This seems obvious, but its worth repeating: wearing a helmet can save your life. I still dont understand why its still not mandatory everywhere.

Virginia tech has collaborated with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to produce a list of the safest helmets on the market.

The tests were designed to evaluate a helmets ability to protect the head from different impacts a cyclist might experience.

You can find the full results of these tests here.

I selected in this article only the safest ones for each biking type:

It would be best if you always put on a helmet thats proper for the activity youre involved in because other forms of helmets may not protect you adequately.

Safest Road bike helmets

Lets start with this first list of the Safest Road bike helmets

Road bike Helmet	Beyond Safety, Why choose this helmet	Price
Lazer G1 MIPS	Lightweight 22 vents aerodynamic protection	=~$250
Lazer Century MIPS	Turnfit System switch-mode: Aero vs. More ventilation	=~$180
Bontrager Specter WaveCel	Easy to adjust Reflective elements on the back	=~$150
Bontrager Ballista MIPS	BOA Fit System Crash Replacement Guarantee	=~$200
Bell Z20 MIPS	Hard-shelled EPS foam Multi-density foam 4.9/5 on amazon	=~$230
Bontrager XXX WaveCel	Aerodynamic shape Additional NoSweat pad with	=~$300
Bell Formula MIPS	Great value for the money	=~$95
Lazer Z1 MIPS	31 Vents Lightweight	=~$255
Specialized Echelon II MIPS	Reflective decals increase visibility fit system: height positions	=~$90
Rudy Project Racemaster MIPS	Vortex Killer System convertible dorsal ridge	=~$350
Lazer BLADE+ MIPS	Rollsys retention system 22 vents	=~$100
Bell Z20 Aero MIPS	Wide range of sizes Nice design and colors	=~$250
Giro Aether MIPS SP	ROC LOC 5 fit system Eyeglass grippers	=~$325
Specialized S-Works Prevail II	Reflective decals for increased visibility Patented clip-on visor	=~$250
Bell Stratus MIPS	Well-ventilated Flows air very well Looks awesome	=~$150
Giro Synthe MIPS	Roc Loc Air fit system 26 Wind Tunnel Vents	=~$270
Giro Syntax MIPS	Antimicrobial padding Slim design	=~$100
Smith Route MIPS	Aerocore Construction AirEvac ventilation VaporFit fit system	=~$105

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What you need in a Road bike helmet

• Visor to protect you from the sun
• A Rear light to be visible to other vehicles
• You can choose an aerodynamic helmet that has been fitted with adequate ventilation.
• Traditional road cycling helmets tend to have more air vents, in contrast to MTB helmets, to increase airflow when cycling.
• Be sure that the helmet is certified.

Safest Mountain bike helmets

An excellent cycling helmet is essential if you want to go for a ride.

Mountain bike Helmet	Beyond Safety, Why choose this helmet	Price
Fox Dropframe Pro MIPS	Tough outer shell  Extended coverage for the ears Magnetic head strap lock mechanism	=~$200
Bontrager Rally MIPS	FlatLock dividers Boa® closure system Integrated Blendr mount	=~$150
Troy Lee Designs A2 MIPS Decoy	90% 5 STARTS on amazon Various colors and designs Rear stabilizer fit system	=~$179
Fox Speedframe Pro (MIPS)	Adjustable multi-position visor Removable, washable XT2 liner	=~$160
Giro Tyrant MIPS SP	multiple size options Reputable company 14 Vents with internal channeling	=~$170
Troy Lee Designs A1 Classic MIPS	8 rear vacuum vortex outlets EPS liner extends down the sides and back of the head	=~$139
POC Tectal Race Spin	More coverage at the temples and back of the head Multiple size options Incorporates the aramid bridges system	=~$220
Louis Garneau Raid MIPS	Tri-Glide PRO system Moisture evacuation channels	=~$50
Lazer Chiru MIPS	Turnfit Plus system Very interesting price	=~$55
Bontrager Blaze WaveCel	AgION antimicrobial pads Additional NoSweat pad Fidlock magnetic buckle	=~$300
Giro Chronicle MIPS	14 Wind Tunnel Vents Deep coverage Fully adjustable P.O.V. Plus visor	=~$100
Lazer Impala MIPS	22 inlet and air vents. Only weighs 295g	=~$140
Specialized Ambush (MIPS)	Mindset 360 fit system Extended coverage for added protection	=~$200

What you need in a Mountain bike helmet

• More coverage on the sides and back of the head
• A more stable helmet because of the bumps and movements on mountain biking.
• More padding for better comfort
• Be sure that the helmet is certified

Safest Versatile bike helmets

I understand that buying a different helmet for each cycling discipline can cost a lot.

