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Bicycle Helmets for the 2002-3 Season


This is history! Current year here


Summary: Our review of helmets being sold in 2002. Trends first, then individual models. Index to manufacturers last. See this page for more recent years.


Trends for 2002


Helmet lines for 2002 showed few real improvements over the 2001 season. Prices are mostly stable after rising somewhat last year in the mass merchant channel. Demand for bicycles has been declining, but we can't say if helmet sales are following since there are no industry numbers available. From the consumer's point of view there are very protective helmets out there for reasonable prices, and very stylish ones for a few dollars more. Price and protection do not equate. There is nothing on the horizon to recommend delaying a purchase, and no compelling reason to upgrade an otherwise good helmet this year.

Helmets manufactured for the US market after 1999 must meet the national CPSC standard. Very few of the older ones are still on sale. We recommend looking for a helmet that:

1. Meets the CPSC standard. (Look for the sticker inside)

2. Fits you well.

And preferably:

3. Has a rounded, smooth exterior with no snag points.

4. Has no more vents than you need.

We recommend checking Consumer Reports for brand and model recommendations even though their most recent helmet article did not cover more than a handful of the helmets on the market. They discovered that cheaper helmets are more protective than the most expensive, top-of-the-line models. Since there is no comprehensive lab test data available, we do not make brand and model recommendations. We do recommend steering away from models with obvious disadvantages like snag points on the outer surface.

Beware of skateboard helmets with no CPSC sticker inside. Some of them look exactly like a bike/skateboard multipurpose helmet from the outside, but the foam inside is not designed for the impacts a bicycle rider should expect. Be sure to look for a CPSC sticker before using a skateboard-style helmet for bicycling!

Outside the US, the basic features to look for are the same. Unless there is a CPSC sticker in the helmet, you will probably find one that attests to the helmet meeting one of the numerous national standards or the European standard.
This year's helmets have fewer of the squared-off lines we find objectionable and fewer of the pronounced rear snag points that dominated top of the line models just two years ago. We have a page up explaining why you need a rounder, smoother helmet to avoid snagging in a crash. It also explains why bigger vents are not always a benefit. It is called Vents and Square Lines: Problems with some designs.

Although fit systems are slowly improving, no manufacturer has yet achieved the self-fitting helmet that is today's most critical need. (We have more on that on our page on the ideal helmet.) Several now have a one-size-fits-all system based on an adjustable ring. They are generally quicker to fit and reduce the number of models dealers have to stock. But some of them require the ring so tight for real stability that they feel binding after a few minutes, and loosening the band gives a sloppy fit. The headband used will also interfere with anyone using a separate sweatband or earband, who should look for a model with the adjustability of traditional fit pads. As always, your own head is the only standard for fit. We have a separate page up on the one-size-fits-all helmets.


More Trends



New Technology


This year a new foam has been announced that may have advantages for multi-impact helmets. The first helmet using it appeared early in the year, but availability is spotty. It is heavy and shaped as a ski/skate helmet, with minimal vents, appealing more to skiers than cyclists. We don't have test lab data for it yet, so recommendations are on hold. See our comments below on W Helmets.


The Hard Shell Lives!


A number of the skateboard-style helmets on the market are still made with hard shells. Most are hot for bicycle riding. But a company in Taiwan is still shipping hard shell bicycle-style helmets to the US market. This year they have found a new technique to mold the foam directly into a hard ABS shell. That model may arrive here in 2002. You can find comments on them in our section on Hopus Technology below, and on our page on hard shell helmets. If you are seeking a hard shell, search this page for the word "hard" to find them. Most are skateboard style helmets.


Bell Still Covers the Largest Heads


The Bell Kinghead is still the only choice if you are one of the small minority of riders needing a helmet to fit up to size 8 1/4 with a maximum circumference of 26 inches (66 cm). Most people can turn it sideways. See our page on very large helmets for details. There are other models below that can fit up to 64 cm.


Standards


Bicycle helmets manufactured for the US market after March 10, 1999 are required to meet the US Consumer Product Safety Commission standard by law. There are few of the older ones around. That took most of the steam out of the standards issue. But there are two reasons to continue to look for the standards sticker. First, there may still be a few older models out there manufactured before 1999 that do not meet the CPSC standard, and can still be legally sold. You might find them on the dusty bargain tables.

In addition, since the CPSC standard applies only to bicycle helmets, there are other helmets on the market that don't meet it, but just are careful to avoid saying they are for bicycling. They can be for skating, skateboarding, surfing or tiddlywinks, as long as they are not labeled for bicycling. They can be identical on the outside to a bike helmet made by the same manufacturer. They can be sold in bike shops or in discount stores on the same shelf as the bicycle helmets, with the same packaging and only the wording on the sticker inside and on the box different. So a measure of "buyer beware" is still required. We recommend that you look for a sticker inside the helmet saying it meets the CPSC standard. If it is not there, pass it up, no matter what the salesman says.

In addition to the legally-required CPSC sticker, the independent Snell Memorial Foundation's Snell B-95 sticker is an even better indicator of quality, since Snell tests helmets in their own labs. Snell also has an ongoing test program where they buy helmets in the market for follow up testing. But most of the "Snell" helmets on the market meet only Snell's B-90 standard, comparable to CPSC. Snell's N-94 multipurpose standard and B-95 bicycle standards are actually tougher to pass, and their M-2000 motorcycle helmet standard can only be met by a few BMX helmets, but we can't explain all those B-numbers to most consumers, so we no longer make a big point of telling people to look for a Snell sticker. You can find more info on the Snell website.

Outside the US there are national standards and a European standard that manufacturers design for. Most of them test helmets with similar techniques but lower drop energy than the CPSC standard requires. We have a page of international standards comparisons up if you want to know how we reached that conclusion. Note that some countries do not have laws requiring a helmet to meet a standard. We have received one email report that helmets with CPSC stickers that did not meet the standard have been sold in Canada, and no local action was taken against the manufacturer. (In the US, someone injured in that helmet would sue the manufacturer and the retailer for a huge sum, an enforcement mechanism more effective even here than what CPSC can manage.)


The Helmets

The typical helmet listed below is made of EPS foam with a thin plastic shell taped or glued onto the foam. It has a least some vents, nylon straps, a plastic buckle, no reflective trim and squishy foam fitting pads inside. If no contrary information is in the writeup for each model, those features are assumed. Many have a rear stabilizer wrapping around the back of the head, which we note only if it has some unusual feature like a dial fit. We also note the largest and smallest sizes available where relevant, and any bright colors. Prices are Manufacturers Suggested Retail Prices. You may find hefty discounts available on the high end models, or on last year's models. If you are searching for a model and don't find it here, use the search function to check our writeups for previous years to see if it has been discontinued.


