I wear a helmet (my wife makes me and it's warm)  I don't think they're any good. It does keep me from getting banged by gapers bringing the bar down on my head, but so does my arms over my head. I've seen several fatalities at our resort, most of them were wearing a helmet and hit a tree. I also notice that I'm more cautious when I sk without a helmet. I worked with TBI patients for 5 years so I feel like I'm fairly aware of what's at stake. Bottom line, it's probably not going to save your life, but anything I can do to keep my wife from griping at me (within reason) I'll do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by snofun3 

"Experienced snowboarders were more likely to have frontal-region injuries."

 

Before starting snowboarding assumedly.

What else could explain the choice? 

I can not get stickers to stay on my knit hat.  So a helmet just makes sense for my style of snow play.

Besides,  It's raining outside!  ;-((

Cal  in Vt.

I see some helmets on eBay that some seem to think are quite valuable..

Shock!  Horror!   You mean helmets won't save us from MASSIVE concussions Bob?....  OH NO!  you must be brain damaged from all the concussions you have had from skiing so long without a helmet.... I share your pain, 40+ years in a wool hat have probably left me damaged as well....

BTW if all the helmet proselytizers really thought through some of the BS that is being spouted, they  should show the courage of their convictions and be wearing a full coverage, carbon fibre race helmet, not some POS with soft (or no) sides that resembles a glorified cycle helmet. 

At least RR shows  some  leadership there...

(Oh, and full disclosure, I normally ski with my race helmet so I can jump into gates if we are training - doesn't mean I need to inflict it on others, that is what CHOICE means...)

Everyone likes a helmet thread, and this is one of two going on now.  The other one was started by a new member, but this one even has the Bob Peters tag LOL. 

We all know Bob Peters does not need a helmet.  This is the guy that skis on Caribou Poop and defies rattlesnakes.

So ski helmets are no good?

Ok, if that is true, does there exist a helmet (made for any purpose) that actually would prevent more fatalities in serious collisions?  (i.e. motorcycle)?

But I'll add this thread is pure BS...

Do you think Scott Macartney would be alive right now if he hadn't had a helmet on during his crash at Kitzbuhel?

Hmmmm....

These studies below may be more relevant to your question, rather than the article you linked which studies "Differences in Clinical Characteristics of Head Injuries to Snowboarders by Skill Level" and just happens to have a quote that validates your choices.

The effectiveness of helmet wear in skiers and snowboarders: a systematic review (2010)

An international review of head and spinal cord injuries in alpine skiing and snowboarding (2007)

Evaluation of skiing and snowboarding injuries sustained in terrain parks versus traditional slopes (2009)

Injuries of the Head, Face, and Neck in Relation to Ski Helmet Use (2008)

Testing the risk compensation hypothesis for safety helmets in alpine skiing and snowboarding (2006)

I wear a helmet and like it very much. I don't ski any more cautiously with it than without it, because I'm more worried about tearing my ACL than about hitting my head. I fall very rarely so it hasn't been needed in a critical situation, but it has saved me from getting bonked by skis and chairlift bars.

Well Bob, this thread does prove that helmet threads can get to anyone. Posting in one is a bit of a risk. You may think you'll come out smelling like a bed of roses, but you've got to walk across the manure field first.
 

Mr. Texasskier, welcome to the helmet thread comps. Thanks for the participation.

Let's examine a few points:

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasSkier 

I wear a helmet (my wife makes me and it's warm)  I don't think they're any good.

 

It does keep me from getting banged by gapers bringing the bar down on my head, but so does my arms over my head.

 

I've seen several fatalities at our resort, most of them were wearing a helmet and hit a tree.

 

I also notice that I'm more cautious when I ski without a helmet. I worked with TBI patients for 5 years so I feel like I'm fairly aware of what's at stake.

 

Bottom line, it's probably not going to save your life, but anything I can do to keep my wife from griping at me (within reason) I'll do.

So, over the vast number of helmet postings, we've maybe come to at least one conclusion half of the people can agree on. Wearing a helmet is why you get your head hit. Those with hats, headbands, earmuffs, or just pretty hair rarely, if ever report getting hit by the safety bar. (maybe they forgot) So, here's one area where helmet usage clearly causes problems. At least it doesn't hurt. Let's hope, because otherwise, what's the point of the thing?

Several fatalities?? What resort are you skiing at that they're constantly killing themselves?

The last point is your first. You're convinced helmets are no good. You only wear them to appease the wife. No good for what?

Quote:

Originally Posted by crgildart 

I see some helmets on eBay that some seem to think are quite valuable..

 

Not only that, but listen to the description!

Note: This version does not have the feather holder that a similar one in a museum does. Note to self: add feather holder for new helmet plans. Helmet will be much more valuable.

