Gamebreaker-PRO with D3O: The best all around
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Light, minimal | Water drips in eyes |
| Stays on your head | Takes on a tad bit of water |
| 5-star protection according to Virginia Tech’s Helmet Lab | |
Recommendation: Good performance and protection. My top recommendation currently on the market.
Full reviewOlaian Soft Surf Helmet: The best small wave helmet
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Moderate impact, sun protection | Slides back duck diving waves over 3-4 ft. |
| Surfer-friendly look & cost | |
| Very light, minimal | |
| Deflects water from eyes | |
Recommendation: A real, made-for-surfing helmet that's a great buy for some protection in small surf. Use it on the days when you’re riding on a groveler, mini-simmons, or longboard.
Full review. If you're looking for something even more minimal though, take a look at my
discreet head protection ideas.
Gath Surf Convertible: What was the best surf helmet is now just a contender
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Made for surfing | Thin layer of EVA = minimal protection |
| Stays on your head with ear covers | Even less protection in multiple impacts |
| Low friction, ABS shell | Experienced bucket effect without ear covers |
Recommendation: Wouldn't recommend it. If you can't achieve a better fit with anything else though, it does perform well. Therefore, it's usable - just replace it often. To read why I wouldn't trust such a thin layer of EVA foam to protect your brain read the
full review. For a little bit better protection try the
Gath Gedi.