Best whitewater helmets reddit. However every time I go rafting, I rent gear to wear.

Best whitewater helmets reddit. com If you're looking for the best whitewater helmet, look no further. They will also rent you a raft or duckie to guide yourself down. This list is also focusing on whitewater helmets with the best value for the features you get from the rafting helmet. We got the GoPro Hero 5 Black. Welcome to r/whitewater! This subreddit is a place to discuss anything and… Hey guys! Took a whitewater kayaking course and I'm hooked! The only problem is I'm having a super hard time finding any gear that fits an extra small person (4'10" and 105 lbs). I wear Sweet Protection and Smith Maybe, but probably not. Maybe if you used an additional tether through a helmet hole or something. Weird because I’ve hardly used it. 32K subscribers in the whitewater community. 30K subscribers in the whitewater community. Need new helmet but am unsure if I should get the full-face, I've heard they're hard to hear in and also there's a risk of getting something caught (branch) between the chinguard. Does anybody still make any now??? Spring is here and I promised myself I’d buy a new helmet since my current in is 8+ years old and as I’ve learned, that means it needs replacing. If your inflatable helmet cops a hole on the first rock you hit, it'll be useless for the second. I only occasionally see full face helmets on the class 3+ rivers I run. A lot of whitewater paddling stores will let you rent helmets. I have always loved whitewater rafting and kayaking in lakes/calmer rivers. This study is based on what helmets are going to keep your risk of concussion down while paddling. I have been looking at getting a full face helmet to help protect my jaw a little bit more so I don't have to have surgery again but this is where my conundrum begins. Where can I get one? Will they ship to the UK? I've been paddling in a club for a while and I'm slowly getting my own gear. Reply reply Home Popular Online Online Online Online Online Online Online Online Online Online Online Online Online Online Online Definitely best price to functionality but I have found that Sweet helmets are A LOT more comfortable and warm, but again more expensive. I have an option to get a WRSI Trident or WRSI Current Pro from a local dealer for a fair The other helmet on my list is the WRSI Current Pro, but my local shop does not stock WRSI for me to try on. Thoughts? Sep 9, 2024 · The best study to take a look at when picking out your whitewater helmet is the Virginia Tech Study. Top priority is getting a helmet that is safe (ECE or snell rated, ECE 22. Under the shell is a shock absorbing expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam liner and there is also a moisture wicking liner that They sell an elastic thing you could use to put it over a helmet, but I dunno if I'd completely trust it whitewater rafting. Does this helmet need to be replaced after one minor crack? I just got it and would prefer not to! comments sorted by Best Top New Controversial Q&A Add a Comment uguysareherbs • Additional comment actions Apr 28, 2023 · The best overall sailing helmet is the Unisex Whitewater Adult Helmet manufactured by the brand Tontron in Guangdong, China and sold worldwide. Sooooo, eat my asss, respectfully. Been paddling for just over a year and paddled my first Class IV creek the other day. Which helmet brands/models are the most durable? Share Sort by: Best Open comment sort options Add a Comment sudoz0rs • 65 votes, 26 comments. Sweet protection paddlesport helmets discontinued? I heard in passing that Sweet might discontinue their whitewater helmets and there are no whitewater helmets on their website. Went out for my 3rd time ever and for the first time in my new boat today. It’s fine except the outside seems to be slowly melting- it’s like it’s been dipped in a thin layer of contact cement. I would personally never wear a helmet like this. It seems like the shred ready helmets are the only helmet brand that might possibly fit my head (20. However every time I go rafting, I rent gear to wear. I had the exact problem you did. Gath makes a XXL that fits big round heads WRSI is the largest current production whitewater specific helmet I've found, but that's shape dependent, too. Just make sure that the surface is properly cleaned and dried (isopropyl alcohol is a good way of cleaning off any residue. Anyone have one and have any thoughts on it? Universal Fit Helmet Suggestions? Hello all, Picked up a raft to be able to take people out paddle rafting occasionally. I’m new to whitewater kayaking. Bern helmets are not rated in the Virgina Tech study and has me second guessing if I should be paying up for the WRSI Current Helmet. Probably not best for the health of the shell… Any “big head” helmets out there? My boyfriend’s younger brother recently got a Kawasaki Ninja and is asking for a new helmet for his upcoming birthday. I’m looking at buying my first gear. Anecdotally, my old current pro helmet ended up getting retired after a club member suffered a bad head injury while wearing it. This is my first time posting on Reddit ever, so I'm sorry if I do