New helmet

A snowHead

Thinking about getting helmet, but which one?

My Salomon air is getting on a bit now, and probably a bit bulky by todays standards.

Problem is comfort and fitting, I've tried many helmets, but found the majority a bit uncomfortable the course of the day.
I may have a slightly unusual shaped craniun, or I may just be sensitive.
THe salomon Air has been comfortable enough.

Anythougths on helmet comfort, has it improved over the past 7-8 years?
Which helmets are easier to wear?
Are there any particularly good fitting systems?
EPS vs MIPs vs Aerocore/kroyde?
And most importantly which colour?

A snowHead

Bob,

You've hit the nail on the, err... head!

It all depends on the shape of your bonce, so it's impossible to make reommendations.

There seems to be quite a variation in helmet weights, though. Mrs B had a Decathlon helmet which almost crushed her vertebrae! Shocked

She thought that was what all helmets were like - until she tried (and bought) a Giro model. Featherweight in comparison. Very Happy

Just try a few on and buy a comfy one. wink

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

Just go try a load (Decathlon has a good range, at least the Nottingham one does) including now some very light own brand ones.

You need to Login to know who's really who.

@Bob, After trying a few I've had a POC helmet for the last 5 years, and am very happy with it. They seem to have lots of options of technology.

Although if they made them big enough I would go for a Sweet Protection one.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

@Bob, As has been said, try a bunch on, and learn whether you have a round or oval head shape as most manufacturers have a standard shape across their range. I very much have Giro shaped head, and also a big head, so I’m quite limited as to what will fit. I need a 62.5cm circumference helmet, but ‘round’ helmets in that size don’t fit as they are too short front to back.

I currently have a Giro Range which as a unique clam-shell design so the whole shell gets bigger or smaller, not just the internal adjustment.

Also look at the number of sizes the helmet comes in, as models that come in only 3 sizes covering XS to XXL will fit poorly if you are between sizes, whereas models that come in 5 sizes may be a better option.

If you can once you find one you like, leave it on for at least 15mins as that will highlight any pressure points, this is important as many shops won’t allow the exchange or return of safety equipment such as helmets, as they quite rightly have no idea what has happened to the helmet once it has left the shop.

You'll need to Register first of course.

I second the GIRO range. I have the MIPS nine helmet. Great adjustable mechanism inside. Comfortable chin strap. No negative issues during my lost trip and cheap price at 70 pounds when I bought it

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

It's definitely a personal bonce thing. I've recently been trying on lots in Ellis Brigham, S&N, Decathlon and Tresspass. Supposedly same size helmets from different manufacturers can be very different.

Maybe it's also a cost thing. I set a budget of £60ish and the two most comfortable were a £20 Decathlon one and a £49 Renko DLX from Tresspass. I went for the Renko DLX as it looked a bit better.

After all it is free

I've (and so has MMRSMM29) got Sweet Protection Trooper MIPS M/L, have had a few over the years (Giro/ Smith, POC) and in fairness probably should change the Sweet now its 5 years old but its super comfy, lightweight and has never been in a big crash so i'll be keeping it a while yet, hight recommended.

*Ski* the Net with snowHeads

You may want to look at “Asian Fit” helmets if you find “standard western” helmets are uncomfortable. More rounder shape but you would need to try them on.

Giro/Smith/Oakley do Asian Fit, but finding availability in the UK can be difficult.

snowHeads are a friendly bunch.

snow reports

I think lighter helmets are less likely to be uncomfortable... You could try one of the touring-oriented helmets like the Salomon Mtn Lab or the Smith one that's super light...

You know it makes sense.

Sweet Protection 'Igniter' helmet has arrived. Serious quality in construction and finish, even compared to the POC, which I felt was a step up at the time. Nice details like magnetic fastener and very well lined. Solid too with the feeling that it could take much more impact than the POC. That said I'm comparing brand new with 5 years old and perhaps the POC has 'gone' a bit in terms of 70 days use in extreme temps and summers in a loft etc.

Fit is my usual problem, a very little tight lengthwise and loose widthwise but Sweet supply several adhesive pads to adjust the sides as required, Good and snug around ears and neck. Front sits well with both Oakley and Alpina goggles with no 'gapping'.

For £114 (sale price) I am very impressed. Saw the latest POC 'Auric Cut' in a shop the other day and it's very nice too but is £200 and I didn't love the very large graphics

Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:

Help!!

New helmet

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