in the rear. This one was rated by Consumer Reports in their June, 2006 article as one of only four helmets they tested with superior impact performance, and awarded the CR Best Buy tag. Worth a look for that reason.
• Sweep: Bell's top of the line for 2007, with 11 choppy points on the rear giving it a porcupine effect. Has a lower shell molded on, and some nice bright colors. Retail is up $15 this year to $130 for the Sweep R and $145 for the XC model with visor.
• Ghisallo: Bell's top of the line for 2002 was this design named for an Italian saint. Somewhat better rounded than most of Bell's other top models, but still features a modest rear snag point. It has fewer but very large vents, and a few bright colors. Retail price is up $5 to $105.
• Furio: Another Bell road model with more rounded lines than some but still sporting a snag point in the tail. No visor. Retail is up slightly to $64, after falling $15 last year.
• Influx: A mountain bike helmet with visor and a modest rear snag point. What appears to be the same helmet is available in the Euro market as the Alchera, or with visor as the Delirium, but we do not know if they are certified to the CPSC standard.
• Venture: The 2006 design for Bell's "entry level" helmet, with a single snag point in the rear. The same design is known as the Solar when it has no visor, and the Vela with feminine graphics. Bell is producing an extra large size and calling it the Triton, fitting heads up to 65 cm (25.5 inches) in circumference. All have a one-size-fits-all ring fit. Retail is $30 for the Solar and $38 for the three with visors. The same design is also available as a "youth" helmet as the Alibi with multi-color graphic designs and a visor, retailing for $38 or as the Trigger without visor for $30. This is the least expensive molded in the shell Bell model for adults and youth sold in bike stores, and probably one of the better values in the Bell lineup, along with the Deuce/Impulse reviewed below under Bell's discount line.
• Amigo: Introduced in 2000, upgraded in 2004 to molded in the shell construction. The Amigo is a helmet for kids that is built like the one their parents use. The very nicely rounded exterior is smoother than Bell's adult helmets. Has ring fit, a rear stabilizer, visor and bug net in the vents. Retail is $30.
• Kinghead: The Kinghead is highly recommended for those who fit it, but it is made only in Extra Large for riders with head sizes up to 8 1/4 (66 cm, or 26 inches around). It is still the largest bicycle helmet we know of, at .4 inches larger than the Triton above. It has a beautifully rounded exterior and internal strap anchors. We had asked numerous manufacturers back in the 1990's to make an extra large helmet, but only Bell stepped up to the plate. It was Bell's contribution to consumer safety, not corporate profits, since the helmet will fit only a very small number of riders, and was never expected to make the company any money. Note that the Kinghead is an older design with a taped-on shell rather than having the Triton's molded in the shell construction, but its impact performance meets the same CPSC standard. The Kinghead also fits with pads rather than the ring fit system on the Triton. We have been iformed by riders with 66cm heads that it actually fits them. The Kinghead is not in the current Bell catalog, but if you need a very large helmet you can contact a Bell dealer, or check out mail order outlets on the Internet. Something called the Bell Store has them listed at $35, along with the Triton. If you have a head that large and the Triton won't fit, check out our page on helmets for large heads.
• L'il Bell: a toddler helmet with vents, previously known as the Half Pint and not related to the L'il Bell Shell of the 1980's and 90's. Has such a well-rounded shape that even we have no complaints. There are sticker kits available to allow kids to personalize their helmet. Retail is still $30.
• Boomerang: A 2000 model, somewhat like an Amigo, but made for toddlers, with the additional rear coverage required by the CPSC toddler helmet standard. Looks much more like an adult helmet than the L'il Bell, and is almost as well-rounded on the exterior. Cartoon graphics. Has a soft foam visor and a no-pinch buckle tab. Retail is $30. The Boomerang was rated by Consumer Reports in their June, 2006 article as one of only four helmets they tested with superior impact performance. It was the only toddler model with that distinction.
• Bellistic: Bell's BMX/downhill racing model is still in the lineup for this year. It has a fiberglass shell, vents and the well-rounded shape that is traditional in BMX helmets. It also has the traditional bolted-on BMX visor, providing a potential snag point. It has a full chinguard, but like most other downhill racing helmets there is no impact foam padding in it. It resembles a motorcycle helmet with vents, weighing two full pounds. There is one bright red and white color combination. The retail price is up $5 to $80.
• Faction: Bell's "skate-inspired" BMX/skate model is a 2004 hard shell design with a dual-density foam liner. In previous designs by LT back in 1991 this technique was used to take the sting out of lesser bumps with the softer layer, but backed up by a denser layer that could still perform in the big hits. In the Faction the technique is used to provide a different liner density in the front to meet the CPSC standard while avoiding a thicker helmet. The Faction has the admirably round, smooth exterior of the classic skate helmet, with small rectangular vents on top, front and rear. There is a nice selection of graphics featuring five different skateboard celebs and including visible white and yellow among the numerous colors. This model has dual certification to both the CPSC bicycle helmet standard and the ASTM F 1492 multi impact skateboard standard, but only for the larger sizes. The small size does not have the ASTM F 1492 skateboard sticker. The Faction retails for $35, up $5 from last year.

Bell's European Market Helmets

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

Bell's Discount Line

Bell has a separate line of low-priced helmets sold at discount stores and mass-merchant outlets. (More than one fourth of the company's sales are through Wal-Mart alone.) They are occasionally discontinued models from the bike store line, but seldom include the molded in the shell models. The cheaper ones generally have low-end graphics, chintzy fit pads, slippy straps and cheaper packaging. Most do not have rear stabilizers. But they are designed to the same CPSC standard as any other helmet on today's US market, so they provide fine impact protection if adjusted carefully. Many of them are still produced in the US--millions of helmets each year. The rounded profiles we consider optimum have always persisted in this line, since they are cheaper to produce, and Consumer Reports testing of other brands indicated that the thicker foam in cheaper models may actually provide better impact protection than some of the thinner, more ventilated, more expensive upscale helmets. Models include the adult Reflex, Radar, Adrenaline, Protos and Impulse. Youth sizes include the Edge, Aero, Blade and Deuce. Child helmet models are the Star, Racer and Rex. Toddler helmets include the Shadow, Zoomer and Bellino.

