Snowboard Gear
Let’s Talk Lids: The Importance of Helmets
I rarely wear my helmet. I only wear it for the first day or two on an unfamiliar mountain. I find it a bit heavy, cumbersome, and not anywhere near as comfortable as wearing a toque. I’m just being honest here.
I know that helmets make a huge difference in preventing head injuries, but I don’t take many big risks and I rarely fall anymore. Nevertheless I thought I would do a bit of research on the effectiveness of helmets. Here is a very interesting snipet from the Canada Safety Council:
“In 1999, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released a report showing that helmet use by skiers and snowboarders could prevent or reduce the severity of 44 percent of head injuries to adults, and 53 percent of head injuries to children under the age of 15. From 1993 to 1997, the number of American snowboarders rose 55 per cent. During the same period, snowboarding injuries nearly tripled and the number of head injuries from snowboarding increased five-fold.”
You can read the full article here.
Obviously, a helmet is a good idea. I have the foresight to wear wrist guards, so I really should find a comfortable, high quality helmet. I’ll go shopping this weekend. Any suggestions?
Cheers.
Discussion
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Until my recent Whistler trip I ALWAYS wore a helmet. On this last trip I decided to wear one only if I was hitting glades, and wore a toque if I was only hitting groomers. Probably not the smartest idea, I know. But my current helmet is losing its appeal. I think I need a new one..
I can’t imagine riding without my helmet. Everytime I go out there is at least one incident in which my helmet saves my brains from getting rattled.
My helmet keeps my head warm, and my brain safe. The choice seems obvious to me. I’ve had a few falls where I very well could have died had I not been wearing a helmet, and it never feels like a burden to me to strap it on every morning. I’ll chuck it on my backpack if I’m touring or bootpacking and get too warm, but as soon as I’m about to ride I put it back on. Be safe!
Wow, I always wear my helmet. I fall basically once on each vacation. Back in the days without, I fell back on my head and I saw a checkerboard screen on impact. Like something the Terminator would see inside his head. I had a killer headache all night…
Yup, always wear the helmet. Plus, its a great surface to customize with stickers or a sharpie!
At the insistance of an ex-gf, I picked up a helmet. A few weeks later, I caught my heel-side edge with my back facing down the mountain and planted hard on the base of my skull. It gave me a good rattle, but I can’t imagine how bad it would’ve been without the helmet.
The helmet I got was the R.E.D. Shaun White, it was on sale and quite comfortable and warm. I later installed some headphones, an upgrade I’d recommend.
I usually only wear my helmet if I’m going to be riding park, or if it’s super cold. I don’t like it though, the R.E.D. Trace, too bulky. I’ve also knocked myself out wearing it. I heard you are supposed to replace your helmet after you’ve wrecked real bad with it. I’m buying a new one soon. Giro is pretty comfy. Any opinions on the replacing deal?
A good friend spent a few days in the hospital with a concussion after a spill on an easy hill–no helmet. She had no idea how it happened and was not doing something beyond her ability but it happens. Her brains are worth it.
Honestly my helmet was the most important purchase I’ve ever made.
Warm, dry, safe, and not prone to falling off your head at high speeds. No question!
I don’t wear a helmet because I am a primate. Have you ever seen a monkey swinging through the trees wearing a helmet? Wearing helmets only interferes with natural selection.
just get used to it. it may not look good or feel good. but it will save your butt in the long run.
My helmet’s saved me so many times. My head is as hard as they come, but not hard enough for some of my stacks.
The newer helmets are lighter and more comfortable. I’m using the RED hi-fi at the moment. Ace helmet
I always wear my helmet. Here in California if you hit your head hard enough to go into a seizure the resort staff is required to send you to the hospital. Once at the hospital your driver’s license will be revoked for six months. If you have another seizure in that time period you lose your license for an additional six months. It is just a lot easier to wear a helmet and avoid injuries and the hospital.
Update: I love my new Bern Watts helmet. It is light, warm, comfy, and stylin’. Thanks to Chase for all the gear related feedback!