Many manufacturers now have quality molded in the shell helmets priced in the $30 to $40 range. That includes the Bell Solar, 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, Uvex Hawk and Vigor Fast Traxx. Consumer Reports found another Best Buy in the Schwinn Intercept, a $17 youth model. Ebay prices may run even lower.

• Shain BK 1000: a multi-impact helmet using their "Tau Multi Impact Technology" foam, with huge vents, a moderate rear snag point and internal strap anchors. Shain's catalog includes results of lab tests that show their helmet handling four hard impacts in the same spot before registering over 300g. Retail price is $218, up there with Lance Armstrong's Giro.

• Bern Unlimited: Two of Bern's new line of skate/ski style helmets have hard shells and Brock foam inside, the first time we have seen Brock foam in a helmet. We have a description of their helmets below. We have not tried a sample to see if these are rideable, but the ventilation is minimal at best. We don't know for sure yet what standards they meet.

Chrono models represent a small niche market but most manufacturers have one for image purposes. For time trialing and pursuit events on a track the exaggerated aero tail of a teardrop-shaped helmet probably poses minimal snagging problems, and the rest of the shape is ideal for meeting the pavement very hard. A growing number of them now meet the CPSC standard and can be sold in the US. We have a separate 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 few 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. Most women now wear their pony tails lower down on the head or tuck the hair up under the helmet to keep it off their neck.

Bell's Kinghead remains the biggest lid you can find at 8 1/4 (26 inches / 66 cm), but others are nearly as large at 64 cm. We have a page up on helmets for 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 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 tiny helmets, and another page asking if you really want to take your baby along.

The "skateboard" helmets now on the market 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 that has a sticker inside saying it meets ASTM F1492. A search for "dual certified" on this page will bring them up, or we have them listed on our page of dual certified helmets. This is the biggest advance in skateboard helmets in recent years. Different sizes of the same helmet may have different certifications, so the only way to be sure the one you are about to buy is to look at the sticker inside the helmet.

If your head is the rounder shape sometimes associated with Asian parentage, only one current manufacturer in the US market claims to fit rounder heads: Selev. We have a page up on fitting rounder heads.

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. Even major US brands sometimes produce less protective models for the European market to make them a little bit thinner and lighter so they can be competitive there. (We can usually pick up a CEN standard helmet and feel 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 most likely does not meet the CPSC standard. Note that you can order a Euro model from a European retailer over the Internet for delivery in the US, but we obviously do not recommend that.

Although we don't calculate averages, prices seem about the same as last year, with older models usually lower as the design ages. The lowest prices in discount stores 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 worth the extra you pay in a bike store. For and idea of what the lowest prices would be you can check Ebay, particularly for the brands you don't see in discount stores or the European brands seldom carried by US bike shops.

What We Did Not Find Again This Year

There has been very little effort to apply standard electronic and wireless technologies to bicycle helmets. You should be able in 2006 to find a helmet with 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 the German company Vemar is selling a motorcycle helmet equipped that way. There are a few helmets with LED flashers built into the rear and you can always 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. It looks like we will have to wait another year for those things to develop.

The Helmets

ABUS

Action Bicycle

Aerogo

AGV

All Pro and All Top

Alpha Helmets

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

• Sport: Elongated vents, visor, somewhat protected rear snag point.
• Marlin: Nicely rounded, visor, fits up to 61 cm.
• Stingray: Standard adult helmet.
• Drago: Unique shape -- wish we knew Swedish -- fits 45 to 57 cm.
• Hotshot: Basic adult helmet, should be cheap.
• Hotshot Inmold: Molded in the shell version, nicer colors, visor, rear snag point.
• Hardtop Mini: A toddler helmet that fits heads as small as 45 cm (17.8 inches) in diameter that they say is for 6 months up to 2 years. (The six months is not recommended!--see this page). Colors include a nice visible yellow.
• Hardtop: Another toddler helmet for 2 to 7 years.
• Twinky: One size larger helmet for 2 to 7 years in adult shape, with ring fit system and molded in visor.
• Dolphin: Another 2 to 7 years helmet in elongated adult shape, molded in the shell.
• Rockskipper: Youth helmet in elongated adult shape, molded in the shell.
• X-treme Sport: Skate style on top with scooped in rear to avoid a round shape.

