Snowboard helmet buying guide

With winters around, you might get ready with your snowboards for gliding over the snow. But wait a second. Are you fully equipped to ensure your safety? Even the most experienced riders can face unfortunate accidents. Snowboard helmets ensure the proper safety of your head region.

These helmets provide adequate support and protect your head from fatal injuries. Also, they provide warmth to your ears and head in the icy-cold weather. With tons of models available in the market, it is imperative to select the best option carefully.

A buying guide contains all the necessary facts and details on different characteristics of the product. All you need is to read all the pointers and evaluate your requirements against them. This will allow you to funnel down the best product.

However, before starting the comprehensive guide, let us go through a brief introduction to the product.

What are Snowboard Helmets, and why should you opt for them?

The fall season is around the corner. In a few months, it will start showing its sweet face. Soft snowflakes will make their way, and you will have snowballs to play with.

Snowboarding is the most appreciated winter outdoor activity that many individuals prefer. Swishing and smashing through the snow is what everyone dreams of!

A season of happiness and joy also welcomes a bag full of injuries and a lot of pain. You must be aware of how painful it is to have wounds, especially in the cold season. To combat your worst nightmare, a snowboard helmet has been brought into existence.

These helmets are the essential safety gear if you are an outdoor sports fanatic. Thrill and adventure tempt bruises. Snowboard helmets become your armor to shield you from all the bad happenings.

Safety should be your primary concern once you step out of your house. Using a snowboard helmet negates all your second thoughts. In return, it helps you to enjoy your exciting time to the fullest.

Helmets not only minimize the risk of being hurt; they make you look fashionable and also protect your head from the biting cold, which can cause blood to freeze and lead to hypothermia.

Why should you read a buying guide before selecting suitable snowboard helmets?

Winter means excitement and lots of adventure. To experience the thrill and witness the breathtaking moments, you should start stacking up all your essential gears to carry along with you.

With a market full of a wide variety of stunning snowboarding helmets, you may get into a dilemma and end up being frustrated.

To ease your search and help find the best match for yourself, we have dissected the vast information available and presented it in a simple way.

It will consume less time and fasten up your decision making power. To start with, let's have a quick look at all the essential features that you should ponder on while finding the best snowboard helmet.

Types of Snowboard Helmets

Everything is coated with a white sheet when you encounter snowfall. Identifying objects like rocks and pits becomes very difficult while you are riding a snowboard.

You can crash on a hard rock or find yourself lying in a hidden pit if not cautious, leading to your great fall!

Helmets protect your body's most crucial part and save you. When choosing a helmet, your focus should be on the comfort and protection that it provides.

You are likely to come across three major types of helmets during your search, and they are:

1. Half shell

This type of helmet that shields your entire head except for the face and the ears, is more frequently found. Soft foam pads are made available to protect your ears.

It blocks only the cold air entering inside your ear and not the sound. You can hear even while wearing it.

2. Full shell

This helmet shields your head and even your ears. It has got excellent ear protection, which is hard.

Less popular compared to the half shell, it is a perfect option for those who love to race and move at higher speeds to do tricks and turns.

If you are a beginner or are accompanied by any child, you can always prefer full shell helmets because they provide your head with ample protection even to its sides.

3. Full face

Similar to the helmet that you carry while riding a bike. The full-face helmet offers extra protection to your head and your jawline.

It comes with a pair of sunglasses incorporated within it to help you get a clear vision in the snow-laden area.

Since this helmet is more prevalent in the biking world, individuals opting for snowboarding tend to opt for this style less, compared to the other two.

Things to deem about while selecting appropriate Snowboard Helmets

Helmet sizing

Do you think your helmet is either too tight or too loose? If this is the case every time you get yourself a new one, test the sizing before you make your purchase.

Also note, don't lay your hands on a helmet, which is too loose to wear. It is not only uncomfortable but also has enormous risks associated with it.

While finalizing your helmet, focus on the three features mentioned below:

1. Measure your head size

Measure all areas with a measuring tape that your helmet will be sitting on. The circumference of your head, area of the ear, and that above the eyebrows are the crucial sites. These need to be measured with high precision.

2. Check the fit

Your ideal helmet should be the one that sits precisely on your head, neither too broad nor too small. Your helmet should hold your head firmly so that there is no space left even for the air to pass through.

If you have your sunglasses, check the fit while wearing your glasses so that you do not pick up the wrong size.

Also, look for helmets that have adjusting features such as straps or pads so that you can adjust your helmet according to your comfort.

3. Chin straps or buckles

When wearing a helmet, you will never want to get even slightly injured. While the helmets do not guarantee you 100% protection, they minimize the amount of impact to which you are exposed.

Search for secure straps and buckles in your helmet that are comfortable and not choking. It ensures that your head guard does not slip off, exposing you to great head injury.

After all the criteria relevant for your helmet size have been tested, look for the different variants of snowboard helmets that suit you in the best way, and invest in them to secure your life.

