Helmets.org

Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute

Consumer-funded, volunteer staff

Helmets Children Promotions Statistics Search


Bicycle Helmets for the 2004 Season


This is history!

Current year here


Summary: Our review of helmets being sold in 2004. Trends first, then individual models. Index to manufacturers last. See this page for more recent years.

Trends for 2004


In contrast to previous years, there are some new helmets this year that are worth looking at if you are inclined to replace yours. The comments below identify some actual advances in helmetry, and some helmets at lower price levels with improved features.

At the high end, you still find big vents and bigger prices, with no verifiable improvement in safety performance. Giro is the price king for ordinary road helmets, with Lance Armstrong's helmet at $225. Target has a model that meets the same CPSC standard at $8.99.

There are at least three new promising impact foams in this year's helmets: an improved multi-impact EPP in the Pro-Tec skate line, and a new type of foam called Tau ReUp foam to be used by Shain of Italy that encapsulates EPS beads in EPU to provide a limited level of multi-impact protection. The Shain helmet was scheduled to be available in the US market in May. A third unusual high performance foam is the "Zorbium" described below in the writeup on W Helmets. The small and medium sizes of the W Helmet have finally be certified to both the CPSC bicycle helmet standard and the multi-impact ASTM F1492 Skateboard standard. (The Large is not.)

We recommend looking for a helmet that:

1. Meets the CPSC standard. (Look for the sticker inside) If you are a skateboarder as well, be sure to find one that also meets the ASTM F1492 Skateboard standard.

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 always recommend checking Consumer Reports for brand and model recommendations. They have a new helmet article in their July issue, rating 29 helmets. Unfortunately, it covers only a handful of the helmets on the market. Here are other Consumer Reports articles.

Since there is no comprehensive lab test data available for helmets not included in the Consumer Reports article, 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.

Most "skateboard" helmets now on the market are in fact bicycle helmets in the classic skate style. They are fine for bike riding, as long as they have a sticker inside certifying that they meet the CPSC standard. If you need a multi-impact helmet for aggressive, trick, extreme skating or skateboarding with daily crashes, look for a true multi-impact skate model that has a sticker inside saying it meets ASTM F1492. Beware of some inferior models still available in skate shops that only meet a feeble European EN standard. The CPSC regulation covers only bicycle helmets, and there is no law that says a skate helmet has to meet any standard whatsoever. Fortunately the selection of dual-standard skate/bike helmets is expanding for the 2004 season. The biggest news for skateboarders is the revamping of the Pro Tec line for 2004 with a new foam that is a vast improvement over most of the past Pro Tec designs.

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. In some cases that applies to even major US brands, who produce less protective models for the European market to make them thinner and lighter and be competitive there. For that reason we would always recommend buying the US version.

Some Interesting New Models


Bell Metro - Tailored for the commuter and in-town user, but should appeal to anyone who wants a rounder helmet that does not look like Lance Armstrong would wear it in a race. This is the rounder shape that we have been advocating since the angular helmet fashion came in, but unfortunately the design is marred by the addition of rubberized surfaces below the shell. Production models have a slight rubber lip that protrudes above the shell surface, and in addition to the lip the rubber does not seem to slide as well as plain foam. We have no lab tests to confirm that, but in scrapes across pavement we found it was painfully evident. Sliding was also impaired by the six hard plastic buttons for visor and accessory mounts, the soft plastic Bell label and the rear light mount. (Those can perhaps be removed, but we don't know what effect that would have on the helmet's integrity and would recommend asking Bell before you do that.) And finally, there is a large strip of exposed foam in the rear where the shell was left off for style reasons. The foam is recessed slightly, but the question is why a designer would spoil an attempt to make a rounder helmet with all of those defects. Our initial enthusiasm for this rounder design has been tempered by the implementation. You can read more about why we are concerned about possible snag points when you fall. When we tried the Metro we were unable to lock the side pieces that adjust the straps (the "triglides"). Just putting the helmet on moved them. After one ride we could insert four fingers under the strap, even though the buckle had been tight enough to pinch skin when we put the helmet on.

The Metro comes with a visor that has a built-in flimsy mirror that folds back into the visor for storage. It has a winter kit with optional ear muffs and vent plugs, and an optional cover to foil rain and cold that has a fair amount of very hot reflective trim. Most riders have sweaty heads with a cover, but your mileage may vary. The Metro will sell for about $65 and is worth a look for its rounded shape. We just wish Bell had exercised more discipline when it came to adding stuff on the outside, and the straps need a major overhaul.

If you want something round and smooth and don't want to wait for Bell's 2005 downscale Metro called Citi (the rubber is gone but the side buckles still don't lock well) you might want to check out the old 2003 Bell Impulse Commuter Helmet. It too has a rounder smoother shape, and it has locking camlocks for the side buckles that we are told work well. It is inmolded and has a pinch-guard buckle. It is selling in the fall of 2004 at a discount at Kmart and Bike Nashbar, for example.