Avenir

• S9-C: Molded in the shell with a two-piece shell covering both upper and lower sections, with a pronounced rear snag point, a dial fit stabilizer and recessed strap anchors. Retail $50.
• TX1: Taped-on shell, internal strap anchors, with a large area of reflective trim in the rear.
• R-17: Rounded shape, recessed strap anchors, locking strap junctions, and a dial fit rear stabilizer. $35 retail.
• Sonic TXIB: 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. $80.
• ACF BMX: BMX model with full chinbar and a complete carbon fiber shell. Bolted-on visor. Retail is $190.

Azonic

• 906: Comes as the Axion, Threat and Torch. 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.
• 548: A classic motorcycle-style BMX helmet with ABS plastic shell and a bolted-on visor, a potential snagging hazard. Retail is $110. Comes in a child size for $100.
• Apex: Polycarbonate (plastic, Lexan or similar) shell, Snell 2000, retails for $110.
• ASX: Similar to the 548, with a fiberglass shell, retailing for $90. For 2006 Azonic has apparently dropped the rubber "roost deflector" covering the nose and cheeks.
• T-55: Another fiberglass shell BMX helmet, but this time with vents and meeting the CPSC bike helmet standard, not Snell. Retails for $100. For 2006 Azonic has dropped their color options and offers only black.
• Fury: New model for 2005-6. Retails for $70.
• Skid: 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:

• Citi/Metro: 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." The Metro did not sell well in 2004, partly because Bell did not advertise it, as if they did not really believe in it. But for 2005 they introduced a less expensive version called the Citi. It eliminates the rubberized coating on the lower half of the helmet, and changes the fit system from pads to a "universal" ring fit. That 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 helmet 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 that makes it easier 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. Unfortunately Bell has eliminated the yellow Citi and white Metropolis in 2006, so neither helmet is available in a bright color for safety in traffic. Retail is about $70 for the Metropolis and $45 for the Citi. These two are worth a look for their rounded exterior, and 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. 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: New for 2006 in the mid range is the $50 Slant. 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 helmet they tested with superior impact performance, and awarded the CR Best Buy tag. Definitely worht a look.
• Sweep: Bell's top of the line for 2006, with 11 choppy snag points on the rear giving it a porcupine effect. Has a lower shell molded on, and some nice bright colors. Retails for $115 to $130 depending on the model. Bicycling magazine gave the Sweep its lightweight and ventilation high marks in its Jan/Feb 2005 issue, but complained that the helmet did not have any carbon fiber in it. That tells you more about the magazine than the helmet.
• Ghisallo: Bell's top of the line for 2002 was this design named for an Italian saint. Somewhat better rounded than some of Bell's other top models, but still features a rear snag point. It has fewer but very large vents, and a few bright colors. Retail price is still $100.
• Furio: Another Bell road model with more rounded lines than some but still sporting a snag point in the tail. No visor. Retail is $60, down $15 from last year.
• X-Ray: This model was Bell's top of the line for 2001. It features a top and bottom outer shell. It is a hyper-ventilated model with long vents and a rear overhang with points that present a potential snag hazard. It has Bell's rear stabilizer that tightens by turning a small geared wheel. For 2005 it got Bell's new visor, with height adjustment. Two-tone colors, none of them very bright. Retail is still $100.
• 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. Internet discounters in the US market have the Alchera for $43 and up, while the 2005 Influx retails here for $60. Models from prior years are heavily discounted. Not all of Bell's Euro models are certified to the CPSC standard, but those sold by US dealers must be.
• Venture: Another new 2006 design for Bell's "entry level" helmet, with a single snag point in the rear. (It replaces last year's Arc, a better-rounded helmet now closing out at about $20.) 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 25.5 inches/65 cm in circumference. All have a one-size-fits-all ring fit. Retail is $30 for the Solar and $35 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 $35 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, except for the Deuce/Impulse below under Bell's discount line.
• Amigo: A new design 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 a rear stabilizer, visor and bug net in the vents. Nice selection of graphics including one orange model. Retail is $30.
• Kinghead: This $30 helmet 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 (25.9 inches/65.8 cm 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 to make this helmet, but only Bell stepped up to the plate. This is Bell's contribution to consumer safety, not corporate profits, since the helmet will fit only a very small number of riders, and is 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 "universal" ring fit system on the Triton. 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. There are still some left in a warehouse, and Bell still has the tooling if they ever need to make more. 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 Shell: 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 Shell, and is almost as well-rounded on the exterior. Cartoon graphics, but in 2006 the bright yellow model is gone. Has a soft foam visor and a no-pinch buckle. 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 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. Made for Bell in China. The retail price is $75.
• 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 harder 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. 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 F1492 skateboard sticker. The Faction retails for $30.

