Dabend Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 I need to get a helmet for general sea kayaking and was wondering if anyone had some recommendations. I was looking at the WRSI Trident because I liked the visor but I see it has no vents and I worry it will be too hot in the summer. Would love to find out what others use. Thanks, David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David M Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 David, After a fair amount of experimentation I've settled on the Strutter https://www.backcountry.com/sweet-protection-strutter-helmet?skid=SET001Q-DIRBK-LXL&ti=Ojo6NTo= The combination of fit, comfort, sun and impact protection in my estimation are well-suited for the touring environment. Good luck, David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaKayakNE Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 My helmet of choice is the Gath Gedi. It has vents but can also be blocked in the winter for the extra warmth. The brim is flexible and removable. Additionally the back of the helmet adds quite a bit of protection to the back of the head. Jonathan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billvoss Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 Get one that FITS your head. That is the most important aspect. There are many helmets I would like to own that simply don't fit my head. I happen to use the Strutter. It does not have vents which means I do not get sunburn stripes on my head, and in the summer I sometimes use it as an impromptu pail to poor a little water over myself on those rare occasions I don't feel like rolling instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BethS Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 I got the adjustable size rental model that REI sells (i think it's made by NRS but i'm not sure) I like the adjustability because I like to be able to wear something under it, or not, as temps dictate, and I like to be able to change what i'm wearing easily during the day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prudenceb Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 Get what fits. If it gets toasty in the summer, just take it off and fill it with chilly ocean water and put it back on. Or roll. No problema! Prudence Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterB Posted May 23, 2017 Share Posted May 23, 2017 The Strutter and the Gath helmets are very well regarded you see them a lot on the heads of experienced sea kayakers. They are "high end", meaning pricey compared with NRS or Protec helmets, which are also popular and well used. I have an old Strutter that was getting beat up, chin straps wearing out , and now have a Sweet Protection Wanderer . Its very well cushioned and comfy, and so it is also is a good cold weather helmet as it insulates my head., but in the summer it might be hot (I wear a helmet almost all the time when paddling ) so I'd rather wear a less padded helmet then . Yes, get what comfortably fits your head : heads , like hands or feet, are unique to each person, so what works for one person might not apply to another . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dabend Posted June 9, 2017 Author Share Posted June 9, 2017 I want to thank everyone for their advice. I ended up going with the Gath Gedi which I customized using sandpaper. As with ski boots, you always want to make a small helmet bigger than a big helmet smaller. Thanks, David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pamela Powers Posted July 21, 2017 Share Posted July 21, 2017 Can we see that customized helmet picture? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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