Bell Helmets
One of two manufacturers always at the top of independent helmet ratings, Bell offers a variety of helmets. They range in price from under $30 for children's helmets to more than $150 for "professional" styles. The main price difference is in the method for sizing--one size fits all vs. a fixed-size helmet--amount of ventilation, and weight. Higher ratings in the latter categories coincide with higher prices. Consumer Reports website and Consumer Reports Health website include nearly all Bell helmets in the "recommended" category. For adults, these are Bell Citi and Slant. For youth: Bell Trigger Alibi. For toddlers: Bell Boomerang.
Giro Helmets
Among mountain bike enthusiasts, Giro is always a top choice, according to Bicycle Magazine. Giro is also the helmet with the endorsement connection to Lance Armstrong. Using the helmet style worn by Armstrong in his racing means buying a helmet costing more than $200. Giro has Armstrong-endorsed helmets for youth starting at $30. Consumer Reports Health places Giro helmets in the top five for adults and top two for toddlers. No rating was given for the Giro youth helmet. Top-rated Giro adult helmets are Atmos and Havoc. The top helmet for toddlers is the Giro Me2.
Specialized Helmets
Known for its bike accessories, Specialized has moved into the helmet arena. It has several helmets highly rated by Bicycle magazine readers, and in the top of the packs with Consumer Reports Health. Specialized places great emphasis on the retention system and ventilation, and is not offering the newer style "skate" helmets. The top-rated Specialized Helmet for adults is the Aurora, Air-8. The youth helmet is the Airport.
Article Written By Eric Jay Toll
Eric Jay Toll has been writing since 1970, influenced by his active lifestyle. An outdoorsman, businessman, planner and travel writer, Toll's work appears in travel guides for the Navajo Nation, "TIME" and "Planning" magazines and on various websites. He studied broadcast marketing and management at Southern Illinois University.
