Kayaking is one of the most popular water sports. It’s a sport where you will be paddling a kayak on a water body, either it is whitewater or saltwater. From your attention, I assume that you are a kayaker. However, you are a beginner kayaker or an expert. Like all others, you also know about the fantastic thrill of kayaking.
Even though kayaking is great fun, but it requires you to use the proper safety gear before you jump on the water with your kayak. Today we are coming to show you the best kayaking helmets as well as the best whitewater kayaking helmets.
These best whitewater kayaking helmets have simple things to do for you that are protecting your head and enhancing your kayaking experience in whitewater.
In this best kayak helmet review, you will know how they save you from any kind of unwanted troubles on whitewater and why they are the best.
Here is a quick preview of our top 10:
#1. NRS Havoc Livery Helmet
#2. NRS WRSI Trident Composite Helmet
#3. NRS Chaos Side Cut Helmet
#4. Bern Unlimited Watts EPS Summer Helmet
#5. NP Surf Watersports Helmet
#6. Rocker HC Helmet
#7. Control Comfy Practical Water Helmet
#8. Triple Eight Water Halo Helmet
#9. Shred Read’s Standard Full-face Kayak Helmet
#10. Pro-Tec Ace Water Helmet
Table of Contents
Introduction To The Best Kayak Helmet
A few years ago, there was only one type of kayak helmet, which was made of plastic and came in a couple of different colors. But the days are gone. So, at that time, people didn’t have to think a lot before owning kayak helmets. But now, kayak helmets come to us with a total rainbow of colors to choose from with several different construction materials.
Where all models of them are designed and developed to protect you from happening any sort of unwanted occurrences. So, finding the style that suits you best from a wide range of variations is not as easy as your thoughts, whether you need a whitewater kayak helmet to match your kayak. It requires broad research on available kayak helmets and their ability and designs. And you have to consider your kayaking demands also.
Any model that has a creative and nice-looking design, hard outer shell to protect, soft and firm foam lining, and durable straps to keep the helmet snug on the head is going to work just fine. The only difference that you will need to consider between them either is a full cut or a half-cut helmet.
The full-cut unquestionably offers more safety, but if you want something more comfortable, then the half cut will be better for you, while the sits above your ears.
In this whitewater kayak helmet reviews article, we have tried to demonstrate to you the best kayak helmets.
Shopping Guide – Best Kayaking Helmets
If you are planning to paddle your kayak or raft on whitewater or saltwater, then you should look for a quality helmet before launching into things. As a kayaker, you know that at any time your kayak can go the wrong way heading down the river for the wave or any other issue, and when such a situation comes, a strong, solid helmet will protect you from the underwater rocky structure and other hard surfaces.
But the question is which the strong and stable kayak helmet is. Choosing the right helmet is the fact that all kayakers are going the wrong way. If you are one of them and thinking about how you will pick the best kayak helmet that fits you perfectly, offers you the best comfort, and protect your head from everything, we are here to help you in making the best decision.
Our pro team of an expert kayakers has reviewed and practically tried lots of the most popular and outstanding whitewater kayak helmets which are common in the market in recent days.
And from experience, they come with a shopping guide for the best kayak helmet with the types of kayak helmets, and the helmet’s features that need to consider before purchasing one. If you don’t know the types of whitewater kayak helmets that are available in the market and their standard and required essential feature, you can’t choose the best kayak helmet that fulfills your all demands for kayaking.
Types of Helmets
Manufacturers of kayak helmets mainly designed three types of helmets for the kayakers, canoers, and rafters. They are:
Half-cut Helmets: This type of helmet sits above your ears providing good protection for the skull as well as good drainage with the best comfort.
Full-cut Helmets: They come down over the air to provide more protection and covering facility.
Full Face Helmets: Full face helmets are uncommon to see; however, they protect the jaw and lower portion of your face with the head, but sometimes they can’t drain water efficiently, and maybe they’re uncomfortable on the ears in rough water conditions. These are more required by experienced kayakers who need high ease of protection.
