For the hottest days, the most intense efforts, and the toughest climbs, you need the Decibel. Its carbon-reinforced linear channels accelerate cooling airflow across your head, leaving you focused and relaxed. Used by our Pro Tour Riders, it’s the clear choice for anyone who’s after the coolest lid on the planet.
Submitted by
mr_bump
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2009
Strengths: Fabulous value(AU$130). My decibel is a team replica of some looser roadie team that got banned for dopping. Heavily discounted.
Carbon fiber reniforcing adds strength, detachable visor is a good idea.
Weaknesses: I think its actually a bit hotter than my Giro E2, Very long chin strap needs to be cut down, thin padding doesnt soak up sweat.
Bottom Line:
Strong light and a good price. Not as well ventilated as the Giro E2 but is probably a better fit for my large head.
Bike Setup: Trance X2, Fox 120RLC, El Caminos, Full X9
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Steve_N
a Weekend Warrior
from Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2009
Strengths: Fit, adjustments, ventilation, looks
Weaknesses: Minimal padding, excess strap
Bottom Line:
I looked around and tried various other brands but decided on the Decibel. Yes, it was expensive (but what price is your head?).
Positives - The fit was spot on for me and it also has great ventilation keeping my head cool on all but the hottest days (and Australian summers get hot...).
Negatives - The padding is minimal at best. I find that during mid summer rides that I would constantly be getting sweat in my eyes making them sting and trying to wipe it away, taking your mind off the road/trail. Not an ideal situation.
Also, for me, there is lot of chin strap left over which was annoying as it flapped around in the breeze. An elastic band solved this but I shouldn't have had to do this to a AU$210 helmet...
Bottom Line - As a helmet for cooler climates this helmet would be perfect, but if you live in hotter climates or if you're a heavy sweater then I would suggest you look elsewhere.
Similar Products Used: various Bell and Giro models
Bike Setup: Fully rigid Soma Juice 29er
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
sundog7
a Racer
from Longmont, CO,USA
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2008
Strengths: Cool airflow, good lock-on method, and keeps you alive
Weaknesses: cost, pads minimal
Bottom Line:
I was happy using Giro Havoc's for years, but when I bought my 29er, my friends at the bike store said I better get a helmet with higher safety standards, just in-case. Well, I hit the pavement up-side-down at 20 mph in a freak accident. I saw the scrapes and the crack in the helmet back-side a few days later, not even aware that I had hit my head. When my shoulder and ribs heal in a few weeks, I will buy another Decibel. If you do not buy a Decibel, check the safety ratings! This is the only bad accident I have ever had, and it was just a casual road ride. I've been mtb racing for years.
Similar Products Used: Several Giro models, mostly Havoc
Bike Setup: Big 29er, fast, fast, dangerously fast.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento CA
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2007
Strengths: Light weight, versital, good ventilation, fit, and, looks
Weaknesses: Helmet pads are weak and don't do even do a half-baked attempt at soaking up the sweat.
Bottom Line:
I bought this as a replacement for a 5 year old Bell Gishallo, I primarily use it as a road helmet. I fits well and that is the MOST important thing for choosing a helmet. I use a giro Xen for the mtn bike and I think thats the best helmet in it's class for mountain biking, it fits great, looks great, and has good coverage on the back of the head. I also tried a Giro Atmos but it didn't fit me very well so I gave it to my wife. This would be an outstanding helmet if they slightly increased the thickness of the helmet pads so sweat doesent drip into my eyes all the time. I plan on using it for the next 3-5 years or until I crash on it. It has top of the line pricing and it has all the features to back it up. Upgrading the helmet pads would make it 5 chilis.
Similar Products Used: Giro Xen (best in class in my opinion), bell Gishallo (best road helmet for me ever), Giro Atmos (road only!)
