$50 or $300 Cycling Helmet? Whats the best bang for the buck?

I breakdown helmets from $50 up to $300. This video is sponsored by Competitive Cyclist, use code VEGANCYCLE15 for 15% off your first purchase, some brands excluded. Check out Competitive cyclist at bit.ly/2YnZsuY
Helmets are subjective in the way that they fit everyone different and look different on you vs me. So you should try on these helmets at a bike shop and find what works for you. I try to explain the difference between a $50 helmet and a $300 cycling helmet. So which cycling helmet should you buy? Below is my breakdown for the helmets.
Least Expensive (No Mips / great fit / strange look)
bit.ly/36Jya1D Kali Chakra Mono Helmet
Most expensive (Has mips, is aero, fits great, looks good)
bit.ly/36MeESo Giro Vanquish
Best Bang for the buck (Has mips, fits great, looks good, good price)
bit.ly/36P5HI3 Oakley Aro 5
My personal Favorite (Has Spin, fits great, looks good, is expensive)
bit.ly/38LeMTU POC Octal X
$100 helmet
bit.ly/2tvSky9 Kask Rapido
Very Eggplant helmet
bit.ly/35sme4h Oakley Aro 3
Most Areo
bit.ly/2sH7uQn POC Ventral Spin Helmet
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[@g_rox6209]

"I really don't want to look like a hardcore cyclist, I just want to look like a bro that's on his bike" ... LOL. Agreed! Now I gotta hit subscribe.

[@michael3611]

I rock my BMX helmet... During road rides, I get weird looks and at gravel events, I get high fives and smiles.

[@RCHOWDHU]

I was gonna write the same thing and found out this first comment hahaha

[@marcv.5574]

Imagine putting on a racecar driver suit to go to the highway. Thats what I think k of those cyclist that go all out. Old or out of shape dudes. There are some fit dudes but most look sloppy.

[@juanpecan7089]

His energy is so chill and unpretentious, while clearly being hardcore and fully about it. Great combination.

[@rogerthat9869]

lol that made me laugh, relatable lmao

[@nerdly44]

"Straight-on shot? I can't.....You're not gonna catch me wearing this." lmao

[@samdonkin1572]

That Oakley helmet makes him look like toad from Mario kart

[@erolfox]

Right! Just say it makes ya look like a mushroom. No eggplant demonetizing necessary.

[@Suba932]

The side and back of the helmet loops dope, but that face shot is absolutely horrendous... Bummer

[@philjoy08]

😀😀😀

[@BigBrownMonke]

Which one? The Aro3 or Aro5

[@Pocketbassist]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@LedgesandLoops]

Get the Spaceball helmet for the best aerodynamics

[@dmv4554]

Love these product testing vids. Love how honest they are.

[@vonpupees]

the go to bang for you buck helmet at my shop is the specialized align mips is $60 and a solid all rounder

[@loganwiebe1427]

“Heat doesn’t bother me at all” insert Dirty Kanza vid. Lols

[@TheVCAdventures]

The heat there wasnt a thing, it was over hydrating the night before, which I never thought could be a thing.

[@juanpecan7089]

YES TO MIPS. I got a catastrophic flat and went over my handlebars. Right temple hit the ground first and then from the scarring I def slid. My neck got a little yanked but I think the MIPS (Giro Register) saved me from serious damage.

[@Dennis4523]

The thumbnail is how you flex on those Fred local commuters

[@CycoWarriorx]

Bro... I’m so glad you did this video and talked about safety... having been in a recent cycling crash and unknowingly hitting my head on the ground, cracking my helmet in two places (besides breaking my collarbone in two places), I was shocked to see a popular channel host a cycling panel where they whined and complained about the inconvenience of wearing one... unreal... glad you had a great line up to review...

[@CycoWarriorx]

Paul Wieringa Thanks Paul... trying... slow healing... 😫

[@birdy93]

12:53 "It's a little too much for me, dude." cracked up so bad! you remind me of me. love it!