Choose one type from these three for making your purchasing decision by considering your needs and your desire for paddling.
Things Need to Consider Before Purchasing The Kayaking Helmets
When going shopping for a kayak helmet, one needs to understand that not just any helmet is a perfect helmet. And also you need to know for which the things a helmet can be denoted as best to be able to get it. These five things that stand below you should consider.
Comfort
When out in the whitewater there you will need to put a lot of concentration which goes into the navigation system and in the balance of your kayak, and also speed and strength of your kayak and anything others that generates you even the smallest discomfort can be a huge disturbance.
Your kayak helmet needs to be comfortable that makes you feel nice when wearing it. And also need to not striving or struggling to have it on. The inside of the helmet should have the perfect shape of your head and give you needed comfort.
Fittings
Fit is an essential thing for the best kayak helmet and has a great relationship with retention in a helmet. Fit means that your helmet should fit perfectly on your head not hugging too tight neither being so loose. It should seat just right so that it can operate its duties correctly as it is deemed to be.
The helmet should fit snugly and still not come off when not expected to. It should stay in place even when you shake your head in any direction such as front to back or up and down.
Retention
Retention is the thing that every kayak helmet should have. It can be irritating when the one thing you need in an urgent situation is not there. For your helmet, not having the perfect retention indicates it may come off from your head at any time, especially when you require it the most to protect yourself.
The helmet has to stay upon your head, while this is the only way to keep you protected when you are out kayaking by wearing a helmet. If this is not taken care of well then that helmet is not worth buying.
Strength and Durability
To be confirmed safety and protection from your helmet, it needs to be capable of handling any sorts of hits, scratches, and abuse that might be endangered to out in the water. For this capability, it has to be reliable and tough enough on the outside to be able to deal with these issues. It needs to be able to take on all severe situations and should protect the kayakers who wear it.
Besides this, it also needs to offer the services that it is providing for a long period, which is meant to be had long durability. Apart from just giving the best performance in functions, your helmet should function well for a very long period. Although, this ensures that you don’t have to buy a helmet every few months or weeks.
Drainage, and Ventilation
While the helmet is coming into contact with a lot of water, then they’re a drainage system is must be needed to be in place to let water drain out.
As well as the ventilation system also has the same importance as the drainage system. However, you need your helmet to have good air circulation as maybe you don’t want a helmet that doesn’t let air in or out, which cuts out your comfort.
Design
The design is a personal choice, and everyone should get their helmet to fit them perfectly and that they feel good and appeals to them. While in this modern era, brands come with ergonomically designed kayak helmets with lots of color variation and styles. You should choose the one that you like most.
When you planned to paddle down your kayak in whitewater by wearing the wrong helmet, your entire kayaking experience could be full of boredom. But if you take those above things in mind for consideration before purchasing one, you shall get the best kayak helmets.
Top Picks: Best Kayak Helmets
Consider this fact and own the best kayak helmets from a wide range of quality models from several brands. But how would you feel if you don’t have to consider these facts for all of those quality kayak helmets? How stunning is this!
Yeah, we are here after conducting broad and detailed research with huge kayak helmet models to consider those facts which result in an outcome with the 10 best kayak helmets. You can choose one from them after reviewing our research.
#1. NRS Havoc Livery Helmet
This one-size-fits-most helmet is perfect to protect your head from any type of rocks or other solid surfaces underwater. You can adjust it quickly and easily with a simple wheel placed at the back of the helmet.
In addition, this amazing whitewater kayak helmet floats when dropped in water, and also it has replaceable parts.
Features
- Protect nearly any person with this one-size helmet.
- Fits head circumference (20.86 – 24.4)-inch.
- The ratchet-adjust DialFit system offers you customize to fit the Havoc with the simple twist of a knob.
- An adjustable chin strap for comfort and security.