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 another entire 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. Many of them are still produced in the US--millions of helmets each year. The rounded profiles we consider optimum still persist in this line, since they are cheaper to produce, and Consumer Reports testing of other brands indicated that the thicker foam may actually provide better impact protection than some of the thinner, more ventilated, more expensive pro models. 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 Metro and Citi. Both are molded in the shell, the only models in the discount store series that are made with that higher-quality construction. 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 is made in USA.

Bell's skate models in this low-priced series include the Rage, Mirra and Wicked. Some 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. We bought a size S/M Wicked in October of 2006 that did not have the ASTM sticker inside, so that one is not dual certified.

This line sells for low prices: $15 to $40. They are available to non-profits for much less than that, through Safe Kids USA. 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. Reports from the field indicate that you should steer clear of the Bell models with plastic "self-fitting" straps, an uncomfortable feature that led kids to avoid fastening the straps at all. For current production Bell has returned to fabric straps.

Bell's Replacement Policy

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

In 2001 Bell became the only helmet manufacturer who joined the Consumer Product Safety Commission's Product Safety Circle. We are not sure how much that actually means to the consumer, but they have pledged to follow ten safety principles, designate a corporate safety officer and publicize their successes in implementing the principles.

In 2004 Bell Sports was purchased by Fenway Partners, a private-equity holding company that also owns Riddell, a manufacturer of football helmets. Through them Bell Sports in early 2005 repurchased the Bell motorcycle helmet manufacturing company that it had spun off in 1991. Fenway-Bell also owns Sports Instruments, a maker of heart rate monitors, bike computers and watches. Most consumers were probably unaware of those changes.

Bern Unlimited

Bianchi

Bravo

Briko

• Solo: Introduced in 2003, the Solo is a slick looking design with a two piece cover molded in the shell. It has a ring fit and a medium snag point on the back. It retails for $140.
• Zonda: Another road model, also molded in the shell, with noticeable exterior strap anchors, usually avoided in top of the line helmets.
• Twinner: One of Briko's older designs. Has three very large vents in the front, setting this helmet apart from any current US design, but the vents narrow considerably as they pass into the double layer liner. There is a rear shelf but it is rounded. In 2002 Briko added a full lower wrap-around plastic shell. Graphics accent the unusual features. Retail is $120.
• Spark: A slightly more conventional design with twin layers, multiple vents and sharp ribs, with a pronounced snag point in the rear. Has a unique visor mount with hollow fittings that go in the front vents. Retail in the US is $120.
• Mistral: a single layer road helmet with conventional lines and conventional vents. Retail is $40.
• Toronado: A nicely rounded helmet made in a single layer, with conventional venting. Retail is $80.
• 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.

Briko has a number of other helmets for the European market that are not available in the US. These include:

• 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.

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: 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 helmet 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.

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: Large oval vents, full shell wrapping around the bottom. Molded in the shell. 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 vents and child graphics. Has a molded in visor. Taped on shell.
• Chrono: Catlike introduced a chrono helmet in 2005 that they said would meet the European standard, as required in European races.
• Viper: Full-coverage motorcycle style helmet for downhill racing with face bar and vents. Has a visor fastened with the usual two bolts to make it a snag hazard. There are both fiberglass and carbon fiber versions.
• Junior: Youth model.