[@RileyDao]

In love with the Oakley ARO3 MIPS. Got it for $90 for Black Friday. Similar ventilation to the catlike mixino (not as good but very very close) but feels WAY more safe and fits great. Highly recommend, just make sure to definitely size up like he said. PS: i think it looks good in comparison to the poc octal aero I also have which looks extra 🍆

[@dbrowninc]

"If you a broke bro..." gave me a chuckle.

[@MrHotcocopuffs]

If you want a POC helmet, I highly recommend the POC Omne Air Spin. It is much cheaper than other POC helmets coming in at $150 and has a great look and feel.

[@jadezore]

agreed

[@grigoryp201]

Hey, thanks for your comment, I'm thinking of purchasing Poc Omne. Could you please specify if it is capable of holding sunglasses?

[@MrHotcocopuffs]

@@grigoryp201 yeah I put sunglasses in mine all the time.

[@gummybear41283]

How’s it fit? I don’t want a narrow fir

[@Demon09-_-]

Payed like 120 for a bontrager velocis mips a few years back on a sale. But now mips can be found in helmets down around the 60 buck price range or even lower if on a sale .

[@CarbonRider1]

“don’t be that guy...” 😂

[@prodifycycling4177]

6:22 I'm diggin" the Oakley Aero 5.

[@jdwalexander]

Dude, my wife who isn't into cycling stopped in and watched this video and is already a fan of yours!

[@Ju5tTry1n2H3Lp]

That ARO5 is pretty awesome, but yeah, no venting. Pours sweat in your eyes.

[@BIIIKES]

Would love to see you do more product reviews. These are gold, man.

[@marinesr7]

First time watching this channel. Half way of it and you got me bro. I like your vibe, honesty, etc. Those are pretty much the things I consider when buying a helmet. Good job here. New subscriber.

[@MrSnoopydupy]

let's be honest... All helmets looks like Glans on your head :D

[@adammackenzie]

My favourite feature of a helmet , screen mesh covered vent holes & built in rear red light ! I live in Canada, bugs get bad on those travel rides. Great reviews.

[@luannedimaggio7025]

Helmet saved my brain after being hit by a car. Always wear one!!!!!!

[@uraniumjoe]

Always.

[@josephdunbar2105]

Oakley Aro3 all the way. I’ve had many. Oakley is very lite, looks good, super comfortable and only two pads inside. Easy to clean and having to replace the pads is cheap as opposed to say....a kask that has like 8 pads and the bastards want 30 bucks plus shipping for replacement pads.

[@johngibson1072]

You can spot MIPS by looking the layer of clear plastic with yellow dots on it on the inside between the retention system and the body of the hat.

[@bokajgrummel6813]

Got a 70 bucks giro helmet with mips

[@jamiedavidsongrear1294]

Bokaj Grummel Giro Foray?

[@bokajgrummel6813]

@@jamiedavidsongrear1294 yes, the giro foray mips

[@jamiedavidsongrear1294]

Bokaj Grummel yeah I’ve got the same- it’s a good helmet 👍🏻

[@shunzhang838]

@@jamiedavidsongrear1294 That's what I've been wearing for riding for the last 3 years got 20000km on it, the Foray is one truly solid and good looking $50helmet with mips. Upgraded to a $70 giro syntax recentaly, feels even more comfy with better ventilation.

[@TraumaER]

*I never wore a helmet growing up except on a motorcycle. I am trying to get a helmet again for bicycling. But now I remember why I never wore a bicycle helmet...*

[@tombierman1950]

Somebody else mentioned this too, but you should do a video on which helmets hold which type of glasses best. I never thought that was a big deal, but POCs are great at holding glasses and some others really suck as it. Keep up the great videos bruh

[@dddux]

There are some very nice and durable helmets at the second hand war gear shop. Indestructible, man.

[@pgreenx]

what does mips do for us?

[@andrewgordon6179]

Poc helmets, I’ve been wearing the octal for 5 yrs best helmet I’ve worn comfort wise. Beat giro and las or laser any day

[@IndianBeauty02]

Where can I purchase

[@suomik1988]

I've tried a bunch of helmets but I always go back to my Kask Protone. It looks sick, is highly adjustable, fit is a mazing, and holds most of my glasses no problem.

[@Agent-vj3ns]

Too bad Kask replaced it with the Icon. It sucks now. I bought 3 and all of the dials broke before even riding with them. Complete trash.

