Trek Vapor

Price Paid:  $35.00 at ProBike

Bike Setup:
GT Avalanche 3.0 Disc set up for commute/touring.
Strida 5.0 Disc.

Summary:
I settled for this entry level Trek lid when my bike shop did not have the Sonic Elite in my colour. Not bad at all and no noticeable weight deficit to the more expensive model I wanted. Although, overall head fit not as snug and comfy as with the Sonic Elite and IMO the better the fit the better protection if all other factors being equal.
No crash to report so far.

Strengths:
- Light in weight
- Cool
- Reasonable price

Weaknesses:
- One-piece strap not easiest/quickest to fit in a hurry.
- Wind noise
- No chin pad (ok, not expected in entry-level)

Similar Products Used:
Geo (a no-namer from Taiwan but with CE and CPSC certification) that fits better and easier, cheaper, just as cool, has chin pad and cost a lot less.

Price Paid:  $40.00 at Bicycle Cellar

Favorite Ride:
The roads of northern Hartford County

Bike Setup:
Cannondale Synapse (or it used to be, it's now in 2 pieces).

Summary:
The Trek Vapor saved my life, I hit the windshield of a car, I was doing 20, the car was moving into me. I cracked the winshield, my nose and several vertebrae in my neck. The right front quarter of the helment is gone. And there was NO damage to my cranium.

Strengths:
Does what it is supposed to. Good fit.

Weaknesses:
None.

Similar Products Used:
Older vpor, Garneau Zen.

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Price Paid:  $40.00 at Selwyn Circles

Bike Setup:
Lemond Alp De H. with Shimano 105

Summary:
Recently replaced original vapor with Vapor III. Is a different helmet than previous one. Does weigh about 50 more grams than previous but provides better protection to rear of the head. Does have better ventilation than previous model. Good value helmet. Noticed extra weight but was not an issue while wearing the helmet. However, most of my rides are in the 45-80 minute range.

Strengths:
Good protection of head. Good ventilation. Easy to adjust tightness of helmet with wheel at rear of the helmet,which tightens the helmet.

Weaknesses:
Increase in weight. More wind noise than previous model.

Similar Products Used:
Vapor I

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