Bicycle helmets or bike helmets are the most important part for the safety of cyclists. We can’t know what could’ve happened, we could crash, get hit, hitting potholes, sudden brakes, hit by a toss, a falling object, and stuff. Just like bicycle lights, bicycle helmets are mandatory when cycling.
Bicycle helmets are useful to protect our heads from head injuries. A good bicycle helmet is one that provides safety, ventilation and comfort.
The development of bicycle helmets makes the design more comfortable, with the addition of layers or pads to be adjusted to the shape of our head. Not only the size and shape of the helmet, we also need to pay attention to what features are present on the bicycle helmet.
To choose a suitable bicycle helmet, the first thing to know is the circumference of our head. Measure the distance of 2.5 cm from the top of the eyebrows, then from that point circle the head with a thread or ribbon until it is circular on the head. Measure the length of the tape to find out the more precise size of the head. Do this about 2 to 3 times to get the right number.
Bicycle helmets are formed through a process of mold and high pressure, rarely wear glue for their parts, thus making it light and strong. Weight is often an important concern for cyclists
Shell part is made of ABS, PolyCarbonate (PC), fiberglass, kevlar, and other plastics, it serves as a shell that resists other components, and the outermost protector. The outer part of this bike helmet serves more to protect against punctures, hard impacts.
| Oakley Aro3 | Oakley Aro5 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 13 x 10 x 7 inches | 13 x 10 x 7 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 1.67 Pounds | 1.67 pounds |
| Best offer | Check price | Check price |
To absorb energy when there is a collision, the liner or inside of the bicycle helmet has an equally important role as the outside. There are bicycle helmets that have foam-like liner, or some that are shaped like ropes. Liner serves to absorb and channel pressure from impact in order to reduce impact as much as possible against the skull head and neck.
Foam material is usually made of Expanded PolyStyrene (EPS), because it is easy to form and this EPS absorbs energy omni-directional (from all directions). Helmets with padding ropes, feel more fit on the head, have more vents, and this kind of helmet will shift first, when hit before turning the head and neck, thereby reducing the rotation on the head.
Ventilation gives the wind an entry to the head for cooling and evaporation of sweat, the more ventilation the lighter the helmet, but also reduces its strength, and becomes less aerodynamic.
Other than these parts, there are also others you should consider. But first, let’s talk about what’s a good helmet for you. We have the Oakley Aro 3 and Aro5. Let’s see which one of these helmets can be a great option for you.
Oakley ARO3
Although other brands are beginning to occupy a considerable share, Oakely is still the market leader in riding sunglasses. It’s not a kind of brand that is immediately associated with helmets. What a pity, because Oakley does stock a lot of pretty good helmets for bikers.
ARO3 is an entry-level product, although it is still sold for £149, so you can consider buying it. Another is the ARO5, which is priced at 199 pounds, completed with aerodynamic cover and sun visor.
There are no special boasting things about ARO3. Instead, it is designed as a lightweight and well-ventilated helmet, that simple. This is achieved through 12 ventilation holes, and there are a total of 5 ventilation holes in the front to allow cold air to enter. At the rear, the other two holes exhaust hot air. The other five ventilation holes are placed along the top of the helmet.
The padding part comes in the form of fabric, which is designed to resist bacteria, thereby eliminating odor. Under strong sunlight, with the help of this technology, your head can stay cool thanks to its many ventilation holes.
Oakley also has the protective MIPS layer, that’s a standard for today’s bike helmet.A bit different from other models like the Float Fit, for example, MIPS layer in this helmet is inserted instead of embedded. This means it can move freely, even without you noticing.
The fixing system used in this helmet is the Boa 360 system. There are two TX1 laces on the dial, which are placed flat on your head. Oakley said the system helps glasses compatibility.
The flat and thin laces are actually an advantage, because any volume that can be reduced is an advantage. However, compared to market-leading helmets (most of the systems used are designed by Roc Loc), many find the dial itself a bit clunky.
Oakley ARO5
The round profile of the Oakley ARO differs from many other bike helmets that mimic the extended time-trial lids. ARO5 prioritizes speed. It uses four large front vents to draw air in. On the back, two smaller vents allow the air guided through the internal channels to escape.
Although the outlet vents are small, the ventilation on the helmet is surprisingly good, especially when you’re riding fast. At slower speeds, you will notice the difference between this helmet and the more ventilated option. If you prefer to climb long distances in mid-summer, you can consider other options.
This is a comfortable helmet with MIPS lining and BOA fitting system. There are only two pads inside, one at the forehead, the other crowns it.
Both use X-Static material to absorb moisture. The BOA system uses a thin cord to completely surround the head and provide even pressure when you dial in to fit. The rear fixture is the shining point of the BOA dial, with three height options.
As you might expect, the sunglasses fit nicely with the wider front vent of the helmet. The compactness of the BOA fitting system helps to avoid overlapping with the glasses shaft.
Oakley has only recently launched its own helmet product line, which includes the ARO3 ventilated helmet, the ARO5 road model, and the ARO7 for time trials and triathlons. Read also: Kask REX Vs POC Tectal.
In terms of cost, ARO5 is priced at 199 pounds / 250 dollars, which is comparable to Specialized’s new Evade, but more expensive than MET, Giant and Bontrager models. But no one expects Oakley to provide budget-friendly products, right?
Oakley Aro3 VS Aro5
Conclusion
Based on the explanation above, we’d like to think that ARO3 is the better one. The ARO3 cycling helmet is Oakley’s cheapest and most airy helmet design.
Similar to ARO5, ARO3 increases ventilation through larger cooling ports. Although ARO3 definitely has a larger exhaust port than ARO5, at first glance Suomy Timeless Cycling Helmet can play a more important role in guiding airflow, if you prefer another alternative.
Like ARO5, ARO3 is equipped with Oakley’s glasses docking system, Boa FS1-1 dial retention system and MIP. The estimated retail price of ARO3 is $180, which is considered cheaper than the rest.