Picking a new helmet... Giro E2 or Bell SweepXC? Other?

[gurp13]

I'm looking for a new helmet. I like the Giro E2 and the Bell SweepXC. I can't decide between the two. I want a helmet that fits well, is comfortable and keeps my head cool. I'm a XC rider. I'm not very aggro on the downhill (it scares me) but I love to climb. Oh, and it should look like the sh**, too. Maybe it could match my red Stumpjumper.

If neither of those, I'll take recommendations. I like Specialized stuff, generally, but haven't looked at their helmets too closely. Figured it would be better to get one from a company that makes helmets as their primary business. I have a Specialized Air Force or something currently. It's okay. Any other helmets I should look at? The Bell X-Ray? The Giro Xen?

[CalEpic]

i would try them all on first before ordering from a mail order place. Everyone's head is different. I love my Giro Xen, but it may be crap for you. Personally, I prefer light colors on my helmet. When the temp's start climbing in the summer, I don't want a solar panel on my head.

C

[tkblazer]

one of the good things about performance bike is they usually have a good stock of different helmets to try on and see what you like. from what i remember they sell both of those helmets, so you can try both on and see which fits you best

[gurp13]

I actually did try on both. I tended to lean toward the Bell, though both seemed comfortable. I liked the Bell's little dial to tighten the retention system. The Giro had a little deal in the back to do the same thing, but it didn't seem as well thought out, though I could be wrong, which is partly why started the thread in case people already wearing the helmets could help me.

[tkblazer]

i agree with you about bell's dial adjustment knob being better then giros.. but in giro's defense, i love my xen and it fits my big head like a glove

[Epic_Mtn_Biker]

i got an E2 and i love it, very comfortable for me

[gurp13]

Originally Posted by Epic_Mtn_Biker

i got an E2 and i love it, very comfortable for me

Great. So, now if I get an E2 everybody's gonna think I'm jocking your style, yo.

[singleSSpeedster]

i have a bell sweep xc....freakin' awesome helmet. i love the wheel you can turn to adjust the fit. it has some great ventilation, it's light, and the visor can tilt up so yo can look further down the trail. looks b!tchin' too!!!best helmet i have bought yet (but i love the giro atmos, but you gotta draw the line somewhere, right?).

but....that said, i do suggest that you try on ANY helmet to make sure you like the way it fits. not all helmets and brands are created equal.

like tkblazer said, check out a performance bike near you. try 'em on. print ads for the helmets you like and they will probably match the price for you. if they don't, take your biz somehwhere else (you'll know what model you like and what size you need).

[LBmtb]

I tried an E2 awhile ago and it fit my head like crap but my new Bell Slant fits nicely. Just depends on the head of your shape and which one fits nicely. After fit and comfort you can start to look at weight, number of vents, looks, protection coverage.

[Schecky]

I tried on a lot of them before getting the Xen. Easily the most comfortable I have had. Fits my big melon great.
I avoid yellow helmets. Bees like them.

I just picked up a GIRO HEX from Jenson a couple weeks back and love it. I didnt try it on before buying it but I had tried on a XEN at Performance a week earlier and the medium fit nice, so I figured the HEX would too. I like it alot, it is light and has many nicely placed vents. It is pretty stealth looking too, the visor isnt too long. I think there are a couple pix of me with it on if you check out the "Dale jumping Luge Gap" thread or the Harding to Joplin to Luge pix.

I wont be mad if you bite my steez and get a HEX.

[Pain Freak]

I use a Bell sweep for the road. It's a great helmet. It is rated very high by ANSI. I also have a Giro Xen that I use for the mountains and I like this one a lot, but out of the two, the sweep is more comfortable to me. I rode with a E2 for over a year and it just never seemed to fit right. I turned it into a roadie helmet and I haven't used it in a couple years now. Like a lot of posters said" Try them on", everyone's head is different.

Don't skimp on a helmet. I was reading the ANSI test procedures and it looks like a lot of helmets won't do much to protect your melon in a moderate crash. A proper fitted helmet with a semi tight strap is required to make a helmet work properly.

I have seen 3 different people end up in the hospital that were all wearing helmets. One was my son, another was my boss and another was a good friend on mine. Even with the helmet my boss had bleeding on the brain and almost died. All 3 lost consiousness.

[dirttorpeedo]

i believe bell and giro are one and the same now, one makes helmets for the other. i've got a giro xen great helmet, i do know bell fits well for alot of people, great retention system, giro too. i think bell's is better tho,easier for beginners,no offense.specialized fits my melon weird,your welcome to come to the shop and try any we've got in stock.hope that helps.good luck.

[~ Pakiha ~]

I have to Agree with schecky, I have owned a Bell, a Specialized, and Now I wear a Giro Xen. After trying on all the different types I then tried on the Xen. And it fits sooo nice. Also I was able to find it online for $75, I printed the add and took it to the old supergo in Fountain Valley and they price matched it for me.

[gurp13]

I'll take another look at the Xen. Right now I'm leaning hard at the Bell Sweep XC. I've found that BeyondBikes.come has it in the color I want (white/red) for $119 and that Jenson USA will price match it. Then, I can pick it up at the Ontario store for no shipping. Plus, they'll price match a Camelbak HAWG while I'm at it for $89. I guess if I don't like the way it fits I can always return it.

My wife mentioned how $120 seemed like a lot for a helmet. But, I'm with PainFreak, I don't think I should skimp on something protecting my head. Eye protection and head protection are too important to go bargain hunting. Well, within reason, of course. I gotta bargain hunt a little. It's in my blood.

[gurp13]

Originally Posted by JLMTB

Is this the Xen? $80 bucks at Wheelworld. They have black in S/M/L.

http://wheelworld.com/itemdetails.cf...gId=39&id=3493

That's the Xen, but I think that's the '05 model, which is why it's on closeout. I could be wrong, though. I'm looking at the '06 models.

[Schecky]

Originally Posted by gurp13

That's the Xen, but I think that's the '05 model, which is why it's on closeout. I could be wrong, though. I'm looking at the '06 models.

Go for the '05! The tech can't change that much from year to year - it's a helmet.

[gurp13]

Seriously? I'm looking at reviews that say things about fixing the little stuff, not so much big things. I'll think about it.

[~ Pakiha ~]

Personally I don't knowwhat there is to fix on it to begin with, its beautiful, I only wish the Camo version was cheaper.

[dirttorpeedo]

Originally Posted by JLMTB

Is this the Xen? $80 bucks at Wheelworld. They have black in S/M/L.

http://wheelworld.com/itemdetails.cf...gId=39&id=3493

i've got the 05, no probs. as of yet save the doe and spend it on the camel back, professionally speaking of course. then take me to lunch with all the muula I saved you! hahaha