Cratoni

• Ceron: The top of Cratoni's line is a hyper-vented helmet with sharp shell lines and the usual rear snag points. Molded in the shell, with a lower shell as well. Uses visible carbon fiber bridges in the front shell. Has the Soft Shock liner. The scarlet red version is bright and visible. Retail is about $130.
• Achillon: The Ceron design without carbon fiber. Retails for just under $100. Not a US model.
• Tremor XC and Tremor Tribal: 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. Not a US model.
• Zethos: Lots of long skinny vents and what might be described as a flat deck or spoiler sticking out at the top rear. Comes in five shades of black, including "used-look graphite." Cratoni bills it as a competition model. Not a US model. Also comes as a "Crocodile Trophy" model with sunglasses included.
• 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. Retails for about $75. Not a US model.
• Radon: New for 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 25.6 inch/65 cm heads. This is a US model meeting the CPSC standard.
• Argon: Mountain bike (with visor) model with squared off ribs but no rear snag point. Has bug net. All colors are dark. Not a US model.
• Neon: Another well-rounded design, again with bug net in the vents and retailing in the US for $35.
• Heli: A "junior" helmet molded in the shell with visor, reasonably rounded lines and modest vents. Ring fit, bug net in the front vents. Retails for $60. Not a US model.
• Mad XL: a vaguely skate-style helmet with limited vents and the ring fit system. The shell 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, with a 40 piece sticker set for personalization.
• Rapper: Another youth model, with more squared-off lines giving it a snazzier appearance, but no rear snag point. Ring fit system and bug net in the front vents. There is a visible red/silver finish available. Not a US model.
• Kid Cross: A well-rounded youth helmet with minimal venting, visor and bug mesh in the front vents. Available in a Crocodile Trophy version. Not a US model.
• Honey: A toddler model with vents that comes in a beautiful yellow. Ring fit system for 48 to 52 cm heads. Not a US model.
• Fox: A child helmet with reasonable vents and ring fit. Rounded shape but has a molded in visor. Bug mesh in front vents. Not a US model. Fits heads as small as 18.5 inches/47 cm. Retails for about $30. Not a US model.
• 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 mesh protecting the front vents. It retails for $400. We do not know which standards it meets.
• Ramp: Another full-face downhill racing model, with a hard shell. Vented. Comes in white or black. Not a US model.
• Chrono: Cratoni's time trial and pursuit event model, now upgraded to meet the European impact standard as required for UCI racing. Short shell does not fully meet the shoulder or back. Not available in the US.

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

Embon

Ecko

ESCO

El Sol

Epsira Oy (Knock)

Etto

• Typhoon: Etto's top of the line, molded in the shell with a very long snag point on the rear. Ring fit.
• Impact XX: Downhill racing helmet with what appears to be a bolt-on chin bar and small vents. Pad fit.
• On edge: molded in the shell with many small rear snag points. Ring fit.
• Road: molded in the shell with much more rounded lines than the Ettos above. 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. Nice visible yellow available. Ring fit.
• Coolhead: molded in the shell with many vents reminiscent of the Giro Pneumo. Modest snag point in the rear. Ring fit.
• Psycho: classic skate style helmet with a hard ABS shell and small vents. Comes in chrome, colors and a "psycho" graphic with a skull and bones. Pad fit. Reflective material on the back.
• Mack 1: glued on shell with rounded snag point in the rear and generally rounded lines. Modest vents. Ring fit.
• Esperito: molded in the shell, with rounded lines that are chopped off flat in the back. Ring fit.
• Kolibri: molded in the shell, nicely rounded with a minimal rear point, the Kolibri is described by Etto as: "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 isn't ready for prime time, despite the feature info on their Web site, and the Freesbee seems to have disappeared from vendors Web sites. It sold for a brief time in Europe for about $40. We ordered three samples and had a lab ready to test them, but are expecting the helmets to arrive with standard buckles.
• 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 his small, please see our page on taking your baby along.

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

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.
• FL-303 II: Fiberglass shell, retails for $70 in painted colors or $80 in chrome. Meets the DOT motorcycle helmet standard.
• Gmax GMX-36X: Updated for 2005, with polycarbonate shell, retailing for $70 or $85 for matte chrome. Meets the DOT motorcycle helmet standard.
• Gmax GM-36Y Youth: Polycarbonate shell, smaller and lighter youth size. $70 retail, $75 for chrome. Meets the DOT motorcycle helmet standard.
• Gmax GMX-56X: Polycarbonate shell, comes in nine sizes from XXS to XXXX. Retails for $90, or in chrome for $100.
• FL-39 II: BMX and downhill racing model with full-face fiberglass shell retailing for $70. Has small vents and radical graphics. Updated for 2005.
• 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 or $190 for the solid color model. "Replica" models with team member graphics are $240.
• THH TX-10: Full-face DOT-approved 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

• V3 Pro Pilot: A ventilated BMX helmet updated in 2005 with a carbon fiber, kevlar and fiberglass shell. Titanium hardware. Retails for $375 with bag and extra visor.
• Tracer Pro: a standard BMX helmet with a chin bar 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 kids version running $100.