- FIT pads are fixed, so they won’t get lost.
- Replaceable parts provide the facility to use it for a long time.
- Ten ventilation/drainage ports let air in and water out.
- Lightweight and durable ABS plastic shell.
- Glued-in EVA foam liner gives excellent impact protection.
- Meets CE-1385 standards for whitewater protection.
Pros
- Low Price;
- Highly Comfortable;
- Padding Dries Quickly;
- Good Ventilation;
- Good Drainage;
- Adjustable;
- Replaceable Parts;
- Lightweight;
- Durable Construction;
Cons
- Unavailability of Cold Drink Storage;
Q: Is this a whitewater kayak helmet?
A: Of course! Especially, this helmet has been produced to support water sports. You will get the absolute safety of your head in water by wearing this helmet.
#2. NRS WRSI Trident Composite Helmet
With 9 different firm pads which are also adjustable, the WRSI comes to us with their very best NRS WRSI Trident Composite Helmet.
If you don’t want to compromise your safety in the water and also the comfort, you should go for this best kayak helmet.
Features
- Rugged carbon-composite shell;
- The carbon shell comes with EVA foam liners and a polyurethane sub-shell.
- Soft EVA foam pads line the sub-shell for extra protection and comfort.
- EVA foam pads are attached with hook-and-loop patches.
- Includes 9 pads of different thicknesses which are adjustable so that you can quickly mix and match for a custom fit.
- The Interconnect Retention System works as an adjustable harness.
- Sleek design.
- Visor.
- Size:Small/Medium (48 – 55)-cm, Medium/Long (54 – 59)-cm.
Pros
- Durable construction;
- Sleek and stylish design;
- Adequate safety;
- Carbon composite shell;
- Polyurethane sub-shell;
- EVA inner line;
- 9 adjustable fit pads;
- Visor/Sun brim;
- Interconnect retention system adjustment for a safe & secure fit;
- Hook-and-loop patches for the best comfort;
Cons
- No ear protection;
Frequently Asked Question and Answer:
Q: Does the helmet can fit a sized head?
A: This is somehow confusing to answer; however, this helmet comes in two different sizes to fit comfortably with the different-sized head. But few purchasers have a complaint on this topic. So, measure your head size and learn about the helmet size for a well-purchase.
#3. NRS Chaos Side Cut Helmet
Enough air circulation through your helmet is an essential issue for getting comfort in sports, which impacts the result occasionally. If there you feel a lack of air circulation for the lack of ventilation system, your head will be hot during your kayaking.
And in this context, Chaos Side Cut Helmet comes to us with an amazing feature of 8 ventilation ports.
Features
- It comes with a sleek design and outstanding safety facilities.
- A durable ABS plastic shell provides ultimate safety.
- Dual-density EVA foam offers outstanding comfort.
- The BOA dial-fit retention harness lets you easily customize the fit for total protection.
- Eight ventilation ports to keep you cool in hot weather.
- Removable ear pads to protect the ears.
Pros
- Durable ABS shell construction;
- Comfortable ultra-thick EVA foam padding;
- Highly comfortable;
- Sleek design;
- Considerable ventilation system;
- Well for drainage;
- Reasonable price;
- Provides ultimate safety;
- Fits perfectly;
Cons
- Confused with size chart;
Frequently Asked Question and Answer:
Q: Can you use this for water sports?
A: Definitely! This helmet is specially designed to serve its consumer in water sports! Therefore, it is one of the best whitewater kayak helmets.
Q: Is there a sizing chart somewhere?
A: YOu can look up the sizing chart on the manufacturer’s website.
#4. Bern Unlimited Watts EPS Summer Helmet
With a single sizing system, this half-cut helmet is one of the best kayak helmets in our eyes. The Bern designed this helmet with an outstanding look and has provided enough ventilation and drainage support with it.
It will not come off your head anytime.
Features
- Comes with seasonal variations.
