Hard Shell vs. Soft Shell Ski Helmets
Your choice of a snow sport helmet should first meet the standards from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), The Common European Norm (CEN), American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) and/or the Snell Standard which is the most stringent. Check the box (or label) for this information.
All helmets have an inner rigid layer of foam designed to absorb the force of a blow to the head. Soft shell helmets are lighter and more comfortable with a decorative fabric or thin plastic outer covering over the rigid foam. Hard shell helmets have an additional rigid outer cover to protect against penetrating injury making them sturdier but heavy. This may also make them more durable and protective.
Helmets for winter sports have more insulation and better coverage than a bicycle helmet. The choice of a helmet type is up to the individual but proper fit is crucial. Ask a ski shop professional to assist with proper fit. Discard or have helmets professionally checked for damage after an accident.
Check out this website for more information on helmets www.lidsonkids.org
This article caught out attention in the Winter 2009 Issue of Wilderness Medicine Magazine.
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