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With the arrival of Sweet Protection’s 2024 paddlesport helmet range, it seemed an appropriate time to update you with our staff discussion of each model. The brand’s dominance in the whitewater scene is clear to see. Visit any paddling venue and you’re likely to find more than half of all boaters using products from this Norwegian company. So why the popularity? I believe it relates to their no compromise approach, focussing solely on protection. The result is a compact range of helmets that are clearly extremely well built, as well as offering an incredibly comfortable fit. Of course, a helmet is a personal purchase and a universal fit is impossible, so it’s worth visiting a store or getting some good advice if buying online. So, let’s consider each of the Sweet Protection watersports helmets in turn:
Strutter
The original and perhaps the most iconic kayak helmet of all time. The Strutter was originally released in 1997, crafted as a one piece carbon shell. The only adjustment came from fireball shaped velcro shims. A lot has changed since then! Today the Strutter uses a carbon fiber reinforced polymer shell (CRP), giving it an incredible strength to weight ratio, as well as incredible rigidity and impact performance. This innovative shell material is nothing without an equally capable liner. Sweet Protection selected an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) material for its shock absorbing capabilities.
To the rear of the helmet you’ll find quick and simple adjustment in the form of Sweet’s ‘Occigrip’ ratchet mechanism. Simply squeeze two pins together for instant size reduction. However, when you’re in need of a more permanent solution then it’s best to make use of the included velcro fit kit.
So, who is the Strutter best suited to? This model is super light and the baseball cap inspired shape has obvious advantages in terms of both water shedding and keeping sun out of your eyes. The head coverage is less extensive than the Wanderer and Rocker models. As a consequence, you could make a case that the Strutter is not the optimal choice for hard charging, especially if your preference is low volume creeking. Of course, there will always be examples of pro paddlers proving me wrong, with Ben Marr being perhaps the most obvious. However, the Strutter has a massive following in the freestyle scene, whether we’re talking park and play or down river on your local class three. This type of paddling is where I believe it is best suited.
Colours
Gloss White, Dirt Black, Neon Blue, Gloss Poppy Red, Gloss Panther
Price Level
££
What’s Included?
1 x Strutter Helmet
1 x Foam Padded Velcro Fit Kit
1 x Carry Bag
Weight (M/L)
400g
Sizing
S/M 53-56cm
M/L 56-59cm
L/XL 59-61cm
My Opinion On Fit
The Strutter is true to size when you compare our in store fitting experiences with the Sweet Protection suggested guide. It best suits anyone with an oval head shape, so longer in the front to back dimension than side to side.
Wanderer
First released in 2008, when it featured a much more pronounced peak. I don’t mind telling you that the Wanderer is my top pick from the Sweet Protection helmet range. This might relate to how it fits, which you can read more about a little later.
For this Wanderer, Sweet Protection decided to use an ABS thermoplastic outer shell, which is produced using injection moulding. It maintains a sensible weight and is extremely impact resistant. However, the shell itself doesn’t absorb an impact and you need an internal foam liner to achieve this. Consequently, the ABS shell contains an Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) shock absorbing liner.
The Wanderer is an all round helmet that would be an excellent choice whether you’re a freestyler, river runner or extreme racer. You’ll notice two drain holes to shed water in the event of a roll, while to the rear of the helmet the Occigrip ratchet mechanism lets the paddler make quick size adjustments. A small brim sheds water but won’t be as effective at keeping the sun out of your eyes when compared with a Strutter peak or Rocker visor. As standard, the Wanderer leaves your ears exposed. There is the option to add ear pads for additional protection, being particularly popular on cold days. These are quick and simple to fit, being held in place by a number of press studs.
This helmet is such an amazing fit for a wide range of our customers. The value for money is stunning and it’s one of my go to recommendations when serving in our store.
Colours
Gloss White, Dirt Black, Neon Blue, Gloss Poppy Red, Gloss Shamrock, Gloss Panther
Price Level
£
What’s Included?
1 x Wanderer Helmet
1 x Self Adhesive Foam Fit Kit
1 x Carry Bag
Optional Extras
Ear pads
Weight (M/L)
550g
Sizing
S/M 53-56cm
M/L 56-59cm
L/XL 59-61cm
My Opinion On Fit
The Wanderer is true to size when you compare our in store fitting experiences with the Sweet Protection suggested guide. It best suits anyone with a round head shape. If you find the Rocker and Strutter pinch your temples and feel narrow then the Wanderer is likely to be the right choice.
Rocker / Rocker Full Face
A legend in our sport. The Rocker is undoubtedly the most popular model within the Sweet Protection range. Whether this relates to the incredible fit, or the attraction of pre prep exposed carbon fibre, we couldn’t say. Don’t underestimate the effect of carbon! The Rocker is Sweet Protection's range topping model and comes in either half cut or full face. If you’re in the world of full face helmets you likely don’t need my advice. Having said that, we are seeing an increasing number of paddlers using these on lower grades, whereas they used to reserved for class 5 and above. If it makes you feel more confident on the water, whatever the grade, then I’m all for it!
The construction of these class leading helmets is a little more complex than the Strutter and Wanderer models. This advanced helmet combines the elasticity of injection-molded thermoplastic with the rigidity and strength of carbon fiber. This enables Sweet to effectively tune the shell and liner for different properties in different areas, maximising performance. Internally the Rocker uses an Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) shock absorbing liner.
Material aside, one unique aspect of this model is the ability to customise the setup depending on conditions. The helmet includes a removable visor. This has clear advantages in terms of shedding water and keeping low winter sun out of your eyes. In addition, you’ll benefit from ear pads for additional protection, being particularly popular on cold days. These are quick and simple to fit, being held in place by a number of press studs.
The carbon reinforcement of the Rocker really makes clear its intent as the ultimate whitewater kayak helmet. While you could absolutely use it for static park and play freestyle paddling you might be better suited to the lighter weight Strutter model. The Rocker is most at home running rivers and creeks, where the superior protection and accessories can give you confidence. On a personal level I prefer the Rocker without the peak fitted, largely thanks to the resulting lower volume look. In this configuration you still benefit from a small brim, not dissimilar to the Wanderer. It remains effective for water shedding, but has little benefit for sun shade.
Colours
Gloss White, Dirt Black (HC only), Neon Blue, Gloss Poppy Red, Gloss Shamrock (HC only), Gloss Panther (HC only)
Price Level
£££
What’s Included?
1 x Rocker/Rocker FF Helmet
1 x Ear Pad Pair
1 x Visor including fittings
1 x Self Adhesive Foam Fit Kit
1 x Carry Bag
Weight (M/L)
530g (HC) 725g (FF)
Sizing
M/L 56-59cm
L/XL 59-61cm
My Opinion On Fit
The Rocker comes up slightly smaller than the Sweet Protection size guide would suggest. As a result, if your head circumference is 59cm and thus on the borderline between M/L and L/XL I’d suggest moving up. The Rocker best suits anyone with an oval head shape, so longer in the front to back dimension than side to side.
I hope that has made for interesting reading and clarified your understanding of the Sweet Protection helmet range. There is nothing quite like discussing this with a specialist and I’d encourage anyone to get in touch with our paddle staff today.
George
Robin Hood Watersports
01924 444888
