In any sport, not only a person's skills are important, but also his equipment. In this case, almost everyone understands the need to use a helmet when snowboarding. The helmet significantly reduces the force of impact that falls on the head during a fall. It is especially important if you are riding off-piste (where there are many obstacles, for example, trees, stones), as well as in freestyle, where the risk of falling is especially high. When choosing a helmet, it is important to pay attention to the following characteristics.
Instructions
Step 1
The construction of the helmet is quite simple: first there is an outer shock-resistant shell that takes the blow, then a core that absorbs and softens this blow, and the last layer is the inner, it gives your helmet comfort.
Step 2
The outer shell is mainly made of ABS plastic or polycarbonate. The first material is the cheapest, and the second is much stronger, but at the same time and more expensive. Sometimes the shell is reinforced with an armide mesh to protect the snowboarder's head from hard and sharp objects.
Step 3
The core material (SXP, EPS and so on) is foam. Using a variety of materials, manufacturers can give the core unique properties, for example, the ability to recover its shape after impact, to take the shape of the head.
Step 4
Helmet ventilation can be of several types:
- the principle of operation of flow ventilation is that through the openings located on the front side of the helmet and protected by a special mesh (from snow), an air stream passes, which is passed through the entire helmet, and then exits through the same openings on the back of the helmet;
- The Bernoulli system is an exhaust ventilation that uses the difference between the air pressure inside the helmet (exiting through the openings at the back) and the external flow. For adjustment, you can use special curtains or removable stakes that completely cover the holes.
Step 5
The Fitting System allows you to fine-tune your helmet. Often this is a special strap that covers the head. Using the adjuster at the back of your head, you can increase or decrease the coverage of the head with the strap.
Step 6
To protect your ears from wind, snow and injuries, special ears can be worn on helmets, sometimes with headphones built into them. Check their usability carefully, especially the Mute button.
Step 7
When choosing a helmet, the first thing to look for is that it fits comfortably on your head. Put on your helmet and without fastening the strap, shake your head in different directions. The helmet should not fly off or crawl. You can also wear a face mask immediately. Check that it does not bump.
