Best Triathlon Helmet for Beginners: Top Picks and Buying Guide

Triathlons can be an intimidating sport for beginners, but with the right gear, it can be a rewarding experience. One essential piece of equipment that every triathlete needs is a good quality triathlon helmet. Not only does it protect your head during the bike portion of the race, but it also helps you stay aerodynamic and comfortable throughout the entire event.

When looking for the best triathlon helmet for beginners, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, safety should be your top priority. Look for helmets that meet safety standards and have undergone rigorous testing. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the helmet’s weight and ventilation, as these factors can greatly impact your comfort during the race.

After researching and testing various triathlon helmets, we’ve found that the best option for beginners is the Giro Aerohead MIPS. This helmet offers excellent safety features, including MIPS technology, which helps reduce rotational forces in the event of an impact. It’s also lightweight and has exceptional ventilation, making it comfortable to wear during even the most grueling parts of the race.

In this article, we’ll dive deeper into what makes a good triathlon helmet and why the Giro Aerohead MIPS is the best choice for beginners. Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete or just starting out, this guide will help you find the perfect helmet to keep you safe and comfortable during your next race.

Best Triathlon Helmets for Beginners

Are you a beginner triathlete looking for a reliable and safe helmet for your training and races? Look no further! We have compiled a list of the best triathlon helmets for beginners that will provide you with the comfort, protection, and style you need to perform your best. Whether you are on a budget or willing to invest in a high-end helmet, we have got you covered. Check out our top picks below and get ready to hit the road with confidence!

SLS3 Triathlon Helmet

If you’re a beginner triathlete looking for a lightweight and affordable aero helmet, the SLS3 Triathlon Helmet might be the one for you.

Pros

• The helmet’s magnetic visor provides wraparound eye protection from UV rays and is easy to flip up or remove with one hand.
• With a total of 8 vents, the helmet offers optimal airflow and minimal wind resistance, keeping you cool and comfortable during a race.
• The helmet’s low friction, abrasion-resistant PET outer shell is designed to slip and slide in the event of a crash, helping to minimize the risk of torsion injuries.

Cons

• The helmet’s one size fits all design might be too small for those with larger heads and facial features, especially when wearing the visor.
• The helmet’s aero design provides less ventilation than a traditional road bike helmet, making it hotter to wear.
• The helmet doesn’t cover the ears and rides high, offering little protection to the sides of the head.

The SLS3 Triathlon Helmet is a great option for beginners who want an aero helmet with a removable visor. While the helmet might not fit those with larger heads, it provides optimal airflow and minimal wind resistance to keep you cool during a race. However, the helmet’s aero design might make it hotter to wear, and it offers less protection to the sides of the head.

Shinmax Triathlon Helmet

If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly triathlon helmet that offers excellent safety protection, the Shinmax Triathlon Helmet is a great option.

Pros

• The in-molding technology joins thick EPS foam and outer PC shell to absorb and decrease the pressure caused by external impact forces during a crash, giving you maximum protection in all directions when road cycling or mountain biking.
• The helmet comes with a USB light with three modes-steady, slow flashing, fast flashing, and a reflective sticker on the back of the helmet that warns cars and helps riders behind you recognize your direction, which guarantees the highest protection and visibility on city roads, making it safer for night cycling. The USB light is fully charged in just two hours and lasts for ten hours. An extra USB cable is also included.
• The helmet has a unique magnetic goggles visor shield that provides eye protection and blocks the sun and dust perfectly away from your face, UV 400. Your own glasses can also be worn under bike helmet goggles. A helmet meets your three wearing needs-goggles up, goggles down, and no goggles. The helmet is designed by yourself.

Cons

• The visor attachment needs a relook.
• The helmet is only available in one color, black green.
• Some customers have reported that the helmet is a bit heavy.

The Shinmax Triathlon Helmet features a dual-fit adjustable design, with a back regulator and side straps that are adjustable, helping to adjust the head circumference 22.44’’-24.41’’(57cm-62cm), which meets the needs of most men and women. The helmet has 28 breathable vents that effectively reduce air resistance and reduce sweating. The removable inner pads make it easy to clean and comfortable to wear, and it is super lightweight, weighing only 290g (0.64lb), so it won’t be a burden.