[@marianochvro]

Dud, a little outdated video now but this has helped me A LOT to decide to go for the POC. Just got back into MTB and there I definitely want to spend in security (And looks of course).

[@xenocx1092]

Legit all Smith helmets Protection: 5 Price: 1 Fit: 3 Looks: 5

[@sir.chrishoy]

Any helmet can be sold in a country if it's deemed to be "good enough" by their safety standards...however some helmets still protect you better than others, it's not just MIPS vs. not MIPS. Virginia Tech tested a bunch of helmets using a more rigorous test based on ability to protect you from concussion (based on rotational + impact forces). You can see the list here: www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicycle-helmet-ratings.html

[@landonp.4073]

Definitely going with the Lazer century mips

[@DAlexKablack]

Wavecell

[@Davmm96]

Kali Invader 2.0. Breathable, full-face. Because I go hardcore at the pump track with my step-trough urban bike on my way back home.

[@Sir-Prizse]

I bought the extremely cheap Giro Isode, you get this helmet with MIPS... fits good, does not look to bad.

[@mrexpatjohnny]

VC: "Skate helmet... just want to look like a bro on a bike" Also VC: Wears aero $$$ sunglasses. Much love. Thanks for making these awesome comparison vidz!

[@jgilruth369]

yea but those mono lens glasses yell "Moto bro from 2006-2009".

[@low-costgearbudgettour714]

The looks of a helmet are irrelevant for me. Or at least the lowest buying criteria. My criteria are: 1. Safety 2. Comfort/ventilation. 3. Price

[@RepsacZ]

What's also nice is if it easily holds your glasses...

[@francisignacio2220]

Thanks for this video. I just ordered the Oakley Aro5 based on your recommendation.

[@gaston.]

Lol.. yes, the last POC you look like Rick Moranis in Spaceballs.. Great info!, thanks for sharing.. I have the same head shape as you so this was very valuable.. Thanks!

[@TIstompsUout]

Congrats on the Russet potato Award from CPCN. You're definitely the best Vegan cycling KZbin Channel.

[@charlestirkey]

Viewing your content, for finding an alternative for the "non elitist bmx style" which am sporting now. Just got back to road cycling.

[@LuciTulcea]

You deserve millions of views and likes for that thumbnail alone!😅👍

[@Mrich775]

I'm far more worried about a directional impact system(mips or others) in my motorcycle helmet than I am my road helmet. I'll stick with focusing on weight and comfort myself.

[@uhhFez]

You got me in tears the way you're describing the look of them 🤣 cheers bro

[@christiangrosspietsch6278]

LOL, laughed really hard. I look like a d***head with any helmet. The selling point which got my buying a POC Ventral Air Spin was, that the swedes were testing their helmets in crashtest againts Cars (obviously with Volvo 😜). And: it’s so light and comfy that i forget, i‘m wearing it...

[@user-qu3ir6cs3s]

how come you are not in the show biz? you are a natural in entertainment! (the intro is sheer pleasure laugh and the rest, boy, cut down to business, true value in analyses)

[@hugoyoung4890]

10/10 thumbnail.

[@jojoanggono3229]

A while ago I fell and was unconscious for about 10 minutes. My Bell helmet (non MIPS) was cracked in 2 spot and my head was bruised at one spot. Lucky it was not my head that cracked. After that event I got a Mets MIPS helmet which is on special deal. In where I live, Kask and Poc is the cool bro and sis go to helmet.

[@DeStraatz]

MIPS!!!! As a person that has had a very recent experience with the aether, i broke my thumb, whole body was bruised and the helmet crushed in, so much that i had a surface bruise on my head. But no concussion, loss of consciousness or headache. I normally buy Giro, I have had the synthe (mips and not mips) and stacked it in the mips synthe which gave me a bit of a harder hit than the aether (the aether also a loy more comfy). I would recommend the cinder/ember as it is light and cheap. There are also cheaper giro mips road helmets, but comfort and style starts to lack. My two cents.

[@federicocoldeira4699]

What about Giro Isode with MIPS? Have you tried it?

