MTB helmet

[Corey]

I am in need of a good helmet.
My old Giro I can not find.

My local shop has three pages worth of helmets.
http://centercycle.com/itemlist.cfm?category=41

On page two is a one by Specialized called the Tactic.
http://centercycle.com/itemdetails.cfm?libid=50304

http://centercycle.com/images/library/large/spl_hlmt_tactic_grey_09_m.jpg http://centercycle.com/images/library/site/spl_hlmt_tactic_matte_09_m.jpg

What helmet have you found comfortable to use while trail riding, and also vents well?

[teotwaki]

I've been a Giro fan for a long time because of the adjustable fitting band at the back of the head. They all seem to have lots of ventilation but I go for white or light colors to reduce solar heating.

[tibaal89]

For about a third of the price, I could not be happier with my Bell... identical adjust-ability to the Giro, and likely to do about the same thing if you smack your head on the ground.

EDIT: I see there is no price difference between the Giro and Bell, I wasn't aware of that... my LBS must only carry the high end Giro models.

[adrenaline503]

I have used Giro for years. The fit is personal of course, but they have never failed me.

[1speed]

For a very reasonably priced helmet that fits me better and is more comfortable than any helmet I've ever tried at any price, I like this one enough that I have one in each color.

http://www.louisgarneau.com/catalogs/catalog_product.asp?catalogue=WU8&section=HE&sub_section=029&style_no=1405735

[crawldit]

My Wife, Son and I all have Giros. Here is mine http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3455805&cp=2367438.2367828.2716578.2712466

It's very comfortable and seems to breath good out here in the heat.

[DaveInDenver]

The fit is personal of course, but they have never failed me.
This is the main determiner. All the MTBR posts in the world about this or that makes zero difference if the shell does not fit your melon. Head (pun intended) down to your local shop, try a few on and get whichever feels comfortable. The more expensive helmets don't necessarily work better as brain buckets (actually a poor fitting $150 might be worse in a crash than a good fitting $50), mostly they will be lighter, better venting, have better adjustment systems. Budget about $40~$60 to get a reasonably nice one and there you go. I wear Giro usually, they tend to work on my head (my ski helmet is Giro 9 and my bike helmet is a Giro Animas), but Bell, Garneau, 661, they're all work.

[Silver dude]

If you have a big head nothing seems to fit better the Trek helmets. I and two friends went shopping for helmets. We tried on the Giro's, Bells, and Specialized. Needless to say we all 3 went home with Trek helmets. When I slid it over my melon if just fit like glove. I was like WOW didn't know it could be that comfortable. Definitely go to the local bike shop and try them out. If their prices are to high just try them and buy them at home. Honestly though, apparel like that every year is closed out at most bike shops once the 2010's start rolling it. Deals are easy to snag if you can wait.

The Trek I have has rather large vents and seems to breath pretty well.

[dieselcruiserhead]

My old Giro sort of sat on top of my head rather than around it. It fell off my bumper once at slow speed and got crushed, almost luckily I think.. I was in the shop and basically bought the one that fit the best. In this case it was a new camp Fox helmet. Very comfortable, clasp is adjustable (better than Giro) and about the similar price... Hope it helps, that is my vote, try them on... :)

[Corey]

Found my old Giro helmet, it was made in October of 1995.
All black with only six vents on top.

It fits, but I will more than likely upgrade to a silver one for lower brain tempts, and more vents.
I am sure technology for the fit system and safety has increased since I bought that.

[Corey]

Picked up a Specialized Air Force 3 during lunch today.
http://centercycle.com/itemdetails.cfm?libid=50317

http://centercycle.com/images/library/large/spec_af3_wht_08_m.jpg

Went with the white one too, they were out of silver.
I think the white will offer more visibility too.

I like the adjustment system in this for head size, very easy with two hand.
I tried on a Giro with the thumbwheel adjuster where you have to push down an unlock button first.
Newer models for Giro coming out soon will scrap the button, and you use use the wheel.
It however did not feel as good on my head as the Air Force 3 helmet did.
Even the chin straps on the Specialized helmet felt more comfortable than the Giro helmet.

[Desolation]

Admittedly I am resistant and I haven't looked in a long time.
Never finding a helmet that I could wear for more then 15-Min on or off my bike comfortably added to the only time I've managed to crack my bean in 45-years was while I was wearing a helmet. Having the helmet survive the impact far better then my head I tossed my last one and have been riding naked since.:Wow1: I would guess I've ridden maybe 25-miles with a lid on.
I know that, theoretically, the statistics say I should; however until I just followed the link and looky there, full face bicycle helmets, why they might even do some good...
Feed back on these? Obviously I have a fat head :) so fitment... Ventilation?

Maybe it is time to look again.

[Corey]

Here are some reviews on the brain bucket I just bought.
http://www.mtbr.com/cat/mtb-apparel-and-protection/Helmet/specialized/air-force-3/PRD_419170_126crx.aspx

Two year old video
http://video.yahoo.com/watch/928539/3913163