THE ALL-ROUNDERS

Limar Air Pro + MIPS: All-Around Performance

This one might be the sweetest spot of ample ventilation, aerodynamics, comfort, and lightweight. Limar uses carbon fiber to create a strong shell that is lower weight and lower volume (looks smaller on your head) while still allowing tons of airflow to pass through. The Mips Air system is comfortable and unobtrusive, and the FidLock magnetic clasp is a joy to use. We also think it’s a standout in good looks—though that’s of course more subjective.

KASK Protone Icon: Balanced Brilliance

KASK has a strong lineup of lids, and the Protone Icon shines bright among them for its versatility. It is a time-tested ideal for cyclists who prioritize speed and ventilation without compromising on light weight and comfort. The drag-reducing design still boasts 14 large vents for optimal airflow. The new OCTOFIT+ retention system allows for vertical adjustment, better accommodating long hair and adapting to different head shapes, while the CoolMax® lining and faux-leather chin strap add even greater comfort.

KASK Elemento: The Premium Pick‍

The Elemento is a special helmet, and if you’re looking for the best at any price, this is our pick. In implementing two major new technologies, the team at KASK was able to make big improvements on the already-tremendous Protone Icon. In short, they managed to make it more protective, more aerodynamic, and more ventilated. If you have the money in your helmet budget, the KASK Elemento can genuinely justify the investment.

VENTILATION-FORWARD

KASK Valegro: Incredibly Lightweight

We could probably just say 37 vent holes and 206 grams in a size medium and call it good, but it’s worth noting that KASK isn’t just adding holes wherever convenient. In fact, they  thermodynamically tested the Valegro’s airflow in a wind-tunnel to ensure efficient heat release through the HYVENT air channels. For long climbs, hot rides, and off-road fun, the Valegro is a great pick.

POC Ventral Air MIPS: Light & Breezy

If the first thing that you notice about the POC helmets is their eye-catching style, the main thing you’ll remember is their comfort, and in the Ventral Air’s case, that comes through smartly placed ventilation ports and internal channels that function well at both high and low speeds. They didn’t sacrifice much in the way of aerodynamic efficiency, as emphasized by the attention right down to stable outflow.

AERO-CENTRIC

POC Ventral MIPS: Aero-Optimized Comfort

The Ventral MIPS is the perfect aero counterpart to the Ventral Air MIPS, ideal for days when every watt of efficiency is prized over total cooling. Think fast pelotons, super-windy days, and general winter conditions. While not necessarily an all-purpose pick, if you already know and love the fit of another POC helmet, this is a great one to add to your repertoire. 

KASK Utopia Y: Most Aero

If you’re seeking every edge you can get in speed and aero efficiency, the Utopia Y is well worth your consideration. Drawing upon the successes and learnings from KASK’s original aero bestseller, this new generation brings in upgraded materials and updates the design accordingly. 

Limar Air Atlas + MIPS: Adaptably Aero

This beauty of a helmet stands out not only for its excellent mix of aerodynamics and ventilation, but for its truly unique modular design. The Air Atlas comes with the “U.F.O.”, an additional piece that can be attached to the helmet’s trailing edge to create an even greater aero edge, or removed for more ventilation, as the rider desires. Pretty neat stuff, really. Coupled with the comfortable Mips Air system, padded chin strap, and magnetic FidLock buckle, there’s a whole lot to love about this helmet.

SPECIALISTS

POC Omne Beacon Mips: Max Visibility

As much as we wish this wasn’t a consideration, visibility counts when you’re out around traffic. The Omne Beacon Mips has all of the protection tech and design sensibility of POC’s line, but with two key added features: a bright orange rear panel and an integrated, USB-C rechargeable red LED array. For safer commuting at all hours and especially on low-light rides, it’s hard to beat the Omne Beacon Mips.

POC Octal X Mips: Gravel-Level Protection

A gravel-oriented helmet? It’s not just marketing—the X in the name refers to cyclocross, the inspiration behind POC’s design here. They extended the shell of their original Octal model, a dedicated road helmet, to provide greater protection on the sides and back of your head. It retains the serious lightweight and ventilation credits of the original, as well. When the riding surface isn’t quite so dependable, it’s good to know you can depend on your helmet.

VALUE PICKS

KASK Mojito: Capable Performer

We’re not totally sure where this perennial KASK bestseller picked up the “Mojito” designation, but we do know it’s an easy one to love. It sports similarly high levels of ventilation and low weight to their legendary Protone Icon model, while only giving up a little bit in aerodynamics. The faux-leather chinstrap ups comfort and rounds out the Mojito3’s generally premium offering, especially considering the refreshing price point.

Limar Air Stratos: Durable & Lightweight

If your riding skews toward long stretches of gravel and even bikepacking, this may be the ideal choice. What exactly makes a bikepacking helmet? This one is designed for the kind of riding where raw speed is less important than having extra protection on the sides of the head. High marks for durability, and a light weight for long days in the saddle help, too. All at a price point that will leave a bit more in your budget for your next trip