[@BigWaveDaveO]

Obvious head injury for the opening...LOL Thanks for the good laugh.

[@alwaysup22]

Giro Synthe for me... Helmet needs to have a place to store glasses in because it dope, and so i would put that up there. Unsure how well these other helmets have a slot to store glasses?

[@tombierman1950]

Not sure this is accurate, but I feel like a cycling cap under the helmet does the same thing as MIPS. I have both a MIPS helmet (Bell z20?) and the POC Octal X (without MIPS and pre-SPIN) and honestly using a cap does the same thing as MIPS imo. I definitely prefer the Octal for most rides.

[@marcogiampa283]

POC helmets no not have mips, they have their own system called SPIN, same type of thing but the item will be listed as Octal X Spin for example

[@Jester123ish]

Well best bang for the buck is fairly obvious, your question is rather which helmet is best to buy.

[@KevinDoyle0]

Your graphic at 1:48 says "purchace," my dude.

[@danielchristensen1197]

dude, thats exactly how you spell it. Go google it

[@stanleyg.5722]

@@danielchristensen1197 Google the helmet spelling at the start.

[@danielchristensen1197]

Haha. did not notice that. Helemets😂

[@cyclenutter2715]

Thanks for helping me with the GoPro mount (I DMed you on insta)

[@vardansimonyan966]

my helm leaves little space between the sides of my head and the helm itself. Is it normal? Or should I go for a better fitting helm?

[@imanfrancisco]

The POC Omne Air spin looks good, too.

[@1sickolas]

Wish the Giro Synth was in this video. None the less thank you for your reviews

[@raulurquiza2211]

Just ordered mine !

[@1sickolas]

@@raulurquiza2211 You're going to love it. Super light, comfortable, and low profile on the head. One of the best non penis head looking helmets out. Enjoy!!!

[@DanTuber]

i don't think people are really that critical on the look of your helmet. People are far too self conscious about this stuff.

[@levivv]

nah dude if I am spending 200$ on a helmet I am going to wear 12 hours a week for two years I want it to look decent

[@maxsungwd]

Think again. I judge people by what they wear.

[@Bishieboi]

Generally dont judge helmets other than the ones that you look at and it purely looks like a giant knob 😂

[@dh7314]

Nah, if you wear a mushroom helmet I'm definitely judging you.

[@sk1ppercat912]

I love my vanquish. I do agree that it looks kinda tall especially from the front. But it just feels so fast.

[@jasonziegler3085]

Dudes, did you know DIPS is out now and it’s so much better than MIPS... I only paid $375 for my DIPS helmet and I look totally pro. I did hear that TIPS is out now though but it’s like only in Europe right now but I’m totally gonna get it when it comes to the states next month for $425 which is actually really a bargain you know? All about safety bro...

[@lazyape_735]

there is plenty of m.i.p.s/ wavecell helmets for under 150$

[@AndrejendrA]

I do not want to look like elite cyclist, I do want to look like a bro. You got my sub bro

[@wezsal]

Don’t get me wrong, I fully agree helmets should be warn. But here me out. When post a photo after I pull off of the highway on a motorcycle after traveling for hours at 80+ mph not wearing a helmet nobody says a word. If I post a cycling photo without a helmet everyone loses there mind lol. I’ll never understand lol

[@hartmutfeil4870]

Check the Abus Airbreaker. My favourite. Only 200grams. Weight is an issue as well. A 300gram helmet doesnt feel good

[@valentinomanontroppo4675]

fit is subjective, it depends on the shape of your head. So you should have said something about that first. Is your head more on the oblong or the roundish side?

[@ayowser01]

Specialized Evade 2: vents well, aero, mips SL, ANGi, expensive.

[@crossnut72]

I had an Oakley Aro 3 and that was a sweat bucket. Didn’t vent well at all in the summer. Two rides and I got rid of it.

[@PensacolaCyclistRunnerPetlover]

I absolutely love the look and feel of the Kask monitor helmet

[@itsm3th3b33]

How do you know a helmet "performs" better (whatever that means)?

[@MrClickclickpow]

Damn, just got the Aro5 from Amazon today, large was way too small for my big ass head, was really nice, looked slick, I would have been stuntin with my sutros and new diverge!

