Simple Poll. Helmets. Do you use them or no?

[Ragman]

Well I must admit, seeing the reactions and opinions on this poll has made me think alot more about wearing a helmet.

Whether I choose to or not, this thread/poll has been very educating - to say the least.

You guys are awesome.

 

[fbrissette]

... but I find it to be warm and comfortable. Not to mention the added protection offered should your head ever come into unexpected contact with a much harder object. You know: ice, rocks, trees, etc...

Sent from my iPad using AlpineZone mobile app

Warm and comfortable is my number one reason to wear a helmet. They are also a must for backcountry and slackcountry skiing.

 

[Domeskier]

The only issue for me is whether or not to go full-face.

 

[thetrailboss]

Wouldn't be a ski season without this discussion

 

[SkiFanE]

Once we forced kids to wear them, it was hypocritical not to. And I NEVER wore a hat before, hated them...only wore headbands. But I adjusted right away, without a problem. Now I ski woods alot, I've saved myself lots of branch thwacks. And nevermind the amount of times the chairlift bar has bonked me.

Also..my husband had a brain injury wearing a ski helmet...so they are not 100% foolproof safe...but they do offer lots of protection.

All 5 of us have POCs...like them best.

 

[Domeskier]

Also..my husband had a brain injury wearing a ski helmet...so they are not 100% foolproof safe...but they do offer lots of protection.

All 5 of us have POCs...like them best.

Hope he's ok. Was he wearing the POC at the time? I've been thinking about pulling the trigger on one of those, but am somewhat skeptical about the claims they make.

 

[SkiFanE]

No, he had a Carrera race-y helmet. But he landed on his face...no protection there. He wore a full-face helmet the following year, then got a POC. Our kids got them first, then we both really liked them..compared to the Giro - it seemed like going from a Ford to a BMW..don't know the claims, etc..but just the feel and fit of them makes them seem so much better.

 

[Puck it]

Saved my ass a couple of times.

 

[Domeskier]

No, he had a Carrera race-y helmet. But he landed on his face...no protection there. He wore a full-face helmet the following year, then got a POC. Our kids got them first, then we both really liked them..compared to the Giro - it seemed like going from a Ford to a BMW..don't know the claims, etc..but just the feel and fit of them makes them seem so much better.

Ouch. I definitely like the looks of the POC re: protection level vs. the bicycle helmet style of many of the available options...

 

[Smellytele]

I have had a few branches sticking out of mine after hitting the woods. Glad I had it on. Also as others have said the warmth is great. Mine have the adjustable vents which come in handy on a warm day. I wouldn't buy one with out them.

 

[dlague]

We never used Helmets when I was skiing. Only the people who did the insane tricks and some mogul munchers did.

Nowadays I see everyone using them. Kind of like Bicycles. Never wore em as a kid and I dont now either.

Just wondering what everyone else opinion was on helmets. I dont see myself wearing one but I dont plan on skiing in the trees either.

But my son will be wearing one. hmm never thought about it with the bicycle thing but does this make me a hypocrite?:???:

We didn't ski with helmets, then one day while the kids were asking why we didn't it made us think! We wanted to reinforce the helmet idea with the kids therefore we should wear them too. Looking back - it was a great idea. Those low branches leave marks on the helmet - I prefer that than my head. Also helps with lift bar taps, and the occasional digger. Keeps head and ears warm too!

I will admit, during the spring, I do take it off.

 

[BenedictGomez]

Mine have the adjustable vents which come in handy on a warm day.

Does anyone who has worn both have an opinion on whether this really makes much of a difference?

I have a Bern with no vents, and even skiing Smuggs last year and Jay the year before on 60+ degree days it didn't bother me. No sense no feeling maybe.

 

[fbrissette]

Also..my husband had a brain injury wearing a ski helmet...so they are not 100% foolproof safe...but they do offer lots of protection.

As discussed in other threads, helmets offer little protection against concussions and hard full-on hits.

 

[DoublePlanker]

I've never worn a helmet. Santa is getting me one this year so I can set a good example for my 1 year old. I would never get one except for the kid.

 

[fbrissette]

Does anyone who has worn both have an opinion on whether this really makes much of a difference?

Helmet vents do make a difference, albeit a very small one. They allow some cooling effect, mostly through conduction (very little due to convective heat transfer). I think you get a better deal buying a non-vented helmet (which are usually cheaper) and getting an additional thin balaclava for warmer days.

To really make a difference, you need channelized vents (like in top end bicycle helmets) that really allows convective heat transfer.

 

[Dickc]

Have worn a helmet since my son suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident. I learned a lot about how easy it is to suffer brain damage. I now will not ski anywhere without one. Have a townhouse in NEwry and if you come to stay with me to ski I have a rule that you MUST use a helmet. I prefer you own one, but even if you rent one, I hope you decide you like it so you become a helmet user.

Helmets will not stop all brain injuries. Believe I know SkiFanE, and her husband is one lucky dude as I know the details of that accident! Have fallen hard myself and come up with a headache in spite of the helmet. I shudder to think what would have happened without it. I have replaced that helmet.

If you want to see what a head injury can do, watch this MTV program: http://www.mtv.com/shows/truelife/true-life-i-have-a-traumatic-brain-injury/1638298/playlist/#id=1638298 My son is the one doing the best out of the three. He is now skiing also.

 

[hammer]

Got one once I knew I was going to be skiing more than once or twice. Not sure how I'd feel not wearing one at this point.

 

[dlague]

Does anyone who has worn both have an opinion on whether this really makes much of a difference?

I have a Bern with no vents, and even skiing Smuggs last year and Jay the year before on 60+ degree days it didn't bother me. No sense no feeling maybe.

I have a Smith helmet with vents and I personally think it does. Yes I have had both.

 

[2knees]

Are we still having this discussion?

you could say that about 90% of the threads started on here. It's all regurgitation.

 

[Scruffy]

Does anyone who has worn both have an opinion on whether this really makes much of a difference?

I have a Bern with no vents, and even skiing Smuggs last year and Jay the year before on 60+ degree days it didn't bother me. No sense no feeling maybe.

Depends on the make/model, some vent better than others.

I have this: ( not that color )

The old Giro Fuse had a lever on top rear, you can see it in that pic. The lever allows a range from full close to full open vents. And when you are moving, yes they do convect air. Sadly, and stupidly, Giro discontinued that model.

My wife got a Giro a year or so after they discontinued the Fuse and her vents are plugs that she needs to take her helmet off to remove ( and lose ).

I understand the Giro 10 has some sort of vent lever, but I have not seen it.

For racing or colder days I have a ventless helmet that is much warmer