Helmets are an essential part of your sports gear. We take a look at their differences, technologies and construction.
- 1 Which model for which sport and why?
- 2 Differences in construction
- 3 Certifications
- 4 Features and technologies for more protection and comfort
- 5 The right size and how you measure it
- 6 Helmet and goggle compatibility
- 7 Changing and cleaning helmets
- 8 Beanies under the helmet
- 9 Other protectors for your safety
Which model for which sport and why?
Helmets offer different technologies and have to fulfil different requirements depending on the sport. Models for skating have a compact and robust construction, whereas winter sports helmets offer additional features for heat regulation. Year-round helmets, on the other hand, cover a wide range of areas of use. In this chapter, we'll take a look at the different types.
types of sports
The best choice for snowboarders
Snowboard helmets forthe slopes and the park are inspired by the style of the skateboarding scene. They offer robust protection and cosy warmth, as well as many features. Self-regulating ventilation, audio-compatible ear pads and different fit settings are applied here. Brands such as Anon, Smith and PRO-TEC offer the best protection for long days on the mountain.
The ideal choice for freeskiers
Freeski helmets offer many adjustment possibilities to give you optimum protection. Features such as ventilation openings, audio-compatible eat pads and fit settings make them the perfect companion on the mountain. Brands such as POC, Shred and Salomon offer the best protection while making you look cool.
Perfect protection for the park, street and ramp
A skate helmet shouldn't just protect, it should also match your style.
The robust ABS outer shell with a light EPS liner offers stability, a low weight and maximum wearing comfort.
You can achieve optimum climate control and the perfect fit with the ventilation openings and the foam pads . High-end models boast a wheel at the back that you can use to adjust the helmet to your head circumference.
Plenty of areas of use
Hemlets have to fulfil specific sports requirements and correspond to standards in order to obtain certification and, thus, to be deemed safe. Year-round helmets with certifications for Bike/Skate/Inline and Ski/Snowboard are optimally suited for best protection from one single product.
They offer additional features such as removable ear pads, adjusted ventilation and removable clips for ski goggles. In most cases the lining can be swapped out - light for the summer and a thicker one for the colder days of the year.
Differences in construction
The construction has an influence on the weight, the wearing comfort and the area of use.
ABS hard shell constructions are extremely robust and compact, whereas the light in-mold construction focuses on a lighter weight and wearing comfort. In between you'll find the hybrid construction which combines the advantages of an ABS hard shell with the low weight of the in-mold construction. You choose the helmet construction to suit your area of use.
construction
The lightweight
In in-mold construction light polycarbonate outer shells are molded with an efficient, cushioning EPS foam in the inside of the helmet. This construction is lightweight and durable. The low weight offers maximum comfort and reduces swing forces in the case of impacts.
A compact construction for a feather-light feel on your head.
Solid protection with maximum comfort
Helmets with an ABS hard shell construction are robust, durable and offer maximum wearing comfort thanks to the EPS inner shell.
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is an extremely shockproof plastic that works against impacts on the outer side of the helmet. On the inside a light EPS foam ensures ultimate protection.
Gluing both layers together makes them an unbeatable team when it comes to protection and durability.
Lightweight, full protection
Hybrid construction combines the best properties from two constructions. The mixture of robust ABS hard shells in areas that are prone to impacts and the ultra-light polycarbonate shells with directly injected EPS foam ensures a lower weight. The best protection and durability are always guaranteed with this construction.
Certifications
Certified protective helmets for sports activities are subject to strict tests and must comply with standards and specific sporting requirements . Here you'll find all recognised standards and certifications for summer, winter and year-round helmets.
standards
Certification for snow
In Europe Standard EN 1077 A/B guarantees the highest safety for winter sports. The North American equivalent is ASTM F2040. Helmets with this certification are approved for winter sports.
Certification for skate
Look out for EN 1078 certification for summer helmets for skating and cycling.
All of the standards in one helmet
You can use helmets with either of the certifications stated above without hesitation for skating, snowboarding and skiing.
