How to choose a snowboard helmet

When going downhill, a snowboard is capable of high speed, and very often the equipment is the only thing that can protect the rider from injuries in case of a fall. Especially a helmet that protects your head from hitting hard objects. The case of Michael Schumacher, who hit his head on a rock while skiing, is fresh in our minds, and for this reason, the choice of a quality and reliable helmet should be paid close attention.

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1. Best manufacturers
2. Selection parameters for snowboarding helmets
3. How to choose a snowboard helmet size

Choosing a snowboarding helmet. Top manufacturers

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

1. Sun Helmet
2. R.E.D.
3. Alpina
4. Arnette
5. Cebe
6. Dainese

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

The parameters of the choice of helmets for snowboarding

Almost any snowboard helmet is a multilayered structure consisting of three main elements:

1. The outer layer is the protective layer which is responsible for providing safety in case of a fall. Is made of plastic or polycarbonate and may have additional reinforcement by special mesh;
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 ensures a snug fit while riding;
3. The inner layer, which is in direct contact with the head, is made of soft material providing maximum comfort during riding.

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

1. Open Helmets. Lightweight and compact models that protect only the top part of the head. Comfortable to use and relatively inexpensive. The disadvantages include a low degree of protection for the face and jaw in case of a fall and contact with hard objects;
2. Closed helmets (f
   l-face models), whose design resembles motorcycle gear. Perfectly protect their head from injury, but cause some discomfort while riding – affecting the overall size and weight of the helmet.

In the pursuit of maximum safety should not neglect issues of convenience, comfort and aesthetics. Attention should be paid to the following functional features:

1. Design features of the ventilation system. All snowboard helmets have two types of ventilation systems. The first layer is the active ventilation which consists of a list of shutters and special air ducts that can be manually adjusted. The second is passive ventilation, whose design lacks adjustment;
2. Weight of a snowboarding helmet. It is traditionally believed that the heavier the helmet, the safer it is. But this statement is not entirely true – there are a large number of helmets, made of modern materials (eg, carbon), characterized by maximum strength and relatively low weight. For comfortable 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 fixation of the mask during active riding. The negative aspect of the aerodynamic visor can be an inconvenience that it creates while riding in short sections of the track, when the mask has to be put on and taken off very often.

How to choose a helmet size for snowboarding

In addition to the above parameters, close attention should be paid to the snowboard helmet size. In order for the beginner to determine and really make sure that the helmet is the best fit, it is necessary to perform the following steps before trying it on:

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

Compare these figures with the generally accepted classification of helmets, presented in the form of numbers. Nine helmet sizes are available, from the smallest 4XS (4 extra-small), designed for riders with a head circumference of 46-48 centimeters, to 2XL models designed for “giants”, whose head circumference may be 63-65 centimeters. In between are the following parameters:

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 your measurements fit into two categories (for example, a circumference of 56 centimeters falls into sizes S and M), you should try on each one and choose the one that feels best and is uncomfortable.

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