- Bern helmets come with a two-hole mount in the rear portion of the shell compatible with the bike light.
- Simple but outstanding design.
- Tried and true proprietary dial adjustment system.
- Meets Safety Certification CPSC, EN1077B, EN1078.
- Has Barn signature ThinShell technology which is meant to be provided the ultimate balance between hard ABS and interior EPS foam thickness.
- Durable and strong construction.
- Safe.
- SIZE CHART – Season 17: Small/Medium (54-57 cm), Large/X-Large (57-60.5 cm), XX-Large/XXX-Large (60.5-63.5 cm). Season 18: Small (54-57 cm), Medium (57-60.5 cm), Large (60.5-63.5 cm).
Pros
- Safe;
- Nice Fit;
- Highly Comfortable;
- Padding Dries Quickly;
- Durable and strong;
- Good Ventilation;
- Good Drainage;
- Clean and Simple;
- Lightweight;
- ThinShell Construction;
Cons
- EPS tightening system doesn’t work properly;
Frequently Asked Question and Answer:
Q: If I can clean this helmet easily and does it obtain odor quickly?
A: The helmet is so easy to clean the outside shell if you need and it had never seen come out an odor from it. You can use this excellent purchase for a long time.
Q: How can I use this summer helmet in winter?
A: Nothing to worry about. You can buy an extra winter liner to wear a thin half-cut helmet in the winter.
#5. NP Surf Watersports Helmet
To make you comfortable in water the very best NP-designed NP Surf Watersports Helmet with an adjustable chin and back of head closure system. This specially designed whitewater kayak helmet is better than most others to protect your head in any condition.
Just wear it to feel safe when paddling a kayak.
Features
- Highly visible and stylish color.
- Various size options for different size heads.
- Adjustable chin and back of head closure system.
- Removable molded EVA closed-ear protector.
- Comes with an amazing air-vent system.
- Durable and rugged ABS outer shell construction.
- Twist tightening system;
- Impact absorption liner;
Pros
- Easy to wear;
- Comfortable;
- Rugged construction;
- Long-term use;
- Provide security in water;
- Non-water absorbent construction;
- Nice-looking design;
- Twist-tightening system provides comfort to fit it;
- Keep your head cool in any situation;
Cons
- Not fitted well;
Frequently Asked Question and Answer:
Q: Does the helmet weigh light in water?
A: Yes. We didn’t measure the weight. But when you wear it for your kayaking, you don’t even feel any extra weight on your head.
#6. Rocker HC Helmet
Sweet Protection Rocker HC Helmet, the pinnacle protector of whitewater sports offers the best protection for your head with very lightweight. The Sweet Protection has designed this Rocker HC Helmet to provide the ultimate security in water sports to every kayaker, for that they constructed this with injection-molded thermoplastic with the strength and rigidity of carbon fiber.
They also use an ABS shell in the inner part of the helmet to make it sturdier. This thermoplastic construction not only gives the ultimate strength but also makes it very light in weight. Although this lightweight offers you a high range of comfort with an adjustable visor.
Features
- Constructed with TLC (Thermoplastic Laminated Carbon) shell on the outer side.
- ABS thermoplastic inner shell.
- Includes expanded polypropylene padding.
- Self-adhesive fit pads.
- OCCIGRIP no-roll tensioning system.
- Adjustable polypropylene straps.
- Adjustable, and removable shatterproof visor to protect from direct sunlight.
- Removable EVA padded ear pads.
- Internationally certified for whitewater sports headgear.
- Weight 19.4-oz.
Pros
- Very strong and rugged construction;
- Provide ultimate safety;
- So light in weight;
- Highly comfortable;
- Adjustable visor;
- Adjustable straps;
- EVA padding in inner side;
- Ventilation system;
- Good for drainage;
- Custom-fit;
Cons
- High price;
- Lack of air-circulation;
Frequently Asked Question and Answer:
Q: Is this helmet is durable?