If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly triathlon helmet that offers excellent safety protection, the Shinmax Triathlon Helmet is definitely worth considering.

Shinmax Adult Bike Helmet

If you’re a beginner looking for a reliable and safe triathlon helmet, the Shinmax Adult Bike Helmet is an excellent option. With its all-in-one polycarbonate solid PC shell and high-density shock-absorbing EPS foam, this helmet offers excellent shock absorption and drop resistance, making it one of the safest helmets on the market.

Pros

• The USB rechargeable rare light with three safety red lighting modes makes your cycling safer and brighter at night or in the darkness weather.
• The detachable magnetic goggles visor shield protects your face against wind and sand while blocking strong ultraviolet light.
• The adjustable reflective strips and size adjustable function make it easier for other riders to recognize your direction and meet the size requirements of most men and women users.

Cons

• The magnet eye shield is fragile and may fall off easily.
• The helmet itself may look a bit big and give an almost alien look.
• Not a lot of air flows through, so it may get hot on a hot day.

The Shinmax Adult Bike Helmet is an excellent choice for beginners looking for a safe and reliable triathlon helmet. Its detachable magnetic goggles visor shield and USB rechargeable rare light make it stand out from other helmets on the market. However, the magnet eye shield is fragile and may fall off easily, and the helmet may look a bit big and give an almost alien look. Overall, if you’re looking for a helmet that provides excellent safety features and is comfortable to wear, this is the one for you.

Giro Savant Adult Road Cycling Helmet

If you’re a beginner triathlete looking for a helmet that offers both protection and comfort, the Giro Savant Adult Road Cycling Helmet is a great choice.

Pros

• Market-leading protection: The Giro Savant is engineered to provide superior protection for your head, making it one of the safest helmets available.
• Excellent ventilation: With 25 wind tunnel vents and internal channeling, the Savant provides impressive ventilation to keep you cool during your rides.
• Comfortable fit: The adjustable Roc Loc 5 fit and stability system allows you to easily adjust the vertical position and tension of the helmet, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit.

Cons

• May not fit all head sizes: The Giro Savant is available in a large size (59-63 cm), which may not be suitable for all head sizes.
• Limited color options: The helmet is only available in matte titanium/white, which may not appeal to all riders.
• Strap corners may dig in: Some customers have reported that the corners of the adjusting strap in the back can dig into the back of the head, particularly for those with buzzed hair.

The Giro Savant is a reliable and comfortable helmet that provides excellent protection and ventilation for beginner triathletes. The adjustable Roc Loc 5 fit system ensures a secure and comfortable fit, while the 25 wind tunnel vents keep you cool during your rides. While the helmet may not fit all head sizes and has limited color options, it is a great option for those looking for a safe and comfortable helmet at an affordable price.

Smith Signal MIPS Helmet Adults

If you’re a beginner triathlete looking for a comfortable and lightweight helmet that provides excellent protection, the Smith Signal MIPS Helmet is a great option.

Pros

• Provides excellent protection with MIPS Safety Protection System and is CPSC & CE EN 1078 certified
• 21 fixed vents for consistent airflow and the AirEvac system to integrate with Smith eyewear to eliminate foggy lenses
• VaporFit system offers 270-degree fit adjustment for a comfortable fit

Cons

• Some users may find the neon yellow color too bright
• Sizing may be tricky for those with larger head sizes
• Higher price point compared to other beginner helmets

The Smith Signal MIPS Helmet is a great choice for those who prioritize safety and comfort in their triathlon gear. The MIPS Safety Protection System and certification from CPSC & CE EN 1078 ensure that your head is well-protected in the event of an impact. The helmet’s 21 fixed vents and AirEvac system also work together to keep you cool and your glasses from fogging up during intense rides.

While some users may find the neon yellow color too bright for their liking, the helmet’s VaporFit system offers 270-degree fit adjustment to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. However, those with larger head sizes may find the sizing to be a bit tricky. Additionally, the Smith Signal MIPS Helmet is priced higher compared to other beginner helmets, but the added safety features and comfort make it worth the investment.

