Hello everyone!
This weekend is International Helmet Awareness Day promoted by Riders4Helmets. It is a subject that I feel really strongly about and that I have dedicated several posts on this day.
This year I decided to return to the basics and provide a little guidance on choosing a helmet and the time to change it for a new one.
CHOOSING YOUR HELMET
A helmet is a helmet, there is no difference
The helmet should be intended for horse riding. Helmets for other sports, like cycling, may look similar but the specifications are quite different. Equestrian helmets are tested for horseback riding related accidents and give specific protection while not interfering with the balance. So please buy the appropriate one for the sport you are doing.
Ok, so only equestrian helmets … but doesn’t matter which one
The helmet NEEDS to be certified. If it’s not certified is just for cosmetic purposes and won’t offer any protection. On the inside of the helmet you will find a label with the manufacturing date and the certifing agencies that have tested helmet for safety. The most common ones are ASTM, CE and SEI. Bear in mind that different riding associations and federations ask for specific certifications. So before buying a helmet make sure you know what to look for. Also should have side straps and make a “V” shape directly under the ears and have a chin strap.
Related: CHANGE IN HELMET AWARENESS
It’s all in the fit
If the helmet you choose doesn’t fit the right way it won’t protect you properly. To know if the helmet fits:
- When you move the helmet it should move your eyebrows.
- Open your mouth with the harness fastened, you should feel pressure on your throat –not the tip of your chin.
- Have the helmet on for a few minutes and move around a bit, shake your head. A correctly fitted helmet will not move.
- It should sit on the head equally all the way around and not interfere with the vision.
Note: Wear you hair as you would while riding as it may alter the fit.
It’s too big if: it wiggles when you move, your eyebrows don’t move when you move it and/or interferes with your vision. It’s too small if: after a few minutes of wearing it gives you a headache and/or leaves marks on your forehead.
Some helmets come with removable padding to help have the best fit. When trying helmets in a store don’t be shy and ask the sales associates, they usually know how to fit a helmet and can give you valuable advice.
The more expense the better … right?
Not really, the more money you spend on a helmet doesn’t mean it will give you more protection. A recent study by Folksam that tested 15 helmets revealed that than only 3 provide real protection for side impacts, aka a fall or a kick. To view the full report click here.
But I don’t have the money, can I borrow it from friend or buy it preloved?
It is not recommendable to loan a helmet. You don’t know what the other person did with it or if it received any impacts. The same goes with buying a used one. There are great options at affordable prices, you just need to do some research and tap into your inner savviness to find the safest at the right price point.
Related: HOW TO CLEAN YOUR RIDING HELMET
WHEN TO REPLACE IT
Wore it to death …
A helmet should always be replaced after a fall or an impact, no matter if it looks fine. It could have a defect on the foam inside and won’t provide the appropriate protection any more. Check your helmet every now an then and if it shows any sign of deterioration it’s also time to change it. Also is a good idea to change helmets every 5 years (sooner if you ride often) because of the wear and tear of daily use and the inside materials deteriorate and don’t provide the same protection. To know exactly how old is your helmet look for the manufacturing date in label on inside part.
That’s all for this time. But make sure that you leave a comment with any more helpful helmet buying tips!