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. 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, introduced in 2004, selling at a steep $190 retail or $225 for Lance Armstrong's Lone Star version. 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. Comes with a carrying case. Uses fit pads.
• Monza: A 2004 design, the Monza manages to be pointy both coming and going. Although the snag points are moderate, they contribute nothing to the function of the helmet and in our opinion should be avoided. Uses fit pads Retail is $100. Chosen by Bicycling magazine in their June 2006 issue as best helmet for $100 or less.
• 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 $140. For better Giro impact protection, you have to pay less, according to Consumer Reports.
• Eclipse: A 2000 design, this one has a rounded exterior that unfortunately ends in a severely pointed shelf projection in the rear. Recessed strap anchors. Uses fit pads. Giro says it is their "classic" model. Retail is $80.
• Xen: We thought of this as a skate-style helmet when we first saw it in the 2003 lineup, but when mounted on a head and positioned for best coverage in front, the apparent extra rear coverage turns out to be mostly an illusion. That should not deter you too much, since this helmet has good features if you ignore the advertising. Now billed as a "mountain" helmet, the Xen (pronounced zen) has a nicely rounded shape far superior to most Giro models, but retains the huge Giro vents and the Giro price at $125 retail (or $140 for the Special Edition camouflage with matching carrying case). The shell is a full wrap-around. 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.
• E2: The top of Giro's "mountain" line in 2000. The E2 has squared off lines and huge vents. The lines were somewhat more rounded than Giro's 1999 models, but they used one very pronounced rear "shelf" projection that almost looks as if it were designed to hook something in a fall. $125 retail.
• Hex: New for 2006, a reasonably round and smooth "trail riding" helmet with a minimal rear snag point. Retails for $80.
• Havoc: The Havoc was Giro's roundest, smoothest high-end model in prior years. It is still in the 2006 lineup. The rear snag point has been almost eliminated in this model. The Havoc unfortunately has external strap anchors, surprising in a helmet at this price, marring that otherwise improved outer shell line with a potential friction point. Very large vents, molded-in upper and lower shell. Retails for $70, 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 $100.
• Encinal Sport: Giro's mid range model with a more rounded shape than other Giro road models and well-recessed strap anchors. Plenty of vents. Retails for $45. Received Bicycling Magazine's award as Best Helmet Under $50 in their July, 2004 issue.
• Indicator Sport: Giro' least expensive 2006 model at $35. A step backward, since the Indicator 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 Sport. Without a visor, it's the Transfer Sport at $30, Giro's lowest adult price point and still molded in the shell. For youth it's the Flume and is priced at $35.
• Atlas II: The extra large size version of the former Torrent II, fitting 60 cm to 64 cm heads, and retained in the line as Giro's largest helmet. Compared to other Giros the design is smooth and round, with a minimal snag point in the rear. Retail is $35.
• Flak: A "straight-up skate-style" model with small vents and good coverage. Plain colors or camo. Meets only CPSC, not the skateboard standard. Retail is $30. For only $10 more you can have the Makai, the same helmet with graphics or in Ice Blue for women, pitched as a "street cruiser" for the non-helmet wearer.
• 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, which may make good sense for child helmets where parents 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.
• Remedy CF and Remedy: A new 2006 downhill racing helmet with a motorcycle-style chin bar, replacing the Mad Max. This one is the only helmet we have seen advertised as meeting the ASTM F1952 downhill racing standard as well as CPSC. It has a nicely rounded exterior, marred only by the bolt-on visor, and is well vented for this type of helmet. It retails for $100 in fiberglass (1050g/37 oz.) or $250 for carbon fiber (900g/32 oz.).

Unobtainable Giros

Giro has a time trial/pursuit helmet that according to Bicycle Retailer and Industry News will not be sold to consumers. Lance Armstrong and the Posties used the Giro Advantage and Rev VI time trial helmets in the 2004 Tour de France time trials. The Advantage may some day be available to consumers, but the Rev VI was designed only for Lance. We don't know what impact standards they may meet, but probably they are designed for the European CEN standard.

This year Giro helmets fit heads from 18.75" (48 cm) to 25" (64 cm).

Giro will sell you a uniquely-shaped case called a "pod" or another called the Tour Bag that is to keep that expensive helmet pristine, but let your helmet dry out after a summer ride before putting it in there!

