Bike Vs. Ski Helmets
Whether you bike, ski or snowboard, you can't go very far before you see someone wearing a helmet. While bike helmets and ski helmets seem to function the same, they are highly specialized pieces of safety equipment.
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Shape
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For road and mountain bike helmets, a streamlined, aerodynamic shape reduces drag and increases efficiency in the wind. The rounded profile of snowboard and ski helmets accommodates more padding and insulation for increased warmth and protection.
Fit
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Bike and ski helmets should fit similarly. The helmets should sit level, feel snug with little to no movement in any direction, and should sit low on your forehead without hindering vision.
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Construction
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Bicycle helmets and most ski helmets can only withstand one impact; the foam material crushes to absorb the energy to protect your head. Some snow helmets, sometimes called hard hats, can withstand multiple smaller impacts. You should replace these helmets after any major impacts or if there are visible signs of damage such as cracking or denting.
Venting
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In general, bike helmets have more vents than ski helmets, which often have removable or adjustable plugs to keep out snow.
Safety Ratings
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All helmets have a safety rating listed inside, and most ski helmets have a higher safety rating than bike helmets. While it can be safe to use a ski helmet for cycling, you should not use a bike helmet for the snow unless the manufacturer says otherwise. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends you use a helmet only for its specified activity.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jesse Millan
