Helmet Fit

[Kano]

The other day, someone mentioned that a helmet should fit tightly enough so that it doesn't come off by itself if it's unbuckled.

I didn't realize it until sometime late last season, but the helmet I was wearing was way too big. I bought a new one this fall, and what a difference!

DH and I were talking about it today on the way down the hill. I said to him, how's your helmet fit? He said, well, you know, between the helmet and the goggles, I don't have as much peripheral vision as I'd like to, and, you know, I'm getting old, so I can't turn my head as far as I used to...

And I said, hey, if Alicia's helmet is smaller than yours, and it fits, you should try it! It's the one I WAS wearing (daughter's not skiing, not using it, might as well save money, eh?). I described to him that I couldn't see to the sides, couldn't seem to turn my head very far in it. What it took me a LONG time to realize was that I was turning my head, and when my nose couldn't move in the bridge of my goggles anymore, it was pushing my helmet around too -- so I was turning my head and my helmet was staying put! No WONDER I couldn't see left/right!

What a difference a smaller helmet makes! I'm just amazed at the feeling of mobility, and how much better I can see around me! I'm sure it will pass, but for now, I look around more than I ever used to, just because I'm so delighted that I can!

So, while fit is very important for safety, it's really nice just because it feels better!

Kano

 

[Lola]

I've always heard that the helmet should be tight enough around your head so that if you put your hands on the helmet and move it up and down, your skin around your eyes should move with the helmet. If you skin stays put, the helmet is too big.

Now, I don't know if that is true - or if it is just a rumor, but my helmet fits that tight.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

I'd been told that the right helmet will fit snugly enough that the strap has no bearing on the fit at all. Not unlike ski boots, where I was told years ago that the buckles should never determine the fit.

As for skin around the eyes, well, I think that might be "age dependent!" Doesn't take much to make mine move! Seriously, too big is no fun, and too small, ouch. We have more and more choices in manufacturers/styles, etc., now, thank goodness.

Glad you've got a good, comfy fit now and are happy. The right helmet won't make itself conspicuous where your awareness of it is concerned.

 

[skigrl27]

I have 2 helmets & kinda hate both of them! Neither work well with my goggles.

Luckily I get 30% off helmets & Smith goggles through work. It may just be time to go shopping again. Gee...isn't that too bad!!