Helmet Help Please - Snowboarding Forum

LukeRyan · 01-19-2012, 08:45 AM

Hey guys, my dad is insisting that I buy "the best helmet" and I don't really know what's out there right now besides RED. Just wanted to see what your guys' suggestions would be for great helmets. Thanks!

Smokehaus · 01-19-2012, 09:05 AM

Helmets are much like boots as they are very person specific. Your best best is to go to a local shop and try a bunch on and see what actually fits your head. If that is not an option, measure your head to find out what size you need and try to order one accordingly.

There are a ton of really good helmet companies out there now, but here are just a few I would look at.

-Bern
-RED
-POC
-SMITH

mjd · 01-19-2012, 10:16 AM

no need to spend a lot. they all do the same thing. check out sand box helmets- they look cool.

Smokehaus · 01-19-2012, 10:22 AM

I will have to disagree that they all do the "same thing". Please do not spend $10 on something that protects your brain.

grafta · 01-19-2012, 10:32 AM

Look for one that has nice inner padding/fabric that'll keep your head warm and comfortable. The ones with a cinch adjuster in the back look awesome to get fit dialed in too. Check if it fits nicely with the goggles you already have or are getting.

I got a protec classic snow, and it's pretty basic. It gets job done bit I wish I had spent a little more and got something nicer. It just has the foam pads like old bike helmets so I wear a balaclava under it. The newer protecs look a bit more tech and better now so don't rule them out either.

Like was said above, try on as many as you can and find one you really like! If you gotta wear a helmet you gotta like it!

Smokehaus · 01-19-2012, 10:37 AM

How big is that noggin of yours? I might be selling my 2012 Bern Baker that has only been used twice (too big for me)

mjd · 01-19-2012, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smokehaus

I will have to disagree that they all do the "same thing". Please do not spend $10 on something that protects your brain.

i've shattered two helmets over the years. both times i got concussed. a helmet will NOT stop your brain from ping ponging around in your skull. and that's what damages your brain. it WILL help in preventing your head from getting split open.

Smokehaus · 01-19-2012, 11:02 AM

Yeah I got you, but what you said was a blanket statement. They are for sure not all the same. Is there no difference between EPS and Brock foam? Hardshell vs In-mold? Let us not forget about safety certifications. I bet the two that probably saved your life were ASTM F2040 certified.

So they are similar, but there many factors that make a helmet safe.

**HoboMaster** · 01-19-2012, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjd

i've shattered two helmets over the years. both times i got concussed. a helmet will NOT stop your brain from ping ponging around in your skull. and that's what damages your brain. it WILL help in preventing your head from getting split open.

While it's true helmets don't stop concussions, the foam in them is actually made with that in mind - it compresses with impact and essentially spreads the impact out over a longer period of time = less damage.

I don't think it's possible to buy a new helmet for $10, I'm pretty sure there are standards helmet manufacturers have to live up to so that you can always count on getting a baseline quality - even if the helmet is cheap. TBH I think there is a lot of "hype pricing" involved with the more expensive ones, it's not that they're necessarily structurally more sound. I payed a lot for mine, but that's because it has a nice liner with speakers.

Smokehaus · 01-19-2012, 11:10 AM

I am sure you can buy them, but they will be listed as not certified or will say for novelty only. It is just like how people can make carabiners that are not made for actual climbing, but you can buy them for cheap and they will clearly state to not used them for anything that involves climbing.

01-19-2012, 08:45 AM	#1 (permalink)
LukeRyan Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 59	Helmet Help Please Hey guys, my dad is insisting that I buy "the best helmet" and I don't really know what's out there right now besides RED. Just wanted to see what your guys' suggestions would be for great helmets. Thanks!

01-19-2012, 10:16 AM	#3 (permalink)
mjd Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: neverbored RI Posts: 374	no need to spend a lot. they all do the same thing. check out sand box helmets- they look cool. __________________ Try this trick and spin it, yeah Your head will collapse

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

01-19-2012, 09:05 AM	#2 (permalink)
Smokehaus Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: NoVA Posts: 891	Helmets are much like boots as they are very person specific. Your best best is to go to a local shop and try a bunch on and see what actually fits your head. If that is not an option, measure your head to find out what size you need and try to order one accordingly. There are a ton of really good helmet companies out there now, but here are just a few I would look at. -Bern -RED -POC -SMITH

01-19-2012, 10:22 AM	#4 (permalink)
Smokehaus Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: NoVA Posts: 891	I will have to disagree that they all do the "same thing". Please do not spend $10 on something that protects your brain.

01-19-2012, 10:32 AM	#5 (permalink)
grafta Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,752	Look for one that has nice inner padding/fabric that'll keep your head warm and comfortable. The ones with a cinch adjuster in the back look awesome to get fit dialed in too. Check if it fits nicely with the goggles you already have or are getting. I got a protec classic snow, and it's pretty basic. It gets job done bit I wish I had spent a little more and got something nicer. It just has the foam pads like old bike helmets so I wear a balaclava under it. The newer protecs look a bit more tech and better now so don't rule them out either. Like was said above, try on as many as you can and find one you really like! If you gotta wear a helmet you gotta like it!

01-19-2012, 10:37 AM	#6 (permalink)
Smokehaus Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: NoVA Posts: 891	How big is that noggin of yours? I might be selling my 2012 Bern Baker that has only been used twice (too big for me)

01-19-2012, 11:02 AM	#8 (permalink)
Smokehaus Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: NoVA Posts: 891	Yeah I got you, but what you said was a blanket statement. They are for sure not all the same. Is there no difference between EPS and Brock foam? Hardshell vs In-mold? Let us not forget about safety certifications. I bet the two that probably saved your life were ASTM F2040 certified. So they are similar, but there many factors that make a helmet safe.

01-19-2012, 11:10 AM	#10 (permalink)
Smokehaus Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: NoVA Posts: 891	I am sure you can buy them, but they will be listed as not certified or will say for novelty only. It is just like how people can make carabiners that are not made for actual climbing, but you can buy them for cheap and they will clearly state to not used them for anything that involves climbing.