Snowboarding Forum - Snowboard Enthusiast Forums banner

To wear or not to wear a Helm?

58K views 333 replies 150 participants last post by  snowyc 
#1 ·
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.
 
#37 ·
my helmet has saved me so many times! I would likely be concussed many times or worse if I wasn't wearing one! and recently picked up a new one with a bit of a visor that i think looks pretty cool, so the whole helmets looks gay is a bad argument imo! they save lives, they save your brain functioning, and to me, that's all that matters!
 
#39 ·
Just an FYI here. You are calling others dumb yet you have nearly defeated the purpose of the helmet here. Your helmet needs to fit snugly without a beanie under it. When fitting yourself for a helmet, do not wear a beanie under it. A sloppy, loose fitting helmet is only marginally better than no helmet and you are riding around with a sense of false security. Don`t wear a beanie under the helmet if you actually want protection.
i'd love to see evidence to support that.

A majority of people i know all wear beanies under helmet to keep head warm and pretty sure I see a hell of a lot of pro riders wearing beanies under their helmets. My helmet does not keep me warm at all. If anything I would think a beanie would add more cushion. It still fits snug and doesn't move around. i've bumped my head several times with it on and it sure as hell did the job.
 
#40 ·
i'd love to see evidence to support .
Agreed. And I am serious, if you have some info please post it and I will utilize it in our safety committee's, ect. we wear helmets with hoods, without, with hoods and mask, ect, ect...
With all due respect, I just don't see it. And the basis for so has several reasons. Mostly revolving around the helmet companies liability, because unfortunately, that's what makes our world turn...I have never seen a warning not to wear anything under a helmet, and the companies would certainly use that as an easy "out", especially since it's a common practice.
If the fit were THAT specific, there would be a more specific fit. It wouldnt be S,M,L,XL...what about those that fall in between. Also my Berns helmet I just got has a winter insert and a sweat band instead of an insert for summer use. The winter one is thicker than my beanie, and because of that the helmet fits a little looser without the insert, but the difference is greater than using my beanie and not using it.
 
#41 ·
i used to snowboard about 9 years ago..16-18yrs and i never wore a helmet. i thought they were bulky, uncomfortable and most of all looked "nerdy"..

i am 27 now and as I changed my life i decided to start riding again, the first thing i did was to buy a helmet and i didn't let my gf go out without wearing one. Life is so much more precious to me now and there is ABSOLUTELY no reason to not wear a helmet.

Uncomfortable? Maybe if you spent 30$ on your helmet. Go to stores and try them on. They have to fit snug but not uncomfortably, helmets are like shoes you have to try them on and play with them until you find the one that feels snug and comfortable..it shouldnt move around on your head. if you find a helmet like that, within a few minutes of riding you will forget you even have it on. believe me.

I wear a POC Skull Light helmet, it cost me 130$...it keeps me warm, i don't feel its there and most of all it protects my head. everyone is a hero until they take a hit straight to the noggin.
 
#42 ·
I will always maintain a position of helmet use being a personal choice. However some things to be considered about the reasons some have for not wearing them.

Uncomfortable: If the OP's helmet is 12 years old, the rate that tech moves these days that is ancient. Helmets are like boots, people can recommend models till they are blue in the face, YOU HAVE TO TRY THEM ON! And I don't mean just 1 or 2 that some random dude on the internet recommended. I tried on 15 before I bought mine (Giro G9) with the amount of manufacturers and models available you will find something that fits right.

I don't ride park: In my experience, outside the park, most concussions happen on easy groomers. These areas are congested with inexperienced riders/skiers, sure you can control what YOU do but shit does indeed happen. I also seem to edge catch more on green runs, when I'm riding more advanced runs I'm 110% focused on what I am doing and the terrain directly in front of me. On green groomers I'm picking my line based on the people in front of me and not so much on what I am sliding over.

Not warm: *I have no idea about the beanie/fit thing* I usually have to open vents to keep from sweating like a pig in mine, maybe cheap helmets don't have as good of insulation :dunno: The only time I can remember not venting mine was a heavy snow at Keystone a few years ago, was probably in the teens, and dumping. Still warm enough, I can't imagine riding in weather that was much worse.

Doesn't look cool: If you are going to the mountain just to make a fashion statement, then why bother riding at all, just gear up in a grand worth of Burton crap and hang out in the lodge. If you are THAT worried about what other people think, it's an issue with your self esteem....besides mine looks bad assed :cheeky4:

All in all, as I have said in these threads before, better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it...your squash your choice.
 
#45 · (Edited)
Personally i hardly ever wear a helmet. I just don't find them comfortable nor do i like how they look, nor do i like how they fit with my neck warmer, or how bulky they are, or how they get itchy. The only times i will wear a helmet are if i want to do some filming with the helmet cam, or if im having a park day. Other than that its a beanie or some type of a hat.