ABUS


Abus is a German company also known as a manufacturer of high-security padlocks. They have a unique ratcheting strap fastener with a toothed tab sliding into a slot. It would have to be adjusted carefully to be sure it does not bear against the line of the jaw. Their rear stabilizers are also adjusted by a ratchet device. Visors mount with pins. Some models may have bug-proof mesh for the front vents. Abus' bicycle helmets include seven for kids or toddlers, and seven for adults. Their Euro models are not certified to the US CPSC standard and will not be sold in the US. There will be models available in the US market certified to the CPSC standard as noted below, and probably available in Europe as well. Abus models include:


Action Bicycle


The Hard Head line of helmets is produced for Action Bicycle by Strategic Sports in Hong Kong. Their models include the Acclaim, an otherwise standard adult helmet with visor and rear stabilizer that has an internal headband for size adjustment and retails for $35. Other models include a full face BMX helmet for $80, a child helmet at $20, and a skateboard helmet that retails for $36, or $40 in full chrome.


AGV


See Fox below.


Alpha Helmets


Alpha helmets are found under two brands. Some are made by Mien Yow Industries Ltd. in Taiwan. They have a line of well-rounded models led by the complex-looking Vortex and including one model with a flashing led taillight built in. For 2002 they also have the C-Tec, with squared-off ribs but a rounded shape overall. Shells are glued on rather than molded in. The manufacturer says their retail prices run in the $35 range. They have four models on Snell's B-95 list: The MF-II, DH-a/QamaQa and the JT-V. Alpha also makes skating, hockey and batting helmets. Their skate helmet is certified to the CPSC and Snell B-95 bicycle helmet standards and retails for $34. The other brand known as Alpha Helmets is made by Lucky Bell and distributed in the US by J & B Importers below. We think it is a separate line, but can't be too sure.


Answer Products


Answer Racing has the same two BMX racing helmets for 2002, but the M6 is closing out and may no longer be available. Answer's helmets are made in Korea by KBC for Performance Bicycle Components.


Atlas


Atlas is a Swedish manufacturer. They have an XS child helmet that fits heads as small as 45 cm (17.8 inches) in diameter that they say is for "For Babies 6 months up to 2 years." (The six months is not recommended!--see this page). We have not seen them in the US and their website does not indicate they meet the CPSC standard, so they may not be available here. Their website says their helmets meet the European standard, and that several meet an older version of the ASTM standard. Their Hot Shot adult helmet appears to be a very nicely rounded design, with a glued on shell. Their Sport model appears to have a rigid visor, which could be a potential snagging hazard. They managed to add a rear ridge on their otherwise well-rounded A.X.S skate helmet. They describe their rear stabilizer as a "neck protector" and have several add-on accessories including visors, the stabilizer and a helmet bag. They have a page on standards that says the CPSC standard "will be the official US standard very soon," putting it a few years out of date.


Azonic


Azonic/O'Neal USA has hard shell, no-vent full face helmets for BMX. They have removable inner liners for cleaning and large, sturdy, bolted-on visors, a potential snagging hazard. Their BMX helmets are made by KBC in Korea or THH in Taiwan, and are said to all be certified to Snell M-95 or M-2000 motorcycle helmet standards, therefore exceeding by a wide margin the DOT motorcycle helmet standard and by an even wider margin any bicycle helmet standard in the world. (We are not able to identify the models on the Snell lists.)


Bell


Bell is still the largest company in the bicycle helmet market. They also own Giro, but the two have separate helmet lines. Bell has reduced the number of their models in recent years, but we still have trouble tracking similarities between models from different years. 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.

At the top of Bell's line are their molded-in-the-shell models, called the Fusion Series. For the 2002 year all are hyper-ventilated and all have rear stabilizers. They have dropped the "Pro" label in the model name but still use it to describe the series. Among them:

With the exception of the Aquila, Bell's lower-cost helmets are produced with the shell glued on and taped at the edge rather than fused in the mold. Since that design gains less strength from the shell, the vents have to be a little smaller, but should be entirely adequate for almost all riders. Prices for older models are lower this year.

Cheaper Bells

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 never the inmolded models except for the Bell Next, sold at Wal-Mart for $40 if you can still find one, and probably one of the best bargains in the helmet market this year. They generally have low-end graphics, chintzy fit pads 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. The rounded profiles we consider optimum will persist in this line for years to come, since they are cheaper to produce, and the thicker foam may actually provide better impact protection than some of the sexier, thinner, more expensive Pro models. This line sells for low prices: $10 to $30. They are available to non-profits through the National Safe Kids Campaign for even less. 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.) 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.

For Bell's current crash replacement policy it is best to call 1-800-BELL or search their website. We found it in the helmet manuals, in .pdf format. As of fall, 2001 you send back the damaged helmet with a letter describing your crash "in as much detail as possible," a dated cash register receipt (you did save your receipt, and you can find it, right?) with a check for:

Bell is the only helmet manufacturer who has 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.


Briko


Briko is an Italian company who began breaking into the U.S. market in 1998. They have an innovative "twin cap" construction technique bonding two separate liners to leave air channels. They use reflective trim on all of the US models., and all of their models for the US market are inmolded.



Briko has a number of other helmets for the European market that will not be available in the US in 2002. These include:



Check their website for newer developments.


Catlike


Catlike is a Spanish company named for its founder, whose racing nickname was "the cat." They are introducing their helmets in the US for the 2002 season, beginning with two models: In addition, Catlike has other models for the Euro market:


Cratoni


This German company has an extensive line but fewer models for the U.S. market. Some models have a suspension system called the Head Ring with an adjustable head band to fit all sizes. Some models have a "soft shock" liner, but the verbiage in the catalog and on the website fail to explain what that is all about. Cratoni's child models fit heads as small as 18.5 inches/47 cm and their largest adult models fit up to 23.5 inches/62 cm. Their one-size-fits all models cover from 20.5" to 23.5"/52 or 53 cm to 60 cm. Cratoni's retail prices seem higher than most, but dealers may adjust that.

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


Cycle Express


Cycle Express has a girl's pink Hearts and Flowers model that was the subject of a recall during 2000. There is more detail on our recalls page.


Diamondback


Diamondback has a full line of bicycles and has accessories for bike dealers. We have not seen their 2002 helmet line, but in 2001 they had a BMX helmet with vents and a full chin bar, in sizes extra small through large, retailing for about $70. They also had a very well-rounded freestyle skating helmet with CPSC certification retailing for about $30. Their helmets are made in China.


Dreamer Design


Dreamer is a producer of the three-wheel strollers that runners use to take the kids along. They have a helmet that comes in toddler or youth sizes. Has 3M reflective trim. Retail is $25. The website does not mention CPSC, but says these helmets are Snell B-90 approved. (We could not find the Dreamer name on Snell's October 2001 list. It may appear under a manufacturer's name.) These helmets are not required to meet the CPSC standard, since they are not sold as bicycle helmets.