[@solitaryrefinement6787]

Knowing what I know now, I could roll with Giro's $50 MIPS helmet and call it a day. I still rock my Giro Prolight because it's still a cool riding helmet, it still looks great and it still as light as a gnat's eyelash. If I had to upgrade for whatever reason, today's helmets are so good that you can really get yesterday's flagship in Giro's entry-level line and then some. Of course, "fit" is subjective so I won't even judge that, but all other things being objective (cooling, safety technology, retention options, etc...), Giro's Isode would do...as long as it's all black. 😎

[@clintnieves]

Thanks for the review. I'm planning to get the Giro Vanquish when I save enough. I got the Oakley Aro 3 recently because it went on sale to replace my Giro Foray without MIPS entry level helmet that cracked but I still use it for my commutes

[@stuartdryer1352]

Ventillation is a big issue for me. I live in Houston. 6 months out of the year that is a huge factor for me. Here evaporative cooling is pretty compromised because of humidity. Probably not a factor in NoCal.

[@edwardtang1977]

Try Bell Super 2R or 3R or the newer Air. It is a favorite helmet for many including me. Remove the chin guard, and it still looks good.

[@kylecouture1917]

I have a Giro Fray Mips helmet. 85 full price and its very comfortable. I do want a Vanquish though.

[@jamescatlover123]

MIPS is a gimmick. If you are looking for a helmet for safety then buy the one with a thicker EPS and less ventilation.

[@damiandavies4632]

Good info, good reviews and he's comical!

[@nathanphillips875]

Hi man I love your videos but I just thought I'd let you know that MIPS is not the only difference in safety. Yes all helmets have to pass a minimum impact force but many people have argued that the minimum impact force is less than you would see in a serious real world crash, thus many brands choose to test at well above the minimum. You could maybe in future include how much impact force they can take as a percentage. For example cheap helmet might inly take the recommended amount (100%) but some extra safe ones might absorb 150% of the recommended minimum. This is something that is commonly misunderstood. Great videos tho.

[@isackhernandez3691]

Giro is cheap. Oakley sunglasses are probably more expensive

[@thomasmain7957]

More laughs here than on any sitcom on tv. “Don’t be that guy.” Tragically, I think I’m that guy.

[@flyinlo1474]

dude, this video was very helpful and it just made me laugh. seriously, I have been riding my 20 year-old mountain bike day after day killing my buttt riding in street shoes and a Walmart helmet. Doing a complete rebuild on my 1988 road bike that I bought over 20 years ago so now feeling like I was going to have a very nice bike to ride, I did not want to look like a goober in my Walmart helmet. so I found this very very helpful and I have my Octal X on order!

[@andreal1647]

Best helmet, in my opinion, is the ABUS Gamechanger. It looks nice, is aero and fits btw amazing. (you don't even notice you have a helmet on your head) and cost (only) about 140 Euros. German engineering :D

[@watchmanonthewall14]

This guy is hilarious. Reminds me of one of my nephews. Good video.

[@Grunge_Cycling]

Kask Protone for the summer, Kask Infinity for the winter.

[@nesthi]

🤘💪 I like how you took into consideration the advantage of the MIPS protecting the biker when he/she slides! 🌱💚

[@geyster97531]

Dudeski, the links don't seem to work, at least with me. Anybody else having issues accessing the links?

[@dbest1aVlogs]

Excellent and fair Bro review of these helmets. As always a pleasure to watch Bro.. love your vids.... Yeaaaaaa👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@not-a-raccoon]

Why would you NOT buy a helmet with MIPS in 2021?

[@brandony1711]

You should check out the higher end Kali helmets they’re great and they have their own version of “mips” as well

[@GarryFam]

industrial helmet for the win

[@philipsantos8123]

I got obsessed with the Oakley Aro 3 after Jordan Sarrou became champion in the uci xco 2020 😁

[@Diggnuts]

Best bang is "Not bike like a lunatic". If you do that you do not need much protection at all.

[@alanhill7965]

For me it has to be Poc the only make that fits my extremely large head ,,great video !

[@jeremysweeten2792]

Oakley 5 = Agree!