Helmet Buying Criteria

Hi,

I shall buy a helmet for this coming season. Any pointers as to what to look out for when choosing one? Anything to avoid? A place in London with a good selection at a fair price?

My one concern is that I would want to be able to ensure that it didn't make my head too hot (or cold). I believe you can helmets that allow their heat insulating properties (or ventilation) to be changed to suit actual conditions.

Thanks.

The most important consideration is fit. It should be snug, and have either adjustable liner pads, or a volume adjuster at the back. Can you wrinkle your forehead with the chinstrap undone? If not, then it's too big.

Make sure that it has plenty of vents, some have plugs, other brands have a slider to close out the weather.

Make sure that the ear covering can be detached for warm weather skiing. Some will leave your ears nekkid, others have a mesh cover.

Take your goggles and sunnies with you, try both with the helmet. Look for minimal gap between helmet and goggles. Make sure that the goggles don't get a gap at the sides because they are being pushed out of shape.

Choose a store with the biggest range of sizes and brands, and take your time. )

I recently bought a helmet & pair of Goggles (well my dad did as joint birthday & xmas present :) )

I went to Ellis Brigham. Every single one of the points that Bandit has mentioned above was covered in the fitting - it was not a cxase of me walk to the shelf, "that looks nice and seems to fit..." and walk out. It was very much a consultative approach that the guy took with me.

We were there for a very long time, chose a helmet first then goggles to fit the helmet. Again he asked what type of skiing I do, price point etc etc. Did not try & sell me the most expensive Oakleys (he actually said they steam up!!)

So, my reccomendation would be Ellis Brigham. I bought mine in Chester, but I know they have outlets in London & the south.