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. Net on 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. Net on 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. Net on front vents. European model certified to the CEN standard.
• Vici: glued on shell with fewer but much large vents. Net on front vents. European model certified to the CEN standard.
• Vidi: glued on shell, very round and smooth with only seven vents, visor. Net on front vents. Certified to CPSC as well as the CEN standard.
• Aventicum II: glued on shell, well rounded profile, visor. Net on 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, net on front vents and certified only to the CEN standard.
• Veni: (completes the veni, vidi, vici model series) youth model with glued on shell, net on 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

• 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 covering 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. The 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 F1492 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. 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 F2040 snow sport standard as well as the CPSC and CEN bike standards. 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 the same inflatable airbag rear pads as the AG-3. 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

• Extreme: the Wal-Mart model, selling for $30.
• 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.
• Kona Elite Series: for bike shops and running shops, selling for $200. Includes some carbon fiber internal reinforcing and some reflective surfaces. Comes with a carrying case.

J&B Importers

KB

KBC Corp.

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. Optional visor. Retail will be $100.
• Race Visor: pronounced rear snag point, very large vents, LED flasher. CE certification only.
• Alien: slightly upswept rear snag point, double line of parallel vents that evokes the appearance of some aliens on TV, LED flasher. CE certification only.
• Spiri: rounded rear treatment with moderate snag point, LED flasher. CE and CPSC certification. Retail will be $95.
• 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.
• City: despite the name, the rear snag point is more elongated than the Event. Has the LED flasher. CEN certification only.
• Event: well-rounded with no rear snag point, elongated vents and LED flasher. CEN certification only.
• Drive: well-rounded with a minimal rear snag point and LED flasher. CEN certification only.
• VS: rounded rear treatment with minimal snag point, LED flasher. CE and CPSC certification.
• Joker: Well-rounded profile, LED flasher, European model that meets the CEN standard for Euro market but not CPSC.
• Alien Junior: youth model that has adult appeal, with minimal snag point, LED flasher, CEN certification only.
• Swingo kids model with very nicely rounded lines, some vents and nice graphics, LED flasher. CEN certification only.
• 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.
• Freeride: classic skate style. Has a visible white option. No LED flasher or bug mesh. CEN certification only.
• Cross: skate helmet with angular shape and larger vents than the classic style. LED flasher, ring fit, visor. CEN certification only.
• Downhill: full face helmet with chinbar and bolted on visor. Bug mesh in vents, no LED flasher. CEN certification only.
• Zeitfahren: KED's chrono model comes in long and short versions. The short looks like a regular bike helmet but smooth-skinned and with no vents except in the rear. The long version 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 "ponytail friendly" padding.
• Ladies Series: dual certified, classic skate style. Comes in ladies' colors, pink and blue, with what is described as "ponytail friendly" padding. Looks like the Kore series in pretty pink. $30 retail.

Kuji Sports

LAS

• Haxial: 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. 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 $164. 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 sculpted lines suggesting a helmet for Frodo and peaks sticking up at the top. Rear snag points, two shell sizes fitting 52 to 63 cm. heads. Retails for $144.
• Astrom: ring fit, available in the US, retail $94.
• 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. This is one of the smallest advertised toddler helmets we have seen. 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 $234.

LAS has one additional non-bicycling helmet worthy of mention. Its Mistral model is designed for short track speed ice skating. Although the Web page does not say so, some vendors here are saying that it meets the ASTM 1849 Short Track Speed Ice Skating helmet standard. Check for a sticker inside the helmet to be sure. Retail in the US is $89.

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

Lazer

• Genesis: new for 2006, a high end model molded in the shell with multiple shell pieces wrapping around even the lower foam sections. Has the usual 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 $150.
• Cannibal: introduced in 2005, named for fabled Belgian racer Eddie Mercks' famous nickname. Molded in the four-piece shell for overall shell cover. Carbon fiber reinforcement, moderate rear snag point. Comes with front vent plug for winter if you want a warm wet head, probably most useful for those occasions when you discover during a ride that your clothing is too light. Retail is $74. Only the XXL size fitting up to 64 cm heads is imported into the US for 2006.
• Blade: introduced in 2004, the Blade has 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: introduced in 2005, 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 an XXL model fitting up the 64 cm, Lazer's largest helmet. Retail is $75. CPSC certification but not imported into the US in 2006. With four fewer vents, a visor and some cosmetic changes it become the Magma, and is on the list for the US at the same price.
• Topaz: new in 2006, the roundest and smoothest helmet in Lazer's line, molded in the shell with moderate vents, a ring fit system and CPSC certification. Retails for $36.
• Max Deluxe: a well-vented toddler helmet with cute graphics, some reflective, and an insect mesh 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 and extra five 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. Euro model only. Retail is a steep $300.
• Excalibur: BMX full face model with a nicely rounded exterior and a fiberglass shell. Euro model. It sells for $250.
• X5 Boomerang: downhill/BMX helmet, 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, but not available in 2006 in the US. 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 $160.

