The Bangproof Helmet V2 is, right now, our best-selling watersports helmet. It's not a coincidence. It hits a price point that doesn't ask riders to compromise, comes in colours bold enough to stand out on the water, and — crucially — delivers a fit that actually stays put once the session gets lively. This post breaks down exactly what makes it keep selling, what changed in the V2, how to pick your colour, and how to get the size right first time.

Bangproof Helmet V2 in Acid Drop (purple and yellow) — best-selling watersports bucket helmet at Northern Watersports

What Is the Bangproof Helmet V2?

The Bangproof V2 is a bucket-style watersports helmet built for kitesurfing, wingfoiling, windsurfing, and wakeboarding. It's designed to protect without feeling like a hard hat — the soft bucket shape keeps it comfortable and low-profile, while the internal adjustable fit system and padded chin strap ensure it stays locked in when things get rough.

At £125, it sits in a sweet spot: more affordable than premium hard-shell options, but noticeably more refined than budget alternatives. It comes in seven colourways across four sizes, covering head circumferences from 51 cm to 65 cm, which means most riders can find an exact fit rather than settling.

What Changed in the V2?

The original Bangproof bucket helmet already had a following — but two issues came up repeatedly in feedback: the fit could shift in heavy chop, and the chin strap caused irritation on longer sessions. The V2 is a direct response to both.

Bangproof Helmet V2 showing internal structure and improved fit system for kitesurfing and wingfoiling
  • Adjustable Fit System — A new internal dial lets you fine-tune the fit to your head shape. Once dialled in, it doesn't move between sessions and stays stable through crashes, chop, and hard landings.
  • Improved Chin Strap Padding — The padded chin strap removes the friction point that riders on long sessions or cold-water sessions noticed most with the original.
  • Broader Colour Range — Seven colourways at launch vs the more limited V1 options. More on that below.

The result is a helmet that feels noticeably more polished than the V1 — the adjustable system in particular is the kind of upgrade you appreciate most after an hour in the water, when you realise the helmet still hasn't moved.

The Colours — Which One Should You Get?

The Bangproof V2's colour range is one of the things that gets people talking about it. Here's a quick breakdown of each colourway and who tends to reach for it:

Colour Character Best Pairing
Acid Drop (purple & yellow) High-energy, bold, polarising in the best way Colourful kites and wetsuits
Desert Camo Muted and earthy, works with almost everything Neutral or dark kit
Leopard Distinctive and fun — hard to miss on the beach Bold or patterned wetsuits
Black Clean and classic, pairs with anything Universal — any kit
Grey Understated and versatile Monochrome or technical-looking kit
Khaki Earthy and relaxed — the outdoor adventurer's pick Casual or natural tones
Orange Maximum visibility — great for busy or open-water sessions Safety-first riders; great for downwinders

Our two most-ordered colourways are Black (reliable, no-decision) and Acid Drop (riders who want to commit to a look). If you're doing open-water sessions or solo downwinders, the Orange is worth considering purely for visibility.

Who Is the Bangproof V2 For?

It genuinely covers a wide range of riders, but it's the right choice particularly for:

  • Beginner kitesurfers and wingfoilers who are learning the sport, crashing regularly, and need solid protection at a price that makes sense
  • Intermediate riders who want a reliable everyday helmet without paying hard-shell premium prices
  • Windsurfers and wakeboarders who prefer the bucket style's comfort and breathability
  • Anyone doing longer sessions who has found other helmets uncomfortable to wear for more than an hour

It's not aimed at high-speed foiling where a full hard-shell is the better call. For those use cases, our full helmets collection covers hard-shell options from Mystic, Forward WIP, and Ensis.

Size Guide

Measure around the widest point of your head, roughly 1 cm above your ears. Use that measurement against the table below. If you're between sizes, go up — the adjustable internal system gives you the room to dial it in to a secure fit.

Size Head Circumference
S 51–54 cm
M 54.5–57 cm
L 57.5–60.5 cm
XL 61–65 cm
Close-up of the Bangproof Helmet V2 adjustable fit dial and padded chin strap system

How Does It Compare to Other Helmets We Stock?

The Bangproof V2 is a bucket-style helmet — which means it prioritises comfort, packability, and everyday wearability. That puts it in a different category from moulded hard-shells like the Mystic Vandal, which offer higher impact ratings but more bulk. Neither is wrong; they serve different riders.

If you want to compare across the full range of helmet styles and brands, our Mystic helmet comparison guide is a useful starting point for understanding the protection categories.

FAQ

Is the Bangproof Helmet V2 suitable for kitesurfing?
Yes. It's designed specifically for watersports including kitesurfing, wingfoiling, windsurfing, and wakeboarding.

What's the difference between the Bangproof V1 and V2?
The V2 adds an adjustable internal fit dial and improved chin strap padding — both targeted at the most common issues with the original helmet.

Will it stay on in strong winds or rough water?
Yes. The adjustable fit system keeps the helmet stable once set, and the chin strap secures it further. It's designed for exactly those conditions.

What size should I order?
Measure your head at its widest point, about 1 cm above the ears. If you're between sizes, size up — the adjustment system lets you tighten it to a secure fit.

Is the Bangproof V2 good for beginners?
Yes — it's our go-to recommendation for riders just starting out. Good protection, comfortable to wear for a full session, and priced fairly for what you get.

Which colour is most popular?
Black and Acid Drop are our two most ordered colourways. Orange is the top pick for riders who want maximum visibility on the water.

Is it comfortable for long sessions?
Yes — the chin padding and adjustable fit make a real difference over time. Riders consistently report being able to forget they're wearing it after the first few minutes.

In stock now, shipped from the UK.

The Bangproof Helmet V2 is £125, available in seven colours and four sizes. If you're not sure which helmet suits your discipline or style of riding, browse our full kitesurfing and wing foil helmets collection.

Northern Watersports