Two models in the low-priced line deserve special attention: the Deuce and the Impulse are the same helmet in youth and adult sizes. Both have the same radically round, smooth shape of the Bell Metropolis and Citi. Both are molded in the shell, a higher-quality construction technique that is unusual in the discount store series. They have reasonable vents. The price will likely be right when you find them in a big box store. We found a sample at Wal-Mart for $24.88 in May, 2006. The Impulse/Deuce is made in USA.

Bell's skate models in this low-priced series include the Rage, Mirra and Wicked. All are dual certified to the CPSC bicycle and ASTM F 1492 skateboard standards, at least in the medium and large sizes. They may not be dual certified in the small size. You must look at the sticker inside the helmet to be sure.

This line sells for low prices: $15 to $40. They are available to non-profits for much less than that, through Safe Kids International. Because of Bell's name recognition, they are among the best sellers in the low end market. (Check our page on inexpensive helmets for further info on sources of low-cost helmets from various manufacturers for helmet programs.) Bell also produces toddler, skate and child bike helmets for the Fisher-Price brand, and you may see them as X-Games, Barbie, or Hot Wheels brands. Some models come bundled with bike or skate accessories.

Bell's Replacement Policy

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

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 in 2007 the company is Easton-Bell Sports, owned by Fenway Partners, Jim Easton, and The Ontario Teachers Pension Fund. Most consumers are probably unaware of any of those changes, and as far as we can tell they have not changed the company's technical competence or product quality.

Bern Unlimited

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

Bianchi

Bravo

Briko

• Arrow: The top of Briko's line. It has huge vents, carbon internal reinforcing and a pronounced snag point on the rear.
• Spark: A slick looking design with with twin layers, multiple vents and sharp ribs, with a pronounced snag point in the rear. Has a unique visor mount with hollow fittings that go in the front vents.
• Zonda: A single layer road model, with noticeable exterior strap anchors, usually avoided in top of the line helmets. The women's version is the Zonda Rose.
• Spitfire: a single layer road helmet with conventional lines and conventional vents, with points in the rear. Available in a visible white.
• Mistral: a single layer road helmet with conventional elongated lines and conventional vents. Available in visible white.
• Echo: A skate-style helmet with vents. Comes with vent plugs for winter use and a visor.
• Taku: A child's helmet in the adult style, with a medium snag point on the rear, a dial fit system and a pinned-on visor. Retail is $25.
• X Contact In 2006 Briko added a downhill mountain bike racing helmet with a full chinbar and a fiberglass shell to their line.
• Crono: Briko's entry in the time trial/pursuit aerodynamic helmet market. It has two large rear vents, a clear plastic face shield, and comes in three graphics combinations. It is certified to the European EN 1078 standard. We don't see it in their 2007 catalog on the Web, but it is probably still available to racing teams.

Carrera

• Energy: introduced in 2005 with striking graphics and a unique fit system. The wedge shape slopes up to a center ridge, then down in back to a moderate rear snag point. Molded in the shell construction with a separate lower shell. It retails for $120. For $12 more you can get an All Weather Protector, a plastic shell that fits over the helmet and covers the front vents, anchored by those protruding external strap anchors. Comes in a nice bright yellow as well as red and white.
• Dragon Fly: a normal helmet made truly strange by the addition of a spoiler in the rear that provides a sharp and pronounced snag point. There is a winter vent-blocking add-on shell, and another "MTB" shell that leaves the vents open but provides a visor.
• Apache: more rounded top profile but ends in a moderate but high snag point giving it a blocky appearance in the rear. Smaller vents than the Energy
• Carapacho: Carrera classifies this one as a cap, not a helmet. A truly unique design with only six vents, but they are huge, raising questions about what standard it could pass since it would seem that a normal hemispheric anvil would be likely to crash right through a vent. Has a rear visor and an optional front clear plastic windshield. To top it off, there is a thick serrated rubber spine down the center from back to front. We would have to rate this one the headgear we would least want to crash in.

Casco

Casco's other upscale lines, called the Upsolute models, are molded in the shell. Some are unique designs, but since we have not seen them we refer you to the Web site for a look. They include a Skate and Bike model that according to the Web page received an award for easy fitting from a German consumer magazine. There is also a Generation II helmet for all ages, with a nice shape and apparently good coverage but a strange screwed-on perforated plate in the front. Some of their less expensive Classix models are also molded in the shell, but the cheapest ones are not. Classix include a full-face BMX model, a classic skate helmet and a toddler model. The Web site says that molded in the shell CASCO helmets with their add-on Monocoque-Inmold are heat-resistant up to 100°C (212°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, and the only really heat-resistant shells we know of are fiberglass.

Catlike

• Whisper: New for 2006, the Whisper has a unique nubby outer shape and many small oval vents. We would reject it for the external shape, but if you want something different you will not see many of these on the road. Molded in the shell. Some very visible colors including orange.
• Diablo: complete with small "horns" on the outer shell. Has rotating cam locks on the strap adjustments, but they slip. Available in women's colors.
• Kompact Pro: molded in the shell with a full shell wrapping around the bottom and large oval. Has pronounced rear snag points as well as external strap anchors sticking up. Nylon visors with push-point attachments. Many graphic combinations including solid and multi colors, some highly visible, helping to match team colors. There are also women's colors. Lots of reflective trim.
• Shield 2: a skate-shaped helmet with large oval vents. It has a "ducktail" effect in the rear, with what Catlike says is additional lower rear protection. Molded in the shell. Retail is $80.
• Tiger: Toddler helmet with taped on shell. Has vents and child graphics, and a molded in visor.
• Chrono: Catlike introduced a new chrono helmet for 2007 that they said would meet the European standard. It is molded in the shell.
• Junior: Youth model.

