What is the best helmet for whitewater rafting?

Question

I'm going to go to a whitewater rafting guide school soon, so I want to be prepared with all the equipment I need; however, I am unfamiliar with the whitewater helmet manufacturers/ companies. I'm looking for the best quality for the price. I do hold quality over price in the long run though. Thanks for any help! 8-)

Answer 1

No helmet is best. Each positive feature may be offset by a negative one. Your helmet need protect your temple area as well as the rest of your skull. It has to fit and have a secure retainer/chin strap. The padding system has to absorb blows rather than simply transmit them. A visor may cause trouble if it catches an obstacle. Color is important for rescue visibility! I suggest discussing your choices with your school.

Answer 2

When purchasing a helmet, you should look for the European (CE) Standard (even if you don't live in Europe).  A number of helmets on the market have CE approval including Sweet, Shred Ready, Predator, Happy 2B, Protec and WRSI. All this means is the user is guaranteed a certified helmet that complies with the minimum quality standards and has been through a thorough testing process.  However, it does not neccessarily mean a non-certified helmet isn't just as good, it means that they haven't been through the certification process.  You just have to make that judgement for yourself.

The most important part of helmet selection is the fit.  If a $300 helmet doesn't fit, it's not for you.  It's just the same for a cheaper tupperware helmet.  The main price differences in helmets relate to style and weight.  Increased safety plays only a limited part in the overall cost, with many low end helmets $130 - $150 affording as much protection as the upper end composite helmets.  It all comes down to buying the best fitting, the most protective, and lastly, the most stylish helmet you can afford.

A good physical look at the helmet (not just looking a internet pics) will give you a much better understanding of the product.  WRSI helmets are actually constructed with closed cell EVA foam sandwiched between a high density plastic outer and inner.  Inside this, you then custom fit the various pads to fit your individual skull.  The build quality is very good for a low end helmet.  WRSI have specifically developed a helmet for multi-impact watersports.  It is one of the safer helmets now available and is a great option for those on a lower budget.  

Sweet also makes 3 designs, the Rocker, the Rocker Half cut and the Strutter and they are generally at the top of the price range, are beautiful, well made and safe. In Europe and the USA the Sweet helmets have become the  iconic whitewater brand and if you watch any video or read any whitewater mag they seem to appear regularly as the most popular paddlers lid. The rocker full cut is built on a snow helmet chassis and interior, with minor adjustments for white water use. And it’s basically tested to meet the same test requirements as the snow helmets.  If your budget doesn't quite reach a Sweet helmet there are also many other designs as well that could suit you. Generally, a fiber glass helmet is better than a plastic one because it absorbs more energy, provides better protection and looks cooler. ;)