KLIM
Top Tech F3 Carbon Pro Helmet ECE, $ 500
This helmet is designed to reduce fatigue and improve comfort. The Koroyd energy-absorbing core decelerates energy from an impact in a controlled manner. It’ s built with ultralight hand-laid carbon fiber, and it uses a Fidlock magnetic quick-release strap. It offers high ventilation with 13 intake and 6 exhaust vents. Weighs 1,200g( size large).
Best Value Tech T1 Freeride Helmet ECE, $ 230
The T1 Freeride Helmet ECE is made for adventurous riders. It offers high airflow with 13 intake and exhaust vents. The shell is polycarbonate with a multi-density EPS foam liner. It has extra-large eye ports for wide visibility. Weighs 1,460g( size large).
Z1R
Top Tech Solaris 2.0 Electric Snow Helmet, $ 240
This modular-style helmet has a polycarbonate shell and comes with a standard electric outer shield and a dropdown amber sun visor. The amber lens gives better all-around visibility in flat light or with glare. It also has ear pockets for speakers. A micrometric chin strap is secure, comfortable and quick fastening. It comes with a standard outer shield for use as a street helmet.
Best Value Tech Warrant Snow Helmet, $ 190
The Warrant Snow Helmet has similar features to the Solaris but a standard full-face polycarbonate helmet. It also comes with an electric outer shield and drop-down amber sun visor. Ear pockets allow easy integration of speakers for communication or music on the trail.
CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
DOT- A Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, a DOT designation is required for all helmets worn by motor vehicle users. They are tested for higher speed impacts. These helmets undergo tests for impact absorption, chin-strap strength and penetration resistance. DOT is considered the base level of protection. ECE 22-06- The Economic Commission for Europe( ECE) 22-06 is the current standard for helmets sold in Europe. These also include impact tests, tests with accessories such as visors or intercoms, and skull rotation. Snell- The U. S.-based Snell Foundation independently tests helmets with more stringent metrics than DOT or ECE.
HELMET BUZZ WORDS
6D Omni-Directional Suspension: Created by 6D, this is an in-helmet dual-liner suspension and impact energy management system that reduces energy transfer to the brain over a wide range of impact levels. Unlike other helmets, 6D helmets can be rebuilt after impact.
Polycarbonate: A type of plastic that is stronger and lighter than general plastics. It offers impact resistance and dimensional stability. Advanced forms also maximize impact dispersal. Helmets use this as a shell, and it’ s also used in goggles.
Dual-Density EPS: Expanded Polystyrene( EPS) foam, common as helmet liners, absorbs and dissipates impact energy.
Koroyd: An energy-absorbing lining originating from aerospace safety research. It replaces a foam helmet lining with welded plastic tubes that look like honeycomb. On impact, the tubes crumple and absorb force in a controlled manner.
Fidlock: A magnetic helmet buckle that meets snowmobile helmet safety requirements.
THE IMPACT OF IMPACT
If you simply drop your helmet on the ground, that’ s probably not enough to cause impact damage— but consider the force involved.
“ Think of a Styrofoam cooler,” McGinty said.“ If it hits the ground forcefully, even if from a low fall, it is damaged on impact. That is why a helmet should always be replaced after an impact even if it wasn’ t high speed.”
No matter the cost of the helmet, it’ s a one-impact piece of protection. The protective foam compresses to absorb impact and does not spring back. Even a helmet expert will have a hard time determining if a helmet is compromised.
An exception is the FXR 6D helmet, which can be sent in for inspection and a possible re-build after an impact.
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