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

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

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

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 ($25 at Wal-Mart), Briko Mistral, Cratoni Neon, Giant Talos, Giro Transfer Sport, Lazer Topaz, Louis Garneau Pacifica, Rudy Project Pyovra, Schwinn Atlas, Serfas Cosmos Plus, Specialized Air Force, Trek Vapor 3 and Vigor Fast Traxx. See descriptions below.

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

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

See our page on helmets for very large heads.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What We Did Not Find Again This Year

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

The Helmets

• The typical bicycle helmet listed below is made of EPS foam with a thin plastic shell, taped or glued onto the foam. Increasingly, it may be molded in the shell, meaning that the shell is placed in the mold and the foam material for the liner is expanded into it, forming one solid piece. It has at least some vents, webbing straps made of nylon or polypro, a plastic buckle, no reflective trim and either a ring fit ("one size fits all") or soft foam fitting pads inside.

• BMX models are "full face" (with chinbar) and have thicker hard shells shaped like a motorcycle helmet.

• Downhill racing models are similar to BMX but lighter, and have minimal impact padding in the chinbar. Unless noted they are certified only to the CPSC bicycle helmet standard rather than the tougher ASTM F 1952 standard for downhill racing helmets.

• Chrono helmets are teardrop-shaped time trial helmets.

• Skate style helmets are the classic Pro-Tec round, smooth shape with ABS plastic hard shells and small vents.

We have a page on helmet types with longer descriptions.

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

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

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

Models

Abus

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.

Ascent

Atlas

• Dorado: a commuter helmet identical in appearance to the former SixSixOne AllRide, Limar 801 or Mace NOS. A round, smooth but very up-to-date design that proved that rounder helmets need not be boring. If it were certified to the CPSC standard we would be recommending that you check it out, but this version only has CEN certification. That one would be made in China, but we don't know about the rest of their line. The Dorado is molded in the shell.

• Hotshot another very well rounded adult model.

• Marlin is a BMX model with a removable chinbar.

• Drago is a child model with the "green" European child buckle that breaks more easily to avoid trapping a child on playground equipment or trees. The same helmet with a normal-strength buckle is called the Hardtop.

Avenir

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

Azonic

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

Barbieri

Bell

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

Preview: one new upscale Bell model for 2009 will be the Volt. You may have seen it on riders from Team CSC-Saxo Bank and riders from the Crédit Agricole team in the 2008 Tour de France. We have seen only an article on it in Bicycle Retailer and Industry News. A photoe in the print version that is not on the Web site shows unfortunate points on the rear, so it may not be worth waiting for.

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

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

Bell's European Market Helmets

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

Bell's Discount Line

Bell has a separate line of low-priced helmets sold at discount stores and mass-merchant outlets. (More than one fourth of the company's sales are through Wal-Mart alone.) They are occasionally discontinued models from the bike store line, but seldom include the 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. The medium-priced line starting around $20 fit better. Many of these helmets are still produced in the US--millions of helmets each year. The rounded profiles we consider optimum have always persisted in this line, since they are cheaper to produce, and Consumer Reports testing of other brands indicated that the thicker foam in cheaper models may actually provide better impact protection than some of the thinner, more ventilated, more expensive upscale helmets. Models include the adult Reflex, Radar, Adrenaline, Protos and Impulse. Youth sizes include the Edge, Aero, Blade and Deuce. Child helmet models are the Star, Racer and Rex. Toddler helmets include the Shadow, Zoomer and Bellino, as well as the Beamer, with ten LED lights™

Two models in the low-priced line deserve special attention: the Deuce and the Impulse are the same helmet in youth and adult sizes. Both have the same radically round, smooth shape of the Bell Citi. Both are 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 and Toys R Us has them for $30. The Impulse/Deuce is made in USA.

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

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

Bell's Replacement Policy

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

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

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

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

Bern Unlimited

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

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

Bianchi

Bios

Bravo

Bravo Sports

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

Carrera

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

Casco

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, with the foam turning yellow and shrinking. And the only really heat-resistant shells we know of are fiberglass, not the plastic Casco is using. Casco also advertises an aluminum "roll bar" reinforcement in some models. All are apparently ring fit.

Casco models include:

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

Catlike

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

Chrysler-Jeep

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

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

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

Dainese

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

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

ESCO

El Sol

Epsira Oy (Knock)

Etto

• Hurricane: Molded in the shell with large vents, rear snag points and 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.
• Twister: youth helmet with taped on shell with rounded lines and a visor effect in front.
• Kolibri: molded in the shell women's model, nicely rounded with a minimal rear point.
• 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 was called the Freesbee because it was intended to be equipped with a unique buckle-release system to open the buckle hydraulically if the child was "hung" on playground equipment or a tree for more than a few seconds. That apparently is still on hold for further development and Etto is selling it with a standard buckle.
• Ettino: vented toddler helmet with rounded lines and taped on shell. Fits heads as small as 41 cm, the smallest helmet advertised by any producer. Shaped like an adult helmet, so it is not likely to meet the coverage requirements of the CPSC standard for US sale. Padded buckle to prevent pinching. Ring fit. Has a visor. May require that a child in a trailer or high-backed child seat have a thick pad behind the child's back to prevent the rear section of the helmet from pushing the child's head forward and down. If you are searching for a helmet this small, please see our page on taking your baby along.
• Psycho: classic skate style helmet with a hard ABS shell and the usual small vents. Round vents in the front. Comes in chrome, colors and a "psycho" graphic with a skull and bones. Pad fit. Reflective material on the back. Etto also produces it for water sports with a neoprene liner replacing the EPS. They don't recommend that one for bicycling.