A: This is the pinnacle of whitewater kayak helmets. With thermoplastic carbon fiber construction, this one can be denoted as best to protect your head on water.
Q: Can this comfortably fit with every size head?
A: With adjustable straps and foam liner, this helmet comes with a great range of fittings.
#7. Control Comfy Practical Water Helmet
Control is a well-known name in watersports for helmets, jackets, and other accessories. Their Comfy Practical Water Helmet comes to us with a very reasonable price but provides ultimate comfort to wear it. With ABS outer shell construction, this helmet is made of soft and waterproof EVA foam liner to provide the best comfort in paddling.
On the other hand, Kontron designed this best kayak helmet with an adjustable back of head closure system to adjust minor problems with various head sizes. From 3 different models of several sizes, you can choose one as your head size.
Features
- High impact ABS outer shell for protection.
- Waterproof and soft EVA absorption liner.
- Removable ear protection pads to protect your ear from water.
- Adjustable back of head closure.
- 11 Air-vents system for best air circulation.
- Meets CE EN 1385 water sports safety standard.
- Large(21.7-24.0in)|(55-61cm). Medium (20.9-23.2in)|(53-59cm). Small(20.1-22.0in)|(51-56cm).
- Reasonable price.
Pros
- Comfortable;
- Provides safety;
- Well, ventilation system;
- Good for drainage;
- Ear protection pads;
- Different sized models;
- Soft foam liner;
- Good for price;
Cons
- Difficult to adjust perfectly;
Frequently Asked Question and Answer:
Q: What is the weight of this helmet?
A: Don’t know correctly. But when you wear it during your water sports, you don’t even feel any pressure on your head.
Q: Can this fit with a large size head?
A: For the extremely large head, you can choose the large size models. But check it before purchase.
#8. Triple Eight Water Halo Helmet
If you want to purchase a whitewater helmet within your tight budget, but don’t want to consider the quality; it will be difficult to do. Therefore, in that purpose Triple, Eight Water Halo Helmet comes to you, not just with quality, the quality is so high regarding that price range.
This fantastic helmet mimics the style and comfort incorporated with classic scooter helmets, but with redesigned features that make it exclusively strong for water sports.
To make your water performance more efficient, you should try this best kayak helmet. The Triple Eight Water Halo helmet comes to us with a wide range of color variations. You can pick one as your choice. Try this highly strong ABS outer shell constructed kayak helmet.
Features
- High impact ABS outer shell composition.
- Dual-density EVA foam lining coated in the inner shell.
- Super Comfortable Halo water liner (three layers of plush foam wrapped in fabric).
- Perfect for both beginners and experts.
- Comes with 5 different sized models.
- Watersports safety standards.
Pros
- Comfortable;
- Specially designed for whitewater kayak sports;
- Best for price;
- Enough air-ventilation system;
- Soft foam liner;
- Sturdy construction;
- Half-cut helmet;
- Ready to serve all;
- Provide safety feelings;
- Protect from rough rocky underwater structure;
Cons
- Unavailability of ear protection;
Frequently Asked Question and Answer:
Q: Can I adjust this helmet as my choice?
A: No. This helmet doesn’t have any adjustable facility. But you can choose one from the variety of size models that fits you perfectly.
Q: Is this helmet strong enough?
A: Yes. The outer high-grade ABS shell construction of this helmet offers adequate strength to protect you from anything.
#9. Shred Read’s Standard Full-face Kayak Helmet
Shred Ready’s Standard Full-Face Kayak Helmet sets a new example in the helmet world; in its features, value, fit, and protection. They constructed this helmet with a high-impact injection-molded ABS shell and integral full face-covered mask are combined with state of art molded EPP foam liner.
And the outfits of the Shred Ready Kayak helmet are such amazing that you don’t find it in higher priced composites other full-face helmets. It far surpassed the testing standards for whitewater kayak helmets.
