Gath USA Frequently Asked Questions
Helmet Care and Maintenance?
What are Comfort Strips and how do I use them?
Comfort strips are foam strips that allow you to customize the size of some of the Gath Helmets. At this time, the Surf Convertible (SFC) The EVA Sport Hat and the Gedi helmets use the Comfort Strips. Most helmets come with a specific size strip installed and include an extra strip that is one size larger to reduce the helmet size a bit further if needed. The Comfort Strip system allows a lot more adjustability in sizing and with some patience, ensures that everyone can get a perfect fit.
To simpily exchange comfort strips for a larger or smaller size, firmly grab the end of the installed strip and pull the entire piece out. Idenfity the strip you will install and ensure that the Comfort Strip and helmet are at least moderately warm (75 degrees F) You can leave the kit in the sun for a bit or use other mild heat source. If the adhesive is not warm enough it may not stick well.
Remove the backing strip. Place end of Comfort Strip into the channel at the back of the helmet at the centerline seam. Continue pushing the strip into the channel moving forward.
Firmly press the strip to achieve a good bond. Continue arond the circumference of the helmet. Cut the end as needed and butt the end against your starting point.
How do I remove or Install the Gath Ear Protector?
The Gath Surf Convertible and Gath Gedi Helmets feature removable ear protectors/ covers. If properly installed, it is nearly impossible for them to "fall out".
1) With a firm grip Insert the velcro tab of the ear protector in between the helmet liner and the helmet shell. NOTE: The Velcro tab is to help with alignment, the ear cover will be secured by the chin strap.
2)Ensure that the foam of the Ear Protector aligns with the foam of the helmet liner.
3) Tuck the chin strap webbing in between the plastic disc of the ear protector and the foam liner of the Ear Protector. Take care not to tear the foam. This requires some force and patience. Tuck one side, and then the other of each ear cover.
Removal is the reverse of the above steps.
How long should my Gath Helmet Last?
The usable life of your Gath helmet depends on how frequently it is used, how it is stored, and the conditions to which it is exposed. As with all safety equipment made from plastic materials, your helmet will degrade over time, even with proper care.
To help ensure your safety, please follow the care and maintenance guidelines and inspect your helmet regularly for any signs of damage or deterioration.
When do I Replace my Helmet?
You should replace your Gath helmet immediately if it has sustained a significant impact or there is any visible damage such as cracks, dents, or warping.
If individual components (e.g. straps, buckles) are damaged or worn, you may be able to replace them by contacting your Gath Dealer or by contacting Gath Sports directly for assistance.
Which Helmet should I buy?
Gath is now available in 5 models.
2026 Range includes:
GATH NEO Sport Hat
GATH EVA Sport Hat
GATH Surf Convertible (SFC)
GATH Gedi
GATH RGM
and making the best choice depends on…
Your sport or activity
Your build, head size and shape
The benefits or performance level you expect from your GATH helmet.
For example,
If your sport is IN THE WATER and WAVES, Surfing, Body Boarding or similar wave sports, a close, snug fit is important. Prone Surfers choose the Original Gath Neo, Gath Hat EVA, or Gath SFC (Surf Convertible).
If your sport is ON THE WATER and involves high speeds using: Hydrofoils, Windsurfing, Kite Surfing, Jet skiing or similar sports or activities, and your preference tends towards a Gath with a higher level of head protection, then the Gath Gedi may be your best choice, however many still choose any one of the four unique Gath helmets.
If you are purchasing a Gath helmet for FACE and EYE PROTECTION from the damaging UV SUN Light, then the Gath Gedi with peak or visor will serve you well.
If you want head protection without ear coverage and as little bulk as possible, the Gath Surf Convertible (SFC) with detachable ear protectors will provide you a smart balance between impact head protection and lightweight comfort.
All GATH helmets are unequally designed for water sports and provide the lightest, closest fit available to handle the more common thrashings in ocean waves or turbulent river white water situations, while still delivering a practical balance between performance and impact protection. Different Gath helmet models have different attachments: PEAKS, VISORS, DETACHABLE EAR PROTECTORS, WATERPROOF RADIO COMMUNICATION, ALTIMETER BASE PLATE AND COVER, GO PRO MOUNTS.