Bell Faction a new skate model out in mid year that should meet both standards, and will be made with a two-part manufacturing process to vary the foam density in the front. All of that is stretching the technology to avoid making the helmet thicker.

Bell Craze - Youth model. Upgraded to molded-in-the-shell construction for 2004. It's called the Cognito if you get a visor.

Giro Atmos - Top of the Giro line, very expensive with "pod" carrying case, including the Lone Star at $225 (Lance's helmet in the 2003 Tour de France) or the ordinary model at only $190. Uses a very sophisticated system of internal reinforcements, some of them carbon fiber. Available in March, with the Lone Star version to follow in May (Lance is using a prototype). The other new top-end Giro is the Monza, available in January, and it's only $100 retail. The vents are huge, but bear in mind that Consumer Reports found in their 2002 testing that cheap discount store helmets outperformed many of these pricey top-end models for impact protection, and most riders do not need all of those vents.

Giro Zen - New last year, shaped like a skate helmet with lots of vents Giro-style. When actually seated on your head it has less rear protection than you would assume from looking at it, and does not have as much coverage as a real skate helmet. Meets CPSC, not ASTM skateboard. This year there are many copy cats appearing.

Giro Torrent II - Also known as the Venus II for women, Transit II, Kickfire II and the Atlas II. To make it a "women's" helmet they go down one size and use pastel graphics. The Atlas version is just a larger size, going up to 25 inches/64 cm. heads. Transit has no visor. Kickfire is a youth size. This one is inmolded for 2004, and at $30 list for the Transit ($35 for the others with visor) it represents real value.

Lazer Revolution 2 - A new design that is rounder and smoother in the rear than Lazer's older high-end models. Their Bullet is even rounder but is not available in the US, presumably because it does not meet our CPSC standard.

Louis Garneau Oz-zy - So new it will not be available until April, $150 list. Competing with Giro at the high end. Some nice visible colors and a full plastic shell rather than the exposed foam strips Garneau has been using lately.

Louis Garneau Zen - New. $45. More rounded shape and looks like a good value. In fact, Consumer Reports rated it a Best Buy for 2004, awarding it a Very Good rating for impact protection.

Pro-Tec - B2 or Ace skate helmets. Both will be made for 2004 with Pro-Tec's new EPP foam to make them multi-impact. Pro-Tec is certifying them to both the CPSC bicycle standard and ASTM F-1492 skateboard standard. This is an exciting advance, since Pro-Tec is the classic skateboard helmet company and is now issuing new models that actually meet the ASTM skateboard standard. They still make helmets that do not, so look carefully inside for the stickers before you buy.

Serfas Curva - A true women's helmet with the last surviving pony tail port.

Specialized Telluride - New in 2003, mountain helmet, $70, designed to vent more heat out of the top while you are moving slowly.

Specialized Chamonix - A newer, rounder shape at $40.

Specialized Air Force - New, inmolded at $35, a good value. Uses the ring band fit that may not work for everyone andr may have to be too tight to hold the helmet securely on your head.

Schwinn/Mongoose/PTI - This line is now in discount stores mostly, but the Schwinn brand is for bike stores too. Among their better ones are the Atlas, inmolded. Under the Mongoose/PTI brand they have a kids' full face helmet that you may find in discount stores for $20 or less with a full wrap-around EPS foam-protected chin bar. It's not for every kid, since the chin bar may be too short and end up too close to the mouth, but it has a lot of protection for the money and more foam in front of the chin than any other bike helmet we have seen.

Shain has several models coming with the new foam mentioned above, but we don't know how widely they will be available in the US this year, since the company is just launching in the US market.

Trek Anthem - Top of the Trek line at $100. Featured in Bicycling Magazine's October 2003 issue. Very wide vents.

Trek Vapor II - Not new at all, but one of Trek's bread-and-butter models for dealers at $40. Taped-on shell, but large vents. It was a Best Buy in the Consumer Reports 2002 article, but the lower cost molded-in-the-shell models from Giro and Specialized may have eclipsed it.

Uvex Cartoon - One of the few inmolded toddler helmets ever produced.

What We Did Not Find Yet This Year


There has been almost no effort to apply emerging electronic and wireless technologies to bicycle helmets. You should be able to find a helmet with a rear-facing camera and a heads-up display to replace your old mirror, but you can not. You should be able to find one with a Bluetooth wireless headset that you could use with an intercom system or your Bluetooth telephone, but you can not, although the German company Vemar is selling a motorcycle helmet equipped that way. The built-in light efforts to date have been pathetic, although there are a few helmets with LED flashers built into the rear and you can always add a flasher with a hook-and-loop mount. Bell even sells a saddle with a powerful built in 5 LED flasher, but nothing for its helmets. It looks like we will be waiting at least until 2005 for those things to develop.

