What are the criteria for choosing a helmet? It is easy to imagine that "safety" is the number one priority from the meaning of wearing a helmet, but what is the basis for that safety? Also, no matter how safe they are, if they are uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time, or if they impair your riding performance. Safety, comfort, fitting? Let's check the functions of the helmet again and know the points of how to choose.
INDEX
POINT 1 | Necessity of helmet
Are you skating with a helmet on? In recent years, the wearing of helmets has become common, following the practice of the West. With the spread of skiing situations such as tree runs and backcountry skiing, the need to protect the head from natural dangers that can occur at any time has come to be emphasized. In recent years, many ski resorts have made it mandatory to wear helmets even in tree run areas and non-compressed snow areas.
Also, for skiers and snowboarders who ski in the park, a helmet is absolutely essential to avoid the risk of falling over on a jump or jib.
Here too, the high degree of danger can be imagined, so wearing a helmet is quite widespread. The proposition of the helmet is to protect the head from one impact. If the head is bad, it may lose your life, and even if it is not, the disorder of brain function may remain. In order to avoid such risks as much as possible and enjoy the snowy mountains safely, helmets are now a necessity for smart skiers and snowboarders.
Photo courtesy of Natsuyu Plateau
POINT 2 | Functions Required for Snow Helmets
In order to fulfill the mission of protecting the head from impact, there are multiple functions required of the helmet. Broadly speaking, the elements can be considered as shown in the figure below. The most important aspect of safety is the basic structure of the helmet.
Helmets basically have a two-layer structure consisting of an “outer shell” and a “liner”, but there are various differences depending on the materials and how they are combined (structure).
In addition, it is also important to pay attention to whether the "multi-directional shock absorption system" between the shell and the inner is adopted. Of course, if the fit is lacking, the system will not function effectively. In addition, the weight of the helmet not only affects comfort and performance during gliding, but also affects safety. To wear it for a long time, it is painful if it is not comfortable to wear. In order to improve comfort, we would like to pay attention to ventilation and inner materials.
POINT 3 ｜Snow helmet structure and part names
The part that covers the head of a snow helmet is roughly divided into an outer shell and an inner liner.
The shell, which receives direct damage, uses a hard material to protect the interior, and the liner uses a cushion-like material to soften the impact. Helmets are divided into three structures according to the method of joining the shell. "Hard shell structure", "In-mold structure", and "Hybrid structure" combining both. It's not about which is better or worse, but the features differ depending on the difference in structure. It would be better to choose according to your intention.
hard shell construction
The shell and liner (material that absorbs impact) are manufactured separately and attached with an adhesive. Even if a high-strength material is used for the outer shell, the shell itself will not dent or crack even with a slight impact. Sturdy, durable, and more secure. It also has the advantage of making you look slimmer overall.
In-mold structure
The shell and liner are molded in the same mold. Since no adhesive is used, each piece is difficult to peel off and the quality is high. Since the material used for the outer is also light, it leads to overall weight reduction. Shell structure that combines lightness and strength. Popular with park skiers and snowboarders who value lightness for flying and technical movements.
hybrid structure
The hybrid structure has both a hard shell structure and an in-mold structure. The base uses in-mold, and the back and top of the head are covered with a hard shell to increase strength. By combining the two structures, it can be said that it is a type that has not only impact resistance but also moderate lightness and the durability of a hard shell.
GIRO | JACKSON MIPS A mesh material that seems to prevent stuffiness is used
inner
The role of the inner layer is to retain heat, absorb sweat, and improve fit. Each manufacturer has made fine improvements, such as using fabrics with excellent heat retention and moisture permeability, and adding antibacterial and deodorizing functions. Most are removable.
Also pay attention to the style of straps and buckles
strap & buckle
The strap that prevents the helmet from coming off has a big difference in the buckle. A side release buckle and a magnetic buckle. The former is easy to use, but it is a little difficult to handle when wearing gloves. In recent years, the higher the quality of the model, the more magnetic buckles you can handle with one hand.
When the ear pad is removed, it looks like this
ear pads
In the high season, ear pads are beneficial because they cover the ears for warmth and provide a better fit. On the other hand, it can get stuffy and hot during the spring season or when hiking in the backcountry. Therefore, the ear pads are convenient to put on and take off. If you remove it and wash it, you can always use it cleanly without sweat and odor.
Ventilation that allows air to escape from the front of the helmet to the rear
ventilation
Ventilation to eliminate the stuffiness of the head is essential. In addition to the ventilation power, it is also important to be able to open and close the vent at the top. In addition, it is also important to match the moisture inside the helmet so that the goggles do not fog up.
