davidj

I'm in the market for my first helmet. Any input on the following would be really helpful.

1. I mostly board with sunglasses, so what should I look for in a helmet that works well with shades with wide handles?
2. I have some oooollld Smith and Scott goggles which I use only in the flattest of light. Any suggestions on helmets that might fit these goggles would be good. If not, no biggie, I'll pitch the goggles and get new ones
3. Any e-tailers or chains (REI or Sun and Ski for example) who might have good deals on helmet right now? Also, any makes/models that are best value for the money?
4. Stupid question - what about using a skateboard helmet as opposed to ski/board headgear? What am I losing?

I'm full of questions, aren't I?

aiidoneus

The important part isn't really the type of helmet, but the type of protection. The foam inside the helmet is what protects you. Most snowboard/skate helmets Meet the same standard/safety spec: CPSC, EN 1078, EN1077 and ASTM F 2040 certifications.

I have a bern helmet, with eps foam. Works ok, never fell and hit my head yet. Keep in mind most helmets are one crash, one use. Once the foam compresses it is pretty much useless. I am sure people have got away with re-use. But that depends on how you value your brain

slyder

I found that this is very similar to boot fittings. Most of the helmets I tried on all fit my head differently. I tried some Bern's and they just didn't fit right on my nogin. I ended up with a Smith Venue, fit nice, warm, good amount of foam, and worked for my head shape.

aiidoneus: I'm not sure at what point or type of crash the helmet is one use. Small hits, light bounces off from a simple slide out or miss cue. I got hit in the temple from a lift trying to avoid a new rider that was flailing on the unload ramp. Does that mean my helmet should be replaced??? I can't replace a $100 helmet every time I fall...

-Slyder

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Thanks
-Slyder

oskar

My next helmet will probably be a Protec B2, it's designed for multiple impacts.

aiidoneus

My skate helmet is a protec, fits great. Few scratches, no major impacts.

davidj

Thanks all. This helps.

Irahi

You might consider a d3o-based hat if you're not totally enamored with the idea of a helmet. The stuff provides ridiculous impact protection, and doesn't increase rotational force (aka, the kind of force that gives you a concussion) on impact like a traditional helmet does.

Ignite makes a great product

Ribcaps are pretty decent too. Though they tend to look a little bit... stranger.

davidj

Interesting concept... these caps. I wasn't aware of them before, so thanks for educating me. I might pick one up later. I went ahead and ordered a Protec B2.

Qball

Those hats will not protect your brain.

Irahi

Neither will snowboard/ski helmets, they're designed and tested for impacts up to 14 MPH (and that's the snell standard, astm is much more common and only rated for 11 mph.) When was the last time you felt like you were going to sustain serious injury while traveling 14 miles per hour on a board? Further, the design of helmets increases the likelihood of rotational injury, and while they may protect against low grade concussions, they can very easily increase the likelihood of grade 2 and above concussions.

It's a pretty well known fact that helmets are only designed to protect against minor and nonfatal injuries like scrapes and bumps. Which is exactly the kind of injury that d3o will protect against as well.