Other Trends


Asian sourcing has become the rule for nearly all helmet companies except the Italians and Germans for at least part of their lines. Many of the familiar US brands are made by a handful of companies in China and Taiwan. A few are still made in the US, some in Italy, and the Uvex line is made in Germany.

Designs for Women are still mostly a sham. Hold up the "woman's" model and the men's of the same size beside it and you will readily see that they came from the same mold, and the only difference is in colors and graphics. The Serfas Curva is the last remaining helmet with a pony tail port, and designers do not seem to have found anything else to do for women but cosmetics.

Prices are about the same as last year, with older models usually slipping down ten to twenty percent as the design ages. Prices in discount stores begin at about $8.99 (Target) but are mostly in the $15 to $35 range.

Availability looks good, since there is adequate supply and demand remains tepid.

Here is an index to our reports for other years.


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, what you might pay at your local bike shop with fitting services included. You may find hefty discounts available on the high end models. Internet pricing is lower (no fitting help over the wire!), particularly on prior years' models. If you are searching for a 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.


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 helmets for toddlers, youth and adults. All of the models on their website are certified only to European standards and will not be sold in the US. Sizes run from 46 to 62 cm. Some of their models appear to be reasonably well rounded, but we have not seen them in person for more than two years, so it is difficult to comment based on the photos on the web. Abus models on the website 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.


AJ Industries / Zone


Most of Zone's helmets are designed to meet European standards, but they have one that is for the US market. All are made in China by Fang Master and feature a ring fit system. The line includes:


All Pro


See THH below.


Alpha Helmets


Alpha helmets are found under two brands. Some are made by Mien Yow Industry 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 added the C-Tec, with squared-off ribs but a rounded shape overall. This year they have introduced some models that are inmolded, notably their G4 model, although most are taped on. The manufacturer says their retail prices run in the $35 range. Their MF-II model appears on Snell's B-95 list . Alpha also makes skating, hockey ski 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 Strategic Sports 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 two BMX racing helmets, the carbon fiber ACF and the fiberglass R-1. Visors are unfortunately bolted on.


Armor Pro


Armor Pro is a brand imported by San Diego Speed, located in Pomona, California. They have classic skate-style helmets in chrome, yellow and black, retailing for about $30.


Atlas


Atlas is a Swedish manufacturer. We have not seen them in the US. Their website says their helmets meet the European CE standard. They have an extensive line, including:



Avenir


The Avenir brand is back in the US market, distributed by Raleigh and made by Strategic. They have a variety of inmolded and taped-on models, mostly with moderate rear snag points, rear stabilizers, pinned-on visors, and prices ranging from about $40 to about $60. Models include:


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 the Snell M-2000 motorcycle helmet standard, 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, but look for the Snell sticker inside the helmet to be sure.)


Bell


Bell is still the largest company in the bicycle helmet market. They also own Giro, although the two have separate helmet models. Bell has some genuine improvements and innovations in the 2004 lineup. They have been making bicycle helmets since 1975. Their new Metro is a rounder design, they have extended the use of inmolded construction to most of their less expensive models, and their newest skateboard design uses a dual density foam liner. Bell has 18 models in this year's lineup, but some are the same model without a visor. Some are usually just renamed from last year but we don't try to track that. 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 2004 year all are hyper-ventilated and all have rear stabilizers. Among them:

Euro Bells

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 time trial helmet. This is one you may have seen in Tour de France time trials. If you want a time trial helmet that is certified to the much tougher CPSC standard, check out the Louis Garneau Prologue.

2005 Season Bells Bell has begun releasing info on its 2005 line. The apparent top of the line will be the Sweep, a helmet that evidently borrows much from the Giro connection and has multiple snag points on the rear.

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, a model sold only at Wal-Mart last year and probably one of the best bargains in the helmet market at that time). 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 Safe Kids USA 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 mid-2004 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: We really don't understand the need for the cash register receipt. The helmet is identifiably a Bell, and has their name on it.

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.


Bianchi


See Limar below. Bianchi has Limar's F105 and F107 helmets in colors to match their bicycles.


Briko


Briko is an Italian company who began breaking into the U.S. market in 1998 but has not sold many helmets here. All of their helmets are made in Italy. They have an innovative "twin cap" construction technique bonding two separate liners to leave air channels. They use reflective trim on their 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:



When we last checked, Briko's website had 2003 "preview" information.


Carrera


Carrera is an Italian line that may come to the US market for the first time in 2004. Their helmets have the Italian stylishness, moderate to large rear snag points, large vents, and some reflective trim. External strap anchors stick up, and one of their models even has a spoiler.


Catlike


Catlike is a Spanish company named for its founder, whose bicycle racing nickname was "the cat." Their line for 2004 includes eight models. We don't know which of them meet what standards or will be available in which markets, so check the website if you are interested.


