NRS Chaos Side-Cut Kayak Helmet

I tried 3 different kinds of helmets. I ended up keeping this one because it fit my head (size 23.5") much better than the others I tried. But it was noticeably heavier than the others (OutdoorMaster and Triple Eight Sweatsaver Halo). I suppose that means there is more plastic to protect your head, so you decide whether that is good or bad. It turns out I didn't really notice the weight once I started using it. The padding inside is very firm, not terribly comfortable.I think of all the ones I tried I would most have preferred the Triple Eight Sweatsaver Halo XL if it had fit better. But the Triple Eight doesn't have a dial system and was a little too tight for me.I'm pretty happy with this one but demoted it a little because if it had the padding, pricing and weight of the Triple Eight along with the convenient dial fit of this one it would have been perfect.

Ordered a large but received an xl, big but very nice

Recent white water kayak adventure didn’t quite end as planned. My NRS helmet did it jobs and earned a few battle scars along the way. The fit of the helmet is great and the adjustable dial in the back let’s you snug it down for a custom fit. The available optional ear guards are great but making hearing my team a little difficult so I wasn’t using them this day. I was upside down with a dislocated shoulder for what seemed like an eternity with my head being bashed against several rocks in a Class II+ rapid trying to pull my skirt and hold my paddle one handed. Because my helmet did it’s job well I remained conscious and didn’t have any head lacerations or a major concussion to add to the days injuries.

I use this helmet for windfoiling in Florida on the West coast below Tampa Bay. It gets hot here in the Summer and my solid white helmet was making my head sweat down onto my eyes and sunglasses, not good when you are flying over the swell and waves. Used this NRS helmet today, my head felt much cooler and no sweat on my eyes and sunglasses. Did feel an occasional sweat bead on the sides, but not a problem for me. Well made, and never had a problem with a NRS product, use NRS products for sea kayaking too.

This helmet actually fit. I bought two other helmets which said they fit a 61cm head size and could not get them onto my head. This helmet is snug but does not require that I crush my head to wear. Seems to be solidly built. The double layer foam looks well designed. I am curious to see how it handles water it looks closed cell so should be good. The color is vibrant and shiny on the yellow one. I like it. Looking forward to getting out on my sailboat and not whacking my head with the boom. Backcountry, actually answered the phone and answered my sizing question unlike other merchants, they shipped and delivered promptly. Overall a decent price for a nice helmet.

Size fits pretty well. Nice looking grey color. Haven't had a chance to use it down the rapids yet, but I'll feel better going down them now that I have some head protection

Helmet is very durable and fits great. Lightweight enough to wear for several hours on the river.

It's the good quality you'd expect from NRS, but I have to wonder if this is a used or returned product. It was packaged in the box with tags, but the crown of the helmet is scratched and marked. There were no extra pads for fitting (maybe NRS doesn't provide but I've bought more than a dozen helmets and can't recall one that didn't have extra pads).