NRS  Havoc Livery Whitewater Helmet

Going on a 5 day trip down the Rogue, class IV and V rapids ahead. Water low, many boulders. Needed protection just in case. Wore the helmets full time on the river, it did not matter if I picked up the wrong one, as it was easy to adjust with just a click. They felt comfortable all the time, even when under direct sunlight.

I've used these as program helmets and while they stay on fine and do the job, at least half of the people I have known to wear these (relatively large sample size) report headaches either from the band putting pressure on the forehead, or the one I struggle with more is a lot of pressure right behind the ears. I cant have one of these on for more than 30 minutes without me head just flat out hurting. It makes it a pain to convince trip participants to keep theirs on. I would say it's much better to get a helmet sized for you or a universal one that you adjust by adding padding rather than the band-tightening mechanism. It is worth the marginal added cost if you plan on using it for any extended period.

I bought this helmet when my old one was washed away after a forgetful afternoon at the creek. I got this one because my head is a little larger than normal and wanted to make sure it fit... and it does. The rotating dial makes tightening or loosening the adjustment band very easy, even with gloves on. My friend, whose head is much smaller than mine, will use it, and it's easy to switch between the two of us. It's also very comfortable and has yet to catch on my hair in any way.

The helmet is too deep. Even thou there is a dial adjustment in the back the adjustable headband hits your ears. Need to add more padding to the crown. I will have to return this.

I know it's a cheap universal fit, but I guess my wife and I have weird shaped heads. We returned both of them as they weren't as comfy as stated in other reviews. Pay the extra and get ones that fit you well.

Wore it on a day on the South fork of the American. It was comfortable, and a none issue to wear. Easily adjustable to get the right fit, and holes on top were nice for water to drain out of when helmet was strapped to the boat. Looking forward to taking it on the Rogue.

I bought this for a second helmet as I have a two paddlers Kayak. Easy fitting adjustment and secures well. I will likely be using it too. Great color and cosmetics. The price point is phenomenal for what this is.

These helmets are a step up from the ones you might get as a rafting customer, but not much more. Great for rafters guests and customers, but if you’re a regular paddler you should invest into something a little nicer.

The REI website list this helmet has this listed as good for a head circumference up to 24.4 inches. FYI that is essentially 62 cm. When I bought the helmet and first put it on it felt very tight and painful. Then I read the sticker on the helmet itself and it shows up to 59 cm (more than an inch difference). Had to return this helmet. Be aware the sizing is off.

The intended purpose was rafting, but I've found that this product works fine for more general use (like working in hazardous environments). Easy to get a good fit, sufficient padding, doesn't slide around a lot on your head.