anything wrong. I'm looking into purchasing my own helmet, and am at a crossroads with which style of helmet I should be looking for. Have you tried on or considered the sweet wanderer? Sweet helmets are considered top tier protection-wise, and the wanderer is the most comfortable helmet I've ever worn. I’ve always just fixed mine to my helmet/boat/paddle using the adhesive pads in the mounts. Considering the huge force that was applied to his head I think the helmet did a good job protecting him. I would have to buy this blind and hope for the best, but the price difference is large enough to make this a tempting option. It looks to be about the same price as the wrsi. Does anyone else size up like this with Sweet helmets? It just seems huge. It seems really easy to badly and expensively injure my face. 94 votes, 51 comments. I'm looking at this at the moment: Shred ready super scrappy I'm a little bit worried it's a little low cut anyone got any advice? What should I be I have a large alien shaped head, long and narrow and it sticks out a bit at the back, helmets are always a hassle to get to fit right. Using its STAR rating system, the Virginia Tech Biomechanics Helmet Lab impact-tests helmets to evaluate their ability to reduce linear Yes all of “us” “over here” have allergies to helmets, we are also too poor for helmets and yes we all lack brains so what’s the point? I appreciate the half hearted insults but you could of just said this worries me you should really where a helmet. TIA! Share Add a Comment Sort by: Best Open We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. They used the hand signs they used on the flight deck and combat when paddling. Welcome to r/whitewater! This subreddit is a place to discuss anything and… Jan 9, 2023 · A recent whitewater helmet comparison test from Virginia Tech University has drawn some attention from whitewater helmet manufacturers and distributors. Charlie Walbridge did a statistical study about 20 years ago that broke down the numbers and indicated that it’s safer than ice climbing, skydiving, cave diving, and some other extreme sports, while being on par with traditional climbing i think. The problem with inflatable safety gear on whitewater is the risk of puncture. On any river class 3 or greater in the US commercial outfitters provide helmets and require that they be worn. There is the Team Wendy helmet, but it seems pretty bulky too for my needs I've got the typical kayak helmet (Shred Ready standard full cut). Of course risk The sweet full face is bar none the best helmet I own. I've seen the other side of life and I can't go back I'm hoping someone to recommend asian brands for whitewater - or if anyone has come across an asian fit helmet for whitewater. Hi I’m off to Nepal at the end of the year and want to keep the sun out of my eyes are there any hats comfortable enough to wear under a helmet for 8+ hours a day? Strutter is the one of the worst whitewater helmet designs of all time. if you are renting then I would chest mount over the PFT, if the helmet is yours, then stick an adhesive helmet mount on there! Have fun! Helmets like this are catered more towards rafting/inflatables. 18 votes, 29 comments. Just tried a shred ready tdub per online recommendations and still doesn’t fit : ( has anyone had any luck with other brands? I looked for a Bern whitewater helmet because they come in size XXL but they’re all unavailable online. Honestly buying a half dozen pairs of cheap ones that don't matter if they get lost is probably the best way to go. hopefully I'm wrong? are their any good sections around or groups that travel to run bigger water in Wisconsin Remember to wear your PFD. Get the Ultimate protection now. I don't see myself creeking in the near future, so presumably have no need for a full face helmet. I emailed Gath and they told me to buzz off. Totally different construction from a whitewater helmet. May 16, 2023 · How to select the right helmet for whitewater kayaking or rafting adventures and expert advice how to size your helmet to ensure you stay safe on the water. After that, I recommend getting something with an internal sun visor or transition faceshield, because swapping faceshields is a pain and getting blinded by the sun is a major concern. I understand that helmets like this are expensive, but that's because they're critical safety equipment. I have now started to acquire my own gear instead of using my friends who have tons of extra stuff (they are the best). We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. My regular rocker I can wear for a week straight (besides, obviously, night time) without complaint, and both have weathered some gnarly hits while still looking and feeling fine besides the scratches. So I'm looking to get my own and am looking for some pointers. I couldn't wear the thing tight enough to keep it on my noggin. But my question is should I get a full face helmet. It’s their carbon model that should in theory provide better protection. Especially after upgrading to an asian fit helmet for my bike helmet. It also allows him to wear his contacts without them getting screwed up/dirty water in them. Plenty of