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How do I choose a ski or snowboard helmet?

Technical advice
Publish on 2022-07-28 by Speck-Sports

When skiing or snowboarding, wearing a helmet is essential for your safety. It's even more important that your helmet fits properly, so that it's effective even in the most dramatic falls. This complete Speck-Sports guide will help you choose the right size for your helmet.

A closer look at the criteria for choosing a ski or snowboard helmet

Building your model: what type of ski helmet do you need?

Helmets come in a variety of designs, offering different advantages. But it's important to know that they all have to comply with European NF (or CE) EN 1077 or American ASTM F-2040standards . These standards determine a basic quality that is essential for your protection.

ABS construction

ABS construction is widely used. It provides maximum protection against impact thanks to an outer shell made of hard ABS (plastic). The inner EPS foam is also highly effective at absorbing and distributing impact. However, this type of foam is still deformable. ABS construction helmets are generally available at low prices. The only drawback to this construction is that it makes the helmet slightly heavier.

In-Mold construction

With their airy construction, In-Mold models are very light. The thin outer shell is moulded directly to an EPS foam to create a compact, lightweight helmet! However, this lightness comes at a price: these helmets are less resistant to impact. So choose a more robust helmet for children. Note that this type of helmet must be changed after a fall, otherwise it will no longer be effective.

Hybrid construction

The Hybrid construction, which combines the strength of ABS models with the lightness of In-Mold models, will have everyone in agreement! Hybrid models feature ABS construction on the upper part of the helmet for shock absorption. The lower part of the helmet is made of In-Mold for added lightness without compromising on strength.

MIPS construction

Designed to protect you from side impacts, MIPS construction absorbs the impact when you fall at an angle. This construction provides great protection for the brain by reducing impact and diffusing it. This reduces the force of rotation very effectively. Lightweight and tough, MIPS construction ticks all the boxes to give you the best protection. This technology is found mainly on top-of-the-range models.

Equipment

Different helmet models go hand in hand with all kinds of different equipment. They combine the useful with the pleasurable, and give you better protection too!

The essential ski mask

Skiing without a mask is unthinkable! That's why we offer a wide range of ski masks. But what type should you choose? The first thing to look for is compatibility with your helmet, so you don't leave marks on your face. Remember to choose a padded, ventilated mask for added comfort. Important to know: goggles with photochromic filters adapt to light conditions to give you the best visibility, whatever the conditions.

Discover our ski goggles

Take the integrated visor plunge!

If you're fed up with your mask falling back as soon as you lift it, then maybe the integrated visor is for you! As the name suggests, it's an integral part of your helmet, in an all-in-1 system. The visor gives you a panoramic view and means you don't have to choose a mask that fits your helmet perfectly. Some models have photochromic visors. Others offer two interchangeable visors, one for sunny days and the other for overcast skies. The integrated visor is revolutionary for spectacle wearers! It's also practical for children who tend to put on their ski goggles incorrectly or lose them.

Discover our visor helmets

Protection: what are rigid ears?

Category A helmets with rigid ears offer greater protection and support. Rigid ears are simply an extension of the helmet's outer shell to cover your ears. Often intended for competitors, this type of helmet provides complete protection that you don't necessarily need if your use is purely recreational.

Innovation: integrated headphones

You can now listen to your music even on the slopes, thanks to helmets with integrated audio! There are a number of different systems with different sound qualities, so check with the products themselves. If you don't specifically want to buy headphones with built-in audio, you can buy both separately. Simply check that your headphones are compatible with an audio system before you buy.

You now have all the information you need to choose the perfect helmet and enjoy the slopes - safely!

If you're looking for a specific helmet or have any questions, don't hesitate to contact our team for more information!

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