The 7 Best Kayak Helmets: Reviews & Buying Guide (2022)
We all know how frustrating it is to try and find the best product to fit your needs. When trying to choose from the best kayak helmets there are a number of things you need to consider, which we'll go through here.
A kayaking helmet is one of the most important items of safety gear you will ever buy when taking up this exhilarating water sport. Not only can it save your life in case of an accident, the right helmet can also help prevent serious injuries to the head.
Things to Consider
When researching new paddling helmets, there are some essential things to ask yourself. Such as, what kind of kayaking am I going to do? What degree of protection do I need? Or what color helmet brings out my eyes?
Fortunately for you, in this guide, we will offer up our top picks, reveal what we think is the best kayak helmet and guide you through your purchasing journey so you can find the perfect helmet for you.
Whether you're a thrill-seeking, white water kayaking adventurer or enjoy paddling on a serene glassy lake, a helmet is an essential piece of equipment. It is always important to wear correct safety gear when enjoying outdoor sports, but how to choose?
Even if you are looking for something specific, we can help open your mind to what possibilities are out there. And we've done the kayak helmet reviews for you!
Types of Helmets
There are three types of helmets, and each provides a different level or kind of protection.
Half Cut
The half-cut helmet is the most common all around water sports helmet. It's used for recreational kayaking, sea kayaking, white water kayaking, and other sports. The outer shell should cover your head, sometimes with a peak for protection from the sun and standard straps below.
This shape is suitable for a clear view with no peripheral obstacles as well as its versatility. It is useful as a standard starting kayak helmet for those who don't yet identify as adrenaline seekers.
Full Cut
The full-cut kayak helmet offers a more secure design, covering the head and the ears as well.
This kayak helmet is typically best suited to anything from recreational kayaking to white water paddling due to its advanced protection and ability to endure the impact. It also proves handy for colder climates with its potential to protect and insulate the head and ears.
A lot of kayaking helmets do have removable ear pads, which proves useful to someone who likes to change up their kayaking habits once in a while. However, the ear covering can marginally reduce hearing, and it can be a hindrance to group kayakers relying on communication.
Full Face
A full-face kayak helmet you can recognize easily as it usually looks like a motorcycling helmet. This design is a helmet for rafting or dangerous kayaking sports and the most common shape for whitewater helmets, where you are more likely to face risks of impact.
It not only covers the head and ears but includes jaw protection as well. However, like the full cut, the ear coverings tend to affect your hearing due to its form-fitted protection, so again may prove challenging to communicate.
No matter how many helmets for kayaking you look at and which kayaking helmets you deem right for you, it is crucial to get the best fit.
Sizing Fitting Guide
Ready to purchase a shiny new helmet for kayaking but don't know what size you are yet? Fear not! It is not difficult to find the size that's right for you.
First of all, when placing the kayak helmet on your head, it should be a snug fit, ideally not squeezing your head uncomfortably to ensure that there isn't an unexpected movement when you are relying on the helmet for protection.
There should be an adjustable chin strap that needs to be adjusted to ensure that the helmet doesn't move when you do a 'shake test' where you can channel your inner head-banging punk rocker and shake your head front to back and side to side. The edge of the outer shell should be sitting about two fingers above your eyebrows.
If purchasing kayaking helmets online, please do not buy old used kayaking helmets unless you can one hundred percent guarantee that they haven't suffered any impact that could have compromised it's shell in its life so far.
To find your size, you will need to measure the circumference of your head. To do this, you will require a measuring tape that you should place around the head just above the ears, try to keep the measuring tape level.
Each kayak helmets' brand should have a size guide which you can follow online. Sizes usually range from S-XL and should cover everybody in theory. However, nobody's head is the same. This makes it difficult to find a custom fit. Therefore the best way to get the right fit is in store where you can try the kayak helmets on just in case.
Different Uses
Not only does a kayaking helmet differ to suit a range of kayaking types, as mentioned above. Kayak helmets vary in protection, just like types of kayaking vary in risk being designed for different weather climates, levels of impact, and overall general style and comfort.
Climate
For colder weather, you should consider a helmet with ear coverings. Full face rafting helmets would be ideal as they are warmer but may be excessive for casual touring paddlers, so it's best to wear a skull cap underneath for those frosty lakes or chilly rivers.
