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Liz
Super Looper
Joined: 18 Aug 2008
Location: United States
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Posts: 198
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   Topic: Whitewater Helmet
Posted: 26 Mar 2009 at 1:14pm |
I’m in the market for a kayak helmet and I thought I’d toss something up here to see what other’s experiences have been with this decision. Perhaps sadly my helmet is one of the last pieces of gear to get my attention, but now I’m trying to get schooled. 
I found this article from Canoe & Kayak on whitewater helmets and found it useful:
http://canoekayak.com/gear/accessories/helmetreview/index.html
So... in your opinion, what’s the best whitewater kayak helmet?
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Tobin
Forum Moderator
Joined: 14 Sep 2005
Location: United States
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Posts: 1847
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Posted: 26 Mar 2009 at 1:48pm |
Liz,
I really like my Happy 2 Be, but it looks like they are shutting down?
They are kinda spendy and a similar design as a Sweet. The advantage over a Sweet is that the foam doesn't pack out after a year.
I have heard great things about Shred Ready
And they come in pink (how cute)
You might call Next Adventure in PDX, I think they carry the H2B's, might be closing them out too?
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Sure?
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PaulGamache
McNasty
Joined: 02 Sep 2007
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Posts: 250
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Posted: 26 Mar 2009 at 1:51pm |
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WRSI Current for river-running, playboating, & waterfalls.
FNA X-Stream for steep creeks w/o the waterfalls (ie junkier stuff), only thing I don't like about the FNA is that it's super hot to wear if you're portaging in the heat.
Whatever you do don't get a Sweet, joke of a helmet.
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27/320 & 1 bootie
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Ryan
Big Boofer
Joined: 27 Jun 2005
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Posted: 26 Mar 2009 at 2:10pm |
I've had a Shred Ready Shaggy for around 4 years now. The thing I love is that it locks down on your head instead of just sitting there. The ratcheting thing still work pretty good and I glued some lining back it. Totally worth the ~$120 I spent on it. I expect to replace it next season.
The WRSI helmets have the same ratchet thing but are plastic. I like the fact my helmet is composite but I'm sure the plastic ones work just as well.
Try several on and see what fits and provides the protection you are looking for. That should be your judge instead of how it looks.
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PaulGamache
McNasty
Joined: 02 Sep 2007
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Posted: 26 Mar 2009 at 2:15pm |
Originally posted by Ryan
The WRSI helmets have the same ratchet thing but are plastic. I like the fact my helmet is composite but I'm sure the plastic ones work just as well.
WRSI does not have a ratchet system.
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27/320 & 1 bootie
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Wiggins
PP Junkie
Joined: 15 Aug 2005
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Posts: 858
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Posted: 26 Mar 2009 at 2:55pm |
I like the WRSI helmets. It gives you full coverage, and has the option to to add ear or full face protection. It is the first helmet I found that really fits my head without moving. The fact that it is backed up by research is just gravy on the cake, and we all know there is nothing better than gravy on cake!
Kyle
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I smell bacon
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Ryan
Big Boofer
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Posted: 26 Mar 2009 at 3:18pm |
Originally posted by PaulGamache
Originally posted by Ryan
The WRSI helmets have the same ratchet thing but are plastic. I like the fact my helmet is composite but I'm sure the plastic ones work just as well.
WRSI does not have a ratchet system.
Your right. They have the "retention" system that keeps it snug similar (if not better) than the ratcheting.
The WRSI's are a bargain too... and super comfortabe.
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oukr9965
Super Looper
Joined: 20 Nov 2006
Location: United States
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Posted: 26 Mar 2009 at 3:50pm |
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I just bought another WRSI and got the face protection system (fps). Love it. Super comfortable, takes a hit(s) well. I was wondering if the fps would fall off on a big hit, but I took a few in POW and it did it's job well. Nothing but good things to say from my perspective on the WRSI helmets.
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Kiwi
McNasty
Joined: 22 Jun 2007
Location: United States
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Posted: 26 Mar 2009 at 6:56pm |
head trip, when I got mine it was around $150 but the last time I looked they were around $180.
It works for me.
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Liz
Super Looper
Joined: 18 Aug 2008
Location: United States
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Posted: 28 Mar 2009 at 6:54am |
Cool! Thanks everyone for your responses. There are more options out there than I thought.
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Ellingferd
McNasty
Joined: 21 Jun 2005
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Posted: 28 Mar 2009 at 8:49am |
just dont get a sweet, unless you like paying top dollar for head injuries
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