Chrysler-Jeep

Cratoni

• Ceron: The top of Cratoni's line is a 2006 hyper-vented helmet with sharp shell lines and the usual rear snag points. Molded in the shell, with a lower shell as well. Uses carbon fiber reinforcements, with the bridges visible in the front shell. Ring fit. The scarlet red version is bright and visible. Also comes as the Achillon with a pin-mounted visor. Retail for either is about $150.
• Titan Pro has an interesting style with large squared off ribs and large vents. The rear is rounded with a bumpy profile. It is molded in the shell with three shell pieces. It also has an aluminum reinforcement in the top that forms the base for a headlight or camera mount with quick release. Cratoni has tested the mount to release when impacted with a 15kg weight dropped 80 cm. We would want a mount that released easier than that. The Titan Pro retails for $130. The similar Titan without the aluminum plate or the camera/headlight mount retails for $90.
• Tremor: A somewhat better-rounded helmet but with a very pronounced rear snag point. Molded in the shell, with ring fit for 53 to 60 cm. US model, retailing for $100. There is a special Giro d'Italia graphics edition. Also comes with visor as the Tremor XC.
• Zethos: Lots of long skinny vents and what might be described as a flat deck or spoiler sticking out at the top rear. For 2007 it comes in some brighter colors, including orange. Ring fit. US model. Retail is $90.
• Xenon: A somewhat better-rounded helmet with many large vents and a strange "rim" around the rear. Molded in the shell, with the Head Ring adjustable headband to fit heads 53 to 60 cm. US model. Retails for about $70.
• Radon: Introduced in 2005, and probably Cratoni's best-rounded model, with large vents, bug net in the front vents and available in an XXL model that fits up to 65 cm (25.6 inch) heads. This is a US model meeting the CPSC standard. Ring fit with an adjustment for the ring level inside the helmet, and one of the helmets Cratoni sells for Asian heads. Retails for $70. For 2007 Cratoni has added an optional winter microshell with no vents that pins on and a set of earpads for $20 extra.
• Argon: Mountain bike (with visor) model with squared off ribs but nicely rounded in the rear with no snag point. Has bug net. Not a US model. Retail is about 50 euros.
• Neon: Another well-rounded design, again with bug net in the vents and retailing in the US for $40.
• Heli: A "junior" helmet molded in the shell with reasonably rounded lines but an elongated shape. Visor, modest vents, ring fit, bug net in the front vents. Not a US model. Retails for about 50 euros.
• Mad XL: a vaguely skate-style helmet with limited vents and the ring fit system. The wedge shape slopes upward in an almost flat plane to the top, then angles down again to large square vents in the rear. Also comes as the Mad X child helmet. US model, retailing for $50.
• Chopper: new for 2007, Cratoni's entry into the skate-style bike helmet. Two small vents, hard shell, large bolted on visor. Better side and rear coverage than most bike helmets designed to the CPSC standard. Ring fit with adjustable internal anchors to permit changing the ring angle. Retail is $60.
• Rapper: Another youth model, with more squared-off lines giving it a snazzier appearance, but no rear snag point. Has a visor effect in front. Ring fit system and bug net in the front vents. There are some bright colors available this year. US model. Retail is $40.
• Kid Cross: A well-rounded youth helmet with minimal venting, visor and bug net in the front vents. There is a visible yellow. Available in a Crocodile Trophy version. US model. Retail is $20, or $30 with accessories.
• Honey: A toddler model with vents that comes in some bright colors and graphics. Flatter in back to facilitate carrying the user in a trailer without tilting their head forward. Ring fit system for 48 to 52 cm heads. Not a US model. Retails for 25 euros.
• Fox: A child helmet with reasonable vents and ring fit. Rounded shape but has a molded in visor. Bug net in front vents. Fits heads as small as 47 cm (18.5 inches). Not a US model. Retails for about 30 euros.
• Interceptor: Cratoni's upscale downhill racing model, with full chinbar, a fiberglass/carbon fiber shell and a visor bolted on. It comes in flashy graphics or solid colors and has steel bug net protecting the front vents. Small top vents. It retails for $180, down significantly from last year. We do not know what standards it meets.
• Ramp: Another full-face downhill racing model, with a hard shell and bolted on visor. Small top vents like the Interceptor, but better rounded. Comes in visible white. US model. Retails for $80.
• Kid Cross: Similar to the Honey, but has a molded-in visor. Comes in very bright colors. Coverage would probably not meet the CPSC standard for helmets for kids under 5.
• Chrono: Cratoni's time trial and pursuit event model meets the European CEN standard. Short shell does not fully meet the shoulder or back. Not available in the US. Retail is 140 euros.

Cratoni's child models fit heads as small as 18.5 inches / 47 cm and their largest adult model fits up to 25.6 inches / 65 cm. Their ring fit models cover from 20.5" to 23.5" / 52 cm to 60 cm. 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.) Their suggested retail prices seem higher than most, but dealers may adjust that, and Internet pricing is considerably lower.

Cratoni will replace a crashed helmet for 50 per cent of the recommended retail price.

Dainese

• D-Raptor Fiber LE: transparent fiberglass shell with a dual-density EPS liner. US model. Retails for $300.
• D-Raptor A-Fiber 2: transparent "fiberglass and aluminum fiber" shell or white with colored trim, with a dual-density EPS liner. European model certified only to EN 1078.
• D-Raptor Graphic: fiberglass shell, dual density EPS liner. US model. Retails for $300.
• D-Raptor Graphic 3: fiberglass shell, dual density EPS liner. European model certified to EN1078.
• Big Raptor Watersports Helmet: appears to be the same motorcycle-style helmet, with the same big BMX-style visor that looks like it could increase the bucketing potential when your head is under water. Fiberglass shell, single-density EPS liner. Certified to the European ECE 22/05 watersports standard, using lighter impacts than a bicycle helmet standard. Despite the appearance of a motorcycle helmet, this one would not be suitable for bicycle riding, and we would not wear it for water sports either. European model. Appears to be identical to the Big Raptor FMX, described as a "freestyle mx" helmet.

Ebon

Ecko

Eleven81

• Crosstown, a "commuter style" helmet with a very round and smooth exterior, reflective plug in the rear and a ring fit system. This is the most remarkable model in the Eleven81 line.
• Open Road Pro is a road helmet with a modest snag point in the rear, molded in the shell with a double shell. It should retail for about $40.
• Open Road and Open Road MET are road models, molded in the shell with single shells and the ring fit system.

