 Poster: A snowHead
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I've been skiing for over 20 years all over Europe and so far have never worn a helmet. I've fallen numerous times ,landed on every part of my anatomy including my head and I'm still here-relatively unscathed. Everyone seems to be buying into the helmet culture and I'm just wondering whether to join in. The research I've read so far seems to indicate that most helemts are only designed to withstand falls at low speeds of up to 15mph and are not much use at higher speed impacts. I ski a lot faster than this. I'd be interested to hear views whether it is worthwhile buying one -particularly from skiers with more than 10 years experience.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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snocat, welcome to snowheads.
If you're genuine and not casting an expert lure don't be surprised at the sometime shirty, strident, bored or otherwise response this thread will ellicit.
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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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snocat, your choice
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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snocat, as fatbob, says this is a much discussed subject on the site and I think I'm correct in saying that the consensus view is that those who are incapable of making up their own mind on the matter and have to ask 'us' are evidently so lacking in grey cells that they might as well not bother. In fact a decent whack on the noggin might actually be beneficial
So, a 'No' in your case.
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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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snocat, Yes if you ski in trees. And the evidence of reduced serious injury is now pretty good. Deaths are not reduced but perhaps because they are too rare to show statistical significance without a huge prospective trial. And also they are just less lame than a wooly hat.
And I've skied for 26 years, 9 years with a helmet.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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what a curious thing - valuing opinions only from those with more than 10 year experience 
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I find a helmet is not only safer then a 'beanie' hat but more confortable. Warmer when its cold and less sweaty when you get warm.
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Thanks for the replie so far I've got further questions
If you hit a tree at speed the impact is likely to affect your body as much as your head -resulting in crushed ribs, punctured internal organs, massive internal bleeding etc. Surely skiers should therefore wear full body armour when skiing in trees?
manufacturers clearly have a vested interest in selling them but isn't the only way to really test the eveidence is to perform the same accident both with and without a helmet and compare the results.
Yes I am BORED with people who bang on about the benefits of wearing helmet when they have only been skiing about 3 minutes and have been indoctrinated into the whole pro helmet culture. You are probably only skiing at 5 mph which is about the same speed as a fast walk and presumably you wouldn't wear a helmet to go for a walk?
Curious why after 17 years you chose to wear a helmet?
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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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holidayloverxx, not al all. snocat obviously doesn't want to hear from any younger than about 16 as they're all stroppy little shoites & they're likely to turn this worthy thread into a slagging match. Very clever demographic narrowing it was & I look forward to an inspiring, useful and informative adult debate. I obviously won't contribute my opinion to this interesting topic as I only took up skiing in 2002 so my 200 or so helmet wearing days skiing in those years won't count. 
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snocat, your choice
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| Quote: |
You are probably only skiing at 5 mph
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and how fast is the person that hits you going?
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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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snocat, I think but am far from sure, that the argument is that head injuries (specifically brain injuries) are the hardest to deal with and the least repairable, assuming you can get to a hospital quickly enough, the majority of injuries from skiing can be repaired, but brain damage is another thing entirely.
I personally know of a couple of people who have sustained really horrible injuries whilst skiing and have survived and gone back to skiing, one included multiple broken bones and internal damage that I would have thought potentially life threatening, the other had some pretty nasty injuries but no organ damage, neither wore a helmet but neither hit their head in their accidents.
However I did see someone about to set off get hit on the head by another person carrying skis and not looking where they were going, the person with the helmet was knocked over by the blow to the head but was otherwise uninjured, I'm pretty certain without the helmet they would have had a nasty head injury, so it's not just whilst going down the slopes that helmets can protect you.
Personally I don't wear one, probably due to the fact that last time I looked there was only one make and model of helmet that went big enough for my head  and I've never seen one in resort
As for the age thing I've been skiing for almost 40 years but I started very young
Last edited by And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports. on Mon 12-12-11 22:17; edited 1 time in total
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And I thought this was supposed to be the most friendly online ski forum.
