How to Buy a Snowboard Helmet

If you look around the slopes, you'll notice that more and more snowboarders are wearing helmets. In fact, Vail ski resort has made helmets mandatory for all staff members and children under 12 in its ski school. Snow sport helmets are an important form of protection for both novice and experienced riders.

Buying a Snowboard Helmet:

1. Sit down in a chair and have a friend or family member measure your head. You want him or her to measure the largest circumference of your head in centimeters about 1/2 inch over your eyebrows and above your ears. This measurement will determine the proper size of snowboard helmet.

2. Shop for helmets and find one or two models that you like. Consider the color and style, adjustable ventilation, goggle compatibility and build of the helmet when shopping for helmets. Look for added features such as built-in headphones and Bluetooth if those are things you'll use. Snow sport helmets come in two forms: in-mold helmets, which are the lighter of the two, and injection-molded, which offer extra durability.

3. Refer to the manufacturer's sizing chart. If the manufacturer in question doesn't provide a numerical-based system, you simply need to compare your centimeter-based measurement to the sizing system used by that manufacturer to find your size. Review the sizing chart, which will translate sizes such as "small" and "large" into more specific measurements.

4. Once your helmet arrives, try it on. Adjust any interior padding or fit system to better adhere to your head and tighten the chin clip so that it sits snugly against your throat. When fitting the snowboard helmet, put your goggles on to ensure a good, comfortable fit.

5. Check in the mirror. The helmet should touch the top of the goggles, but it shouldn't push them down onto your nose. It should be level an inch or less over your eyebrows and shouldn't extend to the nape of your neck.

6. Test the fit. In addition to being correctly oriented on your head, the helmet should be snug and should stay in place. While you don't want it to squeeze your head or feel uncomfortable, you do want it to touch your head all around without leaving any space between the padding and your head. You also want it to stay tight on your head even when shaking and pushing on the helmet from side to side and forward and backward.

7. Consider how warm the snowboard helmet is, how easy the venting is to adjust, how comfortable it feels on your head and how it looks. Also, be sure it allows enough visibility so that you'll be able to see on both sides when riding and doing other sports.

Warnings:

1. Only use sports helmets designed for skiing or snowboarding. These helmets should meet the ASTM F2040, CEN 1077 or Snell RS-98 or S-98 safety standards.