How to choose the right ski helmet?

While previously ski helmets were used only by downhill skiers and extreme sportsmen, now it is the norm for all categories of skiers. And in most countries and ski resorts, wearing a helmet while skiing is a mandatory condition for admission to the slope, even if you are mastering a "frog pond" (a gentle slope for teaching children to ski).

But, given the variety of ski helmets, their choice presents a certain problem. HardShell, In-mold, hybrid, closed, open, with hard and soft ears, with ventilation, without ventilation, with adjustable ventilation, with mechanical or air adjustment… The huge range of models confuses even experienced skiers, not to mention beginners. But if the former, having asked the manager one or two questions, can quickly get their bearings and choose the right accessory, then the latter cannot do without the help of an expert.

You must admit, it is difficult to decide on a suitable head protection option if you do not have a basic level of information and have not had the opportunity to compare different models in practice. Our material will help you immerse yourself in the topic. After studying it, you will at least be able to communicate with a store expert in the "same language", and at most - independently choose a ski helmet.

Let's consider the following questions:

1. Safety standards for ski helmets.
2. Ski and snowboard: which to choose?
3. Choosing the design of a ski helmet.
4. Choosing the shape of a ski helmet.
5. Which one to choose: a helmet with hard ears or a helmet with soft ears?
6. Determining the size, adjustment and fit.
7. Checking compatibility with a mask.
8. Advantages and disadvantages of a ski helmet with a visor.
9. Choosing a ventilation system.
10. Which ski helmet is better: with or without a visor?
11. What color should a ski helmet be?

1. Safety standards for ski helmets.

The main safety standards for the production of protective equipment (including ski helmets) are:

1. CEN 1077 (Common European Norm, CEN) aka EN 1077: 2007 is the most popular of the European standards for testing head protection.
2. F2040 (American Society of Testing and Materials, ASTM) is the most popular American safety standard. It has existed since 2000. It is accepted for use on a global scale and covers various industries.

A helmet that complies with one of the standards has passed tests for humidity, pressure, temperature, and impact resistance at different speeds on different surfaces. The fact that the examination confirms the safety of the product is indicated by a CEN or (and) ASTM certificate (sticker) on the inside of the helmet.

The convenient and safe protective accessory includes:

• durable case that can withstand pressure and sharp impacts;
• quickly removable straps and fasteners;
• additional shock absorbers;
• liners to soften impacts;
• ear protection.

Important!

Certified helmets significantly reduce the risk of injury, but do not provide 100% protection!After a serious collision, even if the helmet remains intact, it must be replaced. With very active skiing, manufacturers recommend changing the ski helmet at least once every three years. Forget about renting a helmet, no one knows what adventures it has been through and what damage it has received.

2. Ski or snowboard helmet: which one to choose?

If you base your choice of helmet on the principle of riding, you will see a clear difference between protection. 90% of all falls among boarders occur forward or backward, while skiers almost always fall to the right or left side (the length of the skis themselves does not allow them to fall forward or backward). Therefore, it is logical to assume that a snowboard helmet provides better protection for the forehead and back of the head, while a ski helmet provides better protection for the sides.

In fact, this is a misconception. Feel free to choose either option, regardless of whether you are into alpine skiing or snowboarding. The design standards and safety certifications are the same for both. Therefore, we will not differentiate between them, in the article we will call them all - "alpine skiers". Perhaps the only difference may be the appearance: skiers have more elongated streamlined helmets, while snowboarders have rounded ones. But it is not very pronounced and is gradually becoming a thing of the past.

3. Choosing the design of a ski helmet.

There are 3 main designs of ski helmets. Each of them has three main layers: the outer shell, the inner part and the soft lining.

Outer shell.

The outer shell's job is to absorb the full force of the impact. Therefore, it is the hardest of the three layers. ABS plastic, fiberglass, Kevlar, carbon or polycarbonate are used for manufacturing. The last three are reinforced, therefore more reliable and expensive.

Interior.

The job of the inner part is to absorb or disperse the force of the impact so that the athlete's head does not feel it or does not feel it as strongly. Therefore, it is the thickest and softest. It is made of EPS (expanded) polystyrene.

Lining.

It is made removable. It is a thin layer of antibacterial material (usually synthetic sports knitwear). When in contact with the head, the lining provides a comfortable fit, eliminates chafing, and wicks away moisture.

