Advice on Helmets

[Ski Spirit]

I don't wear a helment but have been advised that it would be a good idea to get one...so it's on the list. Any advice/recommendations on buying a helmet? Any differences in looking for a helmet for a guy vs. a woman? My husband refuses to wear one and I'm working on him to change his mind..........

 

[chaletlaforet]

I always wear a helmet - once you're used to it, you don't really notice it at all. I've been seriously grateful for it a few times, too.

Some manufacturers do make women's specific models but I think (might be wrong?) it's more the colour than anything else...I have two and neither are specific women's models.

People's head shapes are wildly different so you really need to try it on...Make sure you take your goggles with you as some goggles just don't fit well with some helmets. The helmet shouldn't slip back when you shake your head - wear it for a few minutes while you walk around the shop to make sure it really is comfortable. They usually have some padding that you can move around inside to fit your head better - e.g. mine's really narrow so I need extra at the sides - and it's worth doing this in the shop too.

I reckon that if someone doesn't want to wear one, it's hard to talk them into it...best thing is to lead by example - when he sees you looking supercool in yours, he may change his mind!

 

[Kimmyt]

Tell him it's the easiest way to look NOT like a gaper!

The Boy and I were standing at the top of a little halfpipe I think in Breckenridge and waiting for the crowd to disperse to drop in. The kids that rolled up after us were like, 'well you guys go first, because you MUST be good, you've got helmets'. We laughed at that and then I proceeded to snowplow down the halfpipe (well, not really, but I dont EVER go in halfpipes for a reason!)

K.

 

[Jilly]

I have to agree with the advice already given. Take a day and try on as many style and manufacturers as possible. Kimmyt, here in Ontario and Quebec you can't go into a 1/2 pipe without a helmet. All parks need helmets to get on the features. I like my helmet because its warm. I've got the Salomon Siam with soft ears and they are furry. I also have a Boeri that looks like a bowling ball, but it is warm for those -20 days!! Don't buy the first thing, try lots on!

 

[lil mountain girl]

i'm so excited you want to give helmets a go!
i am a HUGE fan of mine . . . it's warm, protects my head, and it's wicked for tree skiing (just tuck in your chin so that branches will never smack you in the face or head again ;))

my two cents . . .
women's specific helmets???
what other hair-brained marketing schemes will they come up with?:p

the most important thing is fit:

make sure it's the right shape (no pinching, gaps, or pressure points!)

it's snug, not tight (or loose).
a good test for this is to put the helmet on and leave the straps undone . . . tilt your head forward -- if it fits, it should still be on your head!

ALSO really important is how the helmet works with your goggles!!!!

so when you go helmet shopping rememer to bring them to make sure they fit together and you've got good ventalation in your goggles still (some helmet/goggle combos can impede ventalation, causing your goggles to fog :( )

and consider lil extras . . . lots of helmets have removable warmth-padding so on cold days it stays in, but you can take it off on warm spring days!

happy helmet shopping :D

 

[ski now work later]

I like my Giro Fuse helmet because the vents are so easy to open and close and it's light. It also accepts Tune Ups to replace the ear pads so I can listen to music on uncrowded days with my iPod nano.

 

[Ski Spirit]

Great Advice!

Thanks for all of the great tips! It's at the top of my shopping list for next season.

 

[Ski Spirit]

Fit Tips

Special thanks for the tip on fit. Haven't read about the fit test before...sounds like a really good test. You guys are great!

 

[persee]

I really like my Giro 9. It fits great, keeps my head warm, and the ear coverings keep my ears warm but still let me hear. I've never seen a "woman specific" helmet but it sounds nuts. Head shape/size has nothing to do with gender. Do they put some kinda ponytail hole in the back?!

 

[Pequenita]

Do they put some kinda ponytail hole in the back?!

Actually, yes! I haven't seen anyone wear one, though....

 

[OzSki]

I love my helmet. I started witht the Giro sonic (very basic) and now have the fuse (vent adjustment, lighter and not as bulky).
I think it took about half a day to get used to now it's second nature. Helmet hair is no worse than the beanie of wind swept look. Go try heaps on and see what works, make sure you take your goggles.
I also work as a paramedic near the ski fields and while I have heard a lot of discussion about the pros and cons of them, I personally think they are great and have saved a few people from what otherwise may have been a nasty head injury.
I remember chatting to a young guy (late teens) who had broken his leg after hitting a tree. He commented he would have been alot worse off if he wasn't wearing his helment. He made the point that you wear one to ride a bike and to skate, so why wouldn't you to ski as you tend to be doing the same speed if not quicker.

 

[Native Vail Gal]

Well....you all know how I feel about a helmet.....WEAR ONE!!!! It WILL change your life! :D

 

[Captain]

I started wearing one after a comment from a friend about the terrain I liked to ski and after I skied at Winter Park in the trees. It kind of scared me b/c those limbs were so low plus if I caught an edge, I'd smash into the trunk. So I got one and use it all the time. I used to ride horses and my moto was never put a foot in the stirrup w/out a helmet (ok - stole the saying from my coach, but still - I always follow it). So why not apply the same habit with skis?

In my opinion, the most important thing is that it fits right. Most helmets are pretty close in protection (to my knowledge), but to buy one that is supposedly better than one that fits you better does no good. It has to STAY ON YOUR HEAD. So try a bunch, get one that fits well (snug, but not headache tight) and cinch up the chin strap (again - not tight, but snug). I see so many people with loose chin straps on biking helmets, ski helmets and riding helmets (ponies) and know that it's not going to help much if you fall/hit a tree or otherwise.

And agree with the others - the helmets are lightweight and you get used so quickly that you'll feel naked w/out it. Also keeps you WARM when it's cold - way better than any wool/polar fleece hat.

One thing I wish I had gotten was the ability to slide the air vents open and closed. I can remove the pads that block the vents, but then have to carry them. They're a little more expensive, but to me, it's worth it not to have to stuff my pockets.

 

[altagirl]

I can't imagine going back to wearing a hat - helmets are so much more comfortable. And with adjustable vents, they are very adaptable to the conditions - warmer when you need them to be, breathable when it's warm out. If it's really cold, I add a helmet liner.

And I just can't see skiing without one. I wouldn't bike without a helmet, and I'm going even faster on skis!

Do go try on all of them that you can find. And bring your goggles! (Of course if you find the perfect helmet, maybe it's worth just replacing the goggles, but just know that they all don't work together perfectly.)

 

[SnowHot]

Well....you all know how I feel about a helmet.....WEAR ONE!!!! It WILL change your life! :D

Don't wear one, and it could change your life too!

I can't imagine NOT wearing a helmet, for biking, skiing, Snowmobiling, dirtbiking.................you name it, I have a brain bucket to do it.