Cratoni


This German company with an Italian name has an extensive line but fewer models for the U.S. market. This is our writeup from 2002, since we have been unable to update it in person. 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 2004 helmet line, and do not find it on their website.


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.


ESCO


Esco Sport Product Corp. is a Chinese company producing electric and gas scooters, bicycles and carts. Their helmets are certified to CE standards, not CPSC, so they are not available in the US market. Their website was not up the last time we checked.


El Sol


El Sol is a trading company importing two models of skate-style helmets, both in the same classic skate style with little vents in the top only. They are distinguished by either an EPS foam liner or an EVA liner (squishy foam). There are three sizes. They offer some very visible colors, including white and orange. Retail is $30 and up.

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 Champion. Some of their Knock child helmets have large team logos and cartoon characters called Moomins. 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, or if they meet our CPSC standard. Sizes run 48 to 62 cm.


Etto


Etto is a Norwegian company (Hans Torgersen and Sonn - HTS) making helmets since 1982. Although we do not see them in the US market, they have an extensive line certified to the European standard, with 17 models broken down into Extreme, Girls, Classic and Kid models. Etto has some interesting features, but we have never seen their helmets in person. The only other company advertising Annsmann interiors is Funcenter, who coincidently seem to have some of the same model names with very similar appearances, sourced in China. But Etto's website says that all of their products are made in Norway.

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. Their March 2004 website says it has info on the full 2003 line, and no helmet info at all that we could find.

Fit Bike Co


Fit has a Protec helmet with their brand to match their bicycles and accessories. When we saw it in late 2003 it was the Classic Skate model, but Protec has dropped that one from their own lineup, so there may be a change. If not, it is worth consideration as a skate helmet that meets both the CPSC bike helmet standard and the ASTM F1492 skate helmet standard.

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 Racing


Fly Racing has a line of motorcycle BMX racing equipment, including full face helmets. All have bolted on visors, but at least the screws are plastic rather than metal. If you want another snag point, Fly will sell you a rear fin to add to your helmet. It mounts without screws or glue, so hopefully would pop off in a crash. Fly is one of the few brands whose catalog has replacement parts for their helmets, including mouthpieces, visors, screws and pads. Sizing runs from 52cm/6 1/2 up to 66cm/8 1/4, a very wide range indeed.


Fox


Fox Racing has two BMX models in sizes from 18 3/8" to 25 3/4":

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.


Funcenter Industrial


Funcenter Industrial is a Taiwanese company supplying the European market with a wide variety of sporting goods from skates to pogo sticks. Their top of the line is a 2004 model called the HE-Coolhead. It is a hyperventilated model with reasonably rounded lines, inmolded with an interior of Annsmann and a ring fit system. It is certified to the European standard. Their other models include the HE-Classic, HE-Totem, HE-BlueDog, HE-Blue, HE-Musauito (musquito?), HE-Esperito, HE-YellowDog, HE-Dino and HE-Junior Pro. The Musauito/Esperito and Classic/Totem are certified to the CPSC standard. The website says that they produce for other brand names, so we do not know where to find their helmets at retail. All of the Funcenter models ship from Yantian, China.


Gear


See Headstart below.


Geartec


Geartec (handled by KHS in the US) has four models:


Giant


Giant supplies a full line of bikes and accessories to bike shops. Their helmets are made by Strategic, including:


Giro


In its sixth year as a subsidiary of Bell, Giro's production facilities and testing have been integrated with Bell's, but Giro designs still seem to have retained some independence, and their helmets still have a unique fit. Giro has been a trend leader for both style and construction techniques, and sometimes has a radical new model at the top of their line. For 2004 their major innovation is the extension of inmolded construction to all helmets in their line, not just the most expensive. Giro's line has been gradually evolving toward a more rounded profile over the past several years, but for 2004 they have new models with more pronounced snagging points. Some of their models have reflective surfaces on the rear stabilizers, an ideal place for those who ride in the bent-over position. Visors are mounted with plugs that snap into the helmet shell and have an adjustable angle. Our unscientific hand test showed them to pop out easily on impact. Consumer Reports found Giro's cheaper models more protective than the top of the line in their 2002 article. Some of Giro's models are produced for the European market, and will meet the CEN standard but may not be certified to meet the tougher US CPSC standard.



Unobtainable Giros

Giro has a time trial helmet that according to Bicycle Retailer and Industry News will not be sold to consumers. Lance Armstrong and the Posties used the Giro Advantage and Rev VI time trial helmets in the 2004 Tour de France time trials. The Advantage may some day be available to consumers, but the Rev VI was designed only for Lance. We don't know what if any impact standards they may meet. If you want a time trial helmet that is certified to the CPSC standard, check out the Louis Garneau Prologue.