You can lose lots of heat from the top of your head, so wrap up warm and avoid drippy red noses.
Alternatively, some helmets have added removable ear pads so you can have cozy ears all winter long and detach them for the hot summer months.
Types of Kayaking Vs. Types of Helmet
You may still be wondering what kind of kayaking suits which helmet or indeed what type of kayaking you are doing. If so, here is a handy list to help you understand what you might be looking for.
Half cut and full cut helmets are best for sea kayaking, kayak touring, and recreational kayaking as well as light whitewater sports. But if you intend on doing riskier paddles, the protection should be full cut or higher.
Full face kayaking helmets are best for maximum protection and should be used for whitewater kayaking from Class III rapids and above. Always remember, though, that extensive extra protection comes at the cost of visibility and communication capabilities.
Coverage and Style
You also want to consider head coverage and style, like a baseball cap design that may earn you some style points but doesn't give the best protection to the back of the head and around the ears. Whereas maximum coverage might sacrifice a little fashion for function but will provide the best impact protection, consider the level of risk you may be embarking upon.
Another thing to consider is the peaks. There is a lot of debate around the pros and cons of peaks. They keep the sun and rain out of your eyes and may protect your head and face, but some argue that they are hazardous because of potential water catching in the peak and pushing the helmet back, exposing the top of your head and forehead.
Brands
When buying online, like any product, there are plenty of brands to choose from. Yak and Pro-Tec tend to be affordable lower-end helmets, usually with ABS thermoplastic shells and foam interiors.
Helmet brands such as WRSI, and Shred Ready both have great reviews for many of their products and tend to be mid-range products with low to mid-price tags.
The high-end pièce de résistance brands like any sweet protection kayak helmet offer a superior technology outer shell. Their whitewater helmets use carbon fiber outer shell, which makes them durable and comfortable on the head and very difficult to fault, apart from their super expensive price tag, of course.
Choosing the Right Helmet
So, now you're prepared with your helmet size and your choice of shape, suddenly you're searching online, and you're bombarded with different materials to consider. Trying to choose ABS plastic, carbon fiber shells or carbon composite, or levels of durability, and before you know it, you're overwhelmed with possibilities. So, here are some jargon-busting things to consider.
Shell Materials
First of all, the helmet material is very important. Usually helmets come from one of two groups. Either composite plastics or injection molded thermoplastics.
A helmet made with composite plastic is harder, lightweight, and often used in higher-end products with a high-end price tag to match.
Injection-molded thermoplastics provide protection the same as a composite plastic helmet but weight wise are likely to be heavier, which proves a less comfortable product. A thermoplastic shell is usually used for mid to low-end products. This may be a good option for those looking to save some money.
Lining
The inner lining materials in a helmet should try to balance comfort with ventilation for the head. There's nothing worse than a heavy helmet full of spongy lining soaking up the water. This is why lots of helmets have ventilation holes in the plastic shell to allow drainage as well as heat ventilation for hot, sweaty whitewater kayaking excursions.
Retention System
It is imperative to be comfortable in your new helmet. That's why we would advise to check the retention system for four or more points of contact/webbing/supports in the helmet and two or more adjusters to ensure the most perfect and secure fit to the head as possible.
Safety Certificate
In addition, you should always make sure the helmet has a safety certificate. Products should be assessed by one or more of the following three main tests. The American Society of Testing Materials, International (ASTM International), the European Committee for standardization (CE EN), or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
These tests differ between helmets to suit different sports ensuring that the helmet provides the right protection. Assessments test the impact, a helmet's ability to remain on the head without rolling off, and shell penetration, (mainly used for skiing helmets). Please make sure one of these is listed in the description when purchasing.
Reflective Stickers
If you plan on taking the kayak on a romantic paddle past sunset or indeed before sunrise, you might want to consider reflective stickers. You can purchase them for your helmet as well as your boat to ensure safety in low light conditions. They are easily applied, and some have funky designs providing a safe way to personalize your fresh new helmet.
Color
Of course, last but not least, the color. Kayaking helmets have been designed as both an essential safety device and an expression of personality. There are many different colors, patterns, styles, and finishes, but no matter what, remember not to sacrifice safety for that "cool" factor.