I don't ride park: In my experience, outside the park, most concussions happen on easy groomers. These areas are congested with inexperienced riders/skiers, sure you can control what YOU do but shit does indeed happen. I also seem to edge catch more on green runs, when I'm riding more advanced runs I'm 110% focused on what I am doing and the terrain directly in front of me. On green groomers I'm picking my line based on the people in front of me and not so much on what I am sliding over.


Doesn't look cool: If you are going to the mountain just to make a fashion statement, then why bother riding at all, just gear up in a grand worth of Burton crap and hang out in the lodge. If you are THAT worried about what other people think, it's an issue with your self esteem....besides mine looks bad assed :cheeky4:
well i dont ever ride green groomers so it looks like i am safe there. I am hardly ever in areas with inexperienced beginners so for the most part i dont need to worry about other people. And while i dont go up to the mountain to make a fashion statement i do care a bit about what i look like, and i dont like the look of helmets, simple as that, just my personal opinion.
 
#43 ·
I'm with you on the warmth thing Jeffrey. My head has never been cold in 12+ years of wearing a helmet (by itself), and I usually run on the cooler side.

I also have a Giro (Seam). They make really nice helmets. Lightweight, well ventilated, goggle compatability, comfortable (for me)...a little spendy, but you get what you pay for.

I liked the look of the Smith helmets quite a bit more, but they just didn't fit me right.
 
#46 ·
My helmet looks stupid but I still wear it, I'd rather look stupid than be stupid. I have a size 8 hat/67 helmet so there aren't many cool options.... Wearing one has saved me a few times though, my niece and son would both likely be dead without one. Both have been knocked out and cracked helmets. My niece woke up in providence hood river hospital not knowing how she got there, that's a long ride off mt hood.....
 
#47 ·
Was dicking around coming down a cattrack after a long epic powder day on tuesday and caught my nose - did a flip and landed straight on the back of my head. I was dizzy for about 10 minutes and the impact still hurt with the helmet, but boy was I glad I was wearing it. Shit happens when you least expect it and it's nice to have that security.
 
#48 ·
After getting two concussions, I've taken to wearing my helmet every time I go out. First concussion was when I was just starting out, one of the first black diamond runs I ever hit, and it was icy as shiiit. Ended up falling pretty bad and slamming my head on some ice.
After that I got a helmet, but as I got better I decided to only wear it when I was planning on charging icy or going big in the park. I was with a few beginner friends and decided to forego the helmet because I was just going to be taking it easy with them. But by the end of the day I got restless and ended up taking some laps through the park where I blasted my head when i botched the landing on a fairly large jump. That one really sucked because I had to drive home since my car wasn't automatic and none of my friends could drive a stick. Whole way back, my friends had to keep reminding me where we were going and how to get back to my house. Driving back was probably even dumber than not wearing a helmet.
Interestingly, since I started wearing a helmet, I've injured pretty much everything else on falls, but haven't once taken a big blow to the head. That's not going to stop me from putting one on though. The one time I leave the helmet in the car, I'll probably end up cracking my skull on a kink rail.

As far as the whole, "don't wear helmet over beanie" thing, I've never heard that before. I've always worn my helmet over a beanie and goggles under the helmet. I like the look better, plus I find it more comfortable with the beanie on than the ear pads.
 
#49 ·
Last year my cousin was riding side by side with his buddy. His buddy fell and hit his head not even that hard and immediately started having a seizure right there. I was on the fence about wearing a helmet then, but after that I wear it every time now.

I have a Smith Maze. It is the lightest helmet there is. It feels like I have nothing on my head, it stays the perfect temp all day, keeps my ears warm, plays music, and gives me a tad more courage. I may look a little dumb but...I'll never go back to a too hot/too cold/too itchy beanie again.
 
#50 ·
caught a heel edge two days ago doing a frontside bs on a og rail while I was wearing my helmet and it probably saved my life :thumbsup:

...the back of my head bounced off the rail and I still might have gotten a mild concussion but no doubt I wouldn't be sitting here if I wasn't wearing it

everyone please wear a helmet when you're out there....there really is absolutely no justifiable reason not to
 
#57 ·
I've been on 5 trips to CO to board and next week I'll be making my 6th trip. I've never worn a helmet before and on at least 2 different occasions in the past I've hit a nasty patch of ice and wiped out and hit my head real good. I've also been clobbered by an idiot or 2 on the mountain.. I'm 100% guilty of being that person who thought people would make fun of me for wearing a helmet, or that it would look "stupid". Let's get realistic, you know what would look more stupid?? You being paralyzed or in a vegetable state and pissing/shitting yourself all day and being incapable of living your life without 24/7 assistance. I come from a pre-med background and I have a pretty in-depth understanding of the brain and I can't believe how ignorant I was to never wear a helmet on my previous trips. I'm investing in a helmet today and I'll have it on every time I hit the slopes next week.

"Many organs and tissues in the body can recover after injury without intervention. Unfortunately, some cells of the central nervous system are so specialized that they cannot divide and create new cells. As a result, recovery from a brain or spinal cord injury is much more difficult."
 
