helmet choice - advice needed

RedJohn

Right I've got a big problem with helmets. Basically, I sweat like a pig out of my forehead, even if it's so cold the rest of my head's freezing (that situation gives me a hell of a headache by the way).

I need a helmet which doesn't enclose the forehead, but is open or has open channels across the forehead. I currently use a Bell Sweep which is nice and comfy and keeps most of my head cool - but it has a continuous sweatband around the forehead, so I have to stop every 20 minutes or so and wring it out (I am not exaggerating).

I tried a Cratoni Ceron, which with thick pads was great, allowed plenty of air right across my forehead and sweat was almost zero while I was moving. Also felt comfy and secure. I was all set to buy one until I moved my hands to the drops - the tightening buckle at the back sits so low that it pushed against the top of my neck which tipped the whole helmet forward and I couldn't see ... oops.

So has anyone any suggestions for a helmet which channels air over the forehead, and has a back buckle that doesn't come too low, and keeps the rest of the head cool as well, and comes in big sizes (62cm+)? As this is the bane of my cycling, cost is (almost) not an issue.

iga

Specialized helmets, e.g. Propero, S-Works, Decibel, have got a horizontal front 'mouthport' vent, that might do the job. No idea about the back buckle, I guess you'd just need to try one on.

Rich-Ti

I used to have this problem (still do when MTBing) and found a cap under my helmet meant the sweat would run down and drip off of the peak rather than running down my face (which was a problem for my glasses too). It also kept my head cooler in the summer somehow!

Otherwise Specialized do a lid with a 'mouth' on the forehead part - maybe look at one of those?

clu

I use a Giro Atmos helmet which works well for me. Although as Rich-Ti mentioned about using a cap under the helmet, I always wear a bandana what ever the weather. It keeps my head warm during the winter and cool during the summer. Bought them when I was in Spain a while back and I've prefered them ever since.

Parker-international sell them in different colours and I think they look pretty cool.
http://www.parker-international.co.uk/ProductsList/mcs/CategoryID/252/GroupID/2/CatName/Hats%20-%20Bandana/v/9cc3caf4-b24e-466f-aefd-31be5e3f1c60

With regard to helmets, I think Giro designed their latest helmet the Ionos with this in mind although I haven't tried one.

mr-ed

I don't sweat too badly, but I use a Spesh D2 helmet and its really comfortable and light. That huge vent at the front should keep you cool and i think it comes with thicker pads too.

Sea_Green_Incorruptible

Another vote for the Atmos. It really is a bit of a revelation (in terms of weight and ventilation) after years of using lower-end MTB helmets...

cannonfodder

The Ionos has really good ventilation at the front (and all over). Even compared with the Pneumo which I had before it felt weirdly cool on the first time out

lochindaal

I just got the Limar Pro 104. It is claimed to be the worlds lightest helmet and is £30+ cheaper than the Spec/Ionos offerings.

having been wearing a cheaper helmet previously I have noticed a big difference. My head actually felt cool and it is really comfortable. Would recommend it if you dont want to spend £100 on a helmet

JasonRwmb

I bought a Giro Ionos a month or two ago. So far I am impressed with it's cooling. I wore it for a 12 hour mtb race last weekend (raced as a pair), and can't remember ever having that hot headed feeling that some helmets can give. It wasn't until I finished that I noticed how salt encrusted the straps were, so I was obviously sweating a fair bit!

It does weigh a bit more than the Specialized 2D, if that sort of thing bothers you.

Another one to look at could be the Catlike Whisper, someone I ride with has one and really rates it. Never tried one myself.

lesdon499

Atmos gets my vote! I similarly share a love of leaking and this helmet does the buis! Because Giro released the Ionos recently, ave seen the atmos for 77 quid which is brill. They also offer a replacement programme!

Cunobelin

Secialized Decibel and 2D are Snell certified - Giro aren't!

If there is a choice go for the higher safety specification.

davelakers

I have a Selev Alien Helmet which I find superb and very well ventilated.

http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=H1058

redddraggon

JasonRwmb wrote:

Another one to look at could be the Catlike Whisper, someone I ride with has one and really rates it. Never tried one myself.

They are quality.

Brian B

I have the Giro Ionos and its the best helmet I have had in terms of ventilation and weight and you get a nice insert which I understand that you can put in during winter months to insulate the large front vent.

I dont think its really any better apart from the very lage front vent than my last Atmos, which I only replaced when I smashed it a month or so ago.

Dazzza

Again another vote for the giro ionos, i like the anti bacterial pads, helmets can't half whiff at times.

That and it's dead sexy to look at. 8)

RedJohn

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

I've found in the past that Specialised helmets are too wide for my head and so a bit uncomfortable for me.
The Limar only goes up to a size 61, would be too small.
Same goes for the Catlike Whisper (I thought you were winding me up with that name - looks interesting)
And the Selev Alien only up to 60cm!

I guess I have a big head as well ...

I'll try the two Giro ones - they go up to 63cm so should be OK for a fit - I usually need about 62cm.

Thanks y'all.

timoid.

Cunobelin wrote:

Secialized Decibel and 2D are Snell certified - Giro aren't!

If there is a choice go for the higher safety specification.

Not in Europe. You'll have to import American ones.