Got the Gath Gedi
It was a bit pricey, but they had them at the Kayak Academy to try on. That- combined with all the glowing reviews of them helped me make my choice.
Thanks for all the wisdom.
Cascade
is used by a lot of swiftwater rescue teams.
great topic
tx 4 putting it up, Kendi, & to those who responded.
I hadn’t really given enough thought to a helmet choice. And it’s true - only 1 brain to a customer.
I didn’t buy my Protec Ace. It’s a helmet of age unknown that came along w. a Pirouette SuperSport I bought from a female WW kayaker in 07. Maybe it’s the good old stock that someone referenced - it’s def not a soft plastic shell. So it’s worth keeping for noodling around on sandy bottoms and pool practice where the lords of the pool require it.
But there are have those surf launches and landings on the rockier shores and rockshelf lined beaches of the Great Lakes to look forward to. And I want the best fit possible for the good reasons stated.
Soooo, WRSI has come out w. a true Size Small shell (not the S/M range more often offered). Women, teens and men w. small hat sizes might prefer this.
Clavey River Outfitters www.clavey.com
carries it & my order just went in.
And yeah,
red is the best color 
So sayeth this Aries.
Thanks all for the good points raised.
LOVE the Gath!
I wore it this weekend for 8 hours each day in 75 degree temps. Not too hot, perfect non-moving fit, kept the sun out of my eyes (it has a visor), and no headache!!! So thanks again to all the helpful replies- it looks like I found the perfect helmet for me!