Ecko


Ecko has been around since the early 1980's, first in California, then Idaho, now Arizona. Although they don't have a website and we have not seen their current catalog, Ecko has usually produced BMX racing and skateboard helmets. The BMX shells are fiberglass, with both open and chinbar models. Visors are snap on, and are designed to pop off in an impact to avoid a snagging hazard, a very desirably safety feature. Sizing is U.S. 6 to 7 3/4. Ecko also distributes the RAD, billed as a multisport helmet. It has very small vents and a very well-rounded exterior surface, but we don't know what standards it might meet. We have not seen their 2002 line yet, but their helmets are available from some suppliers, with advertised retail prices for their BMX models ranging from $65 to $230.

Epsira Oy (Knock)


Epsira Oy is the Finnish manufacturer of Knock helmets, advertised as CE approved (European standard) and in one case as meeting a Swedish standard. They are supplied to such organizations as the Finnish postal service (in very visible yellow). Their designs appear to have nicely rounded contours. They have four models: the H3, Knock, Inmotion and Champ. One previous model had reflective straps, a feature we have not seen before or since. Epsira Oy has other EPS products and some info up on EPS. We are not aware of a U.S. distributor for their products, and of course you won't see them here unless they meet the CPSC standard.


First Team Sports


First Team sells mostly ice skates, inline skates and street hockey equipment through mass merchant channels such as Wal-Mart. The website has one "Ultra Wheels" adult model, and says it is Snell certified, but does not specify the Snell standard. First Team had to recall their Guardian Junior helmet during 2000. See our recalls page for more information.


Flash


Flash is a Taiwanese brand for a line of inexpensive child and adult helmets. We have no further information on them this year.


Fly


Fly Racing has a line of motorcycle BMX racing equipment, including two full face helmets made for them by THH. Both have bolted on visors, but at least the screws are plastic rather than metal. The FL606 retails for $89, and meets the DOT motorcycle helmet standard. It has a new snap-out liner for 2002. It comes in five outer shell sizes. The Lite model is made with carbon fiber/kevlar, weighing in at 2.75 pounds for the large size, and is advertised as meeting the Snell Motorcycle standard M-2000. (We could not identify the THH model, but they have more than 30 on the Snell list.) For 2002 it had a full snap out liner and retailed for $200. In 2003 we can't find their website, a bad sign.


Fox


Fox Racing has two BMX models:

Fox Racing helmets are made by AGV, an Italian company that has made motorcycle helmets since 1949.


Free Agent


Free Agent has one model, a very well-rounded skateboard helmet that comes in one shell size with three different sizes of liner. It is certified to meet the CPSC standard for bike helmets. It retails for $25 to $30 in standard colors or $5 more with a chrome finish, and can be found on the Internet for as little as $20 plus shipping.


Gear


See Headstart below.


Giro


In its fifth year as a subsidiary of Bell, Giro's production facilities and testing have been integrated with Bell's, but Giro still seems to have retained some of its design independence, and their helmets still have a unique fit. Giro has been a trend leader, and usually has a radical new model at the top of their line, but not this year, when the introduction of "universal fit" one-size-fits-all models was the biggest change. Giro's line has been evolving toward a more rounded profile over the past two years, and only three of their most expensive models still have points or a pronounced "shelf" effect in the rear, a potential snagging point in a fall. Some of their models have reflective surfaces on the rear stabilizers, an ideal place for those who ride in the bent-over position. For 2002 the visors are mounted with plugs that snap into the helmet shell, rather than hook-and-loop. Our rough hand test showed them to pop out easily on impact. The catalog refers to their "sexy, high performance vents," a great blend of Freudianism and the advertising art. Consumer Reports found Giro's cheaper models more protective than the top of the line in their 2002 article.

Giro fits heads from 19.75" (50 cm) to 24" (61 cm). They claim that their universal ring fit helmets will work for 88 per cent of the adult population leave one in eight to look for some other brand or model. We think this fit system will not work well for riders who use separate sweatbands and earbands, but Giro and other manufacturers have other models with traditional fit pads for them.

Giro's catalog says they believe their helmets may be degraded over time by "environmental factors" and replacement is recommended after 3 to 5 years. Their crash warranty is a 20 per cent discount off of retail prices for the first three years. They also offer a $10 credit toward the purchase of a larger Giro helmet for parents whose children outgrow a child model.

Giro will sell you a nifty case called a "pod" to keep that expensive helmet pristine for $30.


Golex (Zhuhai Golex)


Golex is a Chinese producer of bicycle, skateboard, BMX, motorcycle and other types of helmets. There are at least 24 models in their catalog. Two appear on the Snell B-95 certification list, the N6 and the V10. They should be available in mass merchant channels, and some may find their way into bike stores.


GT (GT/Schwinn)


GT merged with Schwinn in 1999, but their helmet lines were still separate. GT incorporated helmets made mostly by Troxel into its line of bikes and bike shop accessories. Unfortunately the GT/Schwinn ran into financial difficulties. For 2002 they have informed us that they will not be marketing helmets. You can still find GT helmets at sharp discounts through Bike Nashbar, and our writeups on them in our page on Helmets for 2001.


Hamax


Hamax is a Norwegian company whose helmets are certified to European standards. They do not market their line in the US. They have three models, all with a universal ring fit system. The Youth and adult models have an adjustable rear stabilizer.


Happy Way Enterprises


This Taiwanese manufacturer has a slick looking line of Expanded PolyUrethane (EPU) helmets. All are fully inmolded models, including the D2, G5, 168-PRO, Vivid, Beetle. P are near the $40 retail level. Adding a rear stabilizer or 3M reflective tape adds about a dollar and a half each. The EPU makes the helmet a little heavier than an EPS helmet, but some consumers like the solid feel of the inmolded models. Happy Way sells mostly in Europe, but here they sell to importers and OEM's with their own brands, and are usually looking for distributors in the US. Their sizing fits 47 to 62 cm. heads. Although the web page only lists European standards and Snell B-90, not CPSC, their sales reps say that all their models meet the CPSC standard. We can not find them on the Snell list any more.

Headstart PTY (Australia)


One of at least three helmet companies called Headstart. This one has at least nine adult models under the Gear brand name. They have ten helmets on Snell's B-95 list, but we can't match them with the ones on the Headstart website. They also have a large number of the "licensed character" type of helmet for kids, with Bugs Bunny, Marvin the Martian, Tweety, Daffy Duck, Wil E Coyote, Yosemite Sam, Speedy Gonzales, Pepe le Pew, Penelope, She Devil, Tassie Devil, Bananas in Pajamas, Barbie, Blues Clues, Winnie the Pooh, Toy Story, Aliens, Digimon, Fisher Price, Hi5, Little Men/Little Miss, Rug Rats, Simpsons, Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends, and a Wiggles.


