One Industries
Kombat Helmet
I pretty much choose helmets based on one thing: fit. When a lid fits my skull, it feels better, and I suspect it protects better in a crash (as long as it passes the safety standards). The Kombat graced my head like a brand-new five-point box-end wrench (which isn't saying anything about my head!). And I liked the looks, which was a bonus. The showroom "bounce" was good since the fabric inside the lid was soft and fuzzy. The helmet wasn't heavy at all, and since the fit, for me, was better than the higher-line Trooper, I began wearing the Kombat a lot. The more I wore it, the more I liked it. The lining stayed soft, the helmet cleaned out well without needing the liner removed (though when I did, it was simple). It has good frontal coverage from roost or branches, yet I never have any issues with goggles not fitting inside the eyeport. The visor was tough and easy to adjust while the matte finish stood up to the thrashing a careless rider can have on a helmet (such as throwing it into the truck sans helmet bag). Through all my mostly minor crashes, there is no sign of head damage. I think?! Available in XS-XXL for $179 (who knew the gloss finish was $10 cheaper), it is even somewhat of a bargain.-Jimmy Lewis