No one would dare put the bar down on that head!

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by spknmike 

These studies below may be more relevant to your question, rather than the article you linked which studies "Differences in Clinical Characteristics of Head Injuries to Snowboarders by Skill Level" and just happens to have a quote that validates your choices.

 

 

The effectiveness of helmet wear in skiers and snowboarders: a systematic review (2010)

 

An international review of head and spinal cord injuries in alpine skiing and snowboarding (2007)

 

Evaluation of skiing and snowboarding injuries sustained in terrain parks versus traditional slopes (2009)

 

Injuries of the Head, Face, and Neck in Relation to Ski Helmet Use (2008)

 

Testing the risk compensation hypothesis for safety helmets in alpine skiing and snowboarding (2006)

 

Spikn, thanks for the detailed summary post. It's a definite helmet thread killer- not. The thing is, these things are like roaches, they never can be totally killed off. In fact, experience has shown us that more just pop up.

Besides, it's like trying to stop fat kids by taxing soda, there's all sorts of problems.
 

FACT

This is my first time posting in a helmet thread.

I have skied my whole life, most of it without a helmet. 

This is the first season that I have been wearing a helmet full time.

This season is the first time that a ski injury has kept me sidelined for more than a few days.

I was wearing the helmet when said injury occurred.

I may reconsider.

Will I regret posting in a helmet thread?

FACT

JF

(The facts stated above are my own & in no way reflect the viewpoints of epicski or any of its affiliates)

http://www.skinet.com/skiing/fondue-party/ski-culture/2008/09/ode-to-the-helmet

I think this explains how useful a helmet is

I was on a narrow trail the other day and got air off of a bump and landed hard on the crest of a second bump and off came my ski and I fell smacking my head hard against the snow pack. Because I was wearing a helmet there was no injury, no headache, no pain. The helmet did what it was supposed to do.

If anyone ever says that they think helmet has value for them they are pilloried as trying to force helmet use on everyone.  It gets old.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanoT 

I was on a narrow trail the other day and got air off of a bump and landed hard on the crest of a second bump and off came my ski and I fell smacking my head hard against the snow pack. Because I was wearing a helmet there was no injury, no headache, no pain. The helmet did what it was supposed to do.

 Would you have done the same jump in the same way if you weren't wearing a helmet?

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4ster 

FACT

 

This is my first time posting in a helmet thread.

I have skied my whole life, most of it without a helmet. 

This is the first season that I have been wearing a helmet full time.

This season is the first time that a ski injury has kept me sidelined for more than a few days.

 

I was wearing the helmet when said injury occurred.

I may reconsider.

 

Will I regret posting in a helmet thread?

 

FACT

JF

 

(The facts stated above are my own & in no way reflect the viewpoints of epicski or any of its affiliates)

So you and OldSchool both injured yourselves on the first day with a helmet. This season.

The Fact is that you would look pretty cool with that Corinthian bronze helmet. You could keep it warm with a lighter on the chairlift.

Plus, chicks do dig that one. At least they did, with little choice perhaps.

Since the bronze one would entail significant hardships in return for the adoration of one who may or may not become a griper, I suggest this alternative. It is technically a hat though:

Oakley's discontinued Medusa model. With matching goggles:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/07/ridiculous-ski-accessorie_n_382620.html?slidenumber=UwwNpJyIo5Y%3D&slideshow#slide_image

Quote:

Originally Posted by Posaune 

If anyone ever says that they think helmet has value for them they are pilloried as trying to force helmet use on everyone.  It gets old.

Probably because it is very very rarely simply " I wear one because ......"  it is usually accompanied by "I think everyone should wear them" or "I can't understand why they are not compulsory"  along with the inevitable " I would have killed/concussed - enter your preferred means of GBH phrase here - myself at least a thousand times in my last 2 days on the slopes if I hadn't been wearing one"

When was the last time you heard someone from the choice side claim people shouldn't be allowed to wear them?

Noe everyone go ski, with or without a helmet based on your own choice and judgement...

The thing I can't understand is the argument that helmets affect your hearing more than hats. It just doesn't match my experience.

I have a ski hat I wear around town in the winter. When I pull it down over my ears, it affects my hearing (it's particularly dense around the lower couple of inches). Because the ear flaps on my helmet are actually looser around my ears than my hat, my hearing is actually better with my helmet on.

From my experience, any hat thick enough to be warm will affect my hearing more than the particular helmet I choose to wear.

In whitewater kayaking, most deaths are due to drowning.  A helmet can not prevent drowning. I still wear my helmet when I go boating.

I can't believe that Bob started a helmet thread. We must be at the end of the internet.