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

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. Reasonably rounded rear. Ring fit. Retail is $40. Comes in a police model as well.
• Blaster: taped shell, bug net in front vents, ring fit.
• Lil' Fuji: vented toddler helmet with a taped shell and bug net in the front vents. There is a tabbed buckle to prevent skin pinching.

Fly Racing

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

Fox

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

Fox helmets come in sizes from 18 3/8" to 25 3/4". Fox has other models on their 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

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

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

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

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

Gmax

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.
• Veni: youth model with glued on shell, bug net in front vents, CPSC as well as CEN certification. Two sizes fit 46 to 56 cm heads.
• Vidi: glued on shell, very round and smooth with only seven vents, visor. Bug net in front vents. Certified to CPSC as well as the CEN standard.
• Vici: (completes the veni, vidi, vici model series) glued on shell with fewer but much larger vents. Bug net in front vents. European model certified to the CEN standard.
• Aventicum II: glued on shell, well rounded profile, visor. Bug net in front vents. Two shell sizes accommodate up to 62 cm heads. Certified to CPSC as well as the CEN standard.
• Caddy: child helmet with six vents, bug net in front vents and certified only to the CEN standard.
• X: classic skate style helmet with hard ABS shell, small vents, pad fit, CEN certification.

Happy Way Enterprises

Headstart PTY (Australia)

Headstart (Malaysia)

Headstart Technologies

Helmets R Us (formerly Century Cycles)

Hong Kong Sports

Hopus

• EX-9: 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-4 Plus, A-6 Plus, E-2 Epoch, Ex-1 Extreme and Ex-5 Extreme: 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 the top of the Hopus line at $75. It has aluminum mesh molded into the shell that also provides bug net for the vents.
• A-8 Plus and Elf-1 Elf: polycarbonate hard shell bike helmets with very nicely rounded lines. Both are 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. The MF-2 Classic is a snow series model for winter sport use with ear flaps and a goggle retainer in the rear. It is certified to the ASTM F 2040 snow sport standard as well as the CPSC and CEN bike standards, so it is a true multi-sport helmet. Can be had with very visible flame graphics and a nice metallic orange.
• FSK Free Skating a hard shell skate-style helmet with an ABS shell and EPS foam liner.
• MF-3 Avenger: is billed as a multi-sport helmet and available as a "snow series" model with ear flaps and a goggle retainer in back, although it is advertised as meeting only the CPSC and CEN bicycle helmet standards, not ski helmet standards. Has a very round smooth skate-style shape, and the ABS hard shell, with more vents than the MF-2 below. There is a very visible metallic yellow model. Retails for $20 to $40.
• AG-2 Argo: is a round, smooth skate-style helmet with a hard ABS shell and minimal vents. It is 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

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

J&B Importers

KB

KBC Helmets

KED

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

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

Kent Bicycles

Knucklebone

Knucklehead

Kong

Kryptonics

Kuji Sports

LAS

• Haxial: Top of the line model with many long narrow vents and several rear snag points. Ring fit. Cheap-looking external strap anchors stick up above the shell. Has the European style bug netting in front vents in cotton and aluminum. There are bright red and white color options as well as a beautiful gold. Retail is $200. Also available with a unique flat aluminum shelf they call an "aerator" mounted about a half inch above the shell that is supposed to direct air into the vents. We do not understand how it meets the CPSC standard for projections with the front edge of that shelf sticking up, but they have documents to prove that a reputable test lab in the US has certified them. We would recommend avoiding it anyway for the possible snag hazard. Cost of the aerator is $30 to $90 depending on finish.
• Bionix: another truly unique innovation in helmet design, the Bionix has what appears to be a second shell overlapping from the rear of the helmet.
  

  The increase in forward-facing potential snag points is stunning, not to mention the huge rear overhang. Ring fit, available in the US. Retail is $215, $45 higher than last year. Another one to avoid.

• Kripton: molded in the shell with pronounced rear snag points. Ring fit system. Available in the US market. Retails for $135.
• 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 (20.9 to 24.8 inches) heads. Has silver-impregnated liner material to retard bacterial growth. Retails for $165, up $15 this year.
• Istrion: the LAS compact model, with reduced snag points and ring fit, available in the US, retail $150.
• Esprit II: another compact model, this time the best rounded design in the LAS line. Retail is $ 80.
• Hitek-Cycling: a "city helmet" with a round profile, but long vertical vents and graphics not like other commuter helmets. Molded in the shell with external strap anchors. Visor, with a rounded profile to fit the helmet style. There is a visible white option. Not available in the US market.
• Compact: the roundest, smoothest helmet in the L.A.S. line, promoted for rollerblading as well as cycling. Ring fit, available in the European market. Retail should be about $80.
• Roadspeed: a vented toddler model with an extra small 45 cm (17.7") minimum head size for the "Baby" model. Meets CEN European standards for bicycling and equestrian use. Not available in the US. See our page on taking your baby along before you look for this helmet! Our page on tiny helmets has more.
• Chrono: time-trial aero helmet with a polycarbonate shell, no front vents and an integrated clear partial front face shield. Very long tail to reach the rider's back, with a slight shoulder hump. Certified to both the CPSC and CEN standards. Ring fit for 54 to 61 cm (21.3 to 24.0 inches) heads. Retail is $250 this year.

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

Lazer

• Urbanize: a new helmet for 2008, Lazer's city helmet is round and smooth except for a bumped out integral visor in front. It looks more like an equestrian helmet than a bike helmet, but has rectangular vents. Molded in the shell in one piece, it has LED lights that click into