Our Top 7 Kayaker Helmet Picks
Now we are fully prepared to buy, so let's dive in (forgive the pun) to our list of best kayaking helmets.
Sweet Protection Rocker Full Face Helmet
Sweet protection wants to inspire young adrenaline chasers to push their boundaries by making them feel safe and equipped for the adventures ahead.
This Sweet Protection whitewater kayaking helmet is truly a superior product. It is possibly the best whitewater kayaking helmet you can get. The helmet uses carbon fiber reinforced rigidity combined with the flexibility that comes with injection molded thermoplastic. It provides maximum protection while remaining lightweight.
Sweet Protection also uses 'occigrip' technology on this helmet in the chin strap to accommodate a comfortable fit to protect your head from those whitewater rapids and keep the helmet in place.
NRS started their journey with a goal to share the beauty of water, rivers, lakes, and rapids. Founder Bill Parks, now in his 80s, is still running rivers to this day.
This helmet comes in a range of bright colors with adequate ventilation, and a dial fit adjustable chin strap retention harness for comfort and head protection.
The shell uses ABS plastic and has an EVA foam liner to ensure your head and ear protection. There are removable ear pads, which makes this a great helmet for all seasons and all at an affordable price tag.
WRSI (Whitewater Research and Safety Institute) has a mission to empower kayakers with helmets designed with the best safety technology. This helmet has a lightweight three-layer impact absorption system with a carbon fiber composite shell.
This advanced technology will ensure your safety, even in the bumpiest of rapids. It has comfortable EVA foam liners that fit snug onto any gnarly noggin. Its matt finish is stylish so that even when you find yourself in an embarrassing wipeout moment when you re-emerge, you can earn some extra cool points for your fashionable helmet.
Not only does this helmet make you look like you know your way around the rapids but the skate park too. Triple Eight was set up by a team of passionate skateboarders on a mission to create protective, stylish safety gear for skate, bike, snow, and water.
This helmet features a breathable EVA foam liner and a high-density ABS plastic shell. That's not all. This is a cheap kayak helmet that won't have you seeing dollar signs when you pay the price.
From a self-made independent brand providing helmets for all things adventure. These people love two things, shredding and keep their friends and customers safe.
This helmet is designed with an ABS plastic shell complete with a multi-impact EPP foam liner as well as duraflex fasteners, adjusters, and stops. Comfortable, adjustable, and safe to use in whitewater rapids classed 1-4.
Pro-Tec engineers embrace action sports participants wanting to push further, shred harder, and paddle faster, which is why they have an extensive range of helmets no matter what sport they need it for they will have a helmet matching your style.
This particular helmet is available in a range of colors with both matt and gloss finishes, all with the iconic brand logo on the front and side of the shell. It's an ABS injection mold shell with dual-density waterproof EVA foam liner and removable cupping ear guards with water channels to ensure that no customer of theirs has soggy ears. On top of that, it is an excellent secure fit and pretty affordable.
This helmet would suit both recreational kayaking and whitewater kayaking in rapids classed 1-4.
With colors like "Ghost," "Phantom," and "Poseidon," it's difficult not to be drawn to how awesome this WRSI kayak helmet is. It has removable ear protection as well as an ergonomic flow through visor, which stops the sun and rain from getting in your eyes.
It's lightweight and comfortable sporting a high impact ABS shell. The interconnect retention system uses hydraulic forces to automatically self adjust the chin straps when impacted with water to keep the helmet secure. It might be a higher price tag but definitely worth considering.
OK, so, which is the best kayak helmet?
For its durability and stylish designs at an affordable price, we feel this Triple Eight Gotham Water Helmet is our pick. It is the best kayaking helmet when it comes to bold contrasting matt colors and durability for a low, relatable price point that won't break the bank. It's also a really comfortable fit on the head, an excellent ABS shell, and has a fashionable subtle brim. It's an excellent helmet for kayakers who intend to go kayak touring, sea kayaking, or recreational kayaking. Truly an excellent all-round paddling helmet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, only you can decide which of the best kayak helmets is suited to your kayaking needs. As you can see above, you could consider thousands of colors, styles, plastics, durability, but really it is up to you. However, this is a buying guide and recommendation platform, so we must recommend one overall.
Happy Paddling!