What prompted this thread HERE.

I have seen some people using helmets that are clearly meant for other sports and wondered how safe some of them are. For example the Charly Paragliding Helmets are very popler but evan have a warning on there homepage about not using the for anything other than Paragliding,

Quote:

Be aware that while these helmets are VERY popular for Skateboarding, Longboarding and Speedboarding, they are specifically designed for Hang Gliding and Paragliding, where speeds are generally slow. They are certified to an appropriate EN (European) standard, but are not tested to, and would likely not meet the DOT or SNELL standards for motorcycle helmets, which may be more appropriate for downhill racing in skateboards. Each Charly helmet carries a warning label to this effect.

Or the like Jobe water sports helmets like mentioned in the aforementioned thread which are CE approved helmets not DOT or SNELL

Just looking for other people's thoughts.

This seems to be the helmet in a lot of the photos:
http://www.jobesports.com/EN/Products/Protective_Gear/Helmet...



Scary part is that CE Approval seems to have more to do with quality assurance than any safety ratings per se.

I noticed the caveats on the Charly Paragliding helmet on their website when it came up on a couple of threads a little while back.

Sadly, power/traction kiting is a niche activity at best as far as the rest of the world is concerned. We "pilfer" safety gear aimed toward a variety of other activities. Some not always applicable.

DOT is government run, but I think a lot of folks sometimes forget that Snell testing is done by the Snell Memorial Foundation... in memory of an amatuer car racer who died of massive head trauma when his helmet failed. A lot of helmet shopping when I was on two wheels and an MSF course is probably to only reason that sticks in my head.

ATB,
Sam

Those look more like a bump cap (like a light weight hard hat.) OK for things slapping at your noodle not your head smaking into something with your body driving home the rest. I use a full face MX helmet.

Thanks for the attention to this. I hope it gets read by a lot of kiters. And saves a few some pain.
Dave.

alot of landboarders in the UK use this kind of helmet and i was tempted to buy one myself not so long back. they do "LOOK" nice but obviously they are not upto the job. R.I.P. Diego.

This has inspired me to look into a full face helmet. . . I currently use the Belle Skateboard helmet in the summer and my snowboarding helmet in the winter. . . Just curious if anyone has any recommendations for a full face helmet?

Full Face as in with a faceshield or full-face as in with a chin bar (MX)?

Price range?

Multi-Season (vented?) or will you be going for a warm weather and cold weather lid seperately?

Buggy or ATB?

I was reading (there's that insomnia again) about some of the helmets used for recreation vs. certain competiition sports and one of the most glaring differences is that the comps won't let you use helmets with those quick release buckles..... double d-rings only. Have to admit the quick release buckles always bothered me.... how lazy have we become anyway? There was a time I lived in a motorcycle helmet and the D-rings were always second nature thing.

ATB,
Sam

I'm thinking a chin bar(MX) and warm weather? I ATB only right now. I'm thinking i'll still use my snowboarding helmet for snowkiting but for landboarding it might be a good idea to have a better helmet in the warmer weather. Anything out there like that?

You have the two flavors of MX helmets.

Bicycle MX helmets will be lighter and in some cases have open or adjustable vents. Not sure who does the certifications for those or what the standards are.

Motorcycle MX helmets tend to be beefier at the cost of weight (although you can still find some featherweights) and generally actual dollars. I believe these receive DOT and SNELL ratings. Motorcycle MX helemts are generally D-Ring only.

Someone brought up the chin bar topic shortly after Andy Wardley's accident.

Figure with most MX helmets you can opt for ski goggles in the winter or cooler months and summer/tactical goggles in warmer climates. Not big on sunglasses, as a broken stem in a fall is just another bogie looking for your eyeball.

In most cases, the duck bills can be removed unless you really want to keep them on.

From the first group, I am fond of the Giro Remedy (wide peripheral vision and adjustable vents) even though it uses the QR type chinstrap. B-Roc's comments still has me looking at the Boeri site... some of their helmets allow for a chinbar as a bolt-in addition.

Can't really justify something motorcycle catergory. My last couple were HJCs and Shoei's. The very last one was a brand spanking new Shoei and given away (cause I didn't think I needed it anymore) to stop an argument in a restaurant that I wasn't even a part of (don't ask). If I ever found myself in a buggy, I would definitely be shopping in the Motorcycle/MX tier.

ATB,
Sam

Thanks for the recommendation indigo. That Giro Remedy definitely looks like what I was looking for, safe, yet not a massive MotoX helmet.

If you hit the lotto, the Giro Remedy is also available in Carbon Fiber (dropping the weight to a svelte 32 oz / 900 grams).... the Giro Remedy Titanium Raven CF is so darn pretty (in an Edward Gorey kinda way) that you might be tempted to wear it through a 5 star restaurant (with tux) or through a TSA security check point.

Always good to find new ways to meet interesting people.

ATB,
Sam

Quote:

Originally posted by indigo_wolf If you hit the lotto, the Giro Remedy is also available in Carbon Fiber (dropping the weight to a svelte 32 oz / 900 grams).... the Giro Remedy Titanium Raven CF is so darn pretty (in an Edward Gorey kinda way) that you might be tempted to wear it through a 5 star restaurant (with tux) or through a TSA security check point. Always good to find new ways to meet interesting people. ATB, Sam

ahhh dangit... Why'd u have to throw that in the pot. . . I was completely satisfied with the regular one until you showed me that. Now... where's the nearest lottery place. On a serious note:
again, thanks for the advice. I think I am definitely going to move towards the full face giro remedy.

Well... you know the who "misery loves company" thing?

I figure if I am going to lust after things that make my wallet whimper or just flat out can't afford, I am going to have as much company as humanly possible.

We're going to pass out party hats, start a conga line, and play charades.

OK.... I'll start.

Can't afford it, two syllables, sounds like...

Oooohh.... where'd the dip go.

ATB,
Sam

Great post Willard,

I know that whenever a motorcycle helmet hits the ground (saving your skull) with any kind of force, you should trash it and get a new lid. The impact absorbing shell/core/foam has been compromised and lost effectiveness in preventing future injury. I've tossed a few fairly new $300+ Shoei's and Arai's and always have a new lid on standby. I'd guess this would be true with ANY type of helmet.
In M/C roadracing , our helmets are checked at tech inspection and if there is any sign of impact, you can't use it. Period. Also Snell rating and d.o.m.
I know we're not going crazy speeds and most of us are not on tarmac, but a sudden drop from 10-15' can be just as serious. Opt for the best and remember, "Function before style".
Be safe

I'm feelin' good about my Giro Remedy now

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
One unanswered question - what terrain did this accident happen on?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

I imagine you could still jostle a brain or snap a neck in hardpacked - but crack a helmeted skull?

Hard dirt or rocky outcrops - that's a different story...

--------------------------------------------------------

I got a decent, if very snug, Shoei at Goodwill for $8(!).
I also got a BIG, used OGK ($225 new) off of eBay for $25! (even if it looks like a prop from "Alien")
No apparent real dings or damage to either.
I lucked out finding them, but now obviously don't wear them enough.