The design of the helmet is determined by how the outer shell, inner part and lining are connected to each other. There are 3 designs. Each affects the weight, strength characteristics and cost of the protective accessory.

1. In-mold - the inner part is covered with an outer shell under high pressure.
2. Hard Shell - the inner part is glued to the outer shell.
3. Hybrid - in those parts of the helmet where possible, the two technologies described above are combined.

Now, how to choose a ski helmet by design?

• If you are not an extreme sportsman and your riding style is not "aggressive", your choice is In-mold. These are the lightest and quite durable helmets. They have the best ventilation system, but are more expensive than HardShell.
• For fans of kitesurfing and parkour on skis/snowboards, we recommend HardShell helmets. They are the heaviest, but the most durable. They easily withstand multiple impacts and are inexpensive, but lose out in the number of ventilation channels.
• When you are interested in the optimal balance of weight, impact resistance and ventilation, take "hybrids". They are stronger than In-mold and lighter than Hard Shell. Ventilation is also at its best. The main disadvantage is the rather high cost.

To determine the helmet technology yourself, just look at the back of the head. You will see thick plastic and a gap between it and the inner layer - this is HardShell. You will see thin plastic adjacent to the inner layer without gaps - this is In-Mold.

4. Choosing the shape of a ski helmet.

By shape, ski helmets can be round, round-oval, and elongated at the back. The first two are widely used by amateur professionals. The latter are popular with ski jumpers (ski jumping from ski jumps), less often with slalom skiers (high-speed descent on a winding track). In addition, according to the degree of protection of the face, helmets are open and closed.

• Open ski helmets, for the most part, have a round shape with an open (unprotected) face. The chin can be open or closed with special pads. These are the most popular helmets. Not bulky, not heavy, well ventilated, compatible with different glasses and masks.
• Closed or full-face helmets completely protect the face, chin, head and ears. They weigh more than open ones and are slightly worse ventilated. They are not compatible with every ski mask.

The choice of model depends on the riding technique. If you train on jumps, love off-piste high-speed descents, are into freeriding in the forest format or are mastering boardercross - choose a closed helmet. In all other cases - an open one. It is well suited for a wide range of riders.

5. Which one to choose: a helmet with closed hard ears or a helmet with open soft ears?

Another difference in open ski helmets is the design of the ears. It can be hard or soft.

• Open-face ski helmets with hard ears provide better protection during falls, especially sliding ones. They are more aerodynamic, they are warmer, you can put a chin guard. Among the disadvantages - more bulky, more weight, worse audibility and ventilation.
• Open-face ski helmets with soft ears have soft inserts that cover the ears. Such helmets are easy to put on and take off, weigh less, are better ventilated and practically do not reduce hearing. However, chin protection cannot be installed on all models.

Which ski helmet is better: with soft or hard ears? If you like speed and unprepared trails, choose a helmet with hard ear guards and a chin guard. For most other disciplines, a ski helmet with soft ear guards is perfect. It is more for those who ride in a calm style, who care about comfort, weight, and audibility.

6. Decide on the size, adjustment and fit.

Ski helmets can be fixed-size or adjustable in volume. Both options are good if chosen correctly. But adjustable ones are more versatile. This is an important advantage, given that each person's head shape is unique in its own way.

Fixed size helmet.

If you have chosen a fixed size model, determine your size. How to choose the right helmet size? Measure the circumference of your head from the forehead to the back of the head 2-3 cm above the eyebrows. Having received the volume in cm, choose a helmet with the corresponding value. If the protective accessory has a conventional size designation S, M, L, XL, then you need to use the table of correspondence of the sizes of ski helmets to the head circumference. The store manager will kindly provide it to you.

Helmet with adjustable size by volume.

When choosing a helmet with volume adjustment, pay attention to the adjustment system - it should not be in an extreme smaller or larger volume. For example, you will want to put a balaclava under the helmet or, conversely, take it off. In both cases, the volume regulator should have a move to the "+" and "-" sides. Otherwise, an excessively tight fit (on the verge of squeezing) is discomfort. And an excessive gap between the back of the head and the helmet is a decrease in the protective properties of the structure. In both cases, look for a different model.