ESCO

El Sol

Epsira Oy (Knock)

Etto

• Hurricane: Molded in the shell with large vents, rear snag points, carbon fiber internal reinforcing.
• Typhoon: Molded in the shell with a very long snag point on the rear. Ring fit.
• On edge: molded in the shell with many small rear snag points. Ring fit.
• Cyclone: one of Etto's newer designs, molded in the shell with a little tab on the rear that appears as if it were added as an afterthought to make sure there was a snag point. Huge vents. Nice visible yellow available. Ring fit.
• Coolhead: molded in the shell with many vents and a modest snag point in the rear. Ring fit.
• Tornado: Molded in the shell with a wedge shape and modest rear snag points.
• Vortex: Molded in the shell with interior reinforcing and a nicely rounded shape for those with very large heads, fitting up to 64 cm. Ring fit. Black.
• Esperito: molded in the shell, with rounded lines that are chopped off flat in the back. Ring fit.
• FX-2: molded in the shell, nicely rounded with a minimal rear point.
• Storm: A 2007 model with taped-on shell. It has an elongated shape and overhang in the rear, with deep grooves and an aggressive looking V on the surface pointing forward. There is also a molded in the shell version called the Thunderstorm.
• Zephyr: Taped on shell, small rear overhang, external unrecessed strap anchors.
• Twister: youth helmet with taped on shell with rounded lines and a visor effect in front.
• Kolibri: molded in the shell, nicely rounded with a minimal rear point, the Kolibri is described by Etto as: "with its smooth shape and delicate design, has the characteristics that will appeal to the female part of the biking population."
• Mosquito: molded in the shell youth helmet with nicely rounded lines. Ring fit. Also comes in a Mosquito Girl female color scheme. Padded buckle to prevent pinching.
• Freesbee: child/youth helmet with a taped on shell, nicely rounded lines, good vents and ring fit. The model is called the Freesbee because it was intended to be equipped with a unique buckle-release system to open the buckle hydraulically if the child is "hung" on playground equipment or a tree for more than a few seconds. Etto says they are still tweaking it and it is not ready for prime time. In the meantime, the Freesbee is being sold with a standard buckle.
• Ettino: vented toddler helmet with rounded lines and taped on shell. Fits heads as small as 41 cm, the smallest helmet advertised by any producer. Shaped like an adult helmet, so it is not likely to meet the coverage requirements of the CPSC standard for US sale. Padded buckle to prevent pinching. Ring fit. Has a visor. May require that a child in a trailer or high-backed child seat have a thick pad behind the child's back to prevent the rear section of the helmet from pushing the child's head forward and down. If you are searching for a helmet this small, please see our page on taking your baby along.
• Impact XX: Downhill racing helmet with what appears to be a bolt-on chinbar and small vents. Pad fit. No longer on the Web site, so may be discontinued.
• Maniac: Classic skate style helmet with a hard ABS shell, the usual small vents and a special edition "with 'leather' accents." Oval vents in the front.
• Psycho: classic skate style helmet with a hard ABS shell and the usual small vents. Round vents in the front. Comes in chrome, colors and a "psycho" graphic with a skull and bones. Pad fit. Reflective material on the back. Etto also produces it for water sports with a neoprene liner replacing the EPS. They don't recommend that one for bicycling.

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

Fuji

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

Fly Racing

• FL606 IV: Meets both the DOT and Snell 2005 motorcycle helmet standards. It has a snap-out liner and comes in six outer adult shell sizes and three youth sizes. No vents. Retails for $90 with the matte chrome model $10 extra.
• Venom: Fiberglass shell, meets the DOT motorcycle helmet standard. Retails for $80.
• Gmax GMX-36X: Updated for 2005, with polycarbonate shell, retailing for $70. Meets the DOT motorcycle helmet standard.
• Gmax GM-36Y Youth: Polycarbonate shell, smaller and lighter youth size. $70 retail. Meets the DOT motorcycle helmet standard.
• Gmax GMX-46X: Polycarbonate shell, comes in nine sizes from XXS to XXXX. Retails for $80.
• Maverick: BMX and downhill racing model with full-face fiberglass shell retailing for $80. Has small vents and radical graphics.
• Lite IV: New for 2006, an "aero" model with more contours than other Fly helmets and a vented mouthpiece. Made with carbon fiber/kevlar, weighing in at 2.75 pounds for the large size, and meets DOT and the tough Snell M-2005 motorcycle helmet standard. No vents. Snap out liner. Retails for $200. "Replica" models with team member graphics are $240.
• THH TX-10: Full-face motorcycle helmet. ABS plastic shell, relatively lightweight for this type of helmet. Retails for $60 in black, $70 with graphics and $80 in chrome. Meets both the DOT and Snell 2005 motorcycle helmet standards.
  

Fox

• Rampage: a downhill racing model, new for 2007, with full face chinbar. Retail is $120.
• Flux: new for 2007 and not available until at least March. The Flux is a skate style helmet with large vents. It is molded in the shell with a two-piece shell and a "spoiler" in the rear. Retail is $99.
• V3 Pro Pilot: A vented BMX helmet updated in 2005 with a carbon fiber, kevlar and fiberglass shell. Titanium hardware. Retails for $375 with bag and extra visor. Also comes as the V3 Vertigo RC Replica.
• Tracer Pro: a standard BMX helmet with a chinbar for face protection and a bolted on visor. It has a polycarbonate shell and small vents under the visor. It retails for $140 depending on finish and graphics, with a kid's version for $100.