Limar

• 960: A new 2006 model, 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.
• 950: Introduced in 2005, molded in the shell with a modest rear snag point and external surface strap anchors that should have been recessed on a helmet selling for $150.
• 907: another 2005 model, this one is molded in the shell with a full wrap-under shell and a ring fit system. The retail price is $150.
• 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. Retail is $125.
• 909: The 909 is molded in the shell with very large vents including a heart-shaped one in the front. It has external strap anchors and pronounced rear snag points. Retail is $175.
• 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.
• 907: molded in the shell with a two piece shell. Elongated lines and rear snag points. Ring fit.
• 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. This one has mesh in the vents for bug protection and a ring-fit system. It retails for $80. We praised this helmet in our 2005 review (when it 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.
• 730: molded in the shell with better rounded lines than most Limars. Ring fit. $110
• 720: molded in the shell including a lower shell. Long narrow vents in the front. Small but sharp rear snag point. Retail is $96.
• 710: 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.
• Big One: molded in the shell and available only in XXL size to fit heads from 59 to 63 cm. Elongated vents with a cat ear effect from the two rear snag points.
• 610: molded in the shell with a modest rear snag point and a ring fit system. $55 retail.
• 520: molded in the shell with angular lines and modest rear snag point. Ring fit. $45 retail.
• 320: taped on shell and rounder rear lines. Retail is $35.
• 315: Limar's least expensive adult helmet has rounded lines with a modest rear snag point, small vents and a ring fit system. Retail is $30.
• 310: youth helmet with a glued on shell, ring fit system and bug mesh in the front vents. Ring fit. Retail is $35.
• Junior: vented toddler helmet with a glued-on shell and a ring fit system. Retail is $30.
• Chrono 05: Limar's 2005 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. 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 to the original purchaser "at a nominal fee should the Polystyrene shell of the helmet be broken in an accident while being worn." Bikemine's catalog has replacement pads, visors and chrono lenses.

Louis Garneau

A few of 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 insect mesh in the vents of some models. Some models are available without visor for $5 less. Custom team graphics or stickers are available for 2006. 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 new 2006 entry into the carbon fiber race is 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.
• 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 orange, and the front label is reflective. A carrying bag is included. The price is reduced for 2006 to $130.
• King Pin: Last year's Energy is the King Pin for 2006. It is molded in the shell and still has the exaggerated ribs and exposed foam that we advise you to avoid, particularly at the $95 price point. Without visor it becomes the Europa at $90.
• Rev: the Rev's exposed foam is well recessed, but the shell is taped rather than molded in the shell. It's shape is a lot rounder and smoother than the upscale models, with almost no rear snag point at all. This is Garneau's largest helmet, fitting up to size 24 7/8 - 63 cm. Retail is $50.
• Quattro: Although the same price as the Rev at $50, this one is molded in the shell, and has only a moderate rear snag point. Without visor it is the Murano and sells for $45.
• Equinox: The value end of Louis Garneau's line is this molded in the shell 2006 design. Plainer graphics, but no exposed foam and a 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.
• Grunge-X: introduced in 2001 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.
• Baby Boomer-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.
• Terrible-X: Toddler helmet whose name ironically echoes the French phrase "l'enfant terrible." Has a molded in visor extension and glued-on shell. Graphics include Felix again in firefighter garb. Designed for kids 5 to 10. This one has a dial-fit rear stabilizer. The retail price is $30.
• Street: A skateboard-style helmet with a hard shell and the beautifully rounded traditional skateboard profile. The vents are skimpy and the colors are drab or black, but if you are crashing at high speed this is the profile you want. Has CPSC bicycle helmet certification and ASTM snowboard certification but is not dual certified to the ASTM skateboard standard. Retails for $35, or you can have the camo version for $45.
• Buzz 2: Garneau's downhill helmet. Molded in the shell with vents covered with mesh to keep the bees out. It has a full face guard with vents and mesh of its own. Unfortunately the hook-and-loop visor attachment has been replaced with the usual BMX/downhill bolts, so if you catch your visor on a low hanging limb, look out! The retail price has been lowered considerably to $140.
• Rocket: A 2005 chrono design from LG, the maker of the first chrono 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 $30.
• Prologue-V: The most exciting thing in the 2002 Louis Garneau lineup was the world's first chrono model with CPSC impact protection. Designed for time trialing. Round and smooth in front, with a long aero tail. Glued on shell, polycarbonate face shield. Retail this year is $125 with visor.
• Chrono 2006: Looks to us like the original chrono model. At least one vendor says that in addition to the CPSC standard it also meets ASTM 1849, the short track speed ice skating standard. We were unable to confirm that in Garneau's catalog or on their Web site, so look for a sticker inside the helmet to be sure.
• 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.

