Equipment - Helmets

Helmets

Helmets dramatically reduce head trauma when experiencing a fall. Especially when venturing off-piste on rocky or woody terrain wearing a helmet can be a genuine life saver. Furthermore, you may notice that most of the really good and cool riders all wear helmets.
Standards have been determined by a battery of tests on helmet models, including testing the strength of a helmet's retention system under simulated hot, cold and wet conditions. Helmets undergo tests of multiple impacts and velocity forces against various sections of the helmet to determine performance in snowboard accidents.
Helmet manufacturers are noticing the rise in the usage of helmets by snowboarders and skiers and are thus coming with new types and designs every season. The focus is predominantly in making lighter, more durable and more fashionable helmets to encourage first-time buyers. Furthermore, helmet companies are trying to construct helmets which can be used for multiple activities aside from riding, such as climbing, skating and cycling.

How to Fit a Helmet

The most important thing when buying a helmet is that it fits properly on your head. It should be comfortable and offer you the best protection.

1. Measuring Tape. Your helmet size is determined by the circumference of your head and is measured by wrapping a tape measure around your head.
2. Putting on Helmet. Align the front of the helmet above your eyebrows and hold both straps until the helmet fits well.
3. Check for Gaps. Make sure there are no unwanted gaps between the helmet lining and your head. In addition, make sure the back of the helmet does not touch the back of your neck.
4. Snugness. The helmet should fit snug and nicely and when shaking ones head should not move.
5. Goggle Test. Try on your favourite pair of goggles and make sure they fit properly on your helmet.

Please note that the producers of helmets all have different ideas on the shape of a human head. Although the size might be right the shape of the helmet mind not fit your particular shaped scull.

Helmet Conversion Table

Below is a table that you can use to convert your circumference of your head in centimeters or inches into a helmet size.

• Cm, Inches, Fitted Hat Size
• 48 , 18 7/8, 6
• 49 , 19 3/8, 6 1/8
• 50 , 19 5/8, 6 1/4
• 51 , 20, 6 3/8
• 52 , 20 1/2, 6 1/2
• 53 , 20 7/8 , 6 5/8
• 54 , 21 1/4 , 6 3/4
• 55 , 21 5/8 , 6 7/8
• 56 , 22 , 7
• 57 , 22 3/8, 7 1/8
• 58 , 22 3/4, 7 1/4
• 59 , 23 1/4, 7 3/8
• 60 , 23 5/8, 7 1/2
• 61 , 24, 7 5/8
• 62 , 24 3/8, 7 3/4