i currently have a Giro Animas thats one size too large for me, so im looking for a new helmet. what should i buy? Jenson USA has a small Giro Animas red/black for $105, and a Giro Atmos black/pewter for $125 ($10 shipping on each). i really like the Atmos and ive seen other guys racing them in XC, but is it worth the extra money?
do you have any other suggestions for helmets? i need a size small.
2007-03-16 13:56:04 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Cycling
As far as head protection is concerned, helmet manufacturers that sell in the USA will only sell (to the litigious public) helmets that pass safety standards from ANSI or Snell, whether they are $19 or $190. So you will get protection regardless of what people say about what worth you place on your head. You may get extended coverage in the back of the head from the expensive ones but that's not where you need the protection most. All helmets protect the forehead which is where most impacts occur.
Having said that, you get some combination of more style, more bragging rights, better looks, better fit, better retention system, better ventilation, more comfort, more features, status, etc. with an expensive helmet. The shiny plastic shell may hold the helmet together after a crash because it is bonded rather than just taped together. Upgraded straps and retention system keep helmet in position.
2007-03-16 18:02:21 · answer #1 · answered by Ben P 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The answers the cite Snell and ANSI are a little off base.
Although I would never buy a helmet that wasn't approved by them, many helmets only pass to minimum standards... and that isn't good enough for me. Even the most expensive helmet is cheaper than a trip to the emergency room and the accompanying pain.
The key here is considering what happens during an accident. When a collision occurs and you hit your head, you bounce/skid. On cheaper helmets, even those that are ANSI/Snell approved, the helmet absorbs the initial impact then often falls off the head.
A better helmet will have an additional feature to keep it on the head when (not if) your head bounces a second time.
2007-03-17 02:18:19 · answer #2 · answered by bikeworks 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's up to you.
As long as the helmet is certified by any one of the major safety agencies (usually ANSI or SNELL I think) a $20.00 helmet will protect your precious brains just as well as a $200. helmet.
The main difference is:
weight, and lighter weight may be more maneuverable and less strain on your neck.
more vents, lighter and cooler and....
this years fashion, color and graphics.
I buy a new helmet each and every year or after each endo whichever comes first ;-)
But I save money by getting it at bike swap meets, on sale AFTER the new models come out.
2007-03-16 16:31:11 · answer #3 · answered by snip 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
To answer the question with another - what price do you put on your continued access to the perfect mental control of your body? Then choose a helmet which will ensure that.
2007-03-16 14:01:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well im 13 and i also ride motocross as well as BMX so i use my motocross helmet it looks SWEET and also it works well trustr me!
2007-03-16 14:56:31 · answer #5 · answered by bball_playa_94 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put it this way; would you rather have your head smashed or pay a couple bucks to save your pretty lil' face?
2007-03-16 15:17:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
depends on how much you value your head
2007-03-16 14:02:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
i wouldnt buy it if i were u but thats just me
2007-03-16 13:58:59 · answer #8 · answered by brigid r 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Is an expensive helmet worth it? I dunno, what are your brains worth to you?
2007-03-16 13:59:16 · answer #9 · answered by x-15a2 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