To wear or not to wear a Helm? - Page 9 - Snowboarding Forum

**Donutz** · 11-30-2012, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdmccright

I look at it this way. Do I really have time to be out of work with a broke brain.? The answer is always no.

Me lose brain? Uh-oh.
.
.
.
Why you laugh?

-- H. Simpson

KIRKRIDER · 11-30-2012, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peaceryder

Just interested in freestyle riders thoughts on using helmets. I'm a pure freerider who hasn't had much experience with jumping/jibbing other than backcountry kickers into deeeeep pow, so I never wore a helmet, even though my mom bought me one about 12 years ago, lol. Do you guys bring your helmets along just for riding 'park' or no helmet use? I did not like the feel of a helmet on my head when I tried it way back in the day. Plus, the helmet was noticeably colder! Feel like I need to yell FREEEEEEEEEEEEDOM from the top of my lungs like William Wallace when I was wearing one. However, I do know that park riding is more deadly to your lightbulb...
I should note that despite getting into more freestyle oriented riding this winter, if it snows, I'll be riding pow, not in the park :P
Wanna protect my head while in the park, but don't exactly wanna lug a helmet around with me on my pack, already enough crap in there!

My question is, what are your thoughts on helmet use in respect to freestyle riding.

So if you like going fast down the mountain the answer should be obvious. Trees are harder than skulls? Wear one.

BigmountainVMD · 11-30-2012, 09:43 AM

I HATED my helmet from 15 years ago, but they have gotten so much lighter, warmer, and less obtrusive. I absolutely love my Smith Vantage and it is so light I can barely tell the difference between that and a thick beanie.

The trees in most glades in Maine are extremely close together, and you often get branches in the face when there is a lot of snow (plus I'm 6'3") so I love having a helmet so I can charge head first and not worry about it.

The one time I hit my head without a helmet on was enough to make me wear one constantly after that.

RedRomo · 11-30-2012, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krug

I would much rather not wear a helmet, but here are the reasons why I do...

1. 2 head concussions neither of which happened in the park. 1 was caused by an out of control skier and I was wearing a helmet. I still rode the rest of the day, but literally could not piece together a sentence and had a gnarly headache.
2. I like to ride through the trees...I'm guessing my head is not going to win of I hit a tree at speed
3. Double black diamonds with exposed rocks...in the even that I bite it, I would rather not tomohawk head first into a patch of them wearing a beenie...then again, even a helmet might not save me.

My main factor for wearing though, in all honesty is because I have kiddos and I'd hate for a nasty accident to take me out of their lives.

Andy

#3 for me too.

RedRomo · 11-30-2012, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krug

I would much rather not wear a helmet, but here are the reasons why I do...

1. 2 head concussions neither of which happened in the park. 1 was caused by an out of control skier and I was wearing a helmet. I still rode the rest of the day, but literally could not piece together a sentence and had a gnarly headache.
2. I like to ride through the trees...I'm guessing my head is not going to win of I hit a tree at speed
3. Double black diamonds with exposed rocks...in the even that I bite it, I would rather not tomohawk head first into a patch of them wearing a beenie...then again, even a helmet might not save me.

My main factor for wearing though, in all honesty is because I have kiddos and I'd hate for a nasty accident to take me out of their lives.

Andy

Kiddos and concussions for me too

ComeBack_Kid · 12-03-2012, 06:08 AM

This thread reminds me: I need a new helmet.

Also, for the few who mentioned Kevin Pearce as an example of why you should wear a helmet, HE WAS WEARING A HELMET WHEN HE WAS INJURED.

Helmets are not a foolproof solution, but they are still a damn good idea. I know they don't look "steezy" and Torstein and Travis Rice don't always wear them, but the rest of us still should.

BarrettDSP · 12-03-2012, 02:42 PM

I have a wife, 2 small kids and a career so I want to be able to continue to provide for my family and spend time with them in the future so I started wearing on a few years ago. I know my first one saved me from a concussion as the back of my head fell straight back on a sheet of ice and I was still woozy the rest of the day. I know they arent fool proof but I feel that make the odds a little lower of getting hurt out there. Plus I know have one that i can hook my ipod up to and I dont even notice im wearing it most of the time.

131441 · 12-03-2012, 02:51 PM

This thread has convinced me to also purchase a helmet. I have another kid on the way in April, and it would be selfish of me (IMO only) to not protect myself.

I rode a long long time without. And if thats your choice that cool by me.

