How To Buy Snowboard Helmets
Besides adding comfort and boosting performance on the slopes, helmets
provide an all-important safety element. Here are the basics to help you choose
the styles best suited to your activity and the prevailing weather
conditions.
Helmet Basics
- Most helmets designed for wintersport use are appropriate for both
skiing and snowboarding
- The type of activity--be it recreational or competitive
participation--as well as the terrain and your own personal preference should
determine the snowboard helmet that best suits your needs
Ventilation
- If you plan to snowboard in warm spring conditions or in temperate
locales, or if you tend to work up a sweat, consider a helmet with good
ventilation that will provide airflow and thus add to your overall comfort
- Non-ventilated snowboard helmets restrict airflow and are generally
preferable for wet, snowy, or extremely cold conditions
Shells
- Most snowboard helmets have a UV stabilized
polycarbonite shell that provides high strength and light weight
- The helmet interior is usually made of expanded, double-density
polystyrene (18mm) with additional lining for comfort and
protection
Full vs. Open Faced
- Generally, full-face helmets are designed for competition--such as speed
and slalom events--in which the wearer is at higher risk of falling forward or
hitting objects straight-on
- Open-face helmets are more common--and less cumbersome--for recreational
use
Visors
- Many snowboard helmets come with a built-in visor, and those that don't
often accept visor attachments
- Oftentimes, it is easier to fit goggles to helmets that don't have a
built-in visor, but you should check a model's specifications to be sure
- Visors can cut overhead glare, and can help protect your face in wet or
windy weather
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Helmet Styles
The type of snowboard helmet style you purchase depends on how and where
you snowboard.
Full Shell
- Full shell models provide complete coverage and seal out wind,
precipitation and other elements normally encountered on the slopes
- Some also have venting to help regulate temperature
- These are recommended if you are planning to do a lot of tricks or some
faster snowboarding
Short Shell
- Short shell models offer comparable protection to full shell styles, but
give less coverage and have a less armored and constrictive feel
- Many include venting and removable liners
- Buy this type of helmet if you are uncomfortable with the full
helmet
Competition
- Competition helmets feature densely padded liners, structured open ear
zones inside the shell, and add-on jaw pieces for speed and slalom events
- This may be too much if you are strictly a recreational snowboarder, but
are highly recommended if you plan on some serious competition downhilling
Youth
- Youth helmets are simply proportioned to smaller heads and bodies
- Look for the same safety standards as adult helmets
- Most have pads that can be inserted or taken out to adjust to a child's
head size
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How to Fit a Helmet
- A properly fitted snowboard helmet will be comfortable and provide
maximum protection and performance
- For the perfect fitting helmet, see Determine
Your Helmet Size before making your purchase decision
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