In answer to the original question, I've recently had a good look through all of the primary research and meta-analyses on this subject, and a consensus has emerged that helmets significantly reduce the risk of mild/moderate head injury (e.g. concussion). This in itself seems worthwhile to me, 'cos concussion ain't fun and probably has cumulative effects. The worry that helmet use might increase risky behaviour or neck injury has not been borne out by the research. If you're going to buy one, make sure that you get one that meets the american standard ASTM: F 2040 (the testing for the european standard, CE1077, is much less stringent). The argument that they don't protect at over 15mph is a myth, arising from the speed used in the ASTM: F 2040 test. Of course, just because that's the speed used in the test doesn't mean that it's only below this speed that the helmet protects. The following link is a nice summary of the standards and gives an overview of the arguments:
http://www.telemarktips.com/Helmets.html
Bottom line is it's a personal decision based on your perception of the risk of having a head injury versus the possible inconvenience of wearing a helmet. I've skied for about 30 years and converted to a helmet about 6 years ago, but I'm fairly risk averse (having seen the effects of head injuries). Always found it comfortable and no hassle.
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You know it makes sense.
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| evski wrote: |
| And I thought this was supposed to be the most friendly online ski forum. |
What would make you think that More TGR justice should be dealt out around here from time to time.
| Quote: |
| In answer to the original question ... |
Don't bother. It's a troll.
Last edited by You know it makes sense. on Mon 12-12-11 22:26; edited 1 time in total
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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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snocat, yes
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Poster: A snowHead
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snocat, no
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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snocat, you will hit your head off things more often if you do but it will hurt less when you do....
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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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At the risk of seeming dumb, what does TGR mean?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Very illuminating-seems like the main reason to wear one is to protect your head from being hit by someone else wearing a helmet or someone swinging their skis around while carrying them and not thinking about anyone else who may be nearby
What colour should I buy?
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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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snocat, thats my experience... I have been sking more than 10 years so you can be asured that my word is more valid that those that have only been skiing 9 1/2 years or less.....
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Probably purple with a nice black line down the front.
Is that the spirit, Moffatross? 
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| snocat wrote: |
What colour should I buy? |
purple
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| snocat wrote: |
What colour should I buy? |
Dog knob red.
Mrs M.
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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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snocat, Whether a helmet gives any real protection or not is much debated. The best thing about one in my view is that they seem to stop goggles steaming up when you park them on your sweaty head. This means I can see where I am going better. I find this safer. That is about it really. If you are not as sweaty headed as me this might not matter. I have 14 years of entirely rubbish on-piste skiing.
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snocat, I'm in almost the same boat. Been skiing 34 years, never worn a helmet, fallen a fair few times but never hit my head on anything (actually that's not quite true, I hit my head on the overhead luggage thing on the transfer bus once). I'm still very much undecided although I have recently looked around at helmets. I'm not sure whether it's a reaction to everyone else wearing them or my Daily Mail-reading mum nagging me about it. However, I have yet to find one that a) I like, b) fits me well and c) fits my budget well. I don't wear goggles as a rule so that may be an issue and I generally don't wear a hat (my hair keeps my head warm), so I am concerned I will be far too hot with a helmet and will end up carrying it around if I do buy one.
Please keep us informed with your eventual decision. How nice that this thread hasn't (yet) descended into a flame war... 
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Wearing one keeps my ears warm
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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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| queen bodecia wrote: |
| How nice that this thread hasn't (yet) descended into a flame war... |
POTD
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| queen bodecia wrote: |
| snocat, How nice that this thread hasn't (yet) descended into a flame war... |
About time it did.
I sometimes wear a helmet, and I think if I am [weaing a helmet] then everyone else should, cause if I'm clouted then we're playing the same game. If I'm not, then I don't want to be clouted by a helmet wearing.... person.
It's all about collisions and helmet wearers.. stay off piste and forget helmets....
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You know it makes sense.
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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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Didn't really believe in them, wasn't bothered, did some rocky off piste and thought it might be a good idea in case of head-rock interfacial scenario. Have to admit, found it more comfy than a hat and more practical. Makes it easy to find goggles!
Ironically the only time it's helped avoid injury is numpties putting lift bars down when I wasn't paying attention (maybe I was the numpty?) and other numpties with out of control ski carrying technique.
I don't have any expectation of it saving my brains if I ski into a tree at 40mph.
Bottomline - it's personal choice & let's hope it stays that way.
