Helmets...
The helmet debate has raged on for years. On the one side you have people saying that it's a no brainer to wear a helmet during snow sports. On the other side there are people who feel that they are invincible and that a toque is more than sufficient to protect their noggin in case of a fall. Well I belong to the train of thought that if you have a ten cent head, wear a ten dollar piece of head ware. You only have one head and if you break it, it doesn't always heal back to it's original condition.
Now there will be a few people who know me and will say "Sean, you've never worn a helmet in your life when you would ski or ride", and up until recently that was true. So what changed my point of view? First of all my kids, I don't want to become a vegetable or worse stemming from a helmet-less ski accident. I want to be able to watch them grow and love the sports that Jackie (my wife for those of you who don't know) and I enjoy. I've always worn a helmet when I (attempt) to play hockey...why should skiing be any different? I also didn't want to be a hypocrite, if I am going to make Paige and Hannah wear them, I will also.
Recently the Nova Scotia government enacted legislation requiring the mandatory use of helmets during the use of any snow sport activity at a resort in Nova Scotia. This comes into effect November 1st, 2012 and has been mostly received with positive enthusiasm from the snow sports community as well as retailers (D'uh!!). There are a few rumblings of "nanny-state" and things like that and personally I think that there are a few things over legislated, (side note: don't even get me started on Political Correctness), however I feel they have it right on this one. It's interesting to note that only New Jersey has a similar law in the US, and that's only for Juveniles (the "utes") and you can read about it Here. I know, my first reaction was "they ski in New Jersey?!?" as well. Of course, some westerners probably say the same about Nova Scotia. It seems that most US ski resort operators want their customers to be able to choose if they want to wear one or not hence the reason more states haven't passed law.
Skiing or snowboarding is a hazardous sport, no question about it. Let's strap a sliding device to our feet, hurtle down a snow covered mountain where the only things to contain us are trees, rocks, or drops. Let's not wear pads or anything...yeah they really thought this through didn't they. But with the rise of concussion awareness (getting your bell rung as they used to say) it was only a matter of time before laws started to be passed. I haven't heard or read how the CSA might come into play with this from a testing standpoint, as they approve hockey helmets for use in Canada. Ski helmet manufacturers rely on CE and ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materiels) for their products to be tested before being released to market.
So how to choose a helmet? Everyone makes a decent quality helmet (mostly) but finding the one that suits your type of activity is key. Do you ride in mostly colder climates where it's usually -10C or so? Or is it -2C or even +2C? Are you just casually skiing or riding? Or do you do Frontside Double Cork 1260's for warmup? What type of features do you want in your helmet? Audio? Customizeable venting? Removable ear flaps? This all comes into play.
It's pretty easy to size yourself for a helmet. Take a cloth measuring tape or string and wrap it around the widest, meatiest part of your head, which is usually about an inch above your ears and just just above your eyebrows. most helmets have a sizing chart that gives you a good starting point, however it's only a reference point. You could fit into anywhere from a medium to an extra large size depending on the manufacturer and the style of helmet your looking at. Once you find the right size you should wear the helmet so that you have a finger's width between your eyebrow and the bottom lip of the helmet. It should be snug but not tight, if it's tight now it wont be any better later, they don't stretch. The only thing left is how the helmet looks to you, does it work for your "look"? I can't help you with that.
SIDE NOTE: Goggles NEED what's called an outrigger to properly fit on a helmet, it allows the goggle frame to snugly sit on your face without stretching the sides and allowing air to seep in while your moving.
It's always best to shop early for the best selection, but the downside to that is the prices usually aren't discounted like they are after Christmas when retailers panic when the realize they are sitting on WAY too much inventory. Spend the money, get the helmet that fits you best, and suits your riding style the best. So what helmet did I choose you ask.....
SALOMON BRIGADE AUDIO Helmet..
Looks great (My Bucket) feels great, removeable earflaps for when it's +15C at Sunday River this March. Great padding, especially around the ears. Lower profile with a removable visor. And surprisingly clear and loud audio capabilities. Audio cord was included with on/off and volume control and it is a good length as well. You can remove the cord at the helmet so you can take the helmet off and not have to worry about the wire getting tangled. It also comes with removable badges so you can pimp your helmet to your taste.
So that's my helmet blog, I hope you found a few tidbits that might help your search for the perfect helmet a bit less daunting. If you ever have any questions you can always pick my brain for help.
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