Headstart (Malaysia)


This Headstart is located in Malaysia, and should not be confused with the Canadian manufacturer called Headstart Technologies or the Australian company above. Malaysia's Headstart is represented by Damar in New York. We are not familiar with their helmets.


Headstart Technologies


This formerly Canadian manufacturer has moved to the US and changed its line, supplying helmets imported from China with the usual EPS liners. We have not seen their new line.


Helmets R Us - (formerly Century Cycles)


This unique West Coast distributor of bicycle products has taken on the Zhuhai Safety lines labeled T-Star and Celuk to sell to dealers or non-profits at very low prices. They will take small orders. Their models start at about $5 each, with skateboard helmets at $6.50 and downhill mountain bike helmets that look identical to major brands for just $30. See the writeup below on Zhuhai Safety for descriptions. They are mostly certified to Snell's tough B-95 standard. They have rear stabilizers and full cover shells, features almost never seen in this price range. Sizes range from 19.3 inches to 24.5 inches (49 to 62 cm)


Helmets R Us (Florida)


This company has a line of "novelty helmets" that look like the skimpy helmets you see some motorcyclists wearing as a protest against motorcycle helmet laws. Some of their models are labeled as DOT certified and some are labeled as Not DOT Certified. Ouch.


Her Sheen Enterprise


This Taiwanese firm makes a line of five helmets in Expanded PolyUrethane (EPU). They had been making EPU car parts for years before expanding into helmets. Colors are mostly drab, but there is a white or stars-and-stripes model available for most models. The profiles are nicely rounded, and prices are down in the under-$10 range FOB Taiwan. Her Sheen was looking for a US distributor when we last talked to them in 1999.


Hong Kong Sports


HKS has five helmets on Snell's B-90 list, including the M3, M5 V-01 and two models they had made for Schwinn. They manufacture for a number of other US brands as well, some of them well known, but we do not have any info on their own HKS line, if they have one.


Hopus


Hopus is a Taiwanese company with an extensive line of helmets featuring the only hard shell bicycle-style helmets we are aware of for 2002. They say their shells are all made with industrial grade ABS for best impact performance. Their website currently shows photos of 17 models, but here we cover the 14 listed in their 2002 catalog. Most of their models will be sold with other brands on them. Their models include:

Hopus has sizes in most models to fit 54 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 helmet with a hard shell. You can contact them through their website to ask who sells their helmets in your market.


J&B Importers - JBI.Bike


J&B's Alpha line for 2002 has models beginning at about $15 retail to $40 tops. One has a full lower shell at $15, unusual at that price point. They have dropped their more expensive inmolded model this year, their BMX helmet and their EPU foam model. Most of the profiles are the well-rounded ones we favor. Their skate model has the unfortunate old-time name of Skidlid. Colors are solid, with some metallic finishes, including a skateboard helmet in full chrome for only $16. One toddler model goes for $16 with rear stabilizer, and another has a full lower shell for $15. J&B has an active program for schools and non-profits either through a local shop or direct. Their helmets are made in China by Lucky Bell.


KBC Corp.


KBC has two models on the Snell B-95 list, the AZX and the Fox Flite. We do not know if the Fox Flite is the same model listed above under AGV or not, but we have found references on the web to AGV KBC helmets. We have never seen either model, but the KBC helmets available from dealers on the web are full-face motorcycle-style helmets for BMX selling for about $200. The Flite comes in XXL, but we don't know how large a head it can accommodate.


Kent International


A supplier of low-cost helmets to toy and discount stores, Kent had 17 models on Snell's B-95 list last year, but have dropped Snell certification for 2002. They have toddler and child models at retail price points of $10 to $15, and a child helmet called the V9 Light with a light in the back that flashes "Princess" on the girls' model and "Roadhog" for the boys. Their youth helmets are mostly in the $10 to $20 range, with a new V-23 Elite for $35. Kent has a multi-impact skate helmet new for 2002 with a hard shell in the classic skate shape and a multi-impact EPP liner. It runs $15 to $20, or $5 more in chrome. They have the nicely rounded V-10 adult helmet for $10 and the V-19 Pro with an unfortunate long overhang in the rear for $20.


Knucklebone


Knucklebone sells accessories and clothing for BMX. Their fiberglass-shell Holeshot BMX model is a 2001 design with a full chinbar, no vents and a price tag of $110. It has the requisite bolted-on visor, and the catalog says it meets the ASTM and CPSC bicycle helmet standards. It has mesh-lined vents and sliding covers for the forehead vents. We have seen it discounted as low as $70 on the Internet, but that may be the HS-1 variation with simpler graphics. Their Jumper model is the familiar skateboarders profile, very smooth and round, with an EPS foam liner. It has a painted and clear-coated shell that includes a chrome model and a very visible orange. It also is certified to meet the CPSC bicycle helmet standard. It retails for $40.


Krusher


Krusher has a line of BMX and trick cycling gear, including a helmet in the basic smooth, round skateboard style, certified to the CPSC standard. It retails for $18 and comes in red, blue or black. Their website has minimal information, but we found their helmet pictured with a description saying it has "multi-density foam inserts."


Lazer


Lazer is produced by a Belgian company, Cross S.A., with a full line of bike helmets seldom seen here in the US. Their helmets are interesting, and their advertising is a little different: "..Quick Grip System" allows everyone to adapt the helmet to his morphology, even when riding your bike. Loosening a bit during hill climbing and come back to a firmer grip during down hill can be done in a snap." We don't know for whom that advice is intended, but we would not try that at home! And Lazer's description of its inmolded process is similarly perplexing: "The inner shell in high density expanded polystyrene is sprayed directly onto the outer shell." Maybe something was lost in the translation, since other manufacturers don't spray Expanded PolyStyrene in a mold, they expand it with pressurized steam to fill the shell. And for several models the website says "hard outer and inner shell" but we are not clear on what that means. We don't have retail prices for Lazer for 2002, so these are old price points and may have changed. The web page still lists only ASTM and ANSI among the US standards, so if there are any models in their line not certified to the CPSC standard you won't see them in the US market.

Lazer's replacement program has disappeared from their website.

Lazer has been around a long time in Belgium and has an extensive line of interesting helmets.


Limar


Limar is an Italian brand marketed in the US by Trialtir. Their models usually have some bright color choices and nice graphics. Some of them may not be available in the US market, and some of the models below from Trialtir's 2002 lineup did not appear on Limar's European website.



Models below are not in Trialtir's US catalog, but should be available in Europe: Limar's sizing runs from the smallest for 46cm circumference heads to the largest for 62cm heads.