These are maid to be worn either on a road or mountain biking. If you are doing both activities, then go for one of the following:

Versatile bike Helmet	Beyond Safety, Why choose this helmet	Price
Lazer Cyclone MIPS	Turnfit TSPLUS system 19 well-placed vents Optional LED taillight	=~$75
SCOTT ARX PLUS (MIPS) 2020	MRAS 3 Fit System A removable visor and customizable padding	=~$100
Specialized Chamonix MIPS	Patented clip-on visor included. Headset SX fit system	=~$75

Safest Urban commuter bike helmets

Urban/Commuter bike Helmet	Beyond Safety, Why choose this helmet	Price
Lazer Anverz NTA MIPS	Advanced Turnfit System Sturdy with a lot of coverage A large screen visor	=~$200
Bern Union MIPS	Stylish helmet with a casual look Different color options 21 vents.	=~$110
Bontrager Charge WaveCel	Integrated Blendr mount on the rear Crash Replacement Guarantee Best for Recreational Cycling	=~$150

What federal guidelines must the helmet meet?

As you can imagine, the bicycle helmet market is full of counterfeit products that have not been properly tested. Using these helmets can be dangerous since you cant be sure of their protection.

Thats why buying helmets with official certification labels is essential.

When it comes to the actual guidelines, things can get quite complicated. Each helmet may have a unique set of specifications corresponding to the risk of its intended use. BMX helmets, for example, should be thicker than regular cycling helmets.

What are the labels to look for?

To save time and effort, you should not look for individual specifications. Instead, please inspect the product to find the safety labels it contains. Please dont take the manufacturers word for it. Look for yourself to be entirely sure.

CPSC

This is by far the most important label you should find. CPSC is the acronym for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. It ensures that products meet the minimum requirements for user safety.

In general, bicycle helmets must have the CPSC label with or without further certification. Helmets that do not have this label cannot be sold in the United States.

ASTM

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is another organization that deals with helmet safety. Unlike CPSC, they are more versatile, with many labels indicating different safety levels. Their labels can be summarized as follows:

• ASTM F 1952: suitable for downhill cycling
• ASTM F 1492: can only be used for skateboarding
• ASTM F 2032: BMX standard certification

What to look for when buying a helmet

Even if your condition does not require a bike helmet, I strongly recommend purchasing one for safety. I should give you a brief helmet buying guide.

Choose one thats right for you.

A helmet will not protect you enough if it is not correctly attached to your head. Make sure you buy the right size with enough sturdy straps to hold the helmet in place.

Consider the intended use.

As I said before, helmets can be designed differently depending on their intended use. General cycling helmets focus on lightness while offering medium safety that corresponds to light use.

Downhill and other mountain bikes reduce the number of ventilation holes to increase protection. Some racing helmets are designed with special mechanics to prevent air from slowing down the cyclists.

Conclusion

Although bicycle helmets are essential, their laws are pretty dissonant among the American states. Colorado, Ohio, and Washington are among the states that do not have helmet laws.

New York and Virginia have one of the lowest age requirements. If you are over 14 years old, you can ride without a helmet in these states.

Remember that wearing a helmet is the best thing to do, regardless of age. But make sure your helmet is certified by the CPSC to provide you with enough protection.

The helmet will absorb the effect of a fall or collision. Choosing the right helmet is essential. Otherwise, its like youre not wearing one.

For example, in case the helmet youre wearing isnt fitting your head correctly or is not stable, this means it doesnt supply you with the correct degree of protection. It just gives you a false feeling of security.

Some helmets are manufactured to withstand 1 impact, while some are made to withstand the many effects.

Bicycle helmets are made to protect against a single severe impact, like a fall on the pavement. Once the impact is made, you need to change it. Because even if you dont see it, the helmet always has small cracks after a hard crash.