Here you'll find an overview of all of the standards you should keep in mind if you want to use your helmet all year round:
- EN 1077 A/B and ASTM F2040 – ski and snowboard helmets
- EN 1078 and CPSC 1203 bike and skateboard helmets
Features and technologies for more protection and comfort
Novel constructions and materials offer the best protection while the adjustment options ensure the perfect fit and maximum comfort. Brands are packing more and more practical features into their models and setting new standards.
technologies
Multi Directional Impact Protection System
Mips is a business that specialises in protective helmets and safety.Their technology, the MIPS® Brain Protection System can be found in many helmets by well-known brands. The Brain Protection System diverts dangerous forces in the case of impacts with rotational speeds which would otherwise hit your brain with full force. The technology achieves this through a slightly moveable laver on the inside of the helmet.
The best climate control
There are different types of ventilation options. Active ventilation provides a rapid inward flow of fresh air while passive ventilation systems divert moisture to the outside. Certified ski and snowboard helmets often offer the possibility to regulate the inward and outward flow of the air yourself.
Warm and functional
Ear pads keep you warm and offer additional protection. Some manufacturers pay attention to audio compatibility in the construction. These pads provide space for speakers or contain their own sound system. With year-round helmets and beanie compatible helmets you can remove the ear pads.
Fits like a glove
Every helmet offers at least one possibility to adjust the size. Exchangeable pads, different liners or a turning mechanism are all possible options. In the next chapter we have a closer look at the different variants.
Innovative material
In high-end models Smith includes Koroyd® to achieve superior shock absorption and better ventilation. Cylinders in the crumple zones ensure effective protection. They absorb energy more efficiently by applying an even load. Koroyd® has less volume than other materials and has the same or even better properties. It is lighter and offers more comfort.
The right size and how you measure it
To find the right helmet for your head, you are going to have to measure it, of course. The fit is also extremely important for the best protection.
Helmets that are too big can slip. In doing so they lose their protective function and instead there is an additional risk of injury due to the helmet. Helmets that are too small are obviously uncomfortable, can cause headaches and don't have a big enough protective surface.
correctly
How should it feel?
Once the helmet fits, you can simply put it on and it will stay right where it is while you move your head. You won't feel any pressure points and the helmet will be comfortable to wear. It's also important to have the correct chin strap setting. Only one finger should fit between your chin and the strap so that the helmet stay in place in the case of a heavy impacts.
Always remember:
- Ideale size = comfortable, full protection
- too big = no protective function
- too small = causes headaches
Correct measurement of your head circumference
To work out which size suits you, put a measuring tape around your head about 2 centimetres above your eyebrows and ears and measure your entire head circumference. Compare the result with size chart of the relevant manufacturer and look for a suitable model.
The sizes are mostly listed as S, M, L, and XL which can, however, differ from brand to brand. That's why it's always worth checking the size chart.
Different systems for size adjustment
There are different ways to adjust the size of a helmet. Pads and padding that are supplied with the helmet allow you to adjust the inside to perfectly fit the shape of your head. In addition, some models have a turning mechanism on the back. You can use that to regulate the size even more precisely and be even safer as a result.
Helmet and goggle compatibility
Most goggles and helmets are compatilble. The size and shape obviously dictate how well the goggles fit into the helmet. Always check the compatibility when buying a new helmet or new goggles. Make sure that there are no gaps on your forehead and that the goggles perfectly fit your face.
well together
What you should bear in mind
- When buying goggles always make sure that they fit the shape of your face.
- Check the compatibility of the helmet and the snow goggles before using them.
- Moveable elements on the sides of the goggles improve compatibility with the helmet.
- Some helmets have a goggle clip to secure the straps.
Changing and cleaning helmets
I regularly check my helmet and air it after each use. I make sure that I store it in a dry place away from direct sunlight. The packaging is ideal for this.
