Helmets: warranties compared
15 brands. We read every warranty so you don't have to. Checked through October 2026.
15 of 15 brands cover helmets in full for one year or less. The longest full coverage is 1 year, from 5 brands. 11 brands keep some parts covered after full coverage ends, and 1 keeps something covered for life.
Every brand, side by side
- 1Bern56/100Full: 1 yearPartial: to lifetimePartial covers: Crash replacement
- 2Xenith35/100Full: NonePartial: to 10 yearsPartial covers: Helmet shell; Assembled liner; Comfort pads
- 3Riddell23/100Full: NonePartial: to 5 yearsPartial covers: Varsity helmet shell; Youth helmet shell
- 4Schutt23/100Full: NonePartial: to 5 yearsPartial covers: Varsity helmet; Youth helmet; Helmet internal parts
- 5Bell21/100Full: 1 yearNo partial coverage
- 6Giro21/100Full: 1 yearNo partial coverage
- 7Lumos21/100Full: 1 yearNo partial coverage
- 8Retrospec21/100Full: 1 yearNo partial coverage
- 9Oakley18/100Full: NonePartial: to 3 yearsPartial covers: Crash replacement discount
- 10Smith18/100Full: NonePartial: to 3 yearsPartial covers: Whole helmet
- 11Smith Optics18/100Full: NonePartial: to 3 yearsPartial covers: Helmet
- 12Cascade13/100Full: NonePartial: to 1 yearPartial covers: Helmet
- 13CCM13/100Full: NonePartial: to 1 yearPartial covers: Helmet
- 14POC13/100Full: NonePartial: to 1 yearPartial covers: Whole product
- 15Thousand13/100Full: NonePartial: to 1 yearPartial covers: Whole product
From each maker's published warranty. “Unverified” means we couldn't confirm the terms on the maker's own site. How we rate warranties
What these warranties often leave out
- Accidental breaks and misuse7 of 15 brands
- Normal wear and tear4 of 15 brands
- Cracks2 of 15 brands
- Water damage2 of 15 brands
- Batteries1 of 15 brands
- Scratches, dents and looks1 of 15 brands
How long stores give you to return it
Longest return window first, for helmets.
- CostcoMost itemsNo fixed deadline
- evoPacific Northwest and Mountain West storesMost items366 days
- BackcountryMost items90 days from delivery
- REIMost items90 days
- TargetMost items90 days
- WalmartMost items90 days
Show all 11 stores
- Big 5 Sporting GoodsWestern US storesMost items90 days
- ScheelsMidwest and Mountain West storesMost items90 days
- Academy Sports + OutdoorsMost items60 days
- Sun & Ski SportsTexas and Southeast storesMost items30 days
- Play It Again SportsMost items7 days from delivery
From each store's published return policy, using its rule for helmets where it has one. Member and holiday extensions aren't counted. Check yours before you buy.
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Questions shoppers ask
Which brand of helmets has the best warranty?
On paper, Bern scores highest, with 1 year of full coverage and longer coverage on some parts.
Is a long warranty on helmets really that long?
Often not for the whole product. Many longer warranties cover only certain parts after the first year or two, and you usually pay for the labor. The bars above show full and partial coverage separately.
Do I need to register to get the warranty?
None of the 15 brands require registration for their basic coverage. Registering can still get you recall notices. Keep your receipt either way.
Forward the receipt and I-BUY.AI tracks the return window and warranty for you.