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A Flashy, Stylish, and Roomy Helmet with Impressive Safety Certifications

Bern Hudson Helmet Review 2024Bern Hudson Helmet Review 2024

When you’re riding an e-bike capable of speeds well above 20 miles per hour, a regular bike helmet just doesn’t cut the mustard. Maximum protection is paramount, which is why the Bern Hudson is specifically rated for e-bikes and includes multiple safety features and certifications that back up its effectiveness. Find out what other features separate this helmet from the rest in this Bern Hudson helmet review!

The Hudson’s safety features range from the ever-important MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) layer that can reduce the likelihood of concussions to NTA-8776 certification that rates the helmet for safety up to 45km/h or 27.96 mph. Additionally, the Virginia Tech Helmet Labwhich tests the concussion risk reduction value of bike helmets, awarded the Hudson its maximum rating of 5 STARs (Summation of Tests for the Analysis of Risk). The lab can’t guarantee that you won’t get a concussion – but this is as close to a guarantee as you can get.


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Pros
  • Made specifically for use with e-bikes, with safety ratings including NTA-8776 certification and a 5 STAR score from Virginia Tech.
  • Includes a removable, washable liner with a flippable visor to keep the sun at bay.
  • Available in six appealing colors including Sand, Mint, and Hi-Viz yellow.
  • Secures to your bike when locking it up thanks to U-lock compatible vents.
  • Includes a removable “clickmount” LED light with 10-hour capacity.
  • Offers a roomy feel for those with larger heads.
  • Compatible with an optional winter liner with ear protection.
Cons
  • Sizing seemed large and inconsistent with other Bern helmets; the Major that we also tested was advertised with a wider fit range but felt smaller than the Hudson.

As a desert dweller, I can attest that on bright, clear days, sometimes sunglasses just aren’t enough. For similar situations, the Bern Hudson helmet includes a visor that can be flipped up or down as needed for better visibility. In my experience, this makes the helmet feet much more like a ball cap with a bit more bulk and a chin strap. With the ability to be easily removed and washed, this visor is functional – and it just looks cool!

Speaking of looking cool, the Hudson (as with most of Bern’s helmet models) is available in a variety of color options. The brand’s youth line offers the most pizzazz, but the Hudson comes in six matte and satin hues including Black, White, Sand, Mint, Hi-Viz, and Turquoise. I specifically requested the Hi-Viz helmet – and jeez! The photos did not do its eye-catching color justice. It’s impossible to miss.

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Reinforced vents are large enough to accommodate the shackle of a U-lock.

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The Hudson’s visor can be flipped up or down depending on sunlight, or removed entirely for cleaning.

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An adjustable fit system with a “Compass” dial customizes the Hudson’s fit.

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The helmet’s neon Hi-Viz yellow color is as bright as it gets!

When it comes to fit and function, the helmet fared generally well in terms of comfort, with one major caveat. The helmet seemed to be made for those with exceptionally large domes, and its fit was significantly roomier than expected. As someone with a relatively large cranium, I expected to need the Large size, but I’d likely have been fine with a Medium, as the Large rested low and folded my ears. The Hudson also seemed inconsistent when compared with the Bern Major that we also tested simultaneously; a Large in that model fit my head perfectly.

To each their own though. Griffin from our team found a better fit here with the Hudson than with the Major. As the one with the biggest head in our office (his words) he preferred the sizing of the Hudson.

Otherwise, the padding, adjustability, and overall comfort seemed to be great. I appreciated that there was a removable top pad, and the visor worked far better at keeping the sun out of my eyes than the integrated forward-pointing brim that some other helmets feature.

One feature of the Hudson that separates it from many of Berns other models is its removable, micro-USB rechargeable “clickmount” LED light – though unfortunately I was unable to test this feature as it was not included in our shipment. With water resistance, an advertised 10-hour battery life and three light modes, it seems a useful addition that is

Bottom line: the Hudson is best for riders who need a roomier fit, and who want excellent safety ratings paired with both flashy and muted color options.

Specs and Features

  • Sizing: 52 – 61.5cm (20 ½” – 24 ¼”) comes in three sizes (S, M, L)
  • MIPS: Yes
  • Number of vents: 13

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