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

Free Agent

Garneau

Gear

Geartec

Giant

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

Giro

• Atmos: The top of Giro's line is still Lance Armstrong's helmet, introduced in 2004. The Atmos has interior "roll cage" reinforcing, exterior carbon fiber reinforcing and an extensive three-piece shell molded on. All that is primarily to permit opening up bigger vents while still meeting the CPSC standard, not necessarily improving the impact performance above prior levels. Bicycling magazine named the Atmos tops in cooling (along with the 2004 Specialized S1) in its January/February 2005 issue. In addition to several moderate snag points in the rear, this model has forward facing points in the middle. We would avoid this one for that feature if no other, since it contributes nothing at all to the function of the helmet. But if you want Lance's helmet, this is it. Uses fit pads. Retail is down in 2007 to $175, or only $190 for the Livestrong Special Edition in dark green with a yellow ring effect on top evoking the yellow wristbands.
• Monza: has the compact shape, although there are small snag points on both the front and rear. Uses fit pads. Chosen by Bicycling magazine in their June 2006 issue as best helmet for $100 or less, but retail is now up to $105.
• Pneumo: introduced in 2001, this model broke new ground in ventilation. The oversize vents, channels and graphics combined to make it appear to have less material than any other CPSC helmet we had seen at that time. It still has external strap anchors, a cheap construction technique that we always find surprising in a high-cost helmet, but since the shell is not round and smooth anyway it probably does not make much difference in sliding resistance. There is a pronounced rear snag point. Upper and lower shells are molded in. Comes with a visor. Uses fit pads. Retail is $145. For better Giro impact protection, you have to pay less, according to Consumer Reports.
• Stylus: New for 2007, this one has the rounded exterior of the new "compact" shape, with minimal rear snag points. This one has better recessed strap anchors. Uses fit pads. Replaced the 2000 Eclipse model as Giro's least expensive high-end helmet. Retail is $84.
• Xen: Giro touts the Xen (pronounced zen) as having "the coverage of skate helmets," even though when you put it on and position it in front the extra side or rear coverage turns out to be mostly an illusion. But this helmet has a nicely rounded shape far superior to most Giro models, while retaining the huge Giro vents. The shell is a full wrap-around. There is a visible Acid Green available along with the darker colors. Worth a look for the shape if you are a Giro fan. If you really want additional rear coverage in a Giro, see the Flak below. Retails for $130.
• E2: Giro calls this one a "mountain" helmet, with squared off lines. particularly in the rear, and huge vents. There is one very pronounced rear "shelf" projection that looks almost as if it were designed to hook something in a fall. $130 retail.
• Hex: introduced in 2006, a reasonably shaped "trail riding" helmet with a shape similar to the Xen. It is not really smooth, but has a compact profile with no rear snag point. There is a visible yellow for 2007. Retails for $80.
• Havoc: The Havoc was Giro's roundest, smoothest high-end model in prior years, and their earliest with the compact shape. The rear snag point was almost eliminated in this model. The Havoc has external strap anchors marring that otherwise improved outer shell line with a potential friction point. Very large vents, molded-in upper and lower shell. Retails for $64, down again in 2007 and a lot less than when it was first introduced.
• Animas: The Animas has the usual rear snag point and a two piece molded shell. It retails for $105.
• Encinal: Giro's mid range model with a more rounded shape than other Giro road models and well-recessed strap anchors. Plenty of vents. Comes in bright red and visible white. Retails for $48. Received Bicycling Magazine's award as Best Helmet Under $50 in their July, 2004 issue.
• Indicator: Giro's least expensive model has a pronounced rear snag point, but at least the strap anchors are under the shell. Has a ring fit system. Also comes in a "women's" model called the Skyla. Without a visor, it's the Transfer at $30, Giro's lowest adult price point and still molded in the shell. For youth it has been shrunken in 2007 to the Flume, fitting down to 19.75 inches (50 cm). If you prefer a big rear snag point and the elongated shape, this one is worth a look.
• Atlas II: Giro's extra large model, now rated 1 cm smaller to fit 59 to 63 cm (23.25 to 24.75 inch) heads, and retained in the line as Giro's largest helmet. Still the elongated shape, with a snag point in the rear. Retail is $38.
• Flak: A skate-style model with ABS hard shell, small vents and good coverage. Plain colors or a very visible acid yellow. Meets only CPSC, not the skateboard standard. Retail is $35. For only $10 more you can have the Makai, the same helmet with graphics or in white and pastels, pitched as a "life+style" model for daily casual riding.
• Rodeo: A "youth" helmet for kids who are old enough to pedal. Nicely rounded except for a front overhang providing a rigid visor. Has the universal ring fit system for parents who want a quick fit and no worries about head growth. Bug net in the front vents. The shell is taped on, not molded. Retails for $30. In the smallest size it becomes the Me2, a toddler helmet with a different fit system. Said to have a low profile in the rear to permit a more natural seating position in trailers, where thicker helmets can push a kid's head forward unless they have a pad behind their back. Fits down to 48 cm (18.75"). Retail is $30.
• Remedy CF: A downhill racing helmet with a motorcycle-style chinbar. It replaced the Mad Max in 2006. This one was the first helmet we saw advertised as meeting the ASTM F 1952 downhill racing standard as well as CPSC, indicating better impact protection. Giro claims that the Remedy CF "manages up to 20% more impact energy," but they don't say what the comparison is with. It has a nicely rounded exterior, marred only by the bolt-on visor, and is well vented for this type of helmet. It retails as the Remedy in fiberglass for $120 1050 gr (37 oz.) or for $270 as the Remedy CF with carbon fiber 900 gr (32 oz.).
• Advantage 2: A new 2007 design and a welcome addition to Giro's lineup, its first chrono time trial helmet meeting the US CPSC standard. Giro's previous Advantage model had been sold only in Europe. Molded in the shell with five small vents. Like all chrono helmets, it is strictly for time trialers or track use. Retails for $250.

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

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

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

Gmax

Go On Sport - GOS

Golex (Zhuhai Golex)

GPR-PLIM

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

GT

Happy Way Enterprises

Headstart PTY (Australia)

Headstart (Malaysia)

Headstart Technologies

Helmets R Us (formerly Century Cycles)