Trialtir will replace a crashed Limar for the first two years for $35.


Louis Garneau


Louis Garneau is a Canadian designer and manufacturer whose helmet line has grown over the years to a very impressive collection, with the exception of some of the newer models. Some of their helmets are inmolded. On others they use polypropylene lower sections, and some have a lower shell to protect the foam from nicks (reducing sliding resistance as well). Visors are mounted with hook-and-loop fasteners to facilitate flipping off easily in impacts.

In recent years Louis Garneau has added some new models with only partial shells, leaving EPS foam exposed. Bell pioneered the design some years back with its Evo Pro and have since 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 to research for more on that) We would recommend steering away from those models: Bikini, Le Mask and Wings, Gladiator and T-Bone. In fairness, Louis points out that he has kept the foam sections slightly lower than the plastic shell-covered parts. 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 all-plastic shells out there.

For the US market, Louis Garneau has dropped the Globe model that Consumer Reports rated highly in 1997. There is a new "Globe II" in the US market, but only the name is the same. For the European market Garneau has insect mesh in the vents of some models.

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


Lucky Bell Plastics


This Hong Kong manufacturer produces helmets under the Aerogo and Alpha brand names. For info on the Alpha line, see J&B importers above. Their website mentions Snell certification, but we can't find them on Snell's current list. (They used to be there.) All of their models appear round and smooth, with glued on shells. There is one for toddlers. We can't comment on their standards info, but the models J&B imports are all certified to the CPSC standard.


MET


MET is an Italian manufacturer whose helmet line we have not seen. They have models for road and offroad biking, a BMX model, youth and toddler models and a chrono shaped time trial racing helmet. Almost all of them have snag points in the rear and the elongated shapes that we do not consider optimal. MET says their road and off-road helmets differ in the placement of the vents to optimize them for the type of riding, in addition to adding a visor for off road use. Most of their helmets are inmolded, and there is a statement on their website saying "MET have pioneered the inmolding construction technique, starting research in 1992 and actually introducing their first inmolded helmet on the market in 1995." We have a sample of the Bell Image made by that technique that we purchased in a bike store that is dated 1991. Regarding standards, they say "As a supplier of helmets throughout the world, MET have to ensure their products pass the different safety standards that apply in all of the countries in which they are sold. MET helmets do not meet just one of these standards but all of them. Look for the EN 1078 label in Europe, or the AS/NZS 2063 in Australia or New Zealand for instance." Nothing on CSA or CPSC for the Canadian and US markets, so check first if you live there and are considering one of their helmets. We would like to know if their PAC IV chrono helmet meets the CEN standard, but they never get that specific. MET recommends replacing your helmet every two or three years to keep abreast of new technology.


Motorika


In 1997 Motorika introduced a folding helmet called the Snapit. This is a true hard shell helmet made with GECET foam and a nylon glass-reinforced shell. The shell is made in two pieces and designed to fold one half into the other in a crescent-shaped form much like a piece of cantaloupe. We did not like the ridge where the two pieces meet when the helmet is unfolded in the wearing position, which we feel could present a potential snag point. For that reason alone we would recommend avoiding this one unless you have some unique need for a folding helmet. It comes with a hip-hugger belt so you can wear it after folding. It has ASTM certification, but we don't know if it is certified to meet the CPSC standard or not. It weighs 16 oz, not bad for a hard shell, but about 6 oz more than most of the helmets on the market today, and it feels heavy. The introductory retail price was $79, which seemed high to us for a niche product. We have seen it in gadget catalogs, but not in stores. We have not heard from Motorika what their 2002 plans are. In March, 2001, we saw their helmet being sold new on Ebay for $16.49 including shipping. Motorika's helmet is produced by Polybid.


Nashbar


When his Bike Warehouse name was contested in the 1970's, Arnie Nashbar renamed his company Bike Nashbar, and built it into a substantial mail order business. Along the way they developed their own brands to complement the products from other companies. Nashbar now carries Bell, Giro, Louis Garneau, Troxel, and Specialized, but their lowest price points are often their own Nashbar brand. For 2001 their catalog had the Nashbar Hi-Flow model. It has what appears to be a very nicely rounded exterior, with pony tail port, retailing for $32 plus shipping. We did not find it in their web catalog at the end of 2001, where they listed only the Nashbar Aero Helmet, with squared off lines and a pronounced rear overhang, reduced to $12 plus shipping. Check the web page for 2002 developments.


NHS


NHS sells through mass merchant channels. They had to recall one of their helmets during 2000. See our recalls page for more information.


Odyssey


Odyssey is a BMX products company. Their BMX helmet for 2001 is the Apache 2, with a fiberglass shell, full chin bar, some vents, and (unfortunately) a bolted-on visor. The helmet is made in Hong Kong by Strategic Sports, and suggested retail this year is $110 in normal finish or $130 in full chrome.


OGK


See Qranc below.


OGK


Podium is a new brand introduced late in 2002 by Todson, better known for its Topeak accessories. They are targeting "the medium to high end helmet market." Advertising photos show the usual elongated shapes and rear snag points typical of high-end helmets, but we have not seen their line and will probably not comment on them before we put up our article on Helmets for 2003.


Polisport


When we saw them at Interbike in late 1999, this Portuguese company had one basic helmet shape sold in four different levels of graphics, visors and trim for $15 to $36 retail. They all had well-rounded contours but a rear bump in the shell for a fitting that holds the strap. The models we saw had CE (European) certification but had not yet been tested against the more stringent CPSC standard. Polisport was not at Interbike this year, and their web page is just a minimal place marker without product info, so we don't know their plans for 2002.


Polybid


Polybid is an Israeli company. They produce the folding helmet we review under the Motorika brand name above. Their other helmet designs are all round and smooth, and all feature glued-on shells. The website does not mention the CPSC standard at all, so they may not be available in the US market. The other models include:


Potenza


Seattle Bicycle Supply distributes the Potenza line in the US market, made by one of the helmet manufacturers in Zhuhai, China. The shells are glued, and the prices are probably reasonable. They include:


ProRider


ProRider is a supplier of BMX and bicycle helmets from China and is also the home of the CNS (Children - N - Safety) National Helmet Program, selling directly to schools and non-profit organizations. They have a multi-purpose helmet on Snell's N-94 multi-purpose standard list and eight of their bicycle models are certified to Snell B-95, all with nicely rounded profiles. Their BMX helmets have a full chin bar, the usual fiberglass shell and unfortunately the usual bolted-on visors. Prices are low.