#58 ·
You can be the best snowboarder in the world, but it is more about the people behind you. I know this guy who was slammed head on by a skier, went to the emergency room and the only reason he survived was because he was wearing a helmet. I really don't think I would hurt myself, but to protect myself from other riders.
 
#60 ·
There's still a question over helmets?!?! Got mine about 4 years ago (15 years into my snowboarding career) because my buddy and I collided and I forgot how to talk for a few weeks. Now I find it warmer (toque only covers to the ears at the most), more comfortable (goggles don't press into my face and rub itchy toque on me lol), and just downright better.

When I'm flying through the trees, off little cliffs, etc. do I want to be worried about keeping my head safe?

To each his own I guess. I used to ride a sportbike and helmets are mandatory in Canada. Saw some guys in Philly popping wheelies on enduro's with no helmets and I just about puked my stomach turned so much.

Would you bet money that you could ride around holding a watermelon all day and not crack it?
 
#61 ·
IMO there are helmets so light you won't even notice that you're wearing one. but they're typically very expensive.

like someone pointed out on this forum, your body is pretty good on its own at guessing where parts of your body are in relation to each other. so if you hit the ground it instinctively knows how much to tense your neck so you avoid slamming your head, among other things. it's not perfect but it does the job for most situations. it depends on your activities too. i used to break dance so i'm used to falling in almost every way possible.

there's also that catch-22 where increased safety is correlated with increased risk-taking. they've done studies on it but you can see it on the forums here too. i personally would not have put myself in a situation a year ago to get a concussion if i didn't have a helmet on, but it pretty much saved my life.

of course, if your body is not aware of a rock being there you're all kinds of fucked. in that case a helmet will probably be helpful.
 
#62 ·
Any protection is better than none, but is spending $130 really worth it? I would imagine any helmet would work - obviously not as well as a "snowboard" deemed helmet with specific advantages (re; speakers, insulation, etc.) - to at least do the basic protecting that a helmet is good for. So, as long as it is not a huge deal, would wearing a simple skateboard helmet give you the same level of protection on the snow as it would against concrete?

I got a good chuckle when I saw a snowboarder a few weeks ago with a dirtbike/motocross helmet. More dangerous than beneficial with the limited peripherals but it does add to my original question: can any helmet work as a snowboard helmet?

Goddamn I am a stingy mofo!
 
#64 ·
Will my Subaru WRX take me up the mountain? For sure and well too. Is it as safe and quiet as an Audi S4? No way. You get what you pay for.
 
#63 ·
^^^ You can get a basic snowobarding helmet for $40...

Smith Hustle Silver Max 2011 Helmet Medium | eBay

I think my helmet was about $90 on sale. Light, closeable vents so good for a wide range of temps, ratchet strap adjustment for good fit.

I've busted shoulders, ribs, wrists, and bruised my tailbone really bad over the years of boarding. I forgot how to talk and gave myself headaches for a while after hitting my head. Not really looking to become a vegetable any time soon. :D
 
#65 · (Edited)
this thread made me stop wearing a helmet. :cheeky4: When i started riding a friend gave me his old one but it only fit with a beenie underneath. Not to mention it was hideous!! I wore it when I was learning (which is probably when you need it the least) and would still wear it on icy days. Then I saw that post with the OSHA regs-- I've ditched that thing and I'm not looking back. Maybe if I find one on sale with some headphones built in, I'll pick one up.


what I don't get is why helmets are such a hot topic. In any sport. not just ski/snowboard. I've seen a million altercations both online and in person over helmets in cycling as well. Why do people care what someone else does? How does my wearing (or not) a helmet effect you?


Random Facts: I've suffered 3 concussions in my life. One was from being hit in the face (martial arts tourney) the second was from crashing my bike at about 25 mph and landing on my head. (yes, with a helmet)

The third and far worst concussion was from slipping while playing DDR. :laugh: Yeah, I know Im talented.
 
#66 ·
I wore it when I was learning (which is probably when you need it the least) and would still wear it on icy days. Then I saw that post with the OSHA regs-- I've ditched that thing and I'm not looking back. Maybe if I find one on sale with some headphones built in, I'll pick one up.
I would hardly say learning is when you need it least. Catch an edge, go down on ice, head smashed like a melon... lol

Also why do you care about OSHA regs when you're snowboarding? Are you being paid to snowboard? I'd take a loose helmet with a beanie rather than no helmet any day.

I really don't care if people wear a helmet or not, but I have to question peoples motivation NOT to wear one.
 
#67 ·
Yeah, this is also the exact reason why I drive a large SUV (though I wish I could afford one that was a hybrid or alt fuels). I am not worried about my driving but rather the other idiots on the road running into me. I want to always be in the larger vehicle just in case!

Exact reason i drive a toyota land cruiser, i figure id rather have the guilt of someone i don't know dying in an accident with me than myself or family dying. IMO bigger is better on the road.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top