Ski helmet

HOW TO FIND THE IDEAL SKI HELMET?

Too many amateur skiers still do not wear the right head protection for their sport. But even if you are an expert skier, it is risky: statistics show that a ski helmet can save your life. But how do you choose your ski helmet?

WHY WEAR A SKI HELMET?

It is important to know that 11% of skiing accidents result in a head injury. This is an excellent reason to protect yourself by wearing a freestyle ski helmet or a snowboard helmet. 15% of these accidents are caused by a collision. In other words, even if you are experienced and confident, you are never safe from injury. However, it is known that a helmet of the right size protects in at least 85% of cases.

The most important criterion for a women's, children's or men's ski helmet is therefore safety. It must meet the technical requirements of the European Union. Look out for the CE logo. All ski and snowboard helmets consist of two layers: an outer shell, usually made of polycarbonate, for mechanical protection and an inner shell made of polystyrene for padding. Depending on the construction, a distinction is made between moulded and hard-shell or ABS helmets. Ski helmets with a visor or integrated visor offer additional protection for the face, unless you prefer a ski goggle. Finally, you can opt for an audio ski helmet, which is very popular these days.

WHAT TYPE OF HELMET SHOULD I CHOOSE?

In the case of moulded helmets, the two layers form a stable and light protection, thanks to the pressure and heat of the manufacturing process. After a fall, the helmet must be replaced, as it may have been damaged and the protection can no longer be guaranteed.

In the case of hard shell ski helmets, the two layers are produced separately and then carefully joined together. This makes it possible to integrate a ventilation system between the layers. Hard-shell helmets are more expensive and a little heavier, but offer more ventilation and more robustness. A distinction must also be made between helmets that protect the whole head and those that only protect the top of the skull.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE SKI HELMET?

For a helmet to offer reliable protection, it must fit properly. This means that it must be the right size. You can determine the right size of women's ski helmet by measuring the circumference of your head. Most ski and snowboard helmets cover a range of sizes that you can fine-tune with the help of an adjustment wheel. This is particularly useful in the case of a child's ski helmet, to fit the anatomy.

The helmet should fit securely without the chin strap. It should also be comfortable. The chin strap itself should be well fitted and padded to avoid pressure points or rubbing. When you try on the helmet, keep it on your head for a few minutes and check for pressure points.

Test models from different manufacturers to see which ski helmet fits your head best. Whether you choose a Cairn ski helmet or a Salomon ski helmet can be determined by your personal comfort, even if both brands are good.

HELMET AND SKI EQUIPMENT

You can buy your helmet together with your ski clothes. Generally, sports shops will offer you different brands. You can choose between a Red Bull ski helmet, Cairn, Salomon or Bollé ski helmet. Also remember to buy practical equipment. Even a perfectly fitting helmet that is colour-coordinated with your ski clothes can be a bad buy if it is difficult to handle.

On the one hand, the goggles and helmet should form a unit, so that there are no gaps between the two and no pressure points can occur. An integrated visor can be a good choice. On the other hand, you need to make sure that you can operate the chin strap closure, the ski mask clip and the ventilation controls even when you are wearing your gloves. The designers of the major brands have generally taken these issues into account.

Choosing a helmet from the range of top brands ensures that you have quality technical equipment. However, it is also a matter of taste and the helmet should suit you. As with your winter sports clothing, you will need to change it when signs of wear and tear appear. It is generally considered that a ski helmet can last for 5 years, after which time some parts will wear out. This is the case, for example, with the EPS foam that protects your head from impact. It is important to know that once crushed, it cannot regenerate.