Pro Supergo


Pro Supergo is apparently not affiliated with the Supergo bike shops in California or with the former Supergo helmets we remember from the 1970's. The company is located in Taiwan. They produce a line of EPU and EPS helmets, mostly with well-rounded contours and small or reasonable vents. Their models include the Dream, Vivid Pro, G5 Wind, D-2000 and a toddler model with graphics emphasizing eyes, using the two front vents as the pupils. Prices might end up at around $25 by the time they reach a shop.


Pro-Tec


Pro-Tec has three bicycle models for 2002. Two are for bicycling despite the skateboard style. But Pro-Tec's website makes it clear that they have other models identical in outward appearance but with a different liner that is designed for multi-impact non-bicycle use and certified only to a European standard because of the liners. Just be sure to look for the CPSC sticker if you are buying for bicycle use.


Prowell Helmets


Prowell is a Taiwanese company producing a line of helmets in EPU foam. Several of their models are inmolded, some with lower shells as well. They generally have a high quality appearance, seeming solid (if a bit heavy) in the hand, including the F-22 introduced in 2000. It has moderate vents, but a substantial lip projecting out in the rear. For 2002 there is a new X2 with a well-rounded profile. Most of Prowell's models should retail for about $20. The company manufactures helmets for other brands, notably Vigor, and usually is seeking distributors in the US for their other models.


Pryme Protective Gear


Pryme has a line of helmets for BMX, downhill racing and skate use, most of them with catchy names. Prices have risen about 10 per cent for 2002. When this company has a hyper-vented model it will no doubt be the Pryme Airy.

Pryme's line is made in China by Zhuhai Safety.


PTI


Originally known as Protective Technologies International, PTI Sports is one of the largest and perhaps least known helmet producers in the US. Their products are marketed through discount stores such as Target, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and Toys `R Us, usually at prices in the $10 to $30 range. They have used the Zacko brand name in addition to PTI. In 2001 they announced a new line of helmets and other accessories promoted with cyclist Greg Lemond's name. We have not seen much of that line. Since PTI is one of the few publicly-held manufacturers, you can see their annual report on the web. The filing for 1999 showed that PTI sold $51.6 million worth of helmets and bicycle accessories in that year. That probably puts them in second or third place among the US helmet producers. Yahoo Business also has a company profile. In mid-2002 PTI licensed the Schwinn brand from its current owner, Pacific Cycle USA, and will be marketing Schwinn-branded helmets in coming months.


Qranc/OGK Helmets


Qranc seems to have disappeared, at least from the US market. Their US phones have been disconnected, and the web link has been dead since December of 2000. A search on OGK turns up only stale motorcycle helmet pages. We list them here only because people keep asking us where they are.


Rage with Solo Sound System


A round smooth skate-style helmet. Certified to CPSC, with no indication that it meets the ASTM skateboard standard even though it has a skateboard on the box. This one's main feature is twin speakers molded into the helmet liner, with a jack at the rear to plug in your mp3, CD player or skateman. We found the music sound quality abysmal, worse than the little stuffed bears with voices inside. Fit pads cover the speakers if you are not careful. Might work ok for voice intercoms or news, and it's better than riding with your ears plugged up with earphones. Retails for $39. Rage is produced by Gen-X Sports of Canada.


Rand International


Rand sells through mass merchant channels like Kmart and Rose's. They had to recall their L.A. Crusin' helmet during 2000. See our recalls page for more information.


Reevu Helmets


Reevu is developing a new helmet design with a built in rear view mirror in a housing that begins at the front lip of the helmet and curves back over the center to provide a wide angle mirror. If the photos of the mirror image on the web are an accurate indication, it will be the best rear view mirror we have seen for a bicycle, but we would want to ride with one before judging anything. Not available in the US yet as of November, 2002. In other countries they will send you a dealer name when available. Pricing for the two models is 55 to 65 UK pounds (90-106 Euros, 79-93 US dollars). The design raises some snag hazard questions if the housing is rigidly attached. An interesting development but so far the only info available is on the Reevu website.


Rudy Project


This European manufacturer was new to the US helmet market for the 2000 season, although they have been doing sunglasses and sporting attire under founder Rudy Barbazza since 1985. We are not sure which models you may find in the US market, since some of their racing helmets do not meet the CPSC standard and would not be legal here, and their website does not discuss standards. In general their models have flowing, graceful lines in the rounded contours we favor. Most have no extreme shelf effects in the rear, although some do. As you move toward the lower end of the line the shapes improve to rounder, smoother, safer designs. Some are inmolded. Visors are attached with hook-and-loop. Rudy Project has some interesting innovations, and perhaps they will find wider US distribution this year. You may have seen their helmets on Tour de France riders in 2003. We have one complaint from a rider who experiences strap creep with his Rudy Project helmet and suggests you look carefully at the strap locking mechanism before buying.


Schwinn


The Schwinn helmet brand returned briefly in 1999, represented by new models made for Schwinn in China. You can find comments on them in our Helmets for 2001 review. Schwinn had extreme financial difficulties in 2001 and had dropped their helmet line, but some were still available in retail channels at sharp discounts. They sold the brand name to Pacific Cycle USA. In mid-2002 PTI licensed the Schwinn brand from Pacific, and will be marketing Schwinn-branded helmets in coming months.

Seven Star


Seven Star also has street hockey and equestrian helmets. In each case the Seven Star web page and catalog do not specify whether the ASTM listing is for the ASTM bicycle, skateboard or equestrian standard. Warranties are "one year limited" with no crash replacement policy specified.

Seven Star has a program to sell to non-profits at low prices. Contact them for details.


Shenzhen Hezhen Bicycle Inc.


A Chinese manufacturer located in mainland Shenzhen. We have not seen their line, but they have informed us that they produce 15 models, including some BMX style with fiberglass shells and some rated as bicycle/skate helmets. They say they already export to 20 countries, including the US.


Shenzhen Qukang Industry Development


Although we have not seen their 2002 line, this Taiwanese manufacturer makes both EPS and EPU helmets. Their EPU helmets are inmolded, and they attempt to assuage the environmental concerns about EPU on their site. The styles are well-rounded, but vents look small. They have a fiberglass BMX model. We don't have current pricing. You may see their helmets with other brands on them.


Shih Kwang International


Shih Kwang makes a helmet with a reading light molded into the front foam, fitting flush with the front lip of the helmet, and a rear LED flasher embedded the same way. It retails for $40.


Sixsixone


SixSixOne is a BMX and skate equipment company. They have two models, one for BMX/Downhill and one for skate. The Bravo downhill model is vented, with a grooved exterior, face bar and bolted on visor, retailing for $120. The Dirt Lid skate helmet is the classic round, smooth design with round vents, retailing for $30.