Gath recommends you visit your local Gath Dealer and try on the different models and sizes of Gath helmets before choosing. If you are unable to find a local Dealer with a range of Gath helmets then Gath recommends you carefully read the size guide for each helmet to help you best choose the Gath helmet to suit your needs.
I have a Huge head! Nothing ever fits, do you have something for me?
The GATH Gedi is your best bet. The Gedi is the largest fitting helmet in the GATH range, fits size XL-XXL (600-630 mm) and offers the highest level of impact.
The Gedi helmet features the Gath Comfort Strip Fitting System and can be sized up or down by adding different thickness comfort strips and is a better suited to a person with a large head size.
I have a tiny head! Which Gath Helmet should I get?
The GATH SURF CONVERTIBLE (SFC) Or Gath Gedi will likely work for you. The Gath SFC is the smallest fitting lightest helmet in the GATH range, fits XS-SM (530-560 mm) head size.
The Gath SFC helmet and the Gath Gedi helmet feature Gath Comfort Strip Fitting System and can be sized up or down by adding different thickness comfort strips to ensure a perfect custom fit, even for very small head sizes.
How do I choose the correct fit?
Fitting the Gath helmets on for size is recommended. Gath recommends you visit your local Gath dealer and after choosing your preferred model to try on helmets above and below your size to ensure you are choosing the correct size. Different models fit differently, so in some cases another model may fit better.
The helmet you choose must suit your head size and shape, fit firmly (not too tight) but comfortably and when correctly fitted you should NOT be able to push it back off your head. Helmets that don’t fit correctly and particularly helmets that can be dislodged even though they are correctly adjusted and strapped on are potentially dangerous.
If buying on-line, refer to the gathusa.com Products page and the appropriate size chart below the helmet of your choice. If you do not know your head size use a material measuring tape or string (by transferring the length of string onto a standard tape measure) and measure your head size around the forehead just above your ears. This will give you a close estimation of your head size and the Gath helmet size you should choose. If you purchase your Gath helmet online and receive the wrong size, Gath Dealers will generally exchange helmets to ensure you get the correct sized Gath of your choice, subject to Gath’s on-line terms of sale, which basically means the helmet must be returned promptly undamaged and you pay for any additional freight charges. Gath USA provides the extra handling service free of charge to ensure you receive the correct Gath of your choice.
The EVA, Gedi and SFC helmets feature Gath’s unique Comfort Strip Fit System and come with spare comfort strips to ensure you get a perfect snug fit. These Gath helmet models provide more adjustability and increase the success rate of choosing the correct size online.
Where can I find a Gath Helmet to try on?
Gath helmets are distributed throughout the world to over 50 countries and are generally sold through sports stores or surf shops. However, most shops only carry a small sample range of Gath Helmets and if they do not have your preferred size and model in most cases will order one for you.
To find your leading dealer visit www.gathusa.com enter your zip code and the dealer locator will show you your closest Gath Dealer. If you still have difficulty purchasing a Gath helmet you can buy directly from Gath USA on https://www.murrays.com for the complete range of Gath. Some of our dealers offer the helmets through Amazon as well.
I notice that Gath Helmets are very flexible and lightweight, How Strong are Gath Helmets compared to other lightweight sports helmets?
NSAI Irish Standard https://infostore.saiglobal.com/preview/is/en/2012/i.s.en1385-2012.pdf?sku=1516032
SLSA BULLETIN
https://www.surflifesaving.com.au/news/slsa-bulletin–2/bulletin-mandating-wearing-of-helmets-in-surf-boats-gn-checked1.pdf
UNITED STATES CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION
https://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/sports-fitness-and-recreation-bicycles/which-helmet-which-activity
This article total supports the FLEXI DESIGN CONSTRUCTION, the same design principle Gath has been incorporating since 1988 and continues to stand by today. It is the same design principle adopted by car manufacturers many years ago, a car that partially crumbles will absorb the impact energy better than a more rigid car that will not crumble, the impact energy is transferred, rather than absorbing and dispersing the force of the blow.
