Whitewater Helmet Review

Prijon Wild-Water Standard
Oldie but Goodie
Contact (303) 444-2336, www.wildnet.com

Prijon helmets have been around since the modern kayak was invented. The folks who made the sport pioneered the great runs of the world wearing Prijon helmets. And who could forget paddling superstar Chris Spelius and his signature pink Prijon helmet? The Wild-Water Standard is one of five models offered—four in plastic and the bombproof Prijon Protector in composite—with the Standard model offering a full level of coverage. Compared to most of the other helmets reviewed, the Wild-Water Standard is almost Spartan: a minimalist closed-cell liner is complemented by a simple yet effective retention strap that securely wraps around the base of your noggin. On our heads the Standard fit well, with no movement once a few adjustments were made, even though Prijon offers only one shell size and fitting is accomplished with foam insert. While the Wild-Water Standard has an impressive pedigree, it is still a plastic helmet that does not match the stiffness, or protection, of carbon or Kevlar laminates.