When it comes to skiing, the importance of gear goes far beyond just looking cool in the snow—it’s primarily about safety and a better skiing experience. Choosing the right ski helmet can sometimes literally save your life!
In conversations with skiing veterans, we’ve gathered some truly useful practical tips. The article may be long, but it’s definitely not an ad—not an ad—not an ad!
The first and most basic requirement in choosing a helmet is comfort. Finding one that doesn’t pinch your temples is crucial—otherwise you’ll start feeling dizzy before long. Weight and style come next. In addition, the veterans also mentioned some noteworthy details.
Pure practical tips on helmet selection
1. Soft Shell (soft shell)
This means the helmet is soft, but not in the sense of a rough piece of work like a woolen hat with a few pieces of sponge inside—it refers to a professional mid-level soft shell. Unlike soft helmets with D3O weaving or protective plates, this type is safer, highly protective, flexible and comfortable, as well as durable. It complies with CE EN1077 standards, utilizing two different densities of VN material to handle both high-energy and low-energy impacts, making it more suitable for everyday use. The typical structure of a soft shell helmet is as follows:
- Low-density VN layer (VN = Vinyl Nitrile): This is the foam padding, an excellent cushioning material that is soft, highly compressible, and has strong shock absorption—your last line of defense.
- High-density VN layer: The main impact-resistant zone, sturdy yet flexible.
- Flexible outer shell: A specially formulated plastic that can deform along with the VN layer without cracking.
2. Adjustment System
Today’s helmet adjustment systems are usually multi-dimensional, with some even featuring self-locking designs. These include a rotary knob for adjusting head circumference, telescopic adjustment in the vertical direction, and auxiliary padding designs. The adjustment system enhances stability and uses ergonomic fixing methods, internal padding, and accommodation for hats, as well as seamless compatibility with ski goggles. These are all now industry standards.
3. Ventilation and Temperature Regulation
This includes constant temperature control, airflow regulation, and warm mist airflow guidance for ski goggle defogging, keeping skiers fresh, dry, warm, and comfortable every day. There are typically two ventilation system options: one that can be manually opened and closed, and another that is permanently open. We recommend choosing an adjustable ventilation system that can be opened and closed, which is especially useful in low temperatures, strong winds, or at high speeds.
4. True-to-Life Sound Reproduction
Because of the ear flaps, once your ears are covered, external sound transmission becomes distorted. Therefore, some helmets have added an independent diaphragm system inside the ear flaps to maintain the original quality and volume of natural sounds. This greatly contributes to safety.
5. One-Piece Molding Technology
This ensures both the helmet’s safety and the effectiveness of the ventilation design. However, most helmets nowadays are already one-piece molded, so this technology isn’t particularly rare anymore.
6. Buckle Adjustment System
Most helmets use a buckle or ratchet strap, and designs that allow single-handed operation are very practical, avoiding the awkwardness of having to hold your head with both hands or even take off your gloves.
7. Goggle Strap Base
These generally come in two types: soft silicone snap-on fastening straps and hard clips. The soft type offers added safety, but the thickness of the back-of-head clip may prevent some goggles from fitting properly. The hard base is convenient, but some hard clips can break or fall off easily.
Additionally, there are some other small details to consider, such as whether you need to install a GoPro, whether you want to have several sets of removable ear flaps for different needs, whether the inner liner is removable, and whether you’d prefer an ultra-lightweight carbon fiber option.
To be heldfrom January 24 to 27, 2018,at the Beijing National Convention Center, the eventISPO Beijing 2018will once again make a dazzling appearance with a luxurious lineup spanning over 42,000 square meters, featuring exhibitors from more than 20 countries and over 700 global brands. Come to ISPO Beijing 2018 to see the world’s trendiest and most professional ski gear.
Exclusive Preview
- FIS Certified SwedenPOCCompetition Helmet
Featuring POC’s rotational impact protection system, the helmet’s interior pads can tilt in any direction during oblique impacts. Using an innovative and unique protective pad technology that conforms directly to the user’s head, the helmet lining allows the helmet to move relative to the head during a fall, thereby reducing the force transmitted to the brain.
- Ultra-wide visionALPINA Integrated Helmet
Combined with Varioflex lenses that automatically adapt to current lighting conditions, suitable for use in various weather conditions. The helmet ensures perfect visibility, delivering maximum enjoyment even in diffused light.
- Equipped withSMITHcutting-edge technology, this high-end ultra-lightweight technical helmet
features KOROYD aerospace honeycomb technology for ultra-lightweight, breathable, and impact-resistant performance, along with a MIPS impact cushioning system for additional superior protection. Designed in an Asian fit tailored for Asian head shapes, it offers a comfortable and snug fit, paired with a practical, one-handed magnetic buckle. Certified with European CE EN1077 safety standards, ensuring reliable safety performance.
- Perfectly suited for Chinese head shapes,Bollé (Bollé)safety helmet
The helmet’s design balances comfort with excellent coverage. It adopts the BOA strap system for all-around head circumference adjustment, ensuring a more complete fit to the head and increased comfort. The incorporation of the MIPS multi-directional impact protection system significantly enhances the helmet’s safety, offering skiers greater protection.
- More powerful and lighterCP carbon fiber helmet
The carbon fiber shell outperforms traditional plastic materials in all key performance metrics. Despite prioritizing protection, this helmet still boasts high strength, shock absorption, and scratch resistance, along with an adjustable ventilation system that keeps the interior cool all day.
- The world’s only helmet with patented baseball cap shell design,BernHelmet
The globally popular patented baseball cap helmet makes you stand out while skiing, waterskiing, cycling, or skateboarding. It provides 100% back-of-head coverage with an ultra-hard ZipMold shell for guaranteed safety during activities. The brim is detachable at will and fully compatible with 99% of snow goggles worldwide. Seven vents and a Boa dial-adjustable liner create an ultimate comfortable wearing experience. Bern helmets are cool, safe, comfortable, and suitable for all four seasons.
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