Helmets for snowsports continued to feature heavily in the media this past winter with much debate about mandatory usage. 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 and American safety tickets 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 £50 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.
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 our table; 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 you best.
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.
| Sizes in CM |
X Small |
Small |
Medium |
Large |
X Large |
XX Large |
|
|
52-55.5 |
55.5-59 |
59-62.5 |
|
|
| Bern |
|
54-55.5 |
55.5-57 |
57-59 |
59-60.5 |
60.5-62 |
| RED |
53-55 |
55-57 |
57-59 |
59-61 |
61-63 |
63-65 |
| Pro-Tec & POC |
|
53-54 |
55-56 |
57-58 |
59-60 |
61-62 |
| Salomon CA |
54-55 |
55-56 |
57-58 |
58-59 |
60-61 |
61-62 |
| Salomon OSFA |
|
53-56 |
57-59 |
|
|
|
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.
Sizing – Salomon Custom Air Fit
Ever the innovators, Salomon have developed a 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 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 – RED Air Band
RED have introduced a new custom fitting process on selected helmets for this season. A thin, inflatable air pad runs internally in a semi-circle round the helmet, cupping the back of the head. Easily adjusted via a carefully positioned pump it improves the fit and comfort without adding extra weight.
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 venting 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 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.
|