Gath helmets have been used by the world’s elite sports professionals and sports enthusiasts in a large number of extreme sports and weather conditions that test a helmet to its limits in both strength and durability and impact absorbing properties. Gath’s IMPRESSIVE 20-year safety record speaks for itself and is supported by the numerous testimonials from customers claiming their Gath has saved them from serious injury or even saved their life.
An example of these testimonies is from a Gath Team rider wearing his Gedi in a high-speed downhill bicycle accident. Thrown from his bike and slammed the back of his head (Gath Gedi) onto a hard gravel surface, he walked away with only his pride damaged and shortly after wrote to Gath to praise his Gedi for saving him from serious injury
Even though Gath does not recommend use of Gath helmets for cycling or for other land-based sports, and Gath’s range of helmets have not been submitted for testing to cycle standards, this and many other real life incidents that the Gath helmets have withstood supports the Gath FLEXI DESIGN construction and suggests that impact properties exceed intended use.
What's the difference between a Gath Neo Sport Hat and a Gath EVA sport hat?
The Gath Neo Sport hat and the EVA Sport hat are both based on the Original Gath Surf Hat with the added option of two different headbands.
- Gath NEO Sport hat with Neoprene Headband (3-4mm thick wetsuit material).
- Gath EVA hat with EVA Headband (10mm thick), the same material as the helmet’s foam liner.
The Original Gath NEO hat with Neoprene Headband is well known for its comfortable snug fit and excellent performance in the Surf and Sky. The patented high cut shell and expandable headband combine to provide an automatic close comfortable fit and after 29 years is today still the preferred choice for many Gath buyers. This model is ideal for the more common head shapes. But head shapes with a long or high forehead do not fit this model well, as the helmet can sit higher or further back than intended.
The latest model GH with EVA Headband features Gath’s unique Comfort Strip Fit System which combines with the EVA Headband and allows for a perfect custom fit even for the more uncommon high or long forehead shapes. The 10mm thick EVA Headband also provides added forehead protection against impact injury. If you have a high or long shaped forehead and wish to purchase a GH, then the GH with EVA Headband may be more suitable.
Both model GH Helmets are bought for the same sports and are equally as popular, it is a matter of head shape and personal preference to which you should choose. Gath recommends you try both models before choosing.
NOTE: The EVA Sport Hat generally runs a bit smaller than the Neo Sport Hat.
My audio vents seem broken or are difficult to open, what do I do?
When the helmet is new, the Audio Vents may be a little tight. To open and close the Audio Vent Outer Grill easily, push the center of the Audio Vent on the inside of the helmet while turning the outer grill. Once they have been opened and closed a few times rotating the outer grill becomes easy.
Which Gath Helmet is suited to my extreme sport?
This is a difficult question to answer quickly because there are choices to be made.
The final decision will depend on your sport or activity, your build, head size and shape and your personal preferences. It will also depend upon the reason you are choosing to wear a helmet. Whilst impact protection is a primary consideration, it is not the only consideration for water sports enthusiasts. For example, a helmet with a seemingly high level of impact protection may not serve you well in a serious accident situation if it doesn’t well fit your head, moves around too much, degrades quickly – or if it is poorly designed and constantly slips after only a short time in use.
For example, a helmet with a seemingly high level of impact protection may not serve you well in a serious accident situation if it doesn’t well fit your head, moves around too much, degrades quickly – or if it is poorly designed and constantly slips after only a short time in use.
Whilst impact protection is a primary consideration, it is not the only consideration for water sports enthusiasts. For example, a helmet with a seemingly high level of impact protection may not serve you well in a serious accident situation if it doesn’t well fit your head, moves around too much, degrades quickly – or if it is poorly designed and constantly slips after only a short time in use.