Adjustable Fit

When choosing a helmet, remember that when you're riding your snowboard, it should not cause trouble.

Emphasizing on your accessibility and ease, snowboard helmets manufacturers have come up with four customizable features for your helmet. With this facility, you can easily tune your helmet to match your needs.

1. Adjustable wheel

A tiny spinning device on your helmet lets you adjust it even while on the move. Just turn it a little, and you get a cozy, snug fit. It doesn't add any additional weight to your helmet, and thus your helmet stays lightweight.

2. In form system

Thanks to the in form fit device, you can bid farewell to the gap between your helmet's inner lining and your head. It has an adjustable strap to help you fit your helmet according to your wish.

3. Pad system

The name says it all; the system includes thick pads that can be removed without compromising with safety at any time. Thick pads absorb the shock generated as a result of the impact and save you from fatal injuries.

This system can also be used in the helmets used by the kids too. It gives them adequate protection, and when they grow up, the pads can be removed to fit their head inside the helmet.

4. Air fit

This device has a headband attached to the inside of your helmet, which is filled with air. By pressing a button, you can control the amount of air inside to match your comfort.

Venting

Even when engaged in any activity during the cold season, sweat and heat are likely to get generated as a result of adrenaline rush and increasing body temperature.

When covered by something rigid and snuggly like a helmet, hair follicles release droplets of sweat. The helmet lining traps this moisture and the heat and retains odor over time.

Using a smelly helmet is not something that you would like to use. To overcome this problem, the snowboard helmets feature two distinct venting systems. Have a look at both of them and then conclude.

1. Fixed ventilation

Helmets usually have some kind of openings to avoid moisture and odor accumulation inside the helmet. The ventilating mechanism has a simple design and is always open. Also, they are always fixed. So, you cannot adjust it yourself. For different brands, you can find different styles, since the concept and need vary.

2. Adjustable venting

Helmets with adjustable venting mechanisms are in vogue. They help you adjust the vent openings to match your needs in case you experience bad weather and want to shield yourself from the heavy shower.

Various brands exhibit various styles, such as plugs, pushbuttons, etc. Pick the one which gives you comfort based on your personal choice.

Helmet Construction

You never know when you could collide with a sturdy rock by mistake. Your helmet is the only protection for your head, and you should always be on your toes to possess the best possible helmet.

To withstand all forms of impact, your snowboard helmets are primarily of three designs:

1. In-mold

Collapsible in cases when your helmet experiences enormous amounts of pressure, helmets having in-mold construction make use of high-grade plastic, which is stable. It is then molded to a lining that absorbs shock and is lightweight.

2. Hardshell

This helmet offers excellent protection and is economically feasible as well. The material used is a plastic shell that is secured to the inner lining of the helmet.

3. Softshell

More ideal for places where you are sure to experience lesser impacts. The helmet has two linings inside, the soft layer of foam close to your head surface, and the tough layer outside to withstand the impact.

Safety Certifications and Ratings

To ensure full safety against any accident, it is very vital to have a look at the safety certifications of a helmet and its rating.

You will be delighted to know that snowboard helmets have the best and the most excellent ratings. It ensures that you are protected everywhere and every time irrespective of the situation.

Two distinguished companies have certified the safety and ratings of your helmet, and they are:

1. ASTM F2040

This famous American certification covers your snowboard helmet and is commonly found in the majority of the helmets.

2. CE EN1077

It is a European based certification for ensuring a guarantee of proper safety of the helmets.

These two certifications test whether your helmet is strong enough to endure the adversities you may face in the snowy regions.

These certifying companies scrutinize things like penetration of pointy stuff, coverage area, vision clarity, and space between the head and the lining of the helmet, all.

Compatibility with Goggles

When you are surfing on the snow with the bright sun above your head, wearing goggles becomes extremely necessary. Reflecting light can pose difficulties for you and may obstruct your vision.

It is recommended that both products be purchased from the same manufacturer. Also, it reduces the chances of incompatibility.

Buying from different manufacturers will lead to the misfits you don't want. If you're budget-conscious and purchase both items separately, it's better to look for versions of snowboard helmets with attachment features.

Check the compatibility of your goggles by wearing them in conjugation with your helmet before purchasing the customizable ones.

It gives you an idea of the comfort and the size required if your goggles do not fit with your helmet, and you feel the need to change it. Moreover, it saves time and money.

Protection

The amount of protection that your helmet provides holds the highest priority on your checklist. Injuries in the alps can be fatal.

Making sure that you have sufficient security before starting on your journey is the best way to avoid facing these fatal circumstances.

Snowboard helmets differ in terms of fashion, design, and comfort, but they all are great protection providers. All your investments will pay off if you invest in a thing like these helmets.

Liners

The liners used are the most significant features of your helmet. It not only aids in shock absorption but also keeps your head warm as you move past the cloud of cold air in the melting weather.

It's vital to keep your head insulated, while snowboarding. The intense cold will freeze your blood and block your nerves. It might lead to hypothermia and, ultimately, to death.

