Canvassing opinion for helmet wearing or not
Started by Flatbadger in Ski Hardware 09-Jan-2018 - 34 Replies
Iceman
reply to 'Canvassing opinion for helmet wearing or not' posted Jan-2018
Why do downhill racers wear helmets if speed over 20mph they are useless?
I never accused you of looking at wiki or the like. You will still find arguments both way.
Follow your gut....
Edited 1 time. Last update at 10-Jan-2018
Brucie
reply to 'Canvassing opinion for helmet wearing or not' posted Jan-2018
(I know you were joking Paul)
Snowkidding
reply to 'Canvassing opinion for helmet wearing or not' posted Jan-2018
There is a lot of empirical data out there, with numerous studies offering different output and advice. I wouldn't just make a decision on numbers alone, typically most people aren't aware of these stats so either wear protection based on recommendation/scare factors/personal preference.
This sounds mostly like a psychological decision as you have done some rational stats research. If this is the case and it's more around your internal perception relating to what-if scenarios (like a head injury), then wearing a helmet may provide the positive reinforcement you need to not keep thinking about "should I wear a helmet" whilst you're on the slopes. This could have a positive affect on your skiing even though wearing a helmet may statistically just be a placebo.
FYI - I've been snowboarding for 13 years and I wear a helmet, compression vest (g -form) and other pads. Mostly this is down to previous injuries and reducing risk, where it is available to be reduced.
Have fun!
Edited 2 times. Last update at 10-Jan-2018
Admin
reply to 'Canvassing opinion for helmet wearing or not' posted Jan-2018
The Ski Helmet Debate - 2009 version
Ski Helmets - 2011
There used to be an excellent site, with lots of stats and evidence-based advice, at ski-injury.com (built by Dr Mike Langran, a Scottish GP and ski patrol doctor) but that's sadly "under maintenance" at the moment.
T1berious
reply to 'Canvassing opinion for helmet wearing or not' posted Jan-2018
It's like cycling (and yup I wear one cycling) it's that one time it's useful that will make all the difference.
Bald-eagleman
reply to 'Canvassing opinion for helmet wearing or not' posted Jan-2018
Wanderer
reply to 'Canvassing opinion for helmet wearing or not' posted Jan-2018
I would, however, add one additional point which is to be wary of stats :roll:. Lots of people suffer minor head injuries, usually mild concussions when skiing - this I know from personal experience :oops:. However, these usually do not require/involve any medical attention and will not feature in any research on the topic. Likewise, lots of people have falls when wearing helmets and do not have any injury so nothing to report. However, the helmet may well have saved them from an injury - again it is not clear how any research would capture such positive impacts (no pun intended).
For me, the equation is simple - the helmet will almost certainly mitigate any impact to the head in a fall, though not perhaps provide complete protection if the fall is at very high speed. The only real negative I can think of (apart from any inconvenience/comfort factor) is whether wearing a helmet encourages skiers to ski faster than they would otherwise do - I know there is lots of research to do with motoring which highlights this effect arising from the comfort drivers take from safety devices like airbags, anti-skid braking systems, etc.
For me the first part of this equation makes the choice a no-brainer (pun intended this time :mrgreen: ) so I choose to wear one :thumbup: .
Daved
reply to 'Canvassing opinion for helmet wearing or not' posted Jan-2018
Topic last updated on 15-January-2018 at 00:19