Question for everyone. I am looking for a new helmet. I am looking for something that will work well for snow but also water. I am thinking about the pro-tec ace wake helmet with the ear covers and wearing a fleece beanie. I suppose I could just get a helmet for each aspect of the sport but I would rather spend that money on a kite

Anybody have some advice on stuff they really like?

BTW I would rather buy from someone or a shop from here so feel free to mention what you have.

No no no no that would never do.

I personally ride with one of these bad boys:

+1 pro-tec

Quote:

Originally posted by ripsessionkites +1 pro-tec

Thanks!

I like the Spartacus look myself... Good one Seanny:tumble:

Thanks Cheezy :D

+1 for Protec also

I have an Ace Wake that I have used while kiteboarding and on land in the buggy. It has Dual Density Waterproof EVA foam so it is "multiple imact" Pro-Tec says it is "Certified to CE EN 1385 Water Sport Safety Standard" but it says nothing about using it on land. Initially I thought what is the difference but as I have looked further into it, it may not be the best thing for land impacts. Most helmets for skateboarding and biking have a cell foam that better absorb forces but are not "multiple-impact". Pro-Tec makes a good helmet though and the Ace Wake fits well.

lmao @ seanny , that would look sick

Here is a good site regarding bicycle helmets and standards.
http://www.bhsi.org
There is a different standard for bicycles PSC and skateboarding ASTM F1492.

FWIW: If you can fit anything but the thinnest beanie between the helmet and you, it is most likely too large.

Not sure what your budget is, but Bell is discontinuing their Sprint Snow helmet, which means you can find it at deep discounts.

The Sprint comes with a snow specific faceshield to reduce fogging and a breath deflector.

Vents close if the temps drop. Beanie or not, I believe the Pro-Tec vent holes are always open.

ATB,
Sam

Hands down the Spartan helmet offers the best protection, and due to it's aerodynamic design, reduces drag thus improving kiting efficiency :D

But, if you can't find or afford a Spartan brain bucket, I'm sure one of these will suit you just fine. But I'd save it as a last resort.

(Sorry for double post... I don't know how to delete it...)

Protec or if you like a bit of colour, one of the Nutty Headcase helmets I posted in the other thread ...

http://store.nutcasestore.com/helmets1.html
... huh, just noticed - US sales only. God I hate companies that do that ...

Bern is another company that make good helmets ...
http://www.bernunlimited.com/

Quote:

Originally posted by Seanny No no no no that would never do. I personally ride with one of these bad boys:

Sorry, this one is out.
Cons: too heavy for water
a gopro nightmare. I would have to mount at least three on the helmet due to all the blind spots

Pros: definately multi-impact though

Quote:

Originally posted by stetson05 Quote: Originally posted by Seanny No no no no that would never do. I personally ride with one of these bad boys: Sorry, this one is out. Cons: too heavy for water a gopro nightmare. I would have to mount at least three on the helmet due to all the blind spots Pros: definately multi-impact though

I started laughing out loud

I have the protec for the water; nice, but my forehead starts to feel sore after about an hour.

I would think you would want a full helmet for snow. I use one (Giro Remedy) for the buggy in cold weather, sure helps keep the head warmer than a beanie would.

Quote:

Originally posted by geokite I have the protec for the water; nice, but my forehead starts to feel sore after about an hour. I would think you would want a full helmet for snow. I use one (Giro Remedy) for the buggy in cold weather, sure helps keep the head warmer than a beanie would.

Good to know! Thanks

I use the same helmets kiting that I use for biking. They've save me plenty of times over the years hitting rocks and trees. They're lighter than a DOT spec'd helmet and very comfortable. I prefer full face incase I mouse trap on the ice and it's better for high speed in terms of warmth and protection from snow, rain, sleet. All that stuff stings like hell otherwise.

The Giro Remedy is a good option. can be had fairly cheap, is light and comfy. I usually use a 661 Evolution Carbon or the Comp 2. I like the Comp 2 lately because it has a shorter face guard and is easier to spot your landings with.

For open face I use a Rossi Bandit. The thing is stupid light.

Be careful of what standards you buy into. Some manufacturers list standards on the helmet that have no bearing in thier intended uses. I've had some mountain bike helmet manufacturers list nautical safety standards on a product to make it sound impressive. And when Bern first approached me they couldn't list thier stuff as helmets but as "Safety hats" because they hadn't passed any U.S. sanctioned testing. Needles to say we didn't carry them at the time because of liabilty reasons.

Keep in mind that the lifespan for an expanded poly helmet is only 5yrs. After that they become fragile and less able to absorb impact properly.

I must have an odd shaped head ?

I couldn't buy a helmet without trying it on. My last 2 helmets have been Preditor Helmets. I LOVED my original one. When I bought my second they had gone to 1 size fits all ( but me ) . Not near as comfortable .

As others mentioned fitting your helmet so you can wear a beanie under it may make it too loose for regular days? FIT is key . IMHO !

I have Bern helmets for everything. They are the best looking and most comfortable helmets on the market imo.

They make "hard hats" using Brock foam for impact protection which are most suitable for watersports (ie safety certified) and EPS foam helmets which are safety certified for biking, skating, snowboarding, BMX, landboarding etc.

I have a Bern "Baker" EPS for all my land based sports and a Bern "Watts" hard hat for watersports.

These lids are expensive but worth it.

If you dont want to spend quite so much then 661 do a good range of helmets for land based stuff.

The protec is a great water helmet but I thought you might like some more options