kayakers have been knocked out on the river due to low profile helmets like the zeta or strutter. I've seen lots of people recommend the Sweet Strutter and SR Helmet advice Hi all, I'm new to this sub and fairly new to whitewater. Get a better helmet. Where residents and visitors alike can share news, events, gatherings, stories, and more. I understand sizing may vary between companies but normally I am wearing a M helmet and have never bought a L/XL. 24 votes, 14 comments. This brings me to the difference between the WW helmet standards and the cycling helmet standard. Helmets : r/whitewater r/whitewater Current search is within r/whitewater Remove r/whitewater filter and expand search to all of Reddit We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. I've considered whitewater helmets like the NRS havoc, but there's no easy way to attach a headlamp to ones that I've found. I am a long time user of Bern Helmets for biking; wondering if their H20 series is used by anyone here. Just make sure your helmet mount is good. There was a visible dent in the helmet. Welcome to r/whitewater! This subreddit is a place to discuss anything and… Find the best posts and communities about Whitewater Kayaking on Reddit Can I get some recommendations for a place to start looking for larger than normal helmets? Thanks! comments sorted by Best Top New Controversial Q&A Add a Comment SaltyPancakes • Additional comment actions Moved back to Madison a few years ago after spending awhile out of state working as a wilderness/ whitewater raft guide and I'm missing the river. They are made for single impact. Sweet Rocker/Wanderers are a good options. Looking to get a helmet with a small brim for sun block. I am getting bolder with my play and overall taking more risks and want to get my own helmet. Whitewater kayaking helmets are specially built for whitewater usage. I went into a whitewater shop to try on some Sweet Protection helmets and the sizing is pretty small. Whether you throw a 2-weight on bluelines for brook trout or a double-hander for steelhead or chase tarpon with a 12-weight, your contributions and questions will be welcomed and appreciated! Reddit's OG off-piste sub for all things backcountry skiing/splitboarding. Whitewater helmets are designed to take multiple impacts underwater whereas a lot of bike helmets are designed to break on impact to absorb the most force from a single hit. Won’t be buying or recommending them. Canyoning helmets happen to be used around water but for very different use cases from a whitewater helmet. I was going through my old gear and realized I just made an assumption that there isn't big (or at least fast) water to run around here. Always get a size expecting that it will compact out fairly quickly. I am also a skier and a cyclist, and may go back home when I finish college, so ideally I'd use the helmet for mountain bike or I broke my wrsi helmet and am looking to get a new helmet. Split my eye brow open along with some other fun stuff. I am taking a 6 week course (36 hours) plus a weekend trip on the Nantahala. I was wondering if anyone was aware of a whitewater helmet that is Asian fit? The Rafting Magazine pro team's top picks for your first whitewater helmet. ) The full face is a bit more cumbersome than a Looking at grabbing 2 helmets during blackfriday sales. Cycling helmet? Absolutely not. Have fun! Asian Fit Helmets? My wife and I have been getting into kayaking and having a blast, but have not been able to find a helmet that is comfortable for her. I need fullface recommendations for someone with a huge head. All things whitewater rafting I have a Gath helmet that I use for easier water. Shred Ready Sesh Helmet??? Thoughts? I'm thinking about buying a new helmet and looking at the SR Sesh. Hey! So which helmet are you using currently? Why is it good / possibly not good for your riding style or preferences? Sounds like you want a Team Wendy. Thanks! comments sorted by Best Top New Controversial Q&A Add a Comment purplegreendave Park 'n Play • Additional comment actions Sweet make the best helmets though, and it's important to note that the Rocker and Wanderer fit differently -- the Rocker is narrower and the Wanderer rounder. Big heads? Any fellow big heads out there? I have a L/XL Strutter and the only way I can keep it from hurting my temples is storing it like this. I am not sure if this applies to mountain biking helmets. Thank you so much in advance!! comments sorted by Best Top New Controversial Q&A Add a Hi, newbie cyclist here. The Rafting Magazine pro team's top picks for high performance whitewater helmets. that helmet wasthe biggest one i could find and I tried on lots. Bicycle helmets don't work as they are designed to break on impact. I was able to get two really good whitewater boats (a Pyranha playboat and Pyranha creek boat) pfd, paddle, skirts, drysuit, helmet, and a ton of accessories for $1k. They are not cheap, but after some of the knocks I have taken (and been protected from) wearing their whitewater helmets? I trust their product and testing completely. Mar 1, 2023 · See our guide to the best whitewater kayaking helmets in 2025, with reviews of top models from brands like WRSI, and NRS. Nantahala is a very mild class 2 river where your chance of falling out of a raft or duckie are very slim so the outfitters don't require helmets. Was having an absolute blast up until my face made VERY good friends with a rock while upside down. This kind of helmet is designed for single impact largely from above (think something falling on you). I've got a buddy who also has a rocker who wears tinted goggles. 