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Poster: A snowHead
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My tupence worth...
I bought a helmet three seasons ago after having a couple of tasty wipe outs that involved a bit of sliding after the initial slip or trip. Although I didn't do any damage, the things I went whizzing past head first during the slide phase were enough to convince me to get one.
Since then, I haven't had to rely on it, except I keep banging my head (helmet) on chairlift safety bars!
Most of the incidents I've heard about from fellow skiers/boarders over the last few years seem to involve lunatic skiers/boards taking out moving or stationary innocent victims - and usually disappearing without leaving any details  - but that's another thread!
snocat, ultimately it's your choice.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Should I buy Viagra ? I've been doing it for over 20 years all over Europe and so far have not needed it. I've done it from lots of different angles and used every part of my anatomy including my head and I'm still here-relatively unscathed. Everyone seems to be buying into the Viagra culture and I'm just wondering whether to join in. The research I've read so far seems to indicate that Viagra is only designed to be used for doing it just a few times a day but I'm much, much more virile than that. I'd be interested to hear views whether it is worthwhile buying any - particularly from anyone with more than 10 years experience of doing it as hard, fast and often as I do.
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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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| moffatross wrote: |
| Don't bother. It's a troll. |
Hmmmmm... the scent of a certain DG wafting through the threads perchance? Maybe my imagination. There's always a clue laced into the words.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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| moffatross wrote: |
| Should I buy Viagra ? |
Yes, cos it won't be your head that hits the tree first.
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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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I have been skiing for over 30 years and in 5 Continents, and all my skiing buddies have 30 years+ skiing experience, none of us wear helmet.
Couple of years ago, one of my friends bought a helmet, he threw it away after wearing it for one day because he felt disorientated with the helmet on.
I noted that the first 3 fatal accidents on the slope this year all involved skiers/boarders with helmet. Ultimately. it is your choice, but for me - not on my dead body.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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moffatross, you should defo wear helmet erm....protection!
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| evski wrote: |
| At the risk of seeming dumb, what does TGR mean? |
Another forum - Teton Gravity Research - where anyone asking stupid questions gets told so pretty quickly.
As to whether you should wear a helmet, it's your choice. I've been skiing a lot for quite a long time, and do wear one, as I feel if I hit my head at the speed I ski in the places I ski it's gonna do a lot of damage. I can live with normal falls breaking everything inside my knees/etc - I'll get a sit-ski/spend more time kayaking. If I break the stuff inside my skull it's a whole different ball game, dead or alive.
Also it's more comfortable than a beanie.
So again, your choice.
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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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| Crusader wrote: |
I have been skiing for over 30 years and in 5 Continents, and all my skiing buddies have 30 years+ skiing experience, none of us wear helmet.
Couple of years ago, one of my friends bought a helmet, he threw it away after wearing it for one day because he felt disorientated with the helmet on.
I noted that the first 3 fatal accidents on the slope this year all involved skiers/boarders with helmet. Ultimately. it is your choice, but for me - not on my dead body. |
That makes it sound like you think helmets make it more likely you will have a fatal accident, not sure I understand that.
Snocat, I've skied for 20 years and worn a helmet everyday I'm on the slopes and will continue to do so. In my eyes it sure as hell can't hurt my chances if I have a big accident, I've had numerous bangs to the head and I'm pretty sure I owe my current good health to wearing one. I can appreciate that wearing one after a long time of not may be very uncomfortable and irritating but finding the right helmet is as time consuming and important as finding the right boots. The pistes are getting more and more crowded every year so unfortunately the chances of someone hitting you go up as well, I like the idea of my head in something hard if that were to ever happen. Also, a head injury is one of the hardest things to fix and recover from, broken bones can heal but a brain injury can affect you for a lot longer, sometimes permanently.
I'm all for "to each his own" and I would never preach at anyone to wear one, but if you were to ask my opinion I'd say give it a go, I think the benefits outweigh the costs, anyway, gives you a good mounting point for your GoPro...
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| Quote: |
The pistes are getting more and more crowded every year
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Then you're going to the wrong places.
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FAQ
my opinion and decision, can't comment on op as I am too new to the sport and thus obviously far too slow to qualify! 