This year Giro helmets fit heads from 18.5" (51 cm) to 24.75" (63 cm). They used to claim that the universal ring fit system on some of their helmets will work for 88 per cent of the adult population, presumably leaving one in eight to look for some other brand or model. We think ring fit systems probably do 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 will sell you a uniquely-shaped case called a "pod" or another called the Tour Bag that is to keep that expensive helmet pristine, but don't put your helmet in there after a summer ride before it dries! Their team racing jersey is also available, but probably sells for more than some of their helmets.

Giro's recommends replacing their helmets after 3 years. Their crash warranty is a discount off of 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


See Fly Racing below.

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.


GPR-PLIM


GPR makes helmets in China under other brands and branded as Fang. The are a large manufacturer for the European market, and are looking to bring their lines to the US in 2004. You can see at least one of their interesting new designs in a patent search.


GT


GT has a helmet line again, and for this year it includes:

We do not have GT's price points for this year.


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. They 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 website 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)


Once one of at least three helmet companies called Headstart. This one had at least nine adult models under the Gear brand name. They have disappeared from Snell's list, and we can't find them on the web.


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 fill 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 -- unrelated to the one above -- 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, and not to be used on motorized vehicles or as safety equipment. 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. We don't see their helmets on the web any more, so they may not be still producing them.


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.


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 2004. They say their hard shells are all made with industrial grade ABS for best impact performance. Some of them have a layer of resilient APE foam for multi-impact performance, a feature they call SIS. Hopus also has thin-shell models, some inmolded. Their website currently shows photos of 17 models, but here we cover the 14 listed in their 2004 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-style 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 is an old established bicycle wholesaler with warehouses all over the US. Their products are sold in bike stores. Their Alpha line for 2004 has models beginning at about $15 retail to $40 tops. One has a full lower shell at $15, unusual at that price point. 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 Strategic.


JT Racing


JT calls its models X-Lidz. They are skate-style helmets, with what the manufacturer calls "HD2 foam lining for multiple impact protection," although they are only certified to the CPSC single-impact standard, leaving the consumer to wonder. The Classic Grinder has a "rubberized" exterior with a velvety feel that probably adds to sliding resistance for $20, while the Neo with textured ABS shell is $30.


KBC Corp.


KBC has two models on the Snell B-95A 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. If you have the KBC Midnight Flame, Classic Cruiser or TK-9 model, do a search for the DOT report of failure to meet the DOT motorcycle helmet standard, dated October of 2003. That standard is much more severe than bicycle helmet standards, but if a manufacturer labels a helmet as DOT-compliant and it is not, we consider it serious. Note that unlike CPSC, DOT makes its reports public.


Kent International


Kent is a supplier of low-cost helmets to toy and discount stores. They have toddler and child models at retail price points of $10 to $15 (with vents), and a child helmet called the V9 for $10 that also comes as the V9 Pro with a lower shell and nicer graphics for $15. Their youth helmets are mostly in the $10 to $20 range. Some are nicely rounded while others have longer overhangs in the rear. Kent has an "Aggressive Series" skate style helmet with a hard shell in the classic skate shape and a multi-impact EPP liner for $15. If it meets the CPSC standard it would be a good bike/skateboard helmet, but we have not seen one and don't know what standards it meets.


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 around $100. It has the requisite bolted-on BMX visor, and the catalog says it meets the CPSC and CEN 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 HM S.A., with an extensive line of bike helmets seldom seen here in the US. Their helmets are interesting, and appear to be well designed. The high end models have recessed strap anchors. The catalog says they meet the relevant standards of each market: Europe, the US and Australia

, so some models will not be available in some markets.

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 are not available in the US market. For 2004 all the model designations changed from prior years.



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 reports for more on that) We would recommend steering away from those models. In fairness, Louis points out that he has kept the foam sections slightly lower than the plastic shell-covered parts and wrapping the shell over the ribs reinforces them against impact. And the newest Envoy model has lesser areas of foam exposed. 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, including some nice ones from Louis Garneau.

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.


MET


MET is an Italian manufacturer whose helmet line we have not seen, but they have a fine website in four languages. 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 some have lower wrap around shells as well. The top of the line models are radically different in appearance. One of those models is described as "The helmet choice of most of the best road cyclists in the world," a laughable statement. They no longer have any statements on the website about what standards their helmets meet. Among others on the website, the Bad Boy and Drop Off models seemed to have very nicely rounded contours. Met's helmets are all made in Italy.


Michelin


Michelin, best known for tires, has promised a new line of helmets for 2005. They are introducing Racing, Road, MTB, City, Women Junior and Infant models. An advertising photo of the MX Pro Race Racing model shows it as an elongated, hypervented helmet with rear snag points. The photo of the women's model appears to be the same helmet in different trim. The City model appears to have more rounded lines. Michelin has a network to distribute tires, lubricants and other accessories to bicycle stores, so adding helmets will help to round out their product line. Since known brands sell more helmets, they may be hoping that the well-known brand name will help, and their website indicates that they are seeking to capitalize on the brand name across different accessory lines. We like their slogan for dealer advertising: "Keep your customers coming back by keeping them alive." We will have more info on the line after Interbike in October of 2004.