5" circumference). Thanks. The best helmet is the one that fits. Opinions on "All Season" helmets? I'm in the market for a new water helmet (last one is floating somewhere in Lake Michigan). Make sure the helmet fits with your goggles so there’s not too much of a gap. I'm looking to get some universal-fit helmets that will fit a wide range of head sizes (I'd like to avoid having to get a dozen or two helmets, lol). I am looking for recommendations on what to wear in the colder months. My current helmet is of the same style but without the dial retention, which is why I am looking to upgrade. This blog post lists the top helmets and explains what to look for when buying a helmet. Anyway the alternative is a “light bump” helmet or, well, basically a solid platform to hold night vision, is a Protec skate helmet with some if not all of the hardware ripped out and you install combat helmet accessories and a night vision shroud and a bit of adhesive Velcro loop. Back when commercial whitewater first started getting big (USA) in the 60s and 70s, a lot of the pioneers were former military. Has anyone verified this? I feel like sweet had the best combination of shell and foam, what alternatives are people going to use? Buy the one that fits you best. But shred ready gets crappy safety reviews. I want to try whitewater kayaking soon. For reference I have a relatively oval head, longer than it is wide in a like a 60ish cm size range l/xl for sweet. Mar 26, 2025 · Whether you’re seeking the best helmet for safety, comfort, or performance, my goal is to guide you with detailed reviews, tips, and advice. My kids recently got into dirt freestyle BMX, and after a few faceplants I got them full face helmets. Up until now I have only been paddling with a club and have been using their helmets which are uncomfy and old. I've been looking to buy a helmet, and have more or less set on the WRSI Current Pro, as it looks like a good quality/price relation, and has some important things for me, like the sun visor. Whitewater helmets on the other hand are designed for many impacts from larger angle variation (think upside down while kayaking I mentioned liking the looks of the SR shaggy in another group and was told that Shred Ready helmets crack easily. Like the Watts from Bern or the Low Rider from Sandbox because I like to get in quick skate sessions in my down time but I also snowboard in the winter. Try a few brands/models and see what works. They are built cheaply because for these water sports you don't spend extended time with the helmet between your head and the bottom of the river. Even if you do have to buy, WRSI is probably the best value. Hey hey! Trying to find extra large helmets for whitewater kayaking. 29K subscribers in the whitewater community. They do a lot of testing, above and beyond what the minimum required is, and consistently are on the top of testing comparisons. What cycling helmet do you recommend, that does not look like a mushroom on my head? My budget is around 80 USD. Probably best to get the helmet designed for the activity. Just got a HERO 11 but total noob here. This list includes the best high performance rafting helmet designs for use in paddle sports. Typically, cycling helmets must survive a single high energy impact where whitewater helmets by the standard are required We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Seeing lots of US paddlers with these visors under their helmets. Any helmets you guys would recommend that have a visor and preferably with ear protection for around $100. You’ll save money but it’s not whitewater rated or anything. She had the same problem with ski helmets until I got her an “Asian fit” helmet for her. Hockey and snowboard helmets can work in a pinch, but aren't really designed to be worn wet so they may not actually stay in place well. When we last went rafting, we used a head mount (not a helmet mount) and zip tied it to the helmet. That's my choice for rivers I feel like I need the best head protection I have available. What are the best settings for that sweet shot, maybe IG compatible? I find my head is fairly sizeable and my L/XL sweet rocker is perfect and it’s warm enough that I can get away without a helmet liner but the best way I’ve found is to pop into a local shop and ask to try a bunch on or at your next river run ask around to try some helmets on some fellow big heads! In my experience the sweet helmets all fit quite differently. Currently using a large Shred Ready Rescue Pro, it was the biggest I found, and I still had to cut foam out of the front to fit, but it's a little loose at the sides. I am hoping for helmet recommendations that have the aesthetics of the Ruroc helmets but that are higher