Features
- Standard Full Cut, signature Black Gold Carbon & Kevlar shell.
- Standard Full Face kayak helmet.
- ABS injection-molded shell.
- Multi-Impact Molded EPP Liner.
- HOG2.0 Lock Retention System that fits behind the nape of the neck for security.
- Custom-fit retention system.
- ABS injection molded ear protector.
- Soft nylon webbing.
- Interchangeable compression molded closed-cell foam fitting pads with a super plush material that hooks to liner.
- Duraflex fasteners, adjusters, and stops.
- Stainless steel rivets and burrs to stop corrosion.
- Four-point retention system.
Pros
- The Standard Full Face is the best value on the market for a full-face helmet;
- Looks great and comes in cool colors;
- Custom graphics program;
- It performs great and the one size fits all HOT ratchet system works well;
- It comes with shims too;
- Enough strength and rigid durability;
- Once you get the helmet on your head, you’ll find that it fits well;
- It doesn’t feel bulky, has a great peripheral vision;
- Very light in weight;
- Provides a new range of comfort;
Cons
- They’re really hard to find;
- It’s a bit narrow, and is a tight slide over your head;
Frequently Asked Question and Answer:
Q: Is the face mask part is removable?
A: No. The face mask of the Shred Ready Full Face Kayak Helmet is fixed. You can’t remove it.
Q: Can it gives enough comfort to the kayakers when they wore it?
A: This fantastic whitewater kayak helmet can provide you new ease of comfortable feeling during your paddling time.
Q: Is this fits perfectly?
A: It fits perfectly with your head that once you wear it, you will not feel it on your head.
#10. Pro-Tec Ace Water Helmet
Our expert team picks up this helmet because not only will it be perfect for wakeboarding, but it offers you to get the ability to use it for any other active sports which demand a helmet. The Pro-Tec Ace Wake Helmet has a Full Surround Interior Fit System to provide you maximum safety and protection. It also comes with an EVA liner of dual-density foam which is waterproof.
A high-density ABS injection molded shell is placed in its outer shell for durability and ultra-light protection that is made of plastic which makes it very light. The mighty “Rear Head Lock” ensures supreme comfort and fit adjustment by cupping the back of your head. Those factors make the Pro-Tec Ace Wake Helmet one of the most comfortable and safe whitewater kayak helmets on our list.
Features
- High-Density Injection Molded ABS Shell construction.
- Dual Density Easy Dry Foam Liner.
- Stainless Steel Rivets.
- 16 Open Vents for Ventilation and Drainage.
- Removable cupping ear guards with water channels.
- Soft Nylon Webbed Straps.
- Full Surround Interior Protection.
- Head Lock adjustable rear fit system.
- CE EN 1385 Water Sports Safety Standard Certification.
Pros
- Unique and outstanding looks;
- Provides ultimate safety;
- Highly strong and rugged construction;
- Amazing ventilation support;
- High drainage facility;
- Highly comfortable;
- Soft nylon straps to adjust it with head;
- The adjustable Head Lock system on the rear;
- Water sports safety certification;
- Inner foam liner;
- Affordable price;
Cons
- Not fits well to all;
Frequently Asked Question and Answer:
Q: Is the helmet buoyant?
A: Yes, this helmet will float. Also, it has an 18-hole vent system throughout the shell of the helmet which offers breath-ability and drainage. And, if you’re curious about the difference between the Ace Water and the Ace Wake, this specific model does not include removable ear flaps.
Q: Can one get this helmet as his head size?
A: Yes. You can choose one from the size variation which perfectly fits you.
Final Verdict
We hope that you have already chosen the perfect kayak helmet for your next paddling experience by considering your own needs and choices. You can use these kayak helmets for rafting and creeking also. They are also good enough for those.
Protection is a crucial issue, and it is highly recommended to use a decent kayak helmet for unwanted situations. Grab the best whitewater kayak helmet and thrive in the water.
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