I love my helmet,  it has saved my live at fifty times.  Every time I wear it chicks call me a chick magnet. 

Its light and warm and every time I bump my head it takes the hit first for me,  it is very loyal and would take its own life for me.

I have a black one,  but I think i will get a blue one as earlier writter suggests they pull more chicks.

Its  medically proved to be warmer and I can hear my music better in it.  But best of all I find it is a much more stable mount for my video camera.

What more could I say,  but its only 2 weeks until I go skiing.

I dont think helmets are likely to save you from death in a speed related crash and I never look as cool in a helmet as I did in a bandana. 

helmets reduce your hearing and periphial vision to the point they increase danger of crash's,  its proven!

They make it hard to look cool with sunnies on and make a loud tiny wack sound to your ears when you get wacked in the head,  I dont like wearing helmets.

But its only 2 weeks until I go skiing

Quote:

Originally Posted by Posaune 

If anyone ever says that they think helmet has value for them they are pilloried as trying to force helmet use on everyone.  It gets old.

I simply recommend and I respect those who ski well without a helmet.  I like mine because it has prevented injury many times (mainly the bar and getting wacked by a ski or a branch).

As far as Bob is concerned.  The use of that word is outrageous and he should be sanctioned.  What does it mean?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScotsSkier 
carbon fibre race helmet, not some POS with soft (or no) sides that resembles a glorified cycle helmet. 

 

At least RR shows  some  leadership there...

 

So you're saying FAT helmets are where it's at and skinny helmets are less effective tools?  I'm with you there.  I even prefer some early rise on my helmet!

What is not figured in...

*How many accidents happen that are NOT reported be it with or without a helmet?

*Helmets are designed for ONE impact, how many helmets are in use that been either hit during a crash, dropped, sacked, wacked, whatever are have lost (what even minimal) protective properties they USED to have. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philpug 

What is not figured in...

 

*How many accidents happen that are NOT reported be it with or without a helmet?

 

*Helmets are designed for ONE impact, how many helmets are in use that been either hit during a crash, dropped, sacked, wacked, whatever are have lost (what even minimal) protective properties they USED to have. 

 

Who files a report when they avoid injury?  I don't know about you, but I get up and keep on skiing.   There are probably millions of data points that should be included in a study like this that go undocumented.

I frequently ski with my doctor.  He did not wear a helmet until he went to a medical conference in Sun Valley.  Medical studies of helmet use were extensively discussed, and he has worn one since.

PS:  He won the doctors race and beat the Sun Valley pace setter.

Quote:

Originally Posted by spknmike 

These studies below may be more relevant to your question, rather than the article you linked which studies "Differences in Clinical Characteristics of Head Injuries to Snowboarders by Skill Level" and just happens to have a quote that validates your choices.

 

 

The effectiveness of helmet wear in skiers and snowboarders: a systematic review (2010)

 

An international review of head and spinal cord injuries in alpine skiing and snowboarding (2007)

 

Evaluation of skiing and snowboarding injuries sustained in terrain parks versus traditional slopes (2009)

 

Injuries of the Head, Face, and Neck in Relation to Ski Helmet Use (2008)

 

Testing the risk compensation hypothesis for safety helmets in alpine skiing and snowboarding (2006)

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by CerebralVortex 

The thing I can't understand is the argument that helmets affect your hearing more than hats. It just doesn't match my experience.

 

I have a ski hat I wear around town in the winter. When I pull it down over my ears, it affects my hearing (it's particularly dense around the lower couple of inches). Because the ear flaps on my helmet are actually looser around my ears than my hat, my hearing is actually better with my helmet on.

 

From my experience, any hat thick enough to be warm will affect my hearing more than the particular helmet I choose to wear.

Maybe I need a different helmet. I always realize that I'm yelling when I take mine off; I don't have that problem with a hat. And the ear flaps aren't all that tight.

(Perhaps I just can't hear myself, because I don't really notice being unable to hear other things...)

Quote:

Originally Posted by segbrown 

Maybe I need a different helmet. I always realize that I'm yelling when I take mine off; I don't have that problem with a hat. And the ear flaps aren't all that tight.

 

(Perhaps I just can't hear myself, because I don't really notice being unable to hear other things...)

 

Maybe that's more due to ambient noises like the lift, wind, skiers skidding on the snow, etc.  A hat muffles the ears just as much as a helmet.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vitamin Ski 

 A hat muffles the ears just as much as a helmet.

Not my hats, my ears, or my helmet. I'm not discounting others' experiences; I believe you. But it isn't the same for everyone, apparently. This isn't a pro or con for helmet usage -- I wear a helmet almost every day I ski. I'm just pointing out that I don't hear as well in MY helmet as I do in any of MY hats -- and others have the opposite experience.