Nothing will ruin a leisurely day on the slopes quicker than smacking your head against the riding terrain. To prevent serious injuries during accidental falls, most mountain resorts require snowboarders to wear a specialized protective helmet. The overall styles of snowboarding helmets vary based on the intended riding discipline. Choose the helmet that best corresponds with ride you plan to make.
Slope Style Helmet
The slope style snowboarding helmet is designed for riders who spend most of their time in the terrain park, the specialized training facility that features inclined ramps, handrails and fun boxes. The dome-shaped design of the slope style helmet provides increased coverage during backward falls. Adjusting the retention straps of this special helmet will give a snug yet comfortable fit. The snowboarding experts at the REI website recommend shaking your head from side to side to guarantee the helmet doesn't rock back and forth.
Downhill Helmet
The downhill helmet is for riders who primarily participate in high-speed races and relay events. In contrast to the dome shaped design of the slope style helmet, the downhill helmet features a full face construction that gives increased protection of your mouth and jaws. The extended visor of the downhill helmet offers advanced visibility during sunny days on the slopes, and a single retention strap buckles under your chin.The downhill helmet has been known to hinder peripheral vision during hairpin turns.
Outer Shell
The outer shell of the snowboarding helmet is one of the most essential components, as it keeps your head protected during high-impact falls. The slope style helmet features a lightweight outer shell that is often made from shock absorbent ABS plastic. According to the safety experts at the X Sports Protective website, the downhill helmet features a more durable outer shell, usually constructed from polycarbonate plastic or a composite material such as fiberglass or carbon fiber.
Special Features
The snowboarding helmet has a variety of special features to guarantee the comfort and safety of the user. Both the slope style and downhill helmet feature a special ventilation system built in to the outer shell. The elongated vents help to increase the airflow of the helmet and prevent perspiration from accumulating within the interior. You can move the inner pads around to ensure a custom fit. Most helmets feature shock absorbent pads made from high-density foam.
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