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The time when snowboard helmets were considered uncool is long gone. Today, wearing a helmet is considered smart. Because winter sports enthusiasts know: Head protection can save your life in the event of a snowboarding accident – provided the helmet meets a few basic requirements. You can find out what they are on this page.
In any case, your motto when buying a helmet should always be: safety before style. But don’t worry, you still won't have to sacrifice your coolness – the choice is vast when it comes to helmet designs.
A snowboard helmet should definitely be standardised. To find out whether that’s the case, look for “EN 1077”, which means that the helmet meets the European standard for ski and snowboard helmets and thus fulfils the most important safety requirements. On American products, the corresponding standardisation is “ASTM F 2040”.
Important: According to the manufacturer's recommendations, you should replace your snowboard helmet after three to five years, depending on how often you use it – even if there is no obvious damage to it. You also need new head protection after a crash or fall.
Have you heard of MIPS technology? If a helmet is equipped with it, it protects you even more reliably. Namely: against rotational forces. The core of Multi-Directional Impact Protection is a movable inner shell. If your head rotates on impact, the helmet absorbs the movement and compensates for it. This reduces the risk of sustaining an injury.
Tip: Helmets with MIPS are slightly more expensive. But in the event of an accident, they can make an invaluable difference.
The main components of a snowboard helmet are:
Another distinction can be made based on the manufacturing method:
There are men's and women's helmets, special freeride or race helmets, as well as different designs and features. For most of these criteria, the choice is a matter of taste. However, one distinction is important: that of class.
Snowboard helmets can boast a variety of cool and handy features. We recommend the following:
In a helmet, you should neither sweat nor get a "cool head". Adjustable ventilation systems are ideal. They allow you to control the airflow by opening and closing the vents as you see fit.
If you wear goggles, your helmet should have a clip for them on the back into which you can hook the goggle strap. This prevents the strap from slipping upwards. Alternative: a snowboard helmet with a visor.
There are helmets with a removable and washable inner lining – a clear advantage in terms of hygiene! Some helmets also have an in-built adjustable tightening system, which lets you customise the fit to the circumference of your head. But be careful: Even without tightening this system, your helmet has to sit firmly on your head! Helmets that are too big do not offer complete protection.
The chinstrap should be padded and adjustable. Ideally, you can open and close the buckle with your gloves on. Quick-release buckles are especially convenient.
Many snowboard helmets feature removable earpads. In harsh weather conditions, they protect your ears from wind and cold. On warmer days, it can be nice to remove the earpads.
Music on! Some earpads come with integrated speakers that can be connected to your mobile phone. Insiders, however, prefer Bluetooth headphones. They can be removed on the fly if necessary. For safety's sake, however, you should ride without headphones and not blast your favourite song at full volume.
Now you know what features you need, what safety features to look for, and what helmet classes and styles are available. So you're ready for the fitting process. Whether you want to buy or rent a helmet, here's our advice:
Our number one piece of advice: Rent your snowboard helmet at INTERSPORT Rent. That’s where you get first-hand tips from our RENTertainers, and you can try a different helmet every day – until you find your "perfect match"!