Mongoose


Mongoose is a supplier of a full line of bicycles and accessories. For 2004 their line includes: We do not have Mongoose's retail pricing for this year, but their products are normally priced in the lower to middle range.


NHS


NHS sells TSG helmets 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 2004 is the Apache 3, 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 $100 in normal finish or $130 in full chrome.


OGK


See Qranc below.


Oktos


Oktos helmets are made by Strategic Sports. They have five models, mostly with minimal rear snag points.


Pioneer


Pioneer mostly produces OEM helmets with store or other brands. They have 30 models, including skate models with CPSC certification. Their helmets have taped shells, mostly with minimal rear snag points, and sell at lower price points.


Podium


Podium is a new brand introduced late in 2002 by Todson, better known for its Topeak accessories. They are made in Italy, and are targeted for "the medium to high end helmet market." Models include:


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 has not been at Interbike since, and their website is just a minimal place marker without product info, so we don't know their current line.


Polybid


Polybid is an Israeli company. They produce a unique folding helmet we reviewed in prior years under the Motorika brand name. 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, but most of them are certified to the CEN standard for the European market and also mention the old US ANSI standard that was withdrawn a decade ago. Such helmets are be avoided as long as a helmet meeting the CPSC standard is available. The 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. Their helmets are Snell-certified in addition to meeting the CPSC standard, and have the rounder, smoother shapes that are best for crashing. Pro Rider is one of only two companies with a helmet on the Snell N-94 multisport list, their "7-Vent" model. Prices are very low, in the under $10 range when purchasing in quantities for a helmet program.


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 helmets are produced in Taiwan by Prowell. (See below)


Pro-Tec


Pro-Tec was the original skate helmet company in the 1970's. It has been sold a couple of times since then, and for 2004 the company has an almost completely revamped line, much improved from earlier years. For skateboard helmets this is the biggest news of the year! Pro Tec has a new foam for 2004 that replaces the lower grade protection of prior years with full performance liners that can meet both the CPSC bicycle helmet standard and ASTM F1492 Skateboard requirements. The SXP foam is a different formulation of EPP, allowing Pro-Tec to upgrade their protection while still meeting multiple impact testing without making the helmets thicker. The helmets look exactly the same as older Pro Tec models, and Pro Tec continues to sell the older designs through skate shops, so you will have to examine them in the store for the standards sticker inside or be very careful about the model you buy. We were encouraged by the changes at Pro Tec. They supply so many helmets to the skateboard community that the long overdue improvements in their line represent significant progress.


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. Most of Prowell's models should retail for about $20. The company manufactures helmets for other brands, notably Vigor.


Primal Wear


(Not to be confused with Pryme, the next manufacturer)

Primal Wear has helmets with wild graphics to go with their similarly designed clothing line. They have five helmet models for 2004:


Pryme Protective Gear


The Pryme line is for bicycling and BMX, with CPSC certification. Most of their models have catchy names.

Pryme's line is made in China by Zhuhai Safety, and distributed in the US by Seattle Bicycle Supply.


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. PTI's annual report for 1999 showed that they sold $51.6 million worth of helmets and bicycle accessories in that year. That probably puts them in second place among the US helmet producers. In mid-2002 PTI licensed the Schwinn brand from its current owner, Pacific Cycle USA, and have been marketing Schwinn-branded helmets. For their 2004 helmets, see Schwinn below.


Qranc/OGK Helmets


Qranc seems to have disappeared 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 turned up the link above.


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, a Huffy subsidiary since 2002 that in 2004 sold the Gen-X name and will produce products under the Huffy brand.


Rand International


Rand sells through mass merchant channels like Kmart and Rose's. Their helmet feature Barbie and Sesame Street characters among others. They had to recall their L.A. Crusin' helmet during 2000. See our recalls page for more information.


Reevu Helmets


Reevu has a helmet 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. We have not seen it for sale in the US yet, possibly meaning that it does not meet our CPSC standard. In other countries they will send you a dealer name, but the website mentions only the UK and Ireland. Pricing for the two models is 55 to 65 UK pounds, but the press release says $75 to &110 for the US market. The design raises some snag hazard questions if the housing is rigidly attached. An interesting development but so far the only info available to us is on the Reevu website, where we found only one statement about crash performance and standards: "Reevu cycle helmets' designs have been tested to destruction. It has been designed to conform to all relevant international impact standards for protective cycle helmets."


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 which markets, 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 at some point. 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.


