Do you wear a helmet?

[Greg]

Time for a new helmut, uh.....helmet thread. We had a few going on a few years ago, but I thought it might be interesting to revisit this topic. This will be my third season with a brain bucket and I'll never go back to not wearing one. Even on warm spring days, if I remove the vents and earpads of my Giro 9 it's pretty comfortable and not overly hot. I wear a thin polypro balaclava on cold days and it's pretty warm. I would probably feel uncomfortable not wearing it now (kind of like a seatbelt when driving) and it's just a standard part of my ski gear. It seems more and more folks are wearing them and most of the AZers I've skied with wear one. I don't expect it to protect me from every possible incident, but it can't hurt and it's a good example for my daughter who will start this season.

 

[SkiDog]

Hell yeah I do....im not all that bright as it is...one slight whack to the head...and im done for...

No really..I thought at first I wouldnt like it..but I can't tell you how many times in a day I hear that helmet "CLACK" when a branch hits it..and I think...wow..that used to be my head...or goggles..and im thankful, and that one time someone wrecks into you when you're not ready..you'll be VERY happy you're wearing one..TRUST ME..

Plus...the helmet is the WARMEST thing i ever put on my head...100 times better than any hat i ever wore, IMHO...

I think its a smart choice, but one that has to be made individually.

M

 

[Grassi21]

Giro 9 here. As my technique progresses I see it as a necessity. We purchased helmets towards the end of last season. I hardly notice that I'm wearing it. I usually rock a little Under Armour skull cap under my helmet on cold days.

 

[tirolerpeter]

Helmet Use?

Wearing a helmet is a "no brainer." Or is it the other way around? Not wearing one is a "no brainer?" Wouldn't be caught dead, or would I, without one.

We have really hammered this topic in the past, but the coming season does make it an important issue to think about.

 

[Greg]

Other things to discuss in this thread. If you're a recent convert as a helmet wearer, what was it that made you make the change? If you don't wear one, what about them makes you not want to? Also, has anyone tried wearing a helmet and then went back to not wearing one?

 

[ALLSKIING]

I do as well. I really like them and would never go back. I am thinking about the newer Giro this year so I don't keep droping my vents off the chair.

 

[andyzee]

Hell yeah, Giro 9 as well, great helmet.

 

[Greg]

I do as well. I really like them and would never go back. I am thinking about the newer Giro this year so I don't keep droping my vents off the chair.

Yeah. The G10? I've lost the vent inserts on my Nine. Giro happily sent me a replacement set.

 

[cbcbd]

-"Where" is my helmet?
-Oh, I am "wearing" it.



Yep, I wear one. Much warmer than any hat. I don't really feel it there anymore.

 

[tirolerpeter]

Helmet?

I forgot to mention that I have been wearing one for about 7 or 8 years. Mine has built in vents that I can simply open and close with a quick movement while wearing it. Best thing I ever wore for really cold weather, and really no issue on warm days so far.

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

I started wearing one last year. I probably wear it about 70% of the time. I don't like wearing it and I get wind whistle in my ears while skiing. I wear it cause I know I should.

I wear a stretch skull cap underneath for warmth and to soak up sweat from my bald head.
When I take the helmet off in the lodge I like to keep the cap on cause I think it makes me look like a bad ass.:wink:

 

[Greg]

I wear a stretch skull cap underneath for warmth and to soak up sweat from my bald head.
When I take the helmet off in the lodge I like to keep the cap on cause I think it makes me look like a bad ass.:wink:

You're bald?

 

[bvibert]

I wear a helmet, wouldn't feel right without one at this point.

 

[Grassi21]

It was the middle of the day at K-Mart and my friends told us a recent story about his friend. His friend was launched and went just about head first into a tree. The doctor told him that he was lucky to be wearing a helmet. We literally went to the ski shop at lunch and started browsing for helmets. We didn't buy that day, the prices seemed really high. We did go out and purchase helmets before our next outing.

Is it true that you should send your helmet back to the manufacturer after you hit your head/helmet? I vaguely remember the salesperson saying this. I think it had to do with compromising the structure of the helmet.

 

[SkiDog]

I do as well. I really like them and would never go back. I am thinking about the newer Giro this year so I don't keep droping my vents off the chair.

Giro 10.. got it last season...ITS SWEET....I dont know if you do tunes...but I got the one with the built ins...its GREAT..


M

 

[Greg]

Is it true that you should send your helmet back to the manufacturer after you hit your head/helmet? I vaguely remember the salesperson saying this. I think it had to do with compromising the structure of the helmet.

Yes. As I understand it any helmet (winter sports, cycling, motorcycling, etc.) should be replaced after an impact. I guess the severity of the impact is what's subjective. I suppose if there's little or no visible damage to the shell or inner material, it's probably okay.

 

[Marc]

I wear a helmet by Acerbis. No frills, no removable vents, no removable ear pieces, no plastic goggle strap in the back to break (and I have never lost my goggles), but is very comfortable, and insanely warm. I think it was very well designed, because I have been comfortable in it from -15F at Killington two winters ago to ~50 at Killington this year. Despite sweating profusely naturally, I was able to keep it on most of the time while making laps of skiing and hiking on Downdraft.

I don't see myself buying a different one in the near future, and I'll never ski without it.

 

[bvibert]

Is it true that you should send your helmet back to the manufacturer after you hit your head/helmet? I vaguely remember the salesperson saying this. I think it had to do with compromising the structure of the helmet.

Yes, the helmets are not made to take repeated impacts, once the foam cracks (you may not be able to see it) the helmet is junk. Some manufacturers offer free or discounted replacements if you damage yours, otherwise just buy a new one.

 

[Vortex]

I wear it most of the time.


On a warm day I have been taking it off. I do have all the vents and all that. I got it casue I crashed into the woods last year at Pats on a race coarse. Smashed my ribs up badly. (cracked) If it was my head........

 

[SkiDog]

Is it true that you should send your helmet back to the manufacturer after you hit your head/helmet? I vaguely remember the salesperson saying this. I think it had to do with compromising the structure of the helmet.

Never heard of sending it back to manufacturer, but I have heard that you should replace after any "big" impact.

M