Adjusting the volume in a ski helmet

The system of adjusting the inner layer around the head circumference ensures a more precise fit of the ski helmet. The adjustment can be implemented in the form of a system of cables and an adjustment wheel on the back of the head, or in the form of an air pump that fills the anatomically shaped reservoirs inside the helmet with air. The first is the most common. By turning the adjustment wheel, you tighten the helmet or, conversely, loosen its pressure on your head. To quickly perform the latter operation, there is also a button for instant tension release.

Fitting and fitting.

Helmets of the same shape but from different brands may fit differently. Therefore, it is extremely important to always try on a helmet. It should not cover your forehead completely or not cover it at all. After putting on the helmet, turn your head from side to side. You should not feel any discomfort.

A ski helmet should fit snugly, without falling over your eyes, slipping down your neck, or squeezing your head. If this condition is met, you have chosen the right size, which means it will perform its function to the fullest. It is important that the helmet stays on your head well even when unfastened.

7. Checking compatibility with the mask.

Well-known brands of ski equipment offer helmets and masks that work perfectly in tandem. But there are cases when it is impossible or unnecessary to buy both elements, because you already have one of them. If you choose a ski helmet without a visor, check its combination with a ski mask. It is important that the optics fit neatly into place, providing adequate protection from wind, snow, and ultraviolet radiation.

What to look for? The gap between the helmet and the mask should be minimal, otherwise the forehead will freeze in the headwind. Providing a minimal gap, the mask should sit firmly on the bridge of the nose, excluding light from above and below. If this is not observed, look for another mask or helmet.

8. Advantages and disadvantages of a ski helmet with a visor.

These helmets are very similar to motorcycle helmets. You don't need to buy optics separately - they are standard here. A well-thought-out fastening system allows you to easily move the mask up. And the "lens" itself does a good job of protecting against snow, wind and UV radiation.

Among other advantages of the visor we note:

• Panoramic view (masks don't provide this).
• Comfortable fit - you don't feel it as a foreign object.
• A very convenient option for wearers of glasses.

Unfortunately, helmets with a visor are not without their drawbacks.

• Worse fit - can blow in from below and cause glare.
• Requires careful use: a helmet with a visor that is carelessly thrown or hung up can result in scratched optics.
• Changing the lens is problematic. The difficulty is not with the change (it is provided here), but with buying the necessary and suitable optics.
• Price - a helmet with a visor can cost more than a helmet and masks if you buy them as a set from one brand.
• Difficulties with individual landing.

9. Choosing a ventilation system.

The lack of ventilation in older helmet models was the main reason why skiers did not want to use a helmet. The thick, porous layer of foam polystyrene retained heat well, but could not remove it. During high activity on the slope, thermoregulation was disrupted and the head became wet. Modern accessories with non-adjustable (passive) and adjustable (active) ventilation are free of this problem.

Helmets with non-adjustable ventilation have special permanently open ventilation holes through which excess heat is quickly removed to the outside. Passive ventilation is a good solution if you ride at a calm pace. But as your speed and activity on the slope increase, air entering the holes can cause hypothermia. For this reason, skiers often block some of the holes with plugs. For this procedure, as a rule, the helmet is removed. Very inconvenient. In addition, plugs are often simply lost.

Helmets with adjustable ventilation have a mechanism that controls the openings without having to remove the helmet. It allows you to fully open, half-close or fully close the vents. With one movement of your hand, you can quite accurately select a comfortable ventilation mode, taking into account the weather conditions and your activity. In addition, some helmets have separate ventilation adjustments for the front and back. A very convenient option when riding in different styles.

10. Which ski helmet is better: with or without a visor?

The demand for both options is approximately the same. A helmet with a visor protects from direct sunlight, holds the mask up well and prevents it from sliding down onto your forehead during falls. But the same visor will not allow you to "swipe" the mask onto your forehead with one movement of your hand. This is inconvenient on short ski slopes, where changing the position of the mask occurs quite often.

11. What color should a ski helmet be?

Choose it so that it matches the rest of your gear and equipment - it's stylish and beautiful. Keep in mind that a bright protective accessory (especially with shiny inserts or reflective elements) makes you more visible to others on the slope. White is less hot, black is warmer, glossy - quickly loses its presentable appearance, and scratches are less noticeable on matte.