REM


REM is an Italian brand with a line of inmolded helmets. We don't see them in the US market. Some of their models have vent "pipes" and some have double layer liners.


S & M Bikes


S&M is a California supplier of components for BMX and extreme bikes. They have two skate style, vented, hard shell helmet models, the Screaming Eagle with a matte finish and eagle graphic, and the Shield with a shiny finish and a graphic that says S&M Bicycles made in USA. Both models come from TSG.


Schwinn


The Schwinn brand is now the property of Pacific Cycle USA. In mid-2002 PTI licensed the Schwinn brand from Pacific, and is now marketing Schwinn-branded helmets. Most of their adult models also have a "youth" size. We usually see them in big box stores or on the Internet at retailers like Amazon. The line for 2004 includes:



Serfas


Despite the Euro-sounding name, Serfas is a US-based company, known for grips and saddles, where there are actual differences between men's and women's models. All Serfas helmets have a "universal size" ring fit system that accommodates sizes from 52 to 63cm. Their helmets are made in China by Fang Master. This year's lineup includes: Serfas has a one year crash replacement policy, through the dealer.

Seven 20


Seven 20 is a skate brand. They have one skate-style helmet made for Mosa Sports (Pro Tec) in China. The ones we have seen are certified only to a European standard, EN 1385. Retail is about $25, but we have seen them at Sports Authority and Modell's for $15.


Seven Star


Seven Star is a Canadian brand. Their models include:

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.


Shain


Shain (pronounced "shine") is an established Italian brand that is new to the US this year. they have some European features like bug mesh in the forward vents on some models. All are inmolded except the toddler helmet. They also have reflective logos, a feature we appreciate even though the logos are too small to add much to the cyclist's visibility at night. Shain has an extensive line, but not all are available in the US. The line includes:


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 2004 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. We do not know if they are currently being marketed or not.


Sixsixone


SixSixOne is primarily a BMX and skate equipment company. They have models for BMX/Downhill and skate, and for 2004 have one bicycle model as well.


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. We don't know what standard it may meet.

Scabs also has 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 if you want a helmet for bicycling. If you need a skateboard helmet, look for one that meets the ASTM F-1492 standard instead.


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. Shell designs are well-rounded, with minimal rear snag points.


Specialized


Specialized is one of the major U.S. helmet manufacturers and a supplier of a wide range of bicycles and components.

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


Spiuk


Spiuk is a Spanish supplier of a wide range of bicycles, components and clothing. Their helmets have not yet made it to the US market. For 2004 they have one adult model, the Atom, inmolded with a full wrap-under shell that has two rear snag points. There is cotton bug net in the front vents. They also have a child model and the Chronos, a time trialing shell. Colors include a highly visible yellow. We do not know anything about what standards the Spiuk products might meet.


Sportscope/Sportcraft


Sportcraft (formerly Sportscope) has one basic model, 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. There is at least one new model with "fun" battery-operated lights, but we have not seen it.


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.


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 rank among the world's largest helmet producers, with annual sales in the millions of helmets. For 2004 several of their helmets appear on Snell's 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. Most of their designs feature the round, smooth shapes that we prefer. Their 2004 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 2004 includes inmolded models made here and taped-on shell designs made for them in China.

Trek also sells a Giro! It is a Giro E2 in a team helmet graphic called the Giro E2 Trek/VW Team Helmet.

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 2004, but they have four models on the website, including toddler, youth, skate and adult models. Troxel is better known for their equestrian helmets.


Troy Lee Designs


Troy Lee has a BMX line known for rad graphics. Their top of the line $375 D2 Carbon model has exposed carbon fiber mesh in a sunken rear section, a style quirk that we would avoid. The $295 D2 Sprocket has a fiberglass shell with kevlar and carbon fiber reinforcements. Or if you don't want graphics you can have the D2 Tank for the same price in a plain matte. Their 2004 line features a redesigned "Orbit" visor. Troy Lee pioneered the bolted-on BMX visor, 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, so we regard the visors as potential snag points. The D2 fits heads from 53 to 62 cm (21 to 24.5 inches).


TSG


This Swess company sells a TSG skate helmet in the US similar in shape to the round and smooth classic Pro-Tec. It is advertised as certified to CPSC. It comes in 38 colors and graphics schemes, including very visible fluorescent yellow, white or orange. TSG had to recall one of their models during 2000. See our recalls page for details. Note that the company has a snowboard helmet that is very similar in appearance but has a rear goggle strap, but we don't know what standard it may be certified to, so for bicycle use be sure a 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 don't see it in their current catalog, but it still appears on the website. 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. It is possible that renters don't want a helmet that says "Rental" on it, or possible that some would steal it for the same reason!