POINT 4 ｜Multi-directional impact cushioning system MIPS
In fact, the damage to the brain caused by a fall while gliding is not only due to the power of the impact, but also due to the rotational energy applied from an angle.
An epoch-making mechanism to reduce it is the multi-directional impact cushioning system "MIPS". Ordinary helmets are designed to absorb impact from the front. However, the MIPS installed in the inner can receive and mitigate impact energy received from an angle. By moving the shell and the inner separately, the shell receives the rotational energy, and the inner does not move, preventing the brain from vibrating.
Mips are like this (parts with yellow or blue round stickers)
It's a bit difficult to imagine with just words and pictures, so watching this video by GIRO is a quick way to understand MIPS.
What is the latest helmet technology "MIPS" that protects the brain?
POINT 5 | Size adjustment system
Many helmets can be adjusted with an adjustment system if the head circumference is about 5 cm. In order to achieve an excellent fit, it is now standard equipment. The dial type represented by the BOA system is easy to handle. It is easy to put on and take off, as it can be tightened or loosened with a single touch.
You can adjust the size by turning the adjuster dial in the center.Photo/Daniel Honda
POINT 6 | Check points for choosing a snow helmet
compatibility with goggles
First, check to see if your goggles fit. Matching with goggles can negatively affect the fit of the helmet. Choose a helmet that doesn't leave too much of a gap between you and your goggles.
size and fit
And the next most important thing is whether the size fits and the fit. Check to see if there is an uncomfortable feeling of pressure or pain when wearing it, or if it is too large and loose. This is faster when choosing an Asian fit model. Japanese and Westerners differ greatly not only in the unevenness of their faces but also in the shape of their heads. If it doesn't fit your head, it's less safe, and most of all, it's not comfortable.
Lightness
Helmets are often worn for long periods of time. In the backcountry, climbing time is more than sliding time. The weight of the helmet is directly related to the burden on the body. Heavy helmets can tire your neck, stiffen your shoulders, and are uncomfortable in the first place. However, it would be troublesome to lose impact resistance, toughness, ventilation function, etc. just by seeking lightness. Ideally, it should have the functionality you need and still be light.
Amenity
Although it is an essential item for protecting the head, it is uncomfortable to the extent that it is painful to wear it, so I do not feel like actively using it. The head is prone to sweating, and the helmet has a high degree of adhesion, so it is easy to get hot and stuffy. It is very important to be comfortable wearing it for a long time. The better the ventilation function to eliminate stuffiness, the better the comfort.
Check model characteristics
It is a good idea to check the compatibility and fit with goggles, and then look at the characteristics, performance, and functions of each model. Consider the balance of the material and structure of the shell, the presence or absence of a multi-directional shock absorption system represented by MIPS, and the lightness according to your own gliding style. Let's look at functionality last.
Versatility is also a new checkpoint
The revision of the law made it mandatory to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle even in daily life. From now on, the frequency of using helmets will increase more and more throughout the year. The versatility of the helmet must be required there. Isn't it killing two birds with one stone if you can use the same helmet whether you're in the snowy mountains or in the city? There is also a model with a specification that allows you to transform a helmet for snow mountain use into an all-season helmet for town use by replacing multiple parts such as ear pads and pads on the top of the head.
bern｜MACON2.0 (Japan fit)
MACON 2.0 Winterset
Quickly change to winter version by attaching parts
POINT 7 | Storage of snow helmets
Store in a well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight. If the storage environment is bad, the adhesive used to bond the shells will deteriorate and come off. I think some people put it in the closet, but I can't recommend it because it's humid. In addition, it is best to lay flat because the plastic used for the shell will be burdened when storing it on a wall, for example.
In addition, it is both unhygienic and uncomfortable to leave the innerwear and ear pads soaked with sweat after use. Remove it, wash it by hand with water, dry it in the shade, and store it.
Remove the inner and ear pads, wash them, and store them cleanly.
POINT 8 | Time to replace snow helmets
The replacement period is 3 to 5 years as recommended by the manufacturer. Even if you handle it carefully, the adhesive may deteriorate. The styrofoam used for the shell also deteriorates over time. Also, unless EPP (polypropylene) material is used for the liner, basically you want to replace it once you receive a big impact. Once the helmet is damaged, it cannot be restored. EPP has resilience and can withstand a certain amount of impact multiple times.