Zacro Bike Helmet

If you’re a beginner triathlete looking for a comfortable and secure helmet, the Zacro Bike Helmet is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The padlock hole feature ensures that your helmet is always secure and eliminates the worry of losing it.
• The adjustable sizing mechanism allows for effortless customization to ensure optimal comfort.
• The 11 breathable vents provide superior comfort for your cycling trips.

Cons

• The helmet may not be suitable for fast 25mph ebike rides.
• The helmet can hurt in the forehead area and feel tight.
• The picture doesn’t show the two-tone of the light blue color option.

The Zacro Bike Helmet is an ideal choice for riders and commuters who want both comfort and style. With its focus on urban commuting, this helmet is suitable for both males and females and is perfect for a wide range of activities, including cycling, e-bike, scootering, electric biking, longboarding, and more.

The helmet is constructed with a high-quality PC shell and high-density EPS foam, which provides excellent shock absorption upon initial impact, offering tremendous protection. The helmet has also been GCC certified and meets US cycling standards, making it sturdy and durable with maximum protection.

The helmet boasts an adjustable sizing mechanism that combines a Y-shaped divider with a rotary dial system for effortless customization. A dial fit system located at the rear allows the riders to fine-tune the fit to their exact specifications to ensure optimal comfort. The helmet comes in two sizes: M size (22.4-23.2 inches/57-59 cm) and L size (23.2-24.4 inches/59-62 cm).

Stay cool with 11 breathable vents for optimal airflow in and around your bike helmet, providing superior comfort for your cycling trips. Its removable, moisture-wicking, and washable velvet pads offer unbeatable comfort. This bicycle helmet has soft padding under the chin strap ensuring a secure and comfortable fit without any rubbing or pinching.

In conclusion, the Zacro Bike Helmet is a great option for beginner triathletes looking for a comfortable, secure, and stylish helmet that provides excellent protection.

Giro Aerohead MIPS Cycling Helmet

If you’re a beginner triathlete or time-trialist looking for a helmet that offers advanced aerodynamics and cooling power, the Giro Aerohead MIPS Cycling Helmet is a great option.

Pros

• The ZEISS Optics wrap-around eye shield offers an unblocked field of view and unrivaled clarity.
• The magnetic lens anchor attachment makes it easy to remove and store the shield in the flipped-up position, allowing for quick transitions to the bike.
• The MIPS technology can provide more protection in certain impacts.

Cons

• The helmet is expensive.
• Some customers have reported issues with sizing.
• The helmet may not fit well with certain head shapes.

The Giro Aerohead MIPS Cycling Helmet is constructed with a lightweight polycarbonate shell and features Wind Tunnel ventilation and internal channeling to keep you cool during intense competition. The helmet is equipped with the MIPS system to redirect impact energy, providing added protection in certain impacts.

The unique ZEISS Optics wrap-around eye shield offers an unblocked field of view and unrivaled clarity, and the magnetic lens anchor attachment makes it easy to remove and store the shield in the flipped-up position, allowing for quick transitions to the bike.

While the helmet is expensive, it offers advanced aerodynamics and cooling power that can be beneficial for beginner triathletes and time-trialists. However, some customers have reported issues with sizing and the helmet may not fit well with certain head shapes.

Overall, the Giro Aerohead MIPS Cycling Helmet is a great option for those looking for a high-quality helmet with advanced aerodynamics and cooling power.

BELL Z20 Aero MIPS Adult Road Bike Helmet

If you are looking for a triathlon helmet that offers a custom fit, superior protection, and quick-drying materials, then the BELL Z20 Aero MIPS Adult Road Bike Helmet is a great choice.

Pros

• The FUSION IN-MOLDING POLYCARBONATE SHELL, AERO-OPTIMIZED SHAPE, & PROGRESSIVE LAYERING CONSTRUCTION creates a sturdier helmet with variable EPS foam densities to better manage the transfer of energies after some impacts.
• The FLOAT FIT RACE (INTEGRATED WITH MIPS) & MIPS-EQUIPPED technology offers custom fit at the highest performance and reduces rotational forces that can result from certain impacts.
• The X-STATIC AND XT2 PADDING & SWEAT GUIDE design pulls moisture away from the brow pad and away from eyewear, making it perfect for long rides.

