May be in the market to replace some helmets at my house soon and would appreciate some input on helmets that are more night ride friendly than others. Ideally, I like to keep a helmet light mounted up more in the center/top of the helmet so the weight of the light doesn't want pull the helmet down on my forehead. More of a neutral feel. When I use a NiteRider mount, I have used a small wedge of styrofoam between the mount and the helmet to keep the light at a proper angle. The NR mount I have (old single strap style) does not have a great range of adjustment, so it's important to get it fairly close. Are the newer two strap style more user friendly? The mounts for the VistaLite setups (I believe they employ the same mount that L&M and Trail Tech use) I own, have a much better range of adjustment, but have a pretty wide strap that is not easily used in some helmets with narrower vents. Of course, fit is of ultimate concern, but what helmets are light-mount friendly? Any helmets which should be avoided for night riding? How do you deal with your various helmet light mounting issues?
I usually only use one light, so the bar-mounted lights work best for me (don't care for helmet mounted lights as the primary light). Taking that into consideration, any bike helmet that fits me works well for night riding.
I use a bar mount light (12w flood + 12w spot) as the primary light source and would use a bar mount light over a helmet light if I could only use one light, but at least in some areas I ride at night, an additional light on the helmet is a good idea.
I only use NiteRider lights, but on the rare occasion I do also need a helmet light, I've never had an issue of strapping the light to the helmet, as the NR mounts work very well and they are very adjustable - or at least enough to suit my needs. I've noticed that it's more critical to have a proper fitting helmt that can tighten against the back of your head to keep the helmet from dropping in the front - I guess that's the answer you're looking for. My Gyro Xen worked very well, and my Fox Flux works only ok. I rarely have a need for a helmet light, though.
Justin and I have Xen helmets... I don't think he's ever had a problem strapping on the helmet mounts :?: I'd say you're probably safe with whatever you get, but if worried about it... I'd suggest just taking your helmet mount with you while you shop for helmets!
