The Research Desk compares seven airsoft masks, full-face and lower-face, mesh and polycarbonate, with an honest look at fog resistance, ear protection, and why mesh alone will not stop BB fragments from reaching your eyes.
Category: Sports Helmets
Sports & Recreation Helmets
Cycling, MTB, ski and snowboard, skate, equestrian and more. Impact-tested picks and fit guides for every way you ride, roll and slide.
Best Equestrian Helmets (2026): 7 Top Picks for Riders
The Research Desk reviews seven equestrian helmets covering ASTM F1163 certification, fit-dial adjustment, ventilation, and low-profile design for English, Western, and trail riders.
Best Climbing Helmets (2026): 7 Top Picks for Rock & Alpine
The Research Desk reviews seven EN 12492-certified rock and alpine climbing helmets, comparing foam construction, weight, ventilation, and headlamp compatibility.
Best BMX Helmets (2026): 7 Top Picks for Park, Street & Dirt
Seven BMX and park helmets compared for CPSC and ASTM certification, multi-impact foam, open-face versus full-face styles, and MIPS rotational protection.
Best Full-Face MTB Helmets (2026): 7 Top Picks for DH & Enduro
Seven full-face MTB helmets built for downhill and enduro riding, compared on ASTM F1952 certification, MIPS, ventilation, and weight.
5 Best Medieval Helmet Reviews (2026 Buying Guide)
Seven real medieval helmets for SCA, LARP, and Renaissance faire reenactment or display, with honest notes on steel gauge, coverage, and historical accuracy.
Best helmet for skate and bike with a buying guide
Seven dual-certified CPSC + ASTM F1492 helmets built to handle both bike commutes and repeated skatepark falls, from budget picks to a MIPS-equipped standout.
5 Best Audio Ski Helmet for Men | Reviews & Buying Guide
Seven Bluetooth audio ski helmets and drop-in modules compared for 2026, from built-in intercom systems to certified audio-ready shells.
The Best Kayak Helmet Review: 5 Helmets to Keep You Safe on the Water
Seven certified kayak helmets compared for whitewater and rec paddling, from CE EN 1385 shells to dial-fit systems built for wet conditions.
Helmet and Goggle Compatibility: Killing the Goggle Gap (2026)
The goggle gap is a geometry mismatch between your eye port and goggle frame, not a brand problem. Here is how to test-fit goggles to any motocross or MTB full-face helmet.
509 vs Klim: Which Snowmobile Helmet Is Right for You? (2026)
509 builds heated electric shields for fog-free trail riding; Klim's F3 and F5 are goggle-based backcountry helmets built for deep snow. We compare the two approaches.
GATH vs Simba Sentinel: Which Surf Helmet Should You Buy? (2026)
GATH is the long-standing surf-helmet benchmark with real test paperwork; the Simba Sentinel adds coverage and ear covers. Here is the honest head-to-head, certification included.