Smith Safety Gear - Scabs


Smith is a supplier of skateboard protectors and other gear. Their skateboard helmet is a classic Pro-Tec style with the small round front vents, and squishy EVA foam. It is not certified to the CPSC standard, and not recommended for bicycling. Carries the Scabs brand, a name that may resonate with 'boarders. It retails for $30. For 2002 they also have the Ricks Thorne Signature Pro Model, which is certified to the CPSC standard for bicycling and promoted as a BMX helmet. The two are similar, so check for the CPSC label.


Solid (Headlight Helmet AB)


This Swedish manufacturer has helmets under their Solid brand with reflective outer shells in silver, yellow, red, blue and black. The silver and yellow would probably be a lot more reflective than the blue and black, but they say all of their helmets meet the Swedish standard for reflectivity, even after ageing. The site mentions only European standards but the company says some of their models are certified to the CPSC standard and may eventually be available in the US market as well as Europe.


Specialized


Specialized is one of the major U.S. helmet manufacturers and a supplier of a wide range of bicycles and components. For 2002 they have dropped their signature Cobra models with sweatband air vents in the front. Their big changes this year involve strap anchors, a new rear stabilizer and a new visor. The strap anchors move the strap away from the rider's face, probably decreasing stability for most riders, but Specialized attempts to turn that into a virtue by advertising that cooling air can reach the face. The visor is a nice design in nylon with protective soft rubber edges and seems to flip off easily for safety in a crash. Prices for the older models have been reduced for 2002.

You will have to call them at 408-779-6229 to find out what Specialized's current replacement policy is.


Sportscope


Sportscope had just one model for 2002, introduced in mid-year 1999, but it is radically different from any other helmet in this review. Constructed of segments of foam closely connected by an inner mesh, the Sportscope helmet can conform to your head, perhaps solving some tricky fit problems. We had some initial doubts about a flexible helmet, but we have seen the test results from reputable independent labs proving that it meets the ASTM, CPSC, Canadian, Australian and European standards with no difficulty, and showing that the toddler size also meets the impact requirements for the Canadian child helmet standard, which has a lower permissible g level than U.S. standards do, requiring a "softer landing." The helmet also meets the Australian standard requirements for point loading, so the edges of the foam segments apparently do not dig into your head in an impact. We don't particularly like the ridges on the surface of the helmet between foam pieces, preferring a smoother shape for better sliding on pavement. (See Rounder, Smoother, Safer above.) And one of our testers found that the Sportscope helmet he tried seemed comfy for about 20 minutes, then began giving him a headache, evidently from pressure where the edge of one of the segments was contacting his egg-shaped head. So this one may not be for everybody, but if you have a particularly difficult-to-fit head it may be worth a try. In particular, those with a round Asian-style head who find most US-made helmets fell like they have corners inside may find that the flex of the Sportscope's segments will accommodate better to their head shape. Sportscope is one manufacturer who sews all buckles in, preventing them from coming off and sending you looking for our page on how to rethread a buckle. During 2003 the Sportscope brand was apparently sold to Sportcraft, a different company entirely despite the similarity in names. You can find the helmets on the Sportcraft website.


Star


Star Helmets (formerly Zhuhai H.N.Z. Star Safety Helmets), located in Zhuhai, China, produces a number of models under the Star brand. Some are certified to the tough Snell B-95 standard, but we are unable to match the model numbers, so check the Snell list for details. Most should sell in the $10 to $20 range in the US market, with the BMX models around $65 and ski models probably in the same range. The 2002 line includes:


Strategic Sports


Strategic Sports produces helmets for a number of U.S. companies with the U.S. company's brand, and have informed us that they shipped 1.5 million helmets worldwide in 1998. For 2002 several of their helmets appear on Snell's B-95 list and others on the B-90 list. We have comments on some models under the Action Bicycle and Odyssey brands above.


THH (Tong Ho Hsing)


THH sends its line to the U.S. through Trans National Trading Company of Vernon, California. In China they are known as Shanghai Tung Kuang, or in Taiwan as Tung Kuang Light Industry, appearing on the Snell certification list as Tung Kuang I. Their EPS models are probably all made in China, while the EPP models would come from Taiwan. All of their designs feature the round, smooth shapes that we prefer. Their 2002 models include: THH also produces helmets for other uses, including military, baseball, motorcycle, equestrian, skate and snow sports. They have five skate helmets on their website, but their classic skate helmet did not have a standards sticker in the sample we saw, so check to be sure it meets CPSC if you want to use it for bicycle riding.


Trek USA


Trek supplies a wide line of bikes and accessories to dealers, and their helmet graphics are designed to complement your Trek bike. Some models have reflective panels. Their line for 2002 has been reduced to four models.

Trek has a one year free replacement policy for crashed helmets.


Troxel


Troxel is a long-time producer of bicycle components that still markets some bicycle helmets under other brands, formerly producing for GT, and now known as SafeTech. We have not seen their line for 2002, and some of the ones on their website are no longer in production. Bike Nashbar still has some of the helmet line Troxel produced for GT at steep discounts. You can find our comments on them in our 2001 helmet writeup. Troxel is better known for their equestrian helmets.


Troy Lee Designs


Troy Lee has a BMX line known for rad graphics. Their kevlar/carbon fiber shell D2 BMX helmet has an "aerodynamic fin" at the rear, an entirely unnecessary interruption in the ideal smooth outer surface of a helmet. With four small screened vents and chin bar it weighs 31 oz. and sells for $410, down $15 from last year, not including the optional larger Stingray visor at $22. Or you can have the D2 Flames with a fiberglass shell for $325. Troy Lee also sells an add-on rear bump called a stabilizer to provide "visual enhancement." In 2001 they introduced one with a light called the High Tail Helmet Light for $32. For their fans, Troy Lee graphics are second to none, and are used on other brands as well. But they continue to use bolted-on BMX visors, claiming that the plastic mounts pull out when the visor is snagged. Unfortunately there is no standard for testing that, and nobody will do it for you at the bike shop or bike show, either. The D2 fits heads from 53 to 62 cm (21 to 24.5 inches). Troy Lee Designs will also paint you a custom design for something between $650 and $1425 (not including the cost of the helmet), and they limit production to 12 per week.


TSG


This European company sells a TSG skate helmet in the US similar in shape to the classic Pro-Tec. It also has another, the Odin, with a more "bucket" shape. Both are round and smooth. Both are advertised as certified to CPSC, but they had to recall one of their models during 2000. See our recalls page for details. They have a new shell design with new rectangular front vents for 2002, and include a nice visible orange option. Note that the company has a snowboard helmet that is very similar in appearance, but is not for bicycling at all and is not certified to CPSC, so for bicycle use be sure your TSG has a label inside that says it complies with the CPSC standard.

