How to choose a ski helmet

Guide Come scegeliere by Varuste.net / Toimisto-Jorma, 31.1.2024

How to choose a ski helmet
A guide to help you pick the right helmet for your needs

When you head to the slopes, a ski helmet is one of the most important pieces of equipment to take with you. The helmet protects your head from possible injuries, keeps you warm in cold weather, and also protects you from gusts and wind.

How to choose the right type of ski helmet for your needs?

1. Size and fit
Try several different sizes and models to find the one that fits your head best. The helmet should fit snugly, but not squeeze.
Try helmets from different manufacturers, as there are differences in the design and fitting.

Choose a helmet with good adjustment features, such as size adjustment at the back of the head. Please note that in cold weather a liner hood / thin beanie may be worn under the helmet.

When tightening the helmet, the adjustment knob should not go to the extreme position, but there should be plenty of room for adjustment in both directions.

2. Safety standards
Make sure the helmet is approved to the appropriate safety standards, such as CE-EN1077 or ASTM F2040.

The helmet should have a multi-layer structure and be designed to absorb shocks effectively. All helmets available at Varuste.net have passed the necessary safety standards.

Regarding fitting on ski goggles: it should be mentioned in this context, that make sure that the helmet is perfectly adjusted to fit the head before you put the goggles in place, so that you can ensure that the whole fits correctly and that the whole protects optimally. Fit the goggles to the helmet, not the helmet to the goggles.

MIPS and SPIN are safety technologies designed to improve the helmet's ability to protect the head from impacts that involve rotational rotation to the brain-/ cranial area. MIPS consists of a separate layer inside the helmet that slides and allows the head to move slightly on impact. This reduces brain movement in the head, and reduces the organ's exposure to damage.

3. Ventilation
Breathability: Good ventilation is important so that the helmet does not cause uncomfortable sweating. The ventilation can usually be adjusted either with the adjustment openings on the forehead, top, or back of the helmet. If the ventilation in the helmet is done well, the goggles won't fog up so easily either.

4. Inner lining and padding
The removable lining /padding is convenient because it can be easily washed and thus keeps the helmet fresh.

Over time, monitor the helmet pads and their condition: they affect not only comfort, but also essentially safety. Badly fitting pads cause the helmet to sag and thus not provide optimal protection for your head.

5. Helmet weight
The lightweightness of the helmet brings comfort during long-term use. Choose a helmet that offers the necessary protection without excessive weight.

The helmet is worn for several hours, so if the helmet feels heavy or doesn't fit properly when fitting, it will not become more comfortable after hours.

6. Style and additional features
Some helmets may have a number of additional features, such as an integrated sun visor or compatibility with headphones.

7. Helmet maintenance
Keep your helmet in good condition: Monitor the condition and wear of the outer shell and straps.
If the helmet experiences a hard impact or is otherwise just old, you should seriously consider replacing it with a new one in the name of safety.
If you are at all thinking about changing your helmet after an impact, CHANGE.

You can assess and check the condition of the helmet by taking it in your lap and squeezing it together between your hands: if the helmet gives way significantly or makes cracking / popping / clicking sounds, it has come to it's end.

In any case, the helmet should be renewed every five years.

By choosing the right skiing helmet, you bring yourself safety and guarantee a comfortable stay on the slopes. Remember that every helmet user has different needs and preferences, so choose the helmet that suits you the best.

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