Cons

• The helmet is a bit bulky and may not be suitable for those looking for a sleek design.
• The price point is a bit high compared to other beginner triathlon helmets.
• The helmet may not fit all head sizes and shapes, so it’s important to take a head measurement before purchasing.

The BELL Z20 Aero MIPS Adult Road Bike Helmet is a great choice for those looking for a high-performance triathlon helmet. The helmet offers a custom fit, superior protection, and quick-drying materials. The helmet’s FUSION IN-MOLDING POLYCARBONATE SHELL, AERO-OPTIMIZED SHAPE, & PROGRESSIVE LAYERING CONSTRUCTION creates a sturdier helmet with variable EPS foam densities to better manage the transfer of energies after some impacts. The FLOAT FIT RACE (INTEGRATED WITH MIPS) & MIPS-EQUIPPED technology offers custom fit at the highest performance and reduces rotational forces that can result from certain impacts. The X-STATIC AND XT2 PADDING & SWEAT GUIDE design pulls moisture away from the brow pad and away from eyewear, making it perfect for long rides. However, the helmet is a bit bulky and may not be suitable for those looking for a sleek design. Additionally, the price point is a bit high compared to other beginner triathlon helmets. Lastly, the helmet may not fit all head sizes and shapes, so it’s important to take a head measurement before purchasing.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best triathlon helmet for beginners, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind as you shop:

Fit

One of the most important factors to consider is the fit of the helmet. A poorly fitting helmet can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. Look for a helmet that fits snugly on your head without being too tight. It should sit level on your head and cover your forehead without obstructing your vision.

Safety

Your helmet should also provide adequate protection in the event of a crash. Look for a helmet that meets safety standards set by organizations like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or the Snell Memorial Foundation. These organizations test helmets to ensure they provide adequate protection in a crash.

Aerodynamics

Aerodynamics can play a role in your performance during a triathlon. Look for a helmet with a sleek, aerodynamic design that can help reduce drag and improve your speed.

Ventilation

Triathlons can be grueling, and you’ll likely work up a sweat. Look for a helmet with good ventilation to help keep you cool and comfortable during your race.

Price

Finally, consider your budget when choosing a triathlon helmet. While you don’t want to skimp on safety, there are plenty of great options available at a range of price points. Consider what features are most important to you and look for a helmet that fits your needs and your budget.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose a triathlon helmet that will help you perform your best while keeping you safe and comfortable during your race.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should I look for in a triathlon helmet as a beginner?

As a beginner, it’s important to look for a triathlon helmet that fits properly and provides adequate protection. Look for helmets with adjustable straps and a secure fit system to ensure a snug fit. Additionally, consider helmets that are lightweight, well-ventilated, and have a comfortable lining for long-duration wear.

Are there specific triathlon helmets that are recommended for new triathletes?

There are many triathlon helmets on the market, but it’s important to choose one that meets safety standards and fits properly. Some popular options for beginner triathletes include the Giro Aerohead MIPS, the Bell Javelin, and the Rudy Project Boost 01.

How does a visor impact the performance of a triathlon helmet?

A visor can provide sun protection and reduce glare during the bike portion of a triathlon, but it can also add weight and affect aerodynamics. Some triathlon helmets come with a built-in visor, while others allow for detachable visors.

What are the benefits of using an aero helmet in a triathlon?

Aero helmets are designed to reduce air resistance and improve speed during the bike portion of a triathlon. They often have a sleek, aerodynamic design and can help shave seconds off your time. However, they may not be as well-ventilated as traditional helmets and can be more expensive.

Can you recommend any entry-level triathlon helmets that offer good value?

Some affordable options for entry-level triathlon helmets include the Bell Stratus MIPS, the Giro Foray MIPS, and the Kask Rapido. These helmets offer good value without sacrificing safety or comfort.

Is it worth investing in a high-end triathlon helmet for my first races?

While high-end triathlon helmets can offer advanced features and improved aerodynamics, they can also be quite expensive. As a beginner, it’s more important to focus on finding a helmet that fits well and meets safety standards. As you become more experienced and competitive, you may want to consider upgrading to a higher-end helmet.