Hong Kong Sports

Hopus

• EX-9: a new 3007 model molded in the shell with a fiberglass shell, the first we have seen of that combination. It has stainless steel mesh internal reinforcing. The shape is elongated, with a small snag point.
• A-6 Plus, E-2 Epoch, Ex-1 Extreme and Ex-5 Extreme: Four road-style helmets, all molded in the shell, and all featuring a lower shell for full coverage. They have a nicely rounded shape with minimal rear snag points. The A-6 Plus is new this year and is the top of the Hopus line at $75. It has aluminum mesh molded into the shell and providing bug net for the vents.
• A-8 Plus and Elf-1 Elf polycarbonate hard shell bike helmets with very nicely rounded lines. All are molded in the shell.
• B-1 Bravo: An unusual molded in the shell toddler helmet with vents, fitting sizes as small as 50 cm.
• MF-2, MF-5, MF-6, MF-7, MF-8 and MF-9 May Flower all skate style models that debuted in 2004, with similar hard shells but variations in the vents. They are molded in the shell with hard polycarbonate shells, a unique combination. They have the well-rounded shape of skate helmets.
• MF-6: Skate style helmet molded in the shell with an ABS shell. It meets the ASTM F 1492 skateboard standard but not the CPSC bicycle standard, so will not be sold in the US market. Retail is $30.
• AG-2 Argo: Rounded skate-style helmet with hard ABS shell.
• FSK Free Skating a hard shell skate-style helmet with an ABS shell and EPS foam liner.
• MF-3 Avenger is billed as a multi-sport helmet and available as a "snow series" model with ear flaps and a goggle retainer in back, although it is advertised as meeting only the CPSC and CEN bicycle helmet standards, not ski helmet standards. Has a very round smooth skate-style shape, and the ABS hard shell, with more vents than the MF-2 below. There is a very visible metallic yellow model. Retails for $20 to $40.
• MF-2 Classic is a round, smooth skate-style helmet with minimal vents. This snow series model for winter sport use has ear flaps and a goggle retainer in the rear. Certified to the ASTM F 2040 snow sport standard as well as the CPSC and CEN bike standards, so it is a true multi-sport helmet. Can be had with very visible flame graphics and a nice metallic orange.
• AG-2 Argo is a round, smooth skate-style helmet with a hard ABS shell and minimal vents. It is molded in the shell. Has a snow series model for winter sport use with ear flaps and a goggle retainer in the rear.
• MI-4 Mission is a skate-style helmet with angular vents and a mostly round and smooth outer shape. Has inflatable airbag rear pads. Certified to the CPSC and European bike helmet standards.
• D-1 Diki a rare child helmet with ABS hard shell. Has vents and an overhang in front to provide a partial visor. The XS fits heads as small as 52 cm.

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

Integrated Helmet Technology - IHT

Ironman

• AU-1: a 2007 design, molded in the shell with a wrap-under shell and a moderate snag point. Designed for police, EMS and security personnel, with impressively bright superflux LEDs.
• Kona Elite Series: for bike shops and running shops, selling for $200. Includes some carbon fiber internal reinforcing and some on the surface, but on the sample we saw it was not impregnated with resin, so would add little strength. Elongated design with small sharp rear points. Comes with a carrying case.
• Endura: new for 2007, an elongated design with a two piece shell wrapping under and three small snag points. This one has a good patch of reflective material with multi-angled surfaces.
• Pro Series: for Big Box stores, selling for $80. Has a second wrap-under shell and some reflective surfaces using the same technology Kuji uses for the Reflectek line. More compact shape with a sharp dropoff at the rear.
• Ultimate: new for 2007. Has a pronounced rear snag point, and a large reflective patch, selling at Wal-Mart for $30.
• Extreme: another Wal-Mart model, with an average snag point in the rear, selling for $30. No reflective material.

J&B; Importers

KB

KBC Helmets

KED

• Esox: moderate vents and somewhat blunted rear snag points, ring fit with unique side adjustment, LED flasher, includes a separate very thin helmet lock that retracts into a plastic housing. (Sometimes used in the US for minimal short-term bike security.) CE and CPSC certification. Optional visor. Retail is $150.
• Champion: pronounced rear snag point, very large vents, LED flasher. CE and CPSC certification. Retail is $100. With visor it becomes the Champion Visor.
• Street: well-rounded with a slightly upswept but minimal rear snag point, LED flasher, CPSC certification "only for American market," whatever that means, and CEN. Will retail for $90. Also comes as the Street Junior for youth.
• Meggy: toddler helmet with good-sized vents and both CE and CPSC certification "only for American market." LED flasher. There are some licensed cartoon character graphics.
• Zeitfahren: KED has two chrono models: the short version is called the Track and looks like a regular bike helmet but is smooth-skinned with no vents except in the rear. The long version is the Time Trial and has a long tail that will extend to the rider's back. It has no vents. Both have CEN certification only.

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

Kent Bicycles

Knucklebone

Kong

Kryptonics

• Signature Series: dual certified, with a transparent colored shell and black and white EPS molded together. $35 to $40 retail.
• Limited Series: dual certified, comes in three themes: a spiked helmet (!), a camo model and a bright stars and bars. ABS hard shell, EPS liner. We would avoid the spiked model on general principles, although we have never actually seen the spike or how it is mounted and do not know how dangerous it might be in actual use. The Web text says it is detachable foam. $40 retail, but boxes also have a printed price of $30 in some stores.
• Kore Series: dual certified, classic skate style. Can be had in white for visibility. $30 retail. Also comes in ladies' colors, pink and blue, with "pony tail friendly" padding.
• Ladies Series: dual certified, classic skate style. Comes in ladies' colors, pink and blue, with what is described as "pony tail friendly" padding. Looks like the Kore series in pretty pink. $30 retail.

Kuji Sports

LAS

• Haxial 200: Top of the line model with a unique flat aluminum shelf mounted about a half inch above the shell that is supposed to direct air into the vents. We do not understand how it meets the CPSC standard for projections with the front edge of that shelf sticking up, but they have documents to prove that a reputable test lab in the US has certified them. We would recommend avoiding it anyway for the possible snag hazard. Ring fit. Cheap-looking external strap anchors stick up above the shell. Has the European style bug netting in front vents in cotton and aluminum. Also available as the Haxial 164 without the shelf. Retail should be about $165 to $224 depending on the finish of that unique shelf.
• Bionix: another truly unique innovation in helmet design, the Bionix has what appears to be a second shell overlapping from the rear of the helmet.
  

  The increase in forward-facing potential snag points is stunning, not to mention the huge rear overhang. Ring fit, available in the US. Retail is $170. Another one to avoid.