Snowboard helmets also feature removable liners, making it easier for you to clean your helmet properly. The liners are also washable, so your helmet can still stay fresh and clean.

Accessories

Through technological advancements, you now have access to more new features and accessories for your helmets.

Music is something that everyone loves. What could be better than having a piece of pop music playing in the background while you're traveling down a snow-filled mountain on your snowboard! The energy and anticipation, complemented by a piece of loud bass music.

Vlogging is trendy nowadays, and everyone has a keen interest in capturing each moment of their lives and sharing with others.

To relive the best moments of your life, you must have the ease of bringing everything with you without having to give up your safety.

Snowboard helmets have many exclusive features and accessories which enable you to enjoy every single moment of your activity. The accessories which you will find are:

1. Camera mount

Go pro is the best camera to capture your moments with, while you are on the move. Some helmets have the option of installing a go pro, and even others come with an inbuilt camera provision in them. It cuts down your additional camera expenditure while giving you all the benefits and the ease.

2. Audio

You will find earbuds that can slip inside the ear pads of your helmet to get the audio. However, if that adds more money to your planned budget, you can opt for helmets with speakers and Bluetooth installations.

Helmet Styles

Snowboard helmets offer four unique styles, depending on the type of protection you want or what you should have.

1. Standard

The most popular helmet design covers your entire head and features ear pads to cover your ears.

2. Peaked

Newbies in the helmet community, check their shape, which shows a sharp and solid brim to attract popularity. This design helps in keeping rain, sun, and snow away from your face.

3. Full cut

Their tough shell protects your entire head and even the sides. They provide excellent protection when compared to the standard design. Individuals who love racing have an attraction to this design.

4. Full face

It imparts full face and head safety. Snowboarders who perform a lot of tricks and enjoy high-speed snowboarding prefer this design.

Other Features

Your snowboarding helmet is the versatile gear that you have in your snowboard kit. It protects you, allows you to enjoy yourself to the fullest, and also makes you look stylish.

Helmets have always been a favorite part of your snowboarding experience, with a wide range of exclusive features.

These helmets have been fitted with several exclusive features to extract the essence of your snowboarding experience. These features are:

Earpads

Imagine yourself riding a snowboard with no protection on your ears. You will feel the biting cold entering your body and give up on your trip. A human can withstand heat but can hardly resist cold.

Helmets feature earpads for keeping your ears warm and comfortable. There are models that come with removable pads, and it all depends on your preference, which one would you like to invest in.

Moisture-wicking fabric

Every time you use your helmet, you want it to be fresh and clean. Who uses a greasy and unclean helmet? If you are a hygiene maniac, search for helmets that have removable moisture-wicking fabrics in them. These absorb the moisture trapped inside your helmet, and since they are washable, you can easily clean them.

Audio

To avoid the pinching pain which you experience while wearing earbuds, you can switch to snowboarding helmets that feature audio systems in them. This system is incorporated inside the ear pads so that you can listen to your favorite music without any pain.

Peak

Helmets that have a solid brim prevent sunlight, rain droplets, and snowflakes from entering into your eyes while you are at high speed. This feature is only found in a helmet having peak style.

Straps

The most crucial part of any helmet, straps help secure your helmet firmly and do not allow it to slip off. Having a tight strap ensures high security, but make sure that it doesn't choke you.

It should offer you the ease of opening and closing and should also feel comfortable at the same time. To provide more ease of operation, some also have magnetic clips to open or close your strap in a hassle-free way.

FAQs

1. Is it necessary to wear a hat below your helmet?

We believe that with the amount of padding and layering in the helmet, you should not go for an additional hat beneath your helmet. Also, you should be relaxed that wearing only a helmet will ensure proper warmth and comfort, so there is nothing to worry about later!

2. Are Snowboard and Ski Helmets similar?

No, snowboard and ski helmets are different as per different marketing catalogs. However, we believe you may be able to wear a snow helmet. However, you need to keep an eye on all the accessories, as it is quite different.

3. What are the steps to keep Snowboard Helmet clean?

Cleaning is essential to achieve longer durability. As you don't use snowboards after winters, you must wash it whenever you take it back out in the next winter. Also, keep an eye on what you use to clean your helmet, it is advisable not to use any chemical as its shock-retaining properties may get affected. Also, avoid keeping it in the direct sun to keep it in good shape.

4. What do you mean by the term MIPS Helmet?

MIPS is the full-form of the Multi-directional Impact Protection System. This smart technology is responsible for eliminating any pressure on the head during an accident. It is mainly located in the outer shell and padding of your helmet.

Final Verdict

Long gone are the days when snowboard helmets used to be uncomfortable and bulky. Now, these lightweight helmets provide full support to your head, protect it from severe injuries, and provide ample comfort level.

Here, in this comprehensive guide, we have pointed out all the necessary details and facts that are crucial to deem when selecting the best fit. Study them carefully and purchase a fantastic helmet for your expedition.