If you can get past the looks, this hat/helmet is the ideal form of head protection from the elements. I don't mind how it looks, but my wife thinks I look ridiculous wearing it. For what it's worth, this is the exact hat/helmet USPS couriers wear in the sun/rain.I've owned this helmet for a few years now and wear it primarily for fishing in my canoe and working in the yard. Due to the internal suspension system, it is noticeably less hot to wear than a regular hat that sits against your head collecting sweat. Air can pass between your head and the helmet shell and heat can dissipate through the holes. The plastic construction provides a few substantial benefits: First, it means that the helmet is fully waterproof and works as an excellent rain hat to keep your head/face/glasses dry. Second, it cannot be stained by sweat, mud, concrete, fish slime, etc., and is easily washed clean. Third, you don't need to worry about maintaining the shape of the helmet like you do with some full brim hats. Fourth, this thing actually provides some decent physical protection from things like low-hanging branches, hail, dive-bombing birds, etc.All in all, if you aren't too embarrassed to wear it, this hat/helmet is an exceptionally practical form of head protection. The only suggestion/improvement I would offer is to add some type of retention strap to keep it on your head in high winds. The elastic band on the brim is really just for looks. Although I find the shape and weight of the helmet to keep it in place most of the time, there have been very windy days that I had to take it off while out on the water so it didn't blow into the water. I'll probably add a retention strap/cord at some point.
Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!]