TSG has a matched set that includes a helmet and protective pads for skate park rental programs. To deter theft, the helmet and pads are the same unusual blue. The helmet has "Rental" woven into the strap and on a prominent decal. The pads have "rental" on them as well, and are supplied in a "super durable/washable" material. We do not understand why this idea has not been developed by a bicycle helmet manufacturer, preferably with an easy to clean interior to prevent passing lice to the next wearer.

TSG has a free crash replacement policy. Their helmets are made in Taiwan by Kar Cen.


Tung I Hsing


See THH above.


Uvex


Uvex is introducing their line in the US market in late 2002. We have not seen it yet, but the helmets are designed and made in Germany, and feature inmolded construction and a mesh for insect protection.


Variflex


Variflex is an importer of helmets selling mostly skate equipment, scooters and accessories through mass merchant channels such as Sears, Target, and Toys R Us. They had to recall their X-Games Aggressive and some of their TSG models during 2000. See our recalls page for more information, and see TSG above.


Vigor Sports


Vigor Sports (Hong Jin Cycle Corp.) is a Korean company with a large and varied line of helmets, some made for them by other companies. They are one of only three manufacturers with helmets on the Snell N-94 multipurpose list. Their models that are not inmolded have 3M reflective tape around the shell edge, a nice feature seldom seen in this price range. The black tape is not 3M's most reflective product, but it represents a substantial additional cost and an effort to make the helmets safer that we wish more manufacturers would adopt. See our cautionary note below about their skate helmets. The prices below are suggested retail, and are high in relation to the dealer price, so discounts may well be available.

Note: Vigor has skate-only helmets that are not sold for bicycling that are not certified to the CPSC standard. Some of them look exactly like their CPSC-certified line. If you buy a skate-style Vigor for cycling, be sure that it has the CPSC sticker inside.

Vigor has two models of helmet bags, including one for about $8 that comes in sizes for bike and full-face helmets. The deluxe model is pile-lined and sells for about $20.

Vigor's crash replacement policy provides a replacement of the same helmet or another current one at 30 per cent off of retail cost for the lifetime of the helmet.


W Helmets


W Helmets (sometimes still referred to as Team Wendy) has one unique helmet for 2002, recommended for bicycling, skateboarding, rollerblading, skiing, mountain biking and snowboarding. It has a hard polycarbonate shell, a round, smooth shape and minimal vents. There is a model with optional vent covers for winter use. The helmet is made with a squishy foam liner they are calling Zorbium, for which W claims unique advantages. It is designed to flex in lighter impacts to cushion more, but stiffen up in heavy impacts to avoid bottoming out. The technical term for that is "rate sensitive." Their product literature says they pass the CPSC standard as well as the ASTM F2040 standard for snow sports. Although the foam is multi-impact, as of September, 2002, it is not listed as meeting the ASTM F1492 Skateboard standard. The website says "Please visit back for the latest standards that W Helmets have achieved and surpassed." We have not yet seen lab test data on the helmet or its unique foam. The three sizes are made to fit 53 cm to 65 cm heads. There is a dial fit system. Weight is 500 to 550 grams (heavy for a bicycle helmet). Retail price is $110 to $150 depending on finish and whether or not the helmet has the sliding vent covers. Available on the W Helmets website.


World Industries


World Industries has a line of skateboard helmets that were also certified to the CPSC bicycle helmet standard. Unfortunately the helmets they sold from October, 2000 to May 2001 were recalled. We have a page up with the details. World has a new line called the Battle Helmet, sold in skate shops. On the web they don't mention standards at all, and if the helmets are not sold for bicycle use they don't have to meet any standard. Prices are $40 for regular colors, or $50 for chrome or camo. Check the standards sticker inside and do not use the Battle Helmet for bicycle use unless it has a CPSC sticker.


Zhuhai Golex


See Golex above.


Zhuhai Safety


This Chinese manufacturer (Zhuhai Hindun Safety Helmets, also Zhuhai USA Safety) has an extensive line of bicycle and BMX helmets. Most are sold by others as house brands, including some of the best-known in the US, with others labeled with the Caluk or T-Star brand. Their numerous (21 in the 2001 catalog) adult, youth and toddler models feature both nicely-rounded and sharply-edged shells. Some are inmolded, and some have lower shells. For 2001 there were three new models, the Series 10 road helmet, the Series 15 toddler model, the Series 17 skate helmet and two vented BMX/Downhill models, one of them a youth helmet. Two are on Snell's B-95 list, the Series 08 and Series 08 9. One of their helmets made for Bell was recalled for a strap anchor problem in 1995, but there have been no further recalls of their products. Sizing runs from 49cm/19.3 inches for the smallest to 64cm/25.2 inches for the large. Zhuhai Safety helmets are provided at very reasonable prices for helmet promotion programs through Helmets R Us (above).


Zhuhai Star Safety


See Star Helmets above.


This article is frequently updated during the model year.




Index to Manufacturers

Abus
Action
AGV
Alpha
Answer
Atlas
Azonic
Bell
Bike Tec (Seven Star Sports)
Briko
CNS
Cratoni
Crown (Seven Star Sports)
Cycle Express
Diamondback
Dreamer Design
Ecko
Epsira Oy
First Team Sports
Fisher-Price
Flash
Fly Racing
Gear
Gen-X
Giro
Golex
GT-Schwinn
Hard Head
Hamax
Happy Way
Headlight AB (Solid)
Headstart PTY Ltd
Headstart (Malaysia)
Headstart Technologies
Helmets R Us
Her Sheen
Hong Kong Sports
Hopus Technology
Hot Wheels
J&B Importers
KBC
Kent
Knock
Knucklebone
Krusher
Lazer
Limar
Louis Garneau
Lucky Bell
MET
Mien Yow Industry
Motorika
Nashbar
NHS
Odyssey
OGK Hanbai Co - Qranc
Performance Headgear
Phoenix (Seven Star Sports)
Podium
Polisport
Polybid
ProRider - CNS
Pro-Star (Seven Star Sports)
Pro-Tec
Pro Supergo
Prowell
Pro-Zone (Seven Star Sports)
Pryme
PTI
Qranc - OGK
Rage
Rand
Reevu
Rudy Project
SafeTech
Sixsixone
Scabs
Schwinn
Shenzhen Hezhen Bicycle
Shenzhen Qukang
Shih Kwang
Smith Safety Gear
Solid (Headlight AB)
Solo Sound System (Rage)
Specialized
Sportcraft/Sportscope
Star
Strategic Sports
Team Wendy - W Helmets
Tong Ho Hsing (THH)
Trek
Trialtir
Troxel
TSG
Tung I Hsing
Uvex
Variflex
Vigor Sports
W Helmets
World Industries
X-Games
Zacko (PTI)
Zhuhai Golex (Golex)
Zhuhai Safety
Zhuhai Star Safety


Please note that the model names cited above are usually registered trademarks of the manufacturers.