I think I will buy me a ski helmet. What would you recommend?

[fridayschild]

I was going to hire a ski helmet for myself last year, but with the excitement and hassle of hiring skis and boots and helmets and sticks for DS1 and the rest for me too, I just rather lost the will to live in the ski hire shop. I can see the same happening again this year, so I think the thing to do is to buy one.

Do you have one you could recommend and what sort of features should I look for?

I've got a HEAD one. Get to a shop and try a few on - some will definitely fit better than others.

I guess key things are ventilation; warm comfortable lining; DH's has removeable ear flaps - mine doesn't - think it's to do with flexibility for (warmer) spring skiing.

Silly question here - does the snow not get in through the ventilation holes? or do you ski too fast for that?

I've just bought DS a Salomon helmet where you can close the vents from the outside and apart from the usual padding, you can inflate the back padding to give a better fit.
However, you need one that fits your head, so don't go into a shop expecting to buy a model you have seen online and liked as it may well not fit your head. Also, there isn't a lot of choice left in many shops (we were in Snow & Rock and Ellis Brigham in Covent Garden this week and stock was low - and customers were virtually panic buying!

I haven't had any problems with snow coming through the ventilation holes! They have mesh underneath them, and they're not very big.

I would say the same as Lilymaid though - you may not have a hige range to choose from, as it is already mid-season. Phone up shops to ask, before you venture too far. Whereabouts in the country are you?

I've just bought a HEAD one. Not taking any chances after I banged my head REALLY hard last year.

The latest models are quite advanced now (according to man in shop). They heat up when you bang them (although hopefully I won't be banging my head again!)

I am in London. There are lots of shops - but also lots of customers!

I like the Giro helmets and am on my second now - a Giro Fuse. It has vents that can either opened or closed and a wheel at the back for extra adjustment and is very comfy.

i have a red helmet, and i love it. the earflaps are removable, very handy. the snow doesn't come in, but i also have a very thin beanie to wear underneath to a) enables snug fit b)prevents 'helmet hair' at lunchtime as you can keep the beanie on, and not have terrible sweaty hair.

make sure your goggles fit it though!

helmets are the future, i am convinved.

red being the brand name. it is light blue in colour

Yes - I thought I'd hate wearing a helmet, but actually I LUUUUURVE it, and I'm sure it makes me ski more like a maniac better

Thank you all! I will see if the DCs permit me to go shopping this weekend.

I've got a Salomon one with furry ear flaps which are just wonderful - never have my ears been so toasty plus can there ever be an end to such witticisms as "have you seen my furry flaps?" Once said totally innocently.

I tried on loads - in the end said helmet came from the junior section. Fat arse - tiny heid.

I just get mine from the hire shop. Takes like 5 mins to find one that fits, whats so difficult? The only thing is, i have a tiny head, so end up wearing a similiar one as my 7 yr old and all the other children out there.... They really help you stay warm too, which is a big plus.

Do they come in at Aldi in the UK? Keep an eye out in about October or November.

they tend to sell out really fast in germany, ie the same day!

Aldi stuff is usually good quality at a fraction of the price of a brand. The ski helmets were about 20 euros iirc.
(I got ours 2nd hand)

Red helmets are fab, I got a lovely pink flowery one a couple of years ago, but try on loads before you decide. If you wear goggles, take those too if you go shopping as some helmets are made to fit certain goggle makes and some don't really fit at all.

I wouldn't go for second hand or hire hemlets because you've no way of knowing if previous users have crashed in them before, if they have had a big bang they shouldn't really be used again.

Also need to decide if you want a one crash helmet (lighter) or a multi crash. Not sure how big of a hit you'd need on the one crash type before you have to replace it though.

I always rented them in the past, but bought first one this year. Got it in France as there is loads more choice there and other countries with ski areas.

DH and I researched some on line, and I tried a few on in shops here but most designs were a bit girly for me. I found a Bolle one covered in brown leather and DH pre-ordered it to pick up in resort through one of the shops there. I love it and it is very warm too.

It still gives me helmet-hair, as rental ones did but I don't care, I am happy to keep my head in one piece.

hmmm you're worrying me now. I bought a No Fear on today purely becasue it was cheap - reduced from £60 to £16. It appears to fit, has vents and non removable ear flaps. Have no idea if any good tho. Has anyone heard of this make? It meets the EN1077 standard.

I know nothing about helmets as have never worn one in past but am going with dc for the first time and want to set a good example.

How do you know whether the googles fit with the helmet?