quality. If it's proper Class II whitewater then you should also be wearing a whitewater helmet. He was looking at Ruroc helmets, but after researching them a little bit, they seem pretty junky for the price. Those two, non-detachable low speed quads are the best season pass you'll ever own. 06 is best) and fits your head shape well. I was curious about r/whitewater 's opinion on all season helmets. See full list on gearjunkie. I got one for myself (I do the pump track and bumps but I'm not sending anything and don't get big air. Other good features: a color other than black so you stand out a bit. A subreddit for Charlotte, North Carolina. Great sale on WRSI helmets on outdoorplay at the moment. I'm using it for whitewater canoeing. the only other bigger one was an nrs one size fits all but all you were doing was filling the gaps with little chunks of velcro foam. They are notoriously known for catastrophic failures and coming loose. This list includes the best entry level rafting helmet designs for use in water sports. May 8, 2025 · This Sweet Protection Wanderer Helmet is a half-cut helmet designed for whitewater kayaking, up to Class 4 rapids, and can also be ideal for general recreational paddling. I tried scrubbing it off but no good. My team's standard helmet for swiftwater rescue is the Kask Hi-Viz helmet (doubling for vertical rescue), but I've found it really clunky and top heavy for me in the couple of years I've had it. You need a whitewater, multi-strike helmet, for when you're upside down, flailing down the river, beating your head on rocks as you miss your 3rd roll attempt. Huge Bonus points for MIPS and adjustable ventilation. I've only ever had shred ready helmets but I'm hoping to get a rocker before too long. 23 votes, 13 comments. Is there a generally accepted Best Practices guide for what to look for, and some guides on recent models? I’ve found a few product review sites but I’m always skeptical they’re just farming referrals not really looking out for us. Welcome to r/whitewater! This subreddit is a place to discuss anything and…. Thinking LL remix 69. 9/5 stars. Get the best coverage helmet that you can afford for kayaking. Ride safe, and let’s explore the world of helmets together! Dec 31, 2024 · Get these Top 10 Best Whitewater Kayaking Helmets 2025. For reference I Sweet Protection. I can't get a Rocker on my head but the Wanderer fits fine (with some very very mild sanding) Reply reply MembersOnline MembersOnline MembersOnline MembersOnline MembersOnline 104 subscribers in the gorafting community. Basically title, I'm looking to get into white water and I'm looking at pfd's, wetsuits, helmets, boots etc and I was wondering if there are any I should avoid or are there any brands to look at in particular? In general, whitewater kayaking while wearing a helmet and a pfd is remarkably safe. Tirades, Welcome to Charlotte, Things to do, Buying/Selling, and Charity are all weekly topics. I've done mostly river running and a bit of beginner playboating, and never have really ventured into creeking. We rate this helmet 4. For anyone who has these, is there any tendency for the helmet to get pulled backwards on your head when you're underwater? I've paddled a kayak with a Shred ready Zeta helmet before (admittedly more of an open boat helmet) and the water caught the brim and ripped it backwards off my head. comments sorted by Best Top New Controversial Q&A Add a Eh, a good helmet is more important than sunglasses. Does anyone know of any helmets that would be good for Been rafting for a few seasons now in the TN area, mainly on the Ocoee or Pigeon river. Hi, I'm about to get my (first) GoPro and mount it on my wanderer helmet, obviously there are a couple of options as to where to place it: (mirror if… I'm trying to decide if I should get a full-face helmet or not. Welcome to r/whitewater! This subreddit is a place to discuss anything and everything relating to whitewater. Shred ready helmets don’t fit and the largest sweet protection isn’t even close. I love that it's naturally waterproof. Play boating doesn’t seem like my primary jam. You should wear a helmet when whitewater rafting. I had to buy my 2nd one 6 months after the 1st, got a whack on the head upside down on a Scottish river, got a mild concussion instead of a badly fractured skull/unaliving! We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. As a country highly reliant on insurance, would they pay out if you got a head injury without a helmet? Our equivalent to insurance here doesn't cover you if you aren't wearing safety gear (incl helmet) for most sports, including rafting,kayaking, skiing etc. Those helmets are goddamn indestructible, and if you play with the fit pads comfortable as fuck. It features a carbon fiber reinforced ABS thermoplastic shell that helps to distribute impacts. I think my primary interest is river running. Sweet makes a ski/snowboard helmet in XXL that is fantastic, and that they say is safe for water use. custom helmets????I have been a paddler for 40+ years now at one time there were alot fun shaped handmade kevlar helmets being made. lbvmve vqrwkp fbwpqn cviwn wdkqe zrcz frwvx jyebno bagsz gxw