Gdog42 · 12-03-2012, 03:54 PM

12 years ago?
Go for a new helmet. Modern helmet are much lighter, lower-profile, breathable and warm.
Mine came with 3 different sizes of pads so I could customize the fit. It now feels not much different than wearing a hat.
I used to have the same opinion about helmets being uncomfortable, and wore a beanie most of the time, but that's because I used to have this crap ski racing helmet that made my head look- and feel- like a bowling ball! I never even notice the modern one I'm wearing now. It's a Giro Revolver. I also put my earphones in the ear pads, so now I can listen to music. Good shit!

Lib Tech makes a really low-profile helmet, and I think it's certified:
http://www.evo.com/helmets/lib-tech-burtner-helmet.aspx

mixie · 12-03-2012, 05:48 PM

so for those of you with the bern watts, how do you keep from over heating?

I will wear it when it's cold, I prefer to wear it then. But anything over 40 degrees or so I overheat and can't wear it. I sweat so badly in it. If I take the lining out the helmet is so big that it's pretty much useless.....It's pretty snug with the lining snapped in.

and on a really shallow note, aside from the over heating part I hate wearing it in the spring with just a long sleeved t shirt. I feel like I look top heavy and will topple over so I avoid wearing it in favor of a streamlined beanie. With a big puffy jacket on, the helmet looks more balanced and it bothers me less. I should really get over it. I know.

12-03-2012, 05:48 PM	#90 (permalink)
mixie Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: so cal Posts: 577	so for those of you with the bern watts, how do you keep from over heating? I will wear it when it's cold, I prefer to wear it then. But anything over 40 degrees or so I overheat and can't wear it. I sweat so badly in it. If I take the lining out the helmet is so big that it's pretty much useless.....It's pretty snug with the lining snapped in. and on a really shallow note, aside from the over heating part I hate wearing it in the spring with just a long sleeved t shirt. I feel like I look top heavy and will topple over so I avoid wearing it in favor of a streamlined beanie. With a big puffy jacket on, the helmet looks more balanced and it bothers me less. I should really get over it. I know. __________________ if a cat fucked a shark, the babies would be called women. snowklinger

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11-30-2012, 09:43 AM	#83 (permalink)
BigmountainVMD Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 689	I HATED my helmet from 15 years ago, but they have gotten so much lighter, warmer, and less obtrusive. I absolutely love my Smith Vantage and it is so light I can barely tell the difference between that and a thick beanie. The trees in most glades in Maine are extremely close together, and you often get branches in the face when there is a lot of snow (plus I'm 6'3") so I love having a helmet so I can charge head first and not worry about it. The one time I hit my head without a helmet on was enough to make me wear one constantly after that.

12-03-2012, 06:08 AM	#86 (permalink)
ComeBack_Kid Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 321	This thread reminds me: I need a new helmet. Also, for the few who mentioned Kevin Pearce as an example of why you should wear a helmet, HE WAS WEARING A HELMET WHEN HE WAS INJURED. Helmets are not a foolproof solution, but they are still a damn good idea. I know they don't look "steezy" and Torstein and Travis Rice don't always wear them, but the rest of us still should.

12-03-2012, 02:42 PM	#87 (permalink)
BarrettDSP Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 106	I have a wife, 2 small kids and a career so I want to be able to continue to provide for my family and spend time with them in the future so I started wearing on a few years ago. I know my first one saved me from a concussion as the back of my head fell straight back on a sheet of ice and I was still woozy the rest of the day. I know they arent fool proof but I feel that make the odds a little lower of getting hurt out there. Plus I know have one that i can hook my ipod up to and I dont even notice im wearing it most of the time.

12-03-2012, 02:51 PM	#88 (permalink)
131441 Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Waterville, Oh Posts: 49	This thread has convinced me to also purchase a helmet. I have another kid on the way in April, and it would be selfish of me (IMO only) to not protect myself. I rode a long long time without. And if thats your choice that cool by me.

12-03-2012, 03:54 PM	#89 (permalink)
Gdog42 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: MI Posts: 405	12 years ago? Go for a new helmet. Modern helmet are much lighter, lower-profile, breathable and warm. Mine came with 3 different sizes of pads so I could customize the fit. It now feels not much different than wearing a hat. I used to have the same opinion about helmets being uncomfortable, and wore a beanie most of the time, but that's because I used to have this crap ski racing helmet that made my head look- and feel- like a bowling ball! I never even notice the modern one I'm wearing now. It's a Giro Revolver. I also put my earphones in the ear pads, so now I can listen to music. Good shit! Lib Tech makes a really low-profile helmet, and I think it's certified: http://www.evo.com/helmets/lib-tech-burtner-helmet.aspx