There are also other demands by today’s extreme sports enthusiasts that are not as critical for a land based helmet, but vital for a well-designed water sports helmet. Some of these include good peripheral vision, options for hydrodynamic sun protection, ear and eye protection, good water drainage, the ability to wear continuously when wet without becoming too heavy causing discomfort or potential for repetitive strain injury. These are also important safety considerations.
Surfing and similar “in the water” sports involving frequent heavy pushing through waves or heavy turbulent water contact, requires a close-fitting helmet that delivers a balance between impact protection with little to no bucketing effect.
Perhaps the best way to answer the question is to point out some of the design and protective benefits of each model. These benefits, combined with the way a particular Gath model fits your head, should be the deciding factors.
All Gath helmets – when compared to many other brands.
- More coverage
- More stability
- More peripheral vision
- More comfort
- Ear protection
- Longer lasting
- Unique accessories – attachable/removable visors AND peaks/bills
GATH GEDI 450-490 gram
- Gath’s most impact protective helmet
- Marginally more voluminous than surfing Gaths, but more lightweight and stable when compared to other helmets on the market offering similar levels of impact protection
- The uniqueness of the Gedi is that it remains close fitting and snug whilst offering more direct impact protection than Gath’s surfing models
- A Higher level of impact protection makes the Gedi more ideal for whitewater and similar sports where collision with rocks or similar objects are constant injury mechanisms. (Accredited to EN 1385 Canoeing and Whitewater Sports)
- The ability to add peaks and visors is also appreciated by many enthusiasts
- Attachable/Removable ear protection
Chosen by: Paddle Sports enthusiasts, including Whitewater. Tow-in surfers, PWC operators, kitesurfers, windsurfers, wakeboarders, waterskiers, riverboarders, base jumpers, swoopers, wingsuiters.
GATH SURF CONVERTIBLE 415-475 gram
- The coolest, lowest profile Gath
- Many claims this is the most comfortable Gath of all – the helmet you can truly forget you are wearing
-
Designed for wave sports enthusiasts and those more in the surf and waves than on the water
- Best water immersion, ideal for punching through the waves
- Cut marginally higher at the back than the classic Gath Hat for those that constantly look upwards and outwards, no constant pressures from the back edge of the helmet, more room for high neck wetsuits (still completely covers the Standards Test Area)
- Least neck wrenching
- A good level of impact protection for the more regular surfing injury mechanisms (boards, fins, reef) whilst maintaining low drag performance essential.
- Attachable/Removable ear protection (many surfers do not want ear protection, claiming it adversely affects their balance)
- If the Gedi is too much helmet for you, then this mini Gath could be the best friend in the surf you will ever have
Chosen by: Surfers, kitesurfers, windsurfers, wave skiers, sailing and yachting sports enthusiasts, surf kayakers.
CLASSIC GATH HAT with EVA Headband 440-490 gram
- Classic Original Design now improved for 2008 – incorporating popular Surf Convertible design features
- EVA Headband (increased forehead protection) and liner system of the Surf Convertible (increased comfort, more size adjustability, more room for the ears)
- Full shell coverage over the ears preferred by some with ear exostosis and similar ear problems
- Warmth, full shell coverage has more warmth than Surf Convertible
- Extended shell at rear has more coverage for sports like Kiteboarding, where board rebound can be a regular injury mechanism
Chosen by: Surfers, kitesurfers, windsurfers, freefalling skydivers
CLASSIC GATH HAT with Neoprene Headband 360-390 gram
- Classic ever popular original design
- Neoprene Headband – expandable, caters well for a multitude of head shapes
- Full shell coverage over the ears preferred by some with ear exostosis and similar ear problems
- Warmth, full shell coverage has more warmth than Surf Convertible
Chosen by: Surfers, kitesurfers, windsurfers, freefalling skydivers
Do you have kids sizes?
Whilst GATH does not currently produce a “Children’s Helmet” we have seen that children's head sizes range wildly, just like adults! Start by measuring the head you're trying to fit, and see where the size stacks up.
The new RGM helmet is generally a child's skateboard helmet sizing up to about an adult medium.
The SFC and EVA are available in Xsmall (520 – 535 mm)