A helmet for a snowboard is an indispensable element of equipment, especially for those who prefer high-speed downhill runs with dizzying maneuvers between stones and trees. However, do not neglect such a protective tool when conquering relatively easy tracks. Indeed, even experienced riders are not safe from accidental falls or collisions with beginners. Therefore, it is better to pre-view available snowboard helmets and choose the best option for yourself.
Design Features
What is a snowboard helmet made of? The design of most models is extremely simple. The outer part here is represented by a shockproof shell, which actually takes on the main load in a collision with a solid object. Inside, snowboard helmets contain a core made of materials that absorb mechanical stress. Some models are equipped with balaclavas, which protect the skin from rubbing.
Types
How to choose a helmet for a snowboard? First of all, you should focus on the type of such a protective agent.
Today, manufacturers of equipment for extreme sports produce closed (full-face) and open (opened) helmets. Beginner riders are advised to pay attention to the second type of model. Open snowboard helmets are an order of magnitude lighter, more comfortable and also much cheaper compared to full faces.
Closed models have chin protection. Their use is mainly resorted to by professional athletes who are engaged in extreme slalom and forest freeriding. The presence of additional protection protects the face of the snowboarder from branches, contact with hard surfaces at high speed.
Snowboard Helmet Size
An unsuitable
helmet can be recognized immediately. There are only a few options: either the product is too tight and squeezes the whiskey or the model hangs freely on the head. In both cases, the helmet will not be able to effectively absorb shock loads.
It is quite simple to determine the relevant parameters by measuring the circumference of one’s own head at the level of the forehead and neck. It is immediately worth noting that snowboard helmets from individual manufacturers differ in their internal structure, which imposes certain difficulties on the selection of a suitable size. Therefore, it is worth personally testing the products of several companies, choosing the best option for the shape of the head.
Fitting
It is extremely not recommended to measure a helmet for snowboarding on a hat, because in this case, when riding, the effect of thermoregulation will be disrupted. It is better to put the product on an uncovered head, in extreme cases - on a thin fleece comforter.
During the fitting, do not forget about the possibility of adjusting the parameters of the helmet using the internal tightening system, which ensures reliable fixation of such equipment. If a snowboard mask is available, it is worth taking it with you to try on, checking how these items of equipment correspond to each other.
Ventilation
Do not overheat your head once again while riding. Misting in the wind and frost can lead to colds or other, more complex illnesses. For this reason, helmet with good ventilation should be preferred. In modern models, it is realized due to holes in the upper layers of plastic or thanks to hidden channels that pass between several layers of the product.
A helmet for snowboarding can contain both passive and active ventilation. The latter option makes it possible to regulate the flow of air under the protective shell by closing and opening special openings using miniature levers. Naturally, helmets with active ventilation are much more expensive for riders, as they belong to the class of professional equipment.
Equipment
Recently, reputable manufacturers are increasingly producing snowboard helmets with integrated visors, which eliminates the need for the rider to select the appropriate protective mask. The main advantage of the solution is the special breadth of view, as in fighter pilots.
Naturally, not every experienced rider will like such a strange design. A certain imprint on the decline in interest in helmets with a visor is imposed by a rather high price. Everything else adds some inconvenience during operation. So, when falling under such a "visor", snow can accumulate, and during high-speed driving it will be pretty blowing under it, causing a lot of discomfort.
Among other new products that differ in non-standard equipment, it is worth noting a snowboard helmet with headphones and a microphone. Despite the originality and convenience of such a decision, many athletes are rather skeptical about it. Firstly, you have to overpay for a helmet with built-in headphones, and secondly, it is not safe to ride to music.
Manufacturer
Athletes who actually care about their own health should avoid helmets of little-known brands. The cost of such products is much lower, but the benefits are relatively few. As a rule, frankly cheap products made in China come into complete disrepair after the first strength test.
It is recommended to give preference to helmets that contain a mark on compliance with one of the international quality standards: CE, Shell RS-98 or ASTM. The presence of the designation indicates that the product went through a series of tests for multiple hits and in fact is able to protect the head of the future owner.
Price issue
How much does a snowboard helmet cost? The price of products from reputable manufacturers starts in the domestic market from 3500 - 4000 rubles.
In fact, acquiring an overly expensive product is quite irrational. After all, after receiving a really strong blow, as a result of which the outer shell becomes covered with cracks, the helmet becomes potentially dangerous for operation and needs to be replaced.
Finally
Paradoxically, the more confident the rider is handling the snowboard, the greater the risk of injury. Indeed, overcoming more difficult routes and performing dizzying stunts increases the level of danger. This can be confirmed by the fact that all professionals ride only in a protective helmet. Be that as it may, in this sport, learning from your mistakes is highly discouraged.