Bike Setup: Specialized FSR, Trek 990, Redline CX, cannondale R2000
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange, CT
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2007
Strengths: lightweight, looks, excellent ventilation, easy to use retention system, color matches my bike
Weaknesses: white straps- they get dirty to easily
Bottom Line:
i love this lid! its not a huge difference in weight but i love the carbon ribs. its got a nice shape and huge vents that do a great job of keeping my head cool. the ProFit 2 retention system is so easy to use. i dont really like the white straps though. my last helmet [giro animas] also had white and they look nasty when they get dirty. black would go better. i got the black red and white team version- the black looks like carbon which is very cool. the mouth port on front is not perfect but does a pretty descent job of keeping my forehead dry, i big problem with my old lid. also comes with a removable visor. not adjustable, but who cares, i dont use it. overall, a great buy if you have the bank for it. recommended for serious enthusiasts or XC racers. retails for $170, i got mine on sale, '05 team replica.
Bike Setup: 2007 Specialized Epic, Rock Shox Reba team, LX dual control levers with hydro discs, '07 LX cranks, race face diablous BB cups, XTR rear mech, easton monkeylite carbon riser, mavic x223 wheelset w/ IRC mibro treads
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
allison
a Weekend Warrior
from so cal
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2006
Strengths: Light weight, good air flow. Comfortable. Locking system is secure.
Weaknesses: The pad/liner fell apart quickly and the replacement fell apart also. I got a different helmet after that. As mentioned below, I also had marks/imprint left in my forehead for awhile after. Forgot about that as I've been wearing a different helmet for the past few months. Also pricey.
Bottom Line:
This was my first helmet and was comfortable, light weight, and secure. I got a small so at times it was difficult to fit head caps or sweat bands underneath. Since the padded liner kept falling apart (even with hand washing) I got a different helmet. Also wanted to try something else. This is a good helmet, though if you want something light weight. The air flow is great also.
Submitted by
Peter
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne
Date Reviewed: August 30, 2006
Strengths: Comfort, comfort, comfort. OK, maybe weight and ventilation. Looks pretty good too.
Weaknesses: um...
Bottom Line:
Not sure what Shamus (below) is going on about. Perhaps wear it for a bit before you buy it? This is the ONLY helmet that fit my head. Most others have their retention cage system inserted from the top of the helmet making it quite uncomfortable (on my head anyway). The Decibel has them lower down making it comfortable on the top of your head. Maybe I have a pointy head? Otherwise, it does what it says on the box... light, well vented, fits and looks good. What more do you want?
Similar Products Used: Bell. I have trusted them for years, now add this one
Bike Setup: Cannondale Prophet - dream machine
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Hampshire, UK
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2006
Strengths: Great fit, great ventilation, comfortable, light weight
Weaknesses: Feels a tad shallow, a greater depth would add protection to the side of the head. Price (90+UKP)
Bottom Line:
The best helmet I've every used. Yes, it's expensive but the comfortable fit and great ventilation make up for it. The vents under the visor are great. The fit adjusters at the back are very simple to use, as is the strap adjustment. The whole fit 'cage' can be shifted too, great when it comes to wearing glasses. Buy one, you won't be dissapointed.
Strengths: Lightweight, strong, secure, well ventilated. looks cool
Weaknesses: As good as this helmet sounds and looks, its awfully uncomfortable and after several hours of riding leaves large dent marks in my forehead, the padding is pathetically thin!
Expensive.
Bottom Line:
Ok I am first and foremost a hardcore downhiller, but who uses an XC bike to keep fit and keep the reactions sharp. The helmet is as they advertise, well ventilated and light, great but... the ventilation slots are huge both running in both directions and while that sounds good, creates less contact with the head, and pushing in on the head in the contact areas. Now I understand weight weenies need for lightness but surely that padding could have been better designed to allow confort over those crucial areas on the forehead? rather than wincing and wanting to rip it of your head during racing one is tempted to put extra stuffing where it needs to be, but this makes the helmet poor fitting and dangerous!!!
3 chilis for each, looks great, light, not very comfortable and expensive
Got the bike thing figured out for my girlfriend, now helmets...the only helmet that fit was a small SWORKS. I only have access to black in small...g/f wants the sil/ pink one. She Read More »
