I had the opportunity to test a Thousand Heritage helmet. First and foremost, one thing I love about Thousand Helmets is that it is founded by a female, Gloria Hwang. Hooray for supporting female-owned businesses! Thousand also has an approach of environmental sustainability – another thing I’m always happy to support. I received a helmet from the new “Climate Collection,” which features earth-toned colors. I chose Terra Cotta, and it’s a beautiful color, and will also likely match so many of the clothes I wear.
The Comparison
If you are searching for a new helmet, sometimes it’s nice to have a comparison to other brands or items of similar appearance. I happen to own a Bern Berkeley helmet, and will compare it with the Thousand Heritage helmet for this review. Another similar-style brand is Nutcase.
Weight
When I pulled the helmet out of the box, I immediately thought it seemed heavier than my other helmet. Not judging solely on feel, I pulled out my food scale and saw that I was correct. The Thousand Heritage helmet came in at 426 grams, whereas my Bern helmet is 369 grams. For me, the weight of this particular style of helmet doesn’t matter.
I solely wear this style of helmet when I’m commuting and riding around town on my upright-style bike. The weight could be something to consider if you use drop-bars. When I use drop bars and pedal longer distances, I wear a lighter helmet, so I don’t strain my neck. I have a Smith helmet for this particular purpose.
Sizing
I have a small head. Like a fluffy cat, if you get me wet, you will realize that my head is most appropriate for child-sized helmets. I was nervous when Thousand told me their smallest helmet was the 54 -57cm. They told me it did dial down, but my current Bern helmet is a 52-55.5 cm helmet and dialed-down, it is still too big.
As such, I was expecting this to be enormous on me. I was pleasantly surprised when I tried on the Thousand Heritage helmet and, indeed, it dialed down further than the Bern helmet. It fits snug to my head, and I’m thrilled about it. The dial mechanism is the easy-to-turn knob in the back so tightness can be adjusted quickly as you are riding. If you are cranium-challenged like me, rest assured the Thousand helmet will fit you.
Comfort
I found the fit to be comfortable but there is less padding than some other helmets. It has four strips of material-covered padding which is more similar to the aerodynamic road helmets rather than the puffier 1/2″ thick foam padding you may find on some other skateboard-shaped helmets. The padding helps form the cooling channels which are meant to help with ventilation. Nonetheless, it feels just as comfortable as any other helmet I’ve worn and the lack of the puffy foam does make it much cooler.
Visor
The visor on the Thousand helmet is shorter and not removable, whereas the brim on the Bern helmet comes with a removable kit. The bill is longer than on the Thousand helmet. I feel that Bern’s visor is too long for my liking and often blocks my field of vision. Thousand’s visor did the job well when the sun is overhead and still allows me to see everything.
Ventilation
I was skeptical about whether or not the Thousand Heritage helmet would provide enough ventilation, given the lack of holes that you see, particularly compared to Bern’s helmet. However, I didn’t notice much difference and found them to be comparable in ventilation.
As mentioned above, the way the padding is arranged in this helmet also helps with airflow or as Thousand calls it, “cooling channels.” As noted on Thousand’s website, it also provides a sleeker design, and I agree. I have ridden with this helmet from temperatures now ranging from 40 to about 80 degrees. I’ve been primarily biking around the city, doing errands, bike tag games and my regular commuting, lengths of 20 – 40 miles. I didn’t note it to be too hot and ventilation felt spot-on.
Strap Material
The faux-leather straps on the Thousand helmet are not only classy, but appear to stay cleaner than the nylon-straps on most helmets. Faux leather will not absorb skin oils and these straps are easier to wipe with a wet cloth to wipe off dirt or grease.
Cool Features
One of two unique features the Thousand helmet has is the cut-out hole to slide your u-lock through and keep your helmet safe. Thousand’s anti-theft guarantee backs your helmet. If it gets stolen, you get a replacement for free! I never leave my helmet out (for worries of rain, etc.), but I do think it is a well-thought-out feature to include.
If you are going to work, a social outing, or perhaps any place you don’t want to carry your helmet around with you, this feature is key. You slide your u-lock or cable lock right through the hole and then lock up your bike with the helmet on it per normal. No one will be cutting the straps and running away with your helmet.
The second is the Thousand buckle. Thousand’s clasp is magnetic and slides rather than the regular “pinch-to-release” clips used on most sporting equipment. This feature could help someone who has arthritis, hand injuries, or even a lack of hand strength/dexterity. Thousand also notes that you are less likely to pinch your skin like with other helmet buckles and I didn’t not experience any pinching. My hair did get caught in it sometimes, but I have experienced this with both types of closures.
Eco-Friendly
Back to my note on sustainability, Thousand states it is committed to offsetting 110% of its annual carbon emissions and they partner with 1% For The Planet which supports environmental restoration and education.
Thousand indicates they work directly with their supplies partners and track the origin of their materials, ensuring they work with manufacturers of integrity. And my favorite part? The helmet box is also the shipping box. Thousand will not be sending you a Russian-doll type box situation like we experience with so many other products that we order online.
Will You Make the Switch?
I love the fit of the Thousand Heritage helmet, and compared to Bern, it actually fits! I also thoroughly enjoy the stylish design and the brim that doesn’t obstruct my view. I am planning to keep riding with my Thousand helmet around Minneapolis. They may have made me a convert!
To check out other styles and order a Thousand helmet, visit their website.
