Helmet picks

[num]

So I've been planning to get a helmet, and a gift card (the american express kind that you can use like a credit card) from my friend has upgraded it onto my short term to do list.

I don't know much about what's out there in helmets, I just know that different kinds work for differently shaped heads, so I'm trying a bunch on for fit. I'm trying to make a "to try" list of helmets now. Anyone have any suggestions for the list? What do you guys use? Is there anything I should know about certifications and testing? Anything you've used and had problems with?

 

[smpayne]

I have the K2 Ultra - I really like it. It was the one that was the most comfortable on and is one of the lightest weight helmets out there. It however, is not the warmest helmet (which for me is good - most of my ski days are 40+ degrees). The earflaps don't cover the ears very well, on real cold & windy days, a light weight knit cap would be helpful.

Just remember every helmet should be replaced after a crash where your head hit the ground (or other stationary object).

 

[ski diva]

My helmet's a few years old. It's a Boeri; I happened into a ski shop right when the Boeri rep was doing a helmet-fitting demo for the staff, so he used me as the demo and I got an excellent fit. One of the things I like about it is that the shell doesn't extend over your ears -- there are soft pieces, instead. Makes me feel less like my head's in a fish bowl. Also, there are vents in the front that can be opened or closed, depending on how warm or cold you are.

Boeri has a pretty good web site you might want to check out: https://www.boeriusa.com/

 

[volklgirl]

Basically, just try on a bunch of different makes and models - like ski boots, each manufacturer uses a different "head shape". Also, unless you're racing or you get really cold, you'll probably want to avoid the ones that have the hard shell on your ears and up to your cheek bones. I'd look for a soft ear helmet. If you routinely jam to music while you ski, the Giro line with the Tune-Ups is a great investment.

A helmet should fit super-snug, but without giving you a headache or any pressure points. With the chin strap just snug, you should not be able to roll the helmet off your head either forward or back. Your brow should move when you grab the helmet and twist or pull.

All adult and most junior helmets for skiing should meet ANSI and Snell standards. I found that my K2 helmet pads packed out after 1 season of use until the helmet was just too big. I really like my Giro Chronic (I think), but it's a junior helmet because I have a little-bitty-kiddie head.

 

[sleddog]

I've had the Giro 9 for 3 years now - it fit me better than the Giro Fuse. The "9" is low tech - in that you have to remove plugs from the inside for venting in warm weather. My SO has the "Fuse" which has a sliding lever for venting - much easier to adjust as the temps change during the day. Boeri and Salomon make some nice helmets also - but make sure it fits well. Volklgirl is right on with the fit characteristics. Plan on spending close to $100 for a good helmet. The less expensive ones work fine but tend to be less comfortable - Since your head won't be growing, get a good one to begin with - you won't be sorry!

I was always one of those people who would ski without a hat if it was above about 15 degrees as I couldn't stand the itchy feeling of a hat - regardless of whether is was wool or fleece. I love the helmet though and they're so light that I've forgotten that it's on and gotten in the car to drive home - much to the mirth of my daughter.:p

 

[Lola]

I've had the Giro 9 for 3 years now . .

I also have the Giro 9, and this is my 3rd year with it.

 

[smpayne]

I found that my K2 helmet pads packed out after 1 season of use until the helmet was just too big.

That explains why my helmet is now starting to feel too big. I only have about 1/2 of the pads in, so there is room for more. I know on the bike helmets, you can usually get the manufacture to send new/extra pads for free, I wonder if K2 will do the same? I have been tempted to actually creat my own, in the shape I want instead of just the little 3" rectangles.

 

[Jilly]

I have the Salomon Siam helmet. It has "furry" ear pieces. I also have a Boeri full hard ear helmet for the cold Tremblant weather. The 2007 version of the Siam or Diadem has a better fit mechanism, more like a construction hard hat. I wouldn't need all the pads I have in mine. I don't know how many guys have spoken to me about my helmet. They'd like the "furry" ears for their ladies!!

 

[Lilgeorg]

I also have the Giro Nine Bad girl. It is good for small heads and although you have to take the pads out to vent it, I have never been so warm in it that I needed to do that. I would also suggest a skull cap for under the helmet. If your head sweats you have the cap to wash. It also helps keep the inside of the helmet from getting yucky.

 

[num]

Thanks for the suggestions. My list just keeps growing...though that's a good thing!

I'm hot blooded and pretty much never get cold, so I'm looking for something vented that doesn't have hard earpieces. Though furry ears sound good

I just got the WSIA coupon book, basically a book with a lift ticket to each of the 12 wisconsin hills that participate, and a free tune for 80 bucks. Apparently this year they added helmet coupons, which are vouchers for a free helmet rental at most of the places, and 10 percent off a helmet at one hill's ski shop.

I hope they'll have some of the ones I want to try as rentals.

 

[Jilly]

Num - be careful of rentals. You don't know where that head's been. You might want to try a helmet beanie with the rentals. (I'm thinking head lice, etc - YUCK!)

 

[num]

Lice, eek!

Thanks for mentioning that, I wouldn't've thought of it. The first thing that came to mind when you said that was a swim cap unter a helmet, heh. I'm going in for another try on a bunch of helmets at a shop session tomorrow. With luck, I might just skip the whole rental thing.

And on a side note, is it just my head, or has anyone else tried on the Giro Fuse and felt like the sizes didn't add up right? The large fit me more snug than the medium. I thought they might've been mislabled, so I tried on a few different ones of the same sizes, and it was the same. Extra wierd because it wasn't the case with any of the other models. Guess either they've got a shipping/labling issue or I've got a head issue.

 

[volklgirl]

Don't know about the Fuse Medium or Large, but the Small fits correctly....at least the ones I've tried.

 

[sskier]

I have a Marker and a Giro Fuse. I love both.
With the fuse the air vent can be adjusted with a slide at the top/back of the helmet.