• Kripton: molded in the shell with pronounced rear snag points. Ring fit system. Available in the US market. Retails for $130
• Squalo: molded in the shell with sharp sculpted lines and grooves suggesting a helmet for Frodo, with peaks sticking up at the top. Rear snag points, two shell sizes fitting 52 to 63 cm. heads. Retails for $150.
• Astrom: ring fit, available in the US, retail $95.
• Hitek-Cycling: a new "city helmet" with a round profile, but vents and graphics not like other commuter helmets. Molded in the shell with external strap anchors. Visor, with a rounded profile to fit the helmet style. Available in the European market.
• Compact: the roundest, smoothest helmet in the L.A.S. line, promoted for rollerblading as well as cycling. Ring fit, available in the European market. Retail should be about $80.
• Roadspeed: a vented toddler model with an extra small 45 cm (17.7") minimum head size for the "Baby" model. Meets CEN European standards for bicycling and equestrian use. Not available in the US. See our page on taking your baby along before you look for this helmet! Our page on tiny helmets has more.
• Chrono: time-trial aero helmet with a polycarbonate shell, no front vents and an integrated clear partial front face shield. Very long tail to reach the rider's back with a slight shoulder hump. Certified to both the CPSC and CEN standards. Ring fit for 54 to 61 cm heads. Retail is $240.

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

Lazer

• Genesis RD: introduced in 2006, a high end model molded in the shell with multiple shell pieces wrapping around the lower foam sections. Has the elongated shape with rear snag points and a new ring fit system adjusted with a toothed wheel at the top rear that turns a long screw. Even though the Genesis is CPSC certified, we would avoid this model because we would not want to crash on that spot. Retail is $170, or 7,000 euro for the presentation model reported in Bicycling in September of 2006 that features a 1.18 caret diamond on a gold nameplate. In mountain bike trim with visor it is the Genesis XC at $180 retail.
• Blade RD: an elongated model with a five-part shell that comes all the way down the rear, many vents, and a hard nylon piece in the rear to keep the snag point from getting dull. Has external strap anchors that should have been eliminated at this price point. It sells for $109. US model.
• X3M Molded in the shell, with a rear snag point. Retails for $50. Without visor it becomes the O2 but still costs $50. With visor in smaller sizes it is the Cyclone youth model at $50, all US models. The same helmet appears in some markets as the CycleOne women's or youth model at $45 with a zebra stripe option.
• Devil: an elongated model molded in the shell with four pieces providing full coverage, including the rear snag points. Has two heart-shaped vents, two forward facing horns along the surface and of course a red option to fit the name, along with a highly visible yellow. The external strap anchors are painted in this model. Ring fit for 54 to 61 cm heads with a Big Devil XXL model fitting up the 64 cm, Lazer's largest helmet. Retail is $75. CPSC certification. With four more vents, a visor and some cosmetic changes it becomes the Magma, and the extra large Big Magma XC.
• Topaz: introduced in 2006, the roundest and smoothest helmet in Lazer's line, molded in the shell with moderate vents, a ring fit system, visor and CPSC certification.
• Max Deluxe: a well-vented toddler helmet with cute graphics, some reflective, and bug net in the vents. The Max Dolphin and Max Shark models have a fin on the top, a potential snag point that seems unnecessary in a helmet that already has a rigid visor molded in to snag on. US/Australian model. It retails for $30, or an extra $5 for the models with the fin.
• Factory Rider: a vented BMX or downhill helmet with full chinbar and carbon fiber shell. It has an unfortunate fin on the top adding style and a snag point to a helmet that already has a bolted on visor you can snag. They actually refer to the fin as a "stabilizer," perhaps because if it catches on something it will tend to stabilize your head in one place while your neck and body move on. Said to meet the ASTM F 1952 downhill mountain bike racing helmet, indicating a higher level of protection than the CPSC standard. Will be introduced in the US in 2007. Retail is $300.
• Excalibur: BMX full face model with a nicely rounded exterior and a fiberglass shell. Euro model. Available in white. Retails for $250.
• Voltage: downhill/BMX helmet replacing the X5 Boomerang, this time with an injection molded plastic shell instead of laminated fiberglass. That adds about 25 per cent to the weight. Meets the US DOT motorcycle helmet standard. Available in XXXS size fitting 49 cm heads. Retail is $275.
• One a classic skate helmet with EPS liner meeting the CPSC standard. Retail is $30, or $40 in chrome.
• Chrono 3: Lazer's version of the chrono shape has a short tail style. It is molded in the shell with unfortunate external strap anchors, three small vents and a ring fit system. It has both CEN and CPSC certification. Retails for $190.

LED Helmets

Limar

• 969: new for 2007, Limar's top of the line is an elongated design with a two piece molded shell and a modest snag point. Retail is $150.
• 960: introduced in 2006, molded in the shell with a two piece shell, pronounced rear snag point and carbon fiber internal reinforcing. The strap anchors are fully recessed, as you would expect on a helmet retailing for $150. The road model without visor is the 959: molded in the shell with a modest rear snag point and external surface strap anchors. Has carbon internal reinforcing.
• 911: the top of Limar's line when introduced in 2004. It is molded in the shell with a full wrap-under shell. Although it has angular lines, it is reasonably well-rounded and the rear has small snag points. Many narrow longitudinal vents, some very small, give it a stylish look.
• 910: molded in the shell with a three piece shell and the pointiest rear snag point in Limar's line. Very large vents including a heart-shaped one in the front that leaves an unfortunate point there. The strap anchors are recessed into the grooves in the shell, and there are some bright colors including orange. The front vents are designed to work with the visor. Retail is $150. Without the visor it comes as the 909 and retails for $130.
• 908: molded in the shell with a two piece shell. Sloping front and rear give a somewhat angular wedge shape rather than curved top. Rear snag points. Some bright colors. Retail price is $110.
• 907: molded in the shell with a full wrap-under shell. The retail price is $100.
• 801: new to Limar in 2005, this commuter-style helmet is molded in the shell with a full two piece shell. It has rounder, smoother lines and is the shape we recommend. We praised this helmet in our 2005 review (when the same design also sold as the SixSixOne All Ride) as the best looking commuter design we had seen, and there is still nothing on the market that surpasses it. Has bug net. Pastel colors, none really visible. Ring-fit. It retails for $80.
• 747: molded in the shell with elongated vents and a cat ear effect from the two rear snag points. Retails for $80 with visor, or for $75 as the 737 without visor.
• Big One: looks like the 747 but is a little different in the back. Comes only in XXL size to fit heads from 59 to 63 cm.
• 720: molded in the shell including a lower shell. Long narrow vents in the front. Small but sharp rear snag point. Retail is $96.
• 550: fewer but very large front vents, molded in the shell with wrap under shell piece. Small rear snag point. Ring fit. This one retails for $75. With visor it is the 575, and retails for $50.
• 520: molded in the shell with angular lines and modest rear snag point. Ring fit. $45 retail. In youth size it is the 515.
• 315: Limar's least expensive adult helmet has rounded lines with a modest rear snag point, small vents, bug net and a ring fit system. Elongated shape. Retail is $30.
• 310: well-vented taped-shell model in sizes for youth and children. Has bug net in front vents. Pad fit.
• Junior Kid: vented child's helmet with a glued-on shell and a ring fit system. Retail is $30.
• Baby Kid: vented toddler helmet with a glued-on shell and a ring fit system for heads down to 45 cm. Retail is $30.
• Skate: classic skate helmet with small vents, ABS shell and a ring fit system.
• Cruiser BMX: classic BMX full face helmet with small vents, large visor bolted on and ABS shell. Very plain graphics, no bug net.
• Nutcase: another classic BMX full face helmet, with snappier graphics, small vents and a fiberglass shell. Has bug net.
• Chrono 05: Limar's aerodynamic pursuit and time trial helmet with CPSC certification. Molded in the shell with small vents in the rear and three unfortunate lumpy external strap anchors. Face shield optional. Ring fit. Limar says the short shape permits more efficient bike position and works better when the rider is out of aero position or standing. Retails for $200.
• Superchrono: Limar's CEN-only chrono with ring fit system and a taped on shell has two large front vents. Not for the US market.

