Review of the Shred Ready Zeta Helmet
I have a small head and have a difficult time finding kayak helmets that fit. Most are just too big! To make them work, I have to add tons of paddling. Then they look and feel huge on my head. For years, I found the WRSI Current helmet to work. 2 years ago, they changed the padding on the helmet. It was definitely more comfortable, but I had a hard time getting it to fit securely like my old one did. So - I have been playing Goldilocks and trying out new helmets. Last fall, a paddling pal had a demo of
Shred Ready's Zeta kayaking helmet. I tried it on and without much adjustment it fit. I ordered one.
My small Shred Ready Zeta arrived a couple of weeks ago. With Shred Ready's fit kit, it didn't take long to get it outfitted and adjusted.
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| Stylish Zeta helmet from Shred Ready. |
I have been wearing it and am amazed at how comfortable it is. The fit is secure.
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| Finally a small helmet for a small head - Shred Ready Zeta. |
I have always been a ball cap wearer and I really like a brimmed hat on sunny days. The brim on the Zeta is great and definitely helps with cutting out glare and shading my face.
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| The brim provides glare and sun protection while on the water. |
The Zeta has become my go to helmet for sea kayaking, easy whitewater, and small surf. I am a bit skeptical about the brim in larger and harder whitewater and surf. Stay tuned for what I figure out here.
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| Whitewater kayaking on the Eel River. |
Hi, thanks for your review of the Zeta. I wonder if you have any more thoughts on wearing it in heavier whitewater? I notice you are wearing it a lot in more recent posts so you must like it overall still. I've heard some people mention that it is driven off the back of their head when they go underwater and is a choking hazard so was curious if you had experienced that. The huge brim on it is pretty appealing though for sun & glare. Thanks
ReplyDeleteHi Levi, I wear my Shred Ready Zeta most of the time for sea kayaking, whitewater kayaking, and rock gardening. Having it fit properly is key. The straps tend to slid so I readjust them before each paddle and sometimes during the paddle. It is key to have the bottom of the "V" at the bottom of the ears and the front strap of the V snug to prevent the helmet being pushed back. On a couple of surfing wipe outs, I have had it pushed back a little but never off my head like you described. Would I recommend it for big whitewater? Depends on the paddler and individual helmet fit.
DeleteCheers, Cate
Hi! I have been reading reviews on this helmet and they are very mixed. I usually only kayak on rivers on an inflatable and only class II & III rapids. How do you feel about this helmet after using it more?
ReplyDeleteThanks for checking out my blog. I still love the Zeta. I have a small head and it is the best fitting helmet that I have ever used. It is still my go to for whitewater and sea kayaking. I would definitely recommend it for class II-III whitewater. Hit me up if you have other questions. Cheers, Cate
DeleteDo you know if you can switch the headgear to wear the brim in the back?
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading my post and your question. No, the Zeta cannot be worn with the brim in the back. I believe that the scrappy can be.
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