 Poster: A snowHead
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I have a 1 year old Giro G10 helmet that fits perfect and i really dont want to have to buy a second helmet just for the occasional training.
As i am just starting out will i really be getting wacked in the face much by the poles?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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skimottaret, depends how much you like your teeth. 
I think someone starting out will get more use out of the chin guard than a more seasoned gate thumper - your head will be nearer the gate.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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skimottaret, yes.
OK, slightly fuller answer. Helmet and goggles will do a reasonable-ish job, but you'll probably still flinch from the pole. The point of the chinguard is that you know it will keep the pole from smacking into your face. If you don't know that instinctively you will shy away from the pole as you approach it, and so you will probably rock back on your heels just as you are supposed to be at your most forward. When I started I wasn't using a helmet at all for a while, and our coach lent me his faceguard for one run, and the difference in line I took was staggering. I always used a faceguard after that until I got my own helmet.
You're probably more likely to get a pole in the face starting out than when experienced as you'll be going slower, angulating less and be further from the poles - i.e. you'll be taking the poles out with your arms/head rather than with your lower legs.
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I've had a gate flick off my chin guard twice since I've been doing slalom on plastic. It's quite a shock when it happens and I think it will take a little while to get used to it. I wouldn't feel very confident skiing without a chin guard.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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skimottaret, I don't use a chin guard, but I only started wearing a helmet for slalom last season because the rules changed to require it. I'm a similar height to you and any angulation takes my head a long way away from the gate.
I know several people who don't have shin guards because they "don't get close enough to the gates to need them". The result is that they never improve because they don't want to modify their line. If you are going to be thinking about avoiding gates then it could hold you back.
The G10 isn't suitable for GS, I don't know whether anyone cares for APM, but you could get something with a removable chin guard that would work for all events. There are also some notes on helmets from Snowsport GB that suggest that ones with vents will not be allowed in future.
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thanks all i guess i should get one, hadnt really considered the instinctive element of shying aware from the gate without protection but thinking about it i have definately been going back on my heels when getting close.... At least having the right gear will remove yet another excuse for being so bad....
rjs, i had heard about the no vents thing before on the TT thread where it was mentioned if doing any proper races you will need a FIS approved helmet.
so a trip to bartletts is in store me thinks 
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skimottaret,
I live in dread of Bartletts - never get past that man Terry without parting with lots of money. Don't even think about going into his lair, you will find so many things you really really need and it will all become very messy!
If your present helmet has the holes you can always just get a guard and attach it ...
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poma, i bought a few bits from his van the other day and have heard the shop is an Alladins cave of goodies... it is a real schlep for me from essex though but i guess it has to be done 
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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In my house the Bartletts catalogue and MBUK appear to be the pornography of choice ...
(I suppose things could be worse)
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skimottaret, Can't believe a gear head like you could possibly live without two helmets  As a newbie gate skier I am forever hitting them with my face (and you don't always get a lot of notice). A chinguard is essential in my view and you don't see the really good skiers dispensing with them just because they use their shins more. Take loads of plastic with you when you go to Bartletts; you'll need it.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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skimottaret, You don't need to buy such an expensive one for Plastic use....you won't need to wear it for as long
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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skimottaret, No, you can get away with it once.
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skimottaret, If you leave it a couple of weeks before you visit the 'Lair' the new 'Race Room' might be finished. Easier to see all the goodies you suddenly realise you must have.
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You know it makes sense.
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| gsb wrote: |
| skimottaret, If you leave it a couple of weeks before you visit the 'Lair' the new 'Race Room' might be finished. Easier to see all the goodies you suddenly realise you must have. |
Must resist, must resist...
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Coach Rick's (FastMan's) rule :::: No helmet, no face guard, no SL gates. Teeth are a terrible thing to waste.
Slalom poles can knock the cookies out of you. Pad/protect yourself properly.
Even had a female racer who could have benefited greatly by adding a chastity belt to her slalom gear, but alas, that's another story. 
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Poster: A snowHead
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Have hand guards on your ski pole grips?
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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FastMan, i have bought some hand guards after spraining my thumb and so far have been doing okay with knocking the poles away with my hands/arms and havent taken one in the face yet but I dont fancy any dental work so will be investing in yet more gear.
I had one good tumble and my armoured shorts did the job but I did put a deep gash in my elbow so am thinking about getting some upper body armour or at least elbow pads and while i am buying stuff will probably get some shin pads as well
Have been looking online for helmets but would rather pay slightly over the odds and try a few on at bartletts. I do have to say i like the look of the POC designs... anyone know if they are FIS rated? I am not any good but if i ever do improve enough to take the TT you must have FIS helmet on.
gsb, new race room???? that sounds like a credit card hoover zone. Should i wait? are they getting in more stock???
rob@rar, go on you know it makes sense, resistence is futile....
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Yes, the POC helmets (the race ones at least) are FIS related. Speak to Spyderman before deciding to buy POC gear.
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rob@rar, THats right he did mention to me ages ago about POC, will PM him. cheers.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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skimottaret,
ooh yes, leg guards, hand guards, chin guard ... and one of those string vest body armour terminator type outfits while you're at it - go on, you know you need it!
leki quick release poles, special gloves to go with the special poles, bungs to go on the ends of the special poles ...
catsuit, training shorts, training jacket ...
you know it makes sense
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skimottaret, I believe various stock is currently coming in, but I expect a visit would be better after next weekend (Birmingham Show). Always best to phone 1st if you're travelling some distance.
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