You should never take shortcuts when it comes to your safety. A fall can do much more than put an end to your sporting day. There are many reasons to change your helmet in good time. Materials can change and, in turn, their protective qualities. EPS foam loses its full protection after an impact. The glues that are used to bind the layers together can lose their adhesive power due to weather conditions.
In this chapter, we take a look at how you can take the best care of your helmet and when you need to replace it.
tips
When should you replace your helmet?
Signs that you need to change your helmet:
- If you find dents or cracks in the shell, it is clear that you need to change your helmet.
- EPS foam loses its full protection after an impact. as it breaks under pressure. That is also the case if you can't see any outward changes.
- In general you should change your helmet every 3 to 5 years as the material changes with time.
Fresh pads
You can clean the lining of your helmet by hand washing it. Make sure not to use strong detergents. Place your liner or the pads in a warm place to dry with no direct sunlight. The spin dryer and the regular wash programme are a no go as the pads are often made of sensitive materials. These tips apply unless stated otherwise on your helmet.
Beanies under the helmet
Beanies under helmets is already an established trend. More and more riders prefer beanies to the ear pads supplied. For a long time, you had to buy a helmet that was a size too big to accommodate the beanie. Now, however, there are manufacturers that make beanie compatible helmets that make this style safer and more comfortable.
and helmet
Advantages of beanies under helmets
Generally, wearing a beanie underneath your helmet was typical of freestyle riding. Here style is important not only when it comes to tricks but also when it comes to outwear and protectors. Wearing your helmet this way has advantages in terms of maintenance, too. A beanie can be cleaned quickly and replaced if necessary. In addition, you can also adjust your helmet to the outside temperature and your outfit if you need to.
What are the disadvantages of wearing a beanie under your helmet?
People often buy a larger model to make room for a beanie under the helmet. A helmet that is generally not beanie compatible and a size too big is never as safe as a helmet that sits well. Helmets that are too big can slip during a fall which can lead to additional injuries.
Beanie compatible helmets
Some brands offer special models that are beanie compatible . This lets you enjoy the best protection, even with a beanie under your helmet. Smith is a pioneer in this field. The Smith Scout offers removable ear pads and a lifestyle fit system that also works with a beanie under your helmet. You can also wear a beanie under the Smith Code, a high-end model with Koroyd® and MIPS®.
Other protectors for your safety
Protectors belong to snowboarding just like the board and the boots do. In addition to your helmet crash pants, knee and wrist pads and a back protector provide the best protection.
protectors
Protector pants for sports
Crash pants are not only popular among beginners . They are also a big hit in freestyle. Soft padded zones at the coccyx protect against unpleasant injuries and pads on the hips prevent bruises or even worse. You wear crash pants over your first layer. They are often made from highly-breathable material with different inserts. Generally they are flat and don't add too much bulk.
The perfect addition to your helmet
Back protectors protect you in the case of falls or collisions. Simpler back protectors come with a protective zone at the spine and adjustable shoulder straps. This protects a large part of your back and you can enjoy full freedom of movement. Protector vests on the other hand also have protective elements on the ribs, shoulders and often on the chest. Most of these models have a zipper. Depending on the terrain and the riding level you can look for the most suitable protector for you. It is important that it fits well so that you like to put it on and don't notice it during the day.
Basic equipment for beginners
Injuries to the wrists often occur when you fall onto the back of your body. Previously wrist pads were stiff and cumbersome. A new generation by Biomex, as can be found in Level Gloves, keeps your wrists in an anatomically correct position while still offering you almost complete freedom of movement. They not only cushion overflexion but also work against rotational forces. This technology can prevent injuries and is comfortable at the same time.
Perfect for rails and boxes
Knee pads are ideal if you spend a lot of time in the park. Rails and boxes are extremely hard and don't give a millimetre. It's especially easy to slip and bang your knee against the unforgiving surface when you're starting out with difficult tricks. Suitable knee pads are there to help. In addition, they are extremely practical if you want to take a break or kneel down to wait for your friends.