Some Limar models are available in Bianchi colors.

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

Louis Garneau

A few Louis Garneau models still have only partial shells, leaving EPS foam exposed. Bell pioneered that design quirk years back with its Evo Pro and eventually dropped it. We have always believed it is an inferior design technique, given the evidence that plastic slides much better on pavement in an impact than foam. (Check this link for more on that) We would recommend steering away from those models. In fairness, Mr. Garneau points out that he has kept the foam sections slightly lower than the plastic shell-covered parts and that wrapping the shell over the squared off ribs on some models reinforces them against impact. If that reassures you, you can ignore our advice, but we think the foam will still hit the road if you hit hard enough, and there is no reason to risk that when there are lots of full plastic shells out there, including some nice ones from Louis Garneau.

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 are sold here.

• Titan Carbon: Louis Garneau's 2006 entry into the carbon fiber race was the Titan, with visible carbon-reinforced bridges to allow opening up longer vents. It also has an internal titanium ring. Molded in the shell, of course. The rear snag point is there, but considerably smaller than the Oz-zy that it replaced as top of the line. Unfortunately the strap fittings didn't hold as tightly as we would like in the sample we saw. Retail is $170.
• Exo-Nerve: a 2007 design with elongated shape, small raised ridges and pronounced rear snag points. Molded in the shell with a wrap-under shell. Retail is $129.
• Oz-zy: Former top of the Louis Garneau line, introduced in 2004. It is molded in the shell with large front vents, curlicue shaped top vents, a wrap under shell, nicely recessed strap anchors and a moderate rear snag point. It comes in visible white and the front label is reflective. A carrying bag is included. The price is reduced for 2007 to $110.
• Robota: molded in the shell with a distinctive compact shape with a high snag point in the rear. Shell wraps under to protect edges. Visor. Extra large fits up to 64 cm heads. Retail is $90. This is a step up from the helmet it replaced at this price point.
• Rev: the Rev has exposed foam without shell covering it, a Garneau feature from years back. The Rev's exposed foam is well recessed, but the shell is taped rather than molded in the shell. Its shape is a lot rounder and smoother than the upscale models, with almost no rear snag point at all. Retail is $50.
• Equinox: The value end of Louis Garneau's line is this molded in the shell 2006 design that is already beginning to look dated. It resembles the Fast/Azera (below) but without the full shell covering the foam in the rear. Plainer graphics, minimal rear snag point. Ring fit. Retail is $35. The women's version is the Diva at the same price, and there is a Pacifica version with no visor for $30. The youth version, with somewhat better graphics, is the Ruckus, with visor, for $35.
• Fast: a 2007 design, molded in the shell with a distinctive shape, nicely recessed strap anchors and a large rear snag point. Visor. Retails for $65. Without the visor it is the Azera for $5 less.
• Grunge-X: for the youth market aged 6 to 15, this one has some angular lines and a rear overhang, with a glued-on shell and a visor. Wild graphics, some very bright. Retails for $30.
• BabyBoomer-X: Toddler helmet for the 5 and under crowd, round and smooth, with a few vents and cute graphics, including the black and white Felix graphic that is styled after Louis' own Dalmatian, as well as Felix-the-fireman and several for the feminine side. The smallest model is size 6, for a 48 cm (18 7/8 inch) head. Retail is $30.
• Flow: Toddler helmet with a molded in visor extension and glued-on shell. Bug net in the front vents. Designed for kids 5 to 10. This one has a dial-fit rear stabilizer. The retail price is $30.
• Street: A hard shell skateboard-style helmet with small vents. Has CPSC bicycle helmet certification and ASTM F 2040 snowboard certification but is not dual certified to the ASTM skateboard standard. Retails for $35, or you can have the camo version for $45.
• Rocket: A 2005 chrono design from Louis Garneau, the maker of the first chrono time trial/pursuit helmet meeting the CPSC standard in 2002. This is Garneau's second generation, and there are improvements in the form of a longer, slicker shape with a full shell covering all the impact foam, a curved buckle that fits facial contours and can be manipulated with one hand, and four small vents in the front. Retail price is $180. The windscreen is available separately for $40.
• Chrono: Very similar to the original LG chrono model, in a classic teardrop shape. Has three small vents. Retail is $90.
• Windscreen: Not a helmet, but an accessory, this is a polycarbonate lens that wraps around a helmet--almost any helmet--and is held on by hook and loop. The edges are unprotected, and you could probably slice meat with them, even if it did not shatter in a crash. We would favor something with protected edges, like a pair of glasses or goggles. Not offered in the US market. Retail is $10.

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

Lucky Bell

MET