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 best known for its optical products. They introduced their helmet line in the US market in late 2002. The helmets are designed and made in Germany, and all of them feature inmolded construction, reflective logos, nicely recessed strap anchors and front vent mesh for insect protection. For 2004 the line includes:

Variflex - VFX


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. For 2004 they have a line of skate, bike and toddler helmets. We have not seen them and do not have their retail pricing. Variflex 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 have some EPU foam helmets as well as more conventional EPS. 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.



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 BMX/skate helmet for 2004, the Ripper 2. It has the classic smooth skate shape and small round vents. It is recommended for bicycling, skateboarding, rollerblading, skiing, mountain biking and snowboarding--but only if you buy the small or medium size. It has a hard polycarbonate shell, a round, smooth shape and minimal vents with mesh protectors. There is a model with optional vent covers for winter use. The helmet is made with a foam liner they call Zorbium, 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 foam." The foam produces a true multi-impact helmet. The W Helmets website says their helmets are certified to the CPSC adult and child standards as well as the ASTM F2040 standard for snow sports and the ASTM F1492 skateboard standard. But when we ordered on in size large it came with a letter saying that the large size meets only the ASTM 1492 Skateboard standard, so it does not meet the CPSC bicycle helmet standard. Worse yet, the one we received had no standards sticker of any kind inside, which to us means that it is not certified to any standard. Beware if you wear size large, but otherwise, if the heat and weight do not bother you, this is probably a versatile helmet. The four sizes are made to fit 52 cm to 60 cm (6 1/2 to 7 1/2 US size) heads. There is a dial fit system. Weight is supposed to be 500 to 550 grams (heavy for a bicycle helmet) but our large sample actually weighed 670 grams, or about a pound and a half. Retail price is $79 for the adult model and $69 for the youth model, about half of the original introductory price. Available on the W Helmets website, although the letter we received said it was a discontinued model.


World Industries


World Industries is a skateboard company with a line of skateboard helmets that are certified to the CPSC bicycle helmet standard. Models include the
Skullbo, Rockstar, Battle Helmet, Black Metal Helmet and Heavy Metal Helmet. The helmets they sold from October, 2000 to May 2001 were recalled. We have a page up with the details.


Zhuhai Golex


See Golex above.


Zhuhai Safety


This Chinese manufacturer (Zhuhai Hindun Safety Helmets, also Zhu Hai Safety Helmet Manufacture Co. Ltd and 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 adult, youth and toddler models feature both nicely-rounded and sharply-edged shells. Some are inmolded, and some have lower shells. Their Series 08 model is on Snell's B-95 bicycle helmet standard list. 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 low 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
A J Industries / Zone
All Pro
Alpha
Answer
Armor
Atlas
Avenir
Azonic
Bell
Bianchi
Bike Tec (Seven Star Sports)
Briko
Carrera
CNS
Cratoni
Crown (Seven Star Sports)
Cycle Express
Diamondback
Dreamer Design
Ecko
El Sol
Epsira Oy
Etto
Fang
First Team Sports
Fisher-Price
Flash
Fly Racing
Funcenter Industrial
Gear
Geartec
Gen-X
Giro
Gmax
Golex
GT-Schwinn
GPR-PLIM
Happy Way
Hard Head
Headlight AB (Solid)
Headstart PTY Ltd
Headstart (Malaysia)
Headstart Technologies
Helmets R Us
Her Sheen
Hong Kong Sports
Hopus Technology
Hot Wheels
HTS (Etto)
Huffy
J&B Importers
JT Racing
KBC
Kent
Knock
Knucklebone
Krusher
Lazer
Limar
Louis Garneau
MET
Michelin
Mien Yow Industry
Mongoose
NHS
Odyssey
OGK Hanbai Co - Qranc
Oktos
Performance Headgear
Phoenix (Seven Star Sports)
Pioneer
PLIM (GPR-PLIM)
Podium
Polisport
Polybid
ProRider - CNS
Pro-Star (Seven Star Sports)
Pro-Tec
Pro Supergo
Prowell
Pro-Zone (Seven Star Sports)
Primal Wear
Pryme
PTI
Qranc - OGK
Rage
Rand
Reevu
REM
Rudy Project
S&M
SafeTech
Sixsixone
Scabs
Schwinn
Serfas
Seven 20
Shain
Shenzhen Hezhen Bicycle
Shenzhen Qukang
Shih Kwang
Smith Safety Gear
Solid (Headlight AB)
Solo Sound System (Rage)
Specialized
Spiuk
Sportcraft/Sportscope
Star
Strategic Sports
Team Wendy - W Helmets
Tong Ho Hsing (THH)
Torgersen, Hans and Sonn (Etto)
Trek
Trialtir
Troxel
TSG
Tung I Hsing
Uvex
Variflex - VFX
Vigor Sports
W Helmets
World Industries
X-Games
Zacko (PTI)
Zhuhai Golex (Golex)
Zhuhai Safety
Zhuhai Star Safety
Zone / A J Industries