To ensure that a snowboard helmet provide proper protection for the wearers, it is essential to choose a helmet that appropriate fits the head size and riding style of the individual putting on the helmet. A helmet that dont appropriately fit the heads may slide when performing turn or may cause discomfort at the temples. Hence, it is necessary to take measurement of the head size to ensure that the helmet fits the head correctly.
To determine the correct helmet size, you must measure the circumference of the head. You can measure the circumference of the head using a tape measure by placing the tape measure one inch above the eyebrows and placing the tape measure around the head at the widest portion. Ensure that there is enough space to fit one finger beneath the tape measure.
How to Choose and Care for a Snowboard Helmet
As most helmet brands uses different measurement systems, it is important to take the measurement in both centimeter and inches. Additionally, take the measurement of the head twice to ensure accuracy in the measurement, and round the measurement up to the next size if the measurement fall somewhere in the middle of two sizes. Snowboard helmet sizes range from extra small to double extra large sizes to accommodate for the different shape and sizes of individuals heads.
Medium and large sizes are the most common sizes for snowboard helmets as they typically fits the majority of riders. However, rather than relying on the size indicated on the helmet, the size of the head is more important. Additionally, the sizes for youth helmets may be similar than those for adults, so it is always important to use a tape measure to ensure that the helmet fits the child correctly.
The way in which a helmet is constructed will impact the performance of the helmet. In-mold helmets fuse the foam to the thin shell of the helmet. Because they fuse the foam directly to the thin shell, these helmets is lightweight.
Hardshell helmets have a thick layer of ABS plastic over the foam. These helmets are more durable than in-mold helmets but add to the overall weight of the helmet. Hybrid helmets have the features of both in-mold and hardshell helmets.
These helmets are in the middle in terms of weight and durability. Depending on the type of terrain in which the individual will be skiing, these construction feature can be selected for the helmet. Certifications for snowboard helmets are necessary to ensure the protection of the wearer.
Snowboard helmets should have certification stamps, such as American standard or European standards. These certifications indicates that the helmet passed certain tests for impact protection. The purpose of these certifications is to ensure that the helmet absorbs the energy from the impact to the skull to prevent injury.
It is important to avoid uncertifed helmets to ensure that the helmet can not provide the same level of protection for the skull. Moddern snowboard helmets have rotational protection technology build into the helmet. This technology allow the helmet to slide within the head during an impact.
Additionally, the helmets are built in a way that will redirect some of the forces from an impact away from the brain. This is simply one more safety feature built into the helmets alongside the padding of the helmet. One of the other features to consider for snowboard helmets includes how the helmet work with the goggles.
Some goggles has straps that loop out over the helmet but allow for wind to enter the goggles. Other goggles have clips that allow them to be secured to the helmet that prevent wind from entering the goggles. It is important to test the goggles with the helmet to ensure that there are no pressure point on the head.
Other features of snowboard helmets include ventilation. Some helmets have fixed openings for ventilation but others have sliders to open or close the ventilation openings based on the weather. Ensuring proper ventilation will keep the wearer comfortabley while on the snowboard as too much heat or cold can adversely impact the skiing experiences.
Additionally, some helmets have features within the helmet that increases the comfort of the helmet for the wearer. Fit dial allow the wearer to adjust how tight the helmet is to the head. Padding kits allow for the thickness of padding to be adjusted to ensure a proper fit for the individual.
Some helmets have audio pocket where headphones can be placed to listen to music while on the snowboard. Finally, snowboard helmets will eventually show wear and tear. If the helmet is damaged in any way, whether from impact or wear, you should of replaced it.
Snowboard helmets can experience solid impacts that can compress the foam inside the helmet. Additionally, if the helmet is exposed to the sun for long period of time, the plastic helmet shell can degrade over time. Both of these issues can impact the performance of the helmet.
It is important to inspect the helmet each year for damage, and if any damage is found, the helmet should be replaced. Additionally, as the head size can change over time, it is important to measure the head each year to ensure that the helmet still fits correctly.
