How to choose a snowboard helmet

During the descent, the snowboard is able to develop high speed, and very often the equipment is the only thing that can protect the rider from injury in the event of a fall. This is especially true for a helmet that protects the head from impacts against hard objects. The case of Michael Schumacher, who hit his head on a stone while skiing, is fresh in memory, and it is for this reason that close attention should be paid to the choice of a high-quality and reliable helmet.

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1. Top manufacturers
2. Options for choosing snowboard helmets
3. How to choose the size of your snowboard helmet

Choosing a snowboard helmet. Top manufacturers

Preference should be given to products from those manufacturers who responsibly approach the creation and conduct many stress tests of finished samples:

1. Sun helmet

2. R.E.D.

3. Alpina

4. Arnette

5. Cebe

6. Dainese

The products of the aforementioned manufacturers are in great demand among professional snowboarders and fully meet the requirements of functionality and safety. There is no doubt that such equipment will not only be stylish, but also will not fail at the most crucial moment.

Options for choosing snowboard helmets

Almost any snowboard helmet is a multi-layer structure made up of three main elements:

1. The outer layer is protective, it is he who is responsible for ensuring safety in the event of a fall. It is made of plastic or polycarbonate, may have additional reinforcement with special nets;

2. The intermediate layer is made of soft material – PVC, foam, EPS, EVA. This material conforms to the shape of the rider's head and provides a snug fit while riding;

3. The inner layer, which is in direct contact with the head, is made of a soft material that provides maximum comfort and convenience while riding.

Without exception, all snowboard helmets can be divided into two conditional groups:

1. Open helmets. Lightweight and compact models that exclusively protect the upper part of the head. They are easy to use and relatively inexpensive. Among the shortcomings, there is a low degree of protection for the face and jaw when falling and in contact with hard objects;

2. Closed helmets (full-face models), the design of which resembles motorcycle equipment. They perfectly protect the head from injury, however, they cause some discomfort when riding – the overall dimensions and weight affect.

In pursuit of maximum safety, convenience, comfort and aesthetics should not be neglected. Pay attention to the following functional features:

1. Design features of the ventilation system. All snowboard helmets are equipped with two types of ventilation systems. The first is active ventilation, which consists of a list of dampers and special ducts that can be manually adjusted. The second is passive ventilation, the design of which is devoid of regulation;

2. The weight of the snowboard helmet. Traditionally, it is believed that the heavier the helmet, the safer it is. However, this statement is not entirely true – there are a large number of helmets made from modern materials (for example, carbon), which are characterized by maximum strength and relatively low weight. For convenient operation, the weight of the helmet should not exceed 800-1000 grams;

3. The presence or absence of a visor and its design. The visor is an important aerodynamic element and also contributes to a secure fit of the mask during active riding. The negative moment of the aerodynamic visor can be the inconvenience it creates while skiing on short sections of the track, when the mask has to be put on and off very often.

How to choose the size of your snowboard helmet

In addition to the parameters described above, close attention must be paid to the size of the snowboard helmet. In order for a beginner to decide and really make sure that the helmet fits in the most optimal way, it is necessary to perform the following steps before trying on:

Measure the circumference of the head with a thread or a 'meter';

Compare the figures obtained with the generally accepted classification of helmets, presented in the form of numbers. There are nine sizes of helmet, from the smallest 4XS (4 extra small) for riders with a head circumference of 46-48 centimeters, to the 2XL models for 'giants', whose head can be 63-65 centimeters in circumference. The following parameters are located between them:

1. 3XS (head size 48-50 centimeters);

2. 2XS (head size 50-52 centimeters);

3. XS (head size 52-54 centimeters);

4. S (head size 54-56 centimeters);

5. M (head size 56-58 centimeters);

6. L (head size 58-60 centimeters);

7. XL (head size 60-62 centimeters);

8. 2XL (head size 62-64 centimeters);

If the parameters you measured fit into two categories at the same time (for example, a 56-centimeter circle falls under the sizes S and M), you must try on each model and give preference to the one that will sit better and not cause discomfort.

In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose a snowboard mask, the secrets of choosing a versatile snowboard and recommendations for choosing a snowboard cover.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.