Trek Vapor

Price Paid:  $35.00 at Local bike store

Bike Setup:
Cannondale R600

Summary:
I had the Vapor 2 model. It was easy to adjust, comfortable and fit my head well. During a recent century ride I hit the left side of my head hard on the pavement when I wiped out while making a turn at a gravel covered intersection. I'm very glad I had the helmet on and I'm confident that it saved me from a serious head injury. The adjustible plastic "ZipTite" head band broke out of one side of the helmet. I contacted Trek. They offered to send a new head band. If I had bought the helmet less than a year ago they would have replaced the whole helmet. I had read that helmets should stay on securely after your head makes impact because your head may hit more than once in an accident (ex.: a car then the pavement). With a broken head band, I doubt it would have stayed on. I decided to purchase a different model helmet. (Note: you should replace a helmet that has been impacted anyway because the foam may have crushed and it may not have adequate give the next time)

Strengths:
Easy to adjust, comfortable, good fit (for my head).
Trek 1 year replacement policy in case of accident.

Weaknesses:
Adjustible plastic head band broke from helmet during first impact. Helmet may not have protected my head if it subsequently hit another object.

Similar Products Used:
Giro Encinal

Price Paid:  $39.00 at San José, Costa Rica

Bike Setup:
Trek 3700. Upgrade's: RST Omega TlR fork, amoeba scud carbon handlebar, amoeba scud stem, Wellgo pedals.

Summary:
Better price than others.

Strengths:
Nice helmet, so ventilated. Nice ajudsment.

Weaknesses:
not yet, i hope

Similar Products Used:
bell, giro

Price Paid:  $27.00 at Price is GBP. Bike s

Bike Setup:
Trek 7300 hybrid.

Summary:
I crashed wearing this, going downhill at speed onb tarmac. Bounced twice on my head, hit the kerb as well, then slid.

The initial impact (front left) knocked me out for a couple of seconds. Helmet very dented but head only slightly sore.

The kerb (back right) took a chunk out of the helmet and left me with a bump but that's all.

And the visor (which was securely fastened) combined with my glasses stopped my face being torn to ribbons when I slid along on it at the end. Only had a bit of dirt on my nose.

All in all, probably saved my life, or at least prevented all head injuries.

Strengths:
It fits the head really well with the cinch retention system, and doesn't slip but at the same time doesn't feel uncomfortable. Oh yeah, and it stopped my brain going on the road.

Similar Products Used:
Trek Vapour (1997) which I replaced after dropping it.