Snowboard helmets: review, description, dimensions

A snowboard helmet is an indispensable piece of equipment, especially for those who prefer high-speed descents on virgin soil with dizzying maneuvers between rocks and trees. However, it is not necessary to neglect such a protective tool in the conquest of relatively light trails. After all, even experienced riders are not immune from accidental falls or collisions with newcomers. Therefore, it is better to review the available snowboard helmets in advance and find the best option for yourself.

Design features

What is the helmet for snowboarding? The design of most models is extremely simple. The outer part here is represented by an impact-resistant shell, which actually takes on the main load when colliding with a solid object. Inside, snowboard helmets contain a core made of materials absorbing mechanical influences. Some models are equipped with headbands that protect the skin from rubbing.

Types

How to choose a helmet for snowboarding? First of all, focus should be on the type of such a protective agent.

Today manufacturers of equipment for extreme sports produce closed (full-face) and open (opened) helmets. Beginners are encouraged to pay attention to models of the second type. Open snowboard helmets are an order of magnitude lighter, more comfortable and, moreover, much cheaper compared to "full-face".

Closed models have chin protection. To their application, mostly professional athletes who engage in extreme slalom and forest freeride resort. The presence of additional protection protects the snowboarder's face from branches, contact with hard surfaces at high speed.

Helmet size for snowboarding

An unsuitable helmet can be recognized immediately. Here there are only a few options: either the product is too tight and squeezes the whiskey or the model loosely hangs on the head. In both cases, the helmet can not effectively absorb shock loads.

The corresponding parameters can be easily determined by measuring the circumference of the head at the forehead and occiput. Immediately it is worth noting that snowboard helmets from individual manufacturers differ in internal structure, which imposes certain difficulties on the choice of a suitable size. Therefore, it is worth personally testing the products of several companies, selecting the optimal option under the outlines of the head.

Fitting

To measure a helmet for snowboarding on a hat is highly not recommended, because in this case when riding, the effect of thermoregulation will be broken. To put on the product better on the uncovered head, in extreme cases - on a thin fleece liner.

During fitting, do not forget about the possibility of adjusting the parameters of the helmet with an internal tightening system, which provides a reliable fixation of such equipment. If you have a mask for snowboarding, you should take it with you to try on, checking how much these items fit together.

Ventilation

Do not once again overheat the head during skiing. Fogging in the wind and frost can lead to colds or other, more complex diseases. For this reason, it is worth giving preference to helmets with good ventilation. In modern models, it is realized due to holes in the upper layers of plastic, or through hidden channels that pass between several layers of the product.

A snowboarding helmet can contain both passive and active ventilation. The latter option makes it possible to regulate the intake of air under the containment by closing and opening special holes with the help of miniature levers. Naturally, helmets with active ventilation are much more expensive for riders, since they belong to the class of professional equipment.

Equipment

Recently, authoritative manufacturers are increasingly releasing snowboard helmets with built-in visors, which allows the rider to escape from the need to select the appropriate protective mask. The main advantage of the solution - a special breadth of review, like the pilots of fighters.

Naturally, this strange design is not to the liking of every experienced rider. A certain imprint on the decrease in interest in helmets with a visor imposes a fairly high price. In addition, there are some inconveniences in use. So, when falling under such a "visor", snow may pile up, and in the course of a high-speed ride it will be blowed out, causing a lot of discomfort.

Among other novelties that differ in non-standard equipment, it's worth mentioning a snowboard helmet with headphones and a microphone. Despite the originality and convenience of such a decision, many athletes regard him quite skeptical. Firstly, for a helmet with built-in headphones you have to overpay, and secondly - skating to music is not safe.

Manufacturer

Athletes who really care about the safety of their own health, it is worth to avoid the helmets of little-known brands. The cost of such products is much lower, but comparatively little. As a rule, frankly cheap products of Chinese production come to complete disrepair after the first test for strength.

To give preference to helmets that contain a mark of compliance with one of the international quality standards: CE, Shell RS-98 or ASTM. The presence of a designation indicates that the product has gone through a series of tests for multiple shocks and in fact is able to protect the head of the future owner.

Price issue

How much does a snowboard helmet cost? The price of products from reputable manufacturers starts in the domestic market from 3500 to 4000 rubles.

In fact, buying too expensive an item is irrational. After all, after getting a really strong blow, as a result of which the outer shell is covered with cracks, the helmet becomes potentially dangerous for operation and needs to be replaced.

Finally

Paradoxically, the more confident the rider deals with snowboarding, the greater the risk of injury. After overcoming more complex routes and performing dizzy tricks increases the level of danger. Proof of what has been said can be the fact that all professionals ride only in a protective helmet. Whatever it was, in this sport to learn from their mistakes is highly discouraged.