Ski helmet - a device that allows you to save the health and life of a skier in the fall. Due to the variety of shapes and colors, many products perform not only a practical, but also a decorative function. Let's figure it out together how to choose a ski helmet that will be reliable protection in any situation.
Design
The ski helmet consists of the following elements:
- Hard frame. The outer shells of modern products are made of high-strength plastic or polycarbonate. The qualities of these materials contribute to a uniform distribution of shock loads over the area of the structure.
- Soft inner lining. It is made of polypropylene foam or expanded polystyrene. Designed to extinguish the energy that is transmitted from the outer shell of the helmet.
- Lining. It is made on the basis of materials with antibacterial properties. It has a porous structure, which contributes to the flow of air and provides comfort during the operation of the helmet.
The size
When choosing a Salomon ski helmet or paying attention to products of other reputable manufacturers, you should focus primarily on choosing the right size. Convenience of product operation and safety largely depend on this.
To choose the right ski helmet, you need to measure the head circumference with a tape measure. The latter must be applied slightly above the level of the ears and eyebrows.
You can select a ski helmet with or without a visor according to standard sizes:
- S is the smallest size (from 50 to 55 cm);
- M - average size per head with a circumference of 55-57 cm;
- L - large size of 58-61 cm;
- XL - a very large helmet about 61-65 cm.
Weight
Unfortunately, the most high-quality models in practice are too heavy for individual users. To pick up a truly reliable and lightweight ski helmet with a visor, you have to spend money. To facilitate the construction without damage to the strength indicator, manufacturers use expensive materials, such as carbon.
On average, children's ski helmets weigh about 300-350 g. Adult models are twice as heavy - from 600 to 800 g.
The form
A helmet for practicing skiing can have elongated outlines in the back of the head. This option provides the best aerodynamics on the slope, which is a defining moment for most professional skiers.
Standard helmets are rounded. They can be closed or open. The first ones are designed for professionals. Designed for winter sports with an increased likelihood of injury. The second option is suitable for beginner athletes who go down prepared tracks. Open helmets may have face protection.
How to try on a helmet?
The main thing before trying on is to make sure that the model is fully consistent with personal needs and preferences. The helmet should fit snugly to the head. A loose-dangling product is absolutely useless, since upon receipt of an impact the load will concentrate at one point, and not be distributed over the entire area.
During the fitting, it is necessary to attach the frontal slice of the helmet just above the eyebrow line, after which it can be safely put on the head. This method is the only correct one and allows you to quickly put on protective equipment in any situation.
If the helmet does not fit tight enough on the head, it is recommended to pay attention to smaller models. A correctly selected product should move in the frontal direction along with the skin of the forehead.
Over time, the helmet filler will certainly sink. Therefore, it is recommended to give preference to a model that is more tightly attached to the head.
If you plan to wear a ski mask under a helmet, you should take it with you to try on. As a rule, products of the same brand correspond best to each other. A helmet and a mask from various manufacturers have to be checked longer and more carefully for compatibility.
Individual models of the same standardized size can give radically different sensations. This happens because manufacturers have their own ideas about the differences regarding the shape of the user's head. For reliability, it is worth trying out the maximum possible number of helmets of individual brands.
Finally
How to decide on the best option? Initially, it is necessary to form your own ideas about the ideal model. It is also worth considering how often a ski mask, hat or hood will fall under a helmet.
One user just needs to visit the store and re-measure the helmets that are available. Others have to customize the design to fit the shape of the head or order a product with specific parameters.
Be that as it may, a helmet is purchased for a long time, since it is a fairly "long-playing" element of equipment. Therefore, it is recommended to choose it based on long-term operation.