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

Lucky Bell

MET

Michelin

• MX Sport: molded in the shell with reasonable vents and a moderate rear snag point. Also known as the MX Tribal for the mountain bike market. Both retail for $40.
• MX Pro Race: molded in the shell with a medium snag point, very large vents and a ring fit system. The visor can be replaced with an air flow deflector.
• MX Comp: small rear snag points, ring fit system, $70 retail.
• MX Urban: a commuter style helmet with very large vents and rounded lines, but not as round and smooth as some. Molded in the shell with a ring-fit system. Translucent gray visor. Retails for $45. With a black visor and different graphics it is the Street.
• MX Adventure: child helmet with large vents, elongated shape, rounded rear profile. Retail is $35.
• MX Bib: toddler helmet with vents, molded in the shell as few toddler helmets are, nice bright colors and graphics. The extra small size fits 48 to 52 cm heads. Retail is $25.

Mien Yow Industry

Mongoose

• All Terrain: although it is an ABS hardshell helmet, this one has a very thin shell. It has the elongated bicycle helmet shape with a modest snag point in the rear and a visor. Made in China. Retails for $20.
• Explorer: minimal rear snag point, glued on shell with no tape, snap-on visor, ring fit system with dial fit. Retail is $20.
• Full Face: an ABS hard shell BMX-style helmet open-face helmet with the usual bolted-on visor. Retail is $60.
• BMX Hard Shell: A skate-style helmet departing from the round and smooth style to add lines that the auto industry would call "muscular." No chin bar. Retail is $17.
• BMX Child Full Face Helmet: This is the full face model from PTI that is the only child's full face model on the market. It may have vision obstruction problems for the wearer, so be sure to take the rider to the store to try it on. Sold at Toys 'R Us and other discount stores for under $20, this one has a full wraparound chinbar with full thickness EPS padding. There is no other helmet in this price range with full thickness EPS padding in the chinbar. There is a visor, and the helmet is vented for active pedaling by kids who are "driven by attitude." PTI has these made in China.

Netti - Atom

• Cyclone: Molded in the shell with a two piece shell. AUS$100
• GTi Competition i-Series - Molded in the shell. Kevlar fibers in the straps, with a claim of "simple to achieve absolutely perfect fit." AUS$70
• Pangea: Upper and Lower glued on micro shell. AUS$50
• STRIKE: "Extra strength" glued on micro shell. AUS$45
• Qantum Pro: Nicely rounded shape, two piece glued-on shell, comes in an extra large size rated to 64 cm heads. AUS$40
• Qantum: Nicely rounded shape, AS2063 certification, comes in small and medium only. AUS$40
• Climax: Full face downhill racing or BMX helmet with vents, a composite carbon fiber shell and CPSC certification. AUS$380
• Instinct: Full face BMX-style helmet with a fiberglass shell and vents. AUS$150
• AXN: Full face for Down Hill & BMX, fiberglass shell with more vents than usual for this type of helmet. CPSC Certification. Retail is AUS$200 or AUS$230 for the model with graphics.
• Assault-Jr: Full face downhill or BMX helmet with CPSC Certification. XS/S only. AUS$140
• Blade 2: Hard ABS shell, classic skate shape, but certified to the CPSC and AS2063 bicycle helmet standards, not skateboard. AUS$45 Also in graphics model for AUS$50.
• Minimax 3: Toddler model with heart-shaped vents and full shell cover. Comes in extra small. No certification listed. AUS$40
• Pilot: Child/youth model with ring fit, bright graphics and AS2063 Certification. AUS$45.

Oktos