Helmets have featured heavily in the media over the past 12 months, with high profile accidents raising awareness about the benefits of wearing one when riding. We're not about to tell you that you must wear a helmet, but we are going to show you a range which will make that decision much easier. We have something for everyone, from freeriders to park rats, price conscious first-timers to glamour queens, there are different fits, colours and sizes from extra-small right the way to double extra-large. Every one has its European safety ticket and each one has been through a rigorous vetting procedure. And with the latest construction and design helmets are lighter, more comfortable and better ventilated than ever before. Adult prices start at £45 so if you're thinking of using one don't bother renting – there's no guarantee they'll be available, the shape may be wrong for you and do you really want to use a helmet that's been on so many other sweaty heads?! Helmets may not be the answer for everybody or provide unlimited protection, but they can make a difference and for that reason we encourage their use. They're not just for experts or beginners, anyone who wants to maximise their safety on the hill should consider one. Come into one of our stores, talk through the options with our staff and try some on, you might just be surprised how light, comfortable and affordable they are.

Construction: In-mold Construction: In-mold helmets tend to be lighter and cooler than traditional versions. The system fuses a tough polycarbonate outer shell with the helmet's impact-absorbing EPS foam liner, for good durability without excess weight. This combination of shell and liner results in a better ventilation system. Injection Molding: Takes place when a durable ABS shell and a lightweight EPS liner are bonded together. This type of helmet tends to have less vents, but they're great value and very hard-wearing.

Venting: Modern helmets are comfortable to wear, due to improvements in fit and construction, as well as ventilation. The amount and type of ventilation in a helmet will affect which one you choose. More vents will normally equal more powerful cooling if your head warms up, but you should also consider whether the vents are pluggable (soft foam plugs that block the vent holes but can be removed if you take the helmet off), or if there is rider controlled venting that can be adjusted while riding so you don't have to take the helmet off.

Sizing: Each brand has their own interpretation of what size head should fit in to a standard sized helmet (medium, large etc). To see how each brand measures up please refer to the table below, to check your own head size, measure in cm's around the circumference of your head, just above the eyebrows. Apart from the actual sizing, each brand of helmet will have slightly different shapes, so it is worth trying a few different brands of helmet on to see which best fits your own head shape. As well as using standard sizes, some manufacturers choose to add levels of customisation and fine-tuning to each size for extra fit and comfort.
Sizing - Boa System: Used on products from snowboard boots to running shoes, with fitness belts and shoes for horses in between, Pro-Tec are the first company to use this unique, controlled-force closure system for helmets. Thin cables run across the helmet and are controlled by a small dial at the back of the helmet. Simply twist the dial to reel in the cables and the pressure will be perfectly distributed and the closure solid.
Sizing - Salomon Custom Air Fit: Ever the innovators, Salomon have developed a new system for easily customising helmet fit. A widespread, slim air pad sits at the back and sides of the helmet with a small pump built into the soft foam lining at the back of the neck. When the helmet is on you simply press the pump a few times till the air pad inflates just enough to perfectly cradle the back and sides of your head, adapting the pressure evenly. Should you inflate too much a tiny valve at the back can be opened to let air out.
Sizing - In Form Fit System: The In Form fit system gives the most comfortable custom fit in a snow helmet. An ergo-friendly dial at the base of the helmet provides up to 6cm of fit / feel adjustment for enhanced comfort and stability. The system also offers vertical tuning of the fore / aft positioning to match different head shapes and goggles. This means that each Giro In Form fit helmet covers a much larger range of head sizes than a traditional helmet size.

Trying On: When you try a helmet on it should fit firmly and snugly on your head, align the front of the helmet above your eyebrows and tighten the chin strap. 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 press the back of your neck. The helmet should fit snugly, when shaking your head it should not move around. It may be worth trying the helmet with one of your favourite pairs of goggles to make sure they fit well together.