Scrumdiliu
I know that there is a difference between bicycle helmets, skating helmets, skateboard helmets, and snowboarding helmets but I was wondering if skateboard helmets and skate helmets could be used as the same?
I am a new skater and I think it would be idea if I get skate pads, etc.
Also do you recommend a brand? I was looking at Walmart and they seemed pretty safe.
Answer
There are two types of helmets: Bicycle and Multisport.
The names don't really describe the differences but are based on history of their development.
Bicycle helmets are lighter and usually have more air vents to keep you cool. They are usually more aerodynamically shaped. They are designed for the types of accident you get while moving forward and are good for rec/fitness/race skating.
Multisport helmets are designed for protection when there is more risk of hitting the back of your head such as skateboarding or doing tricks on skates or bikes.
They tend to be hotter because of lack of vents. They are tend to have a round shape and cover the back and sides of the head. The lining is made to protect if you hit another object on the way down (like a rail for grinding).
All helmets are only designed for one hard hit. They may not appear to be damaged but they may not protect well against a second hit.
For your skates, get the helmet appropriate for the type of skating you will be doing.
This goes for your pads also. The pads for aggressive and freestyle skating are thicker and cover more area than for rec/fitness/race skating.
For rec/fitness/racing skating, wrist guards are really important. You will almost always slide on your hands. However, I wear aggressive glove style wrist guards because they cover more skin in order to keep it intact.
Knee pads are more optional for "straight ahead" skating. When (not if) you fall, you should be sliding instead of falling straight down. The pads keep the skin from being scraped up. I have found that the scrapes are just below the knee and not just in the area that the pads cover. However, scrapes there heal faster and are not as painful while healing than ones on your hand. Tegaderm is a wonderful way to cover this kind of scrape. It keeps it moist so that you don't have the pain that happens when dry scabs crack and peal. It also is waterproof, can stay on for a week, and can cover large areas.
I have yet to know anyone who has significantly scraped up an elbow in straight ahead skating.
There are two types of helmets: Bicycle and Multisport.
The names don't really describe the differences but are based on history of their development.
Bicycle helmets are lighter and usually have more air vents to keep you cool. They are usually more aerodynamically shaped. They are designed for the types of accident you get while moving forward and are good for rec/fitness/race skating.
Multisport helmets are designed for protection when there is more risk of hitting the back of your head such as skateboarding or doing tricks on skates or bikes.
They tend to be hotter because of lack of vents. They are tend to have a round shape and cover the back and sides of the head. The lining is made to protect if you hit another object on the way down (like a rail for grinding).
All helmets are only designed for one hard hit. They may not appear to be damaged but they may not protect well against a second hit.
For your skates, get the helmet appropriate for the type of skating you will be doing.
This goes for your pads also. The pads for aggressive and freestyle skating are thicker and cover more area than for rec/fitness/race skating.
For rec/fitness/racing skating, wrist guards are really important. You will almost always slide on your hands. However, I wear aggressive glove style wrist guards because they cover more skin in order to keep it intact.
Knee pads are more optional for "straight ahead" skating. When (not if) you fall, you should be sliding instead of falling straight down. The pads keep the skin from being scraped up. I have found that the scrapes are just below the knee and not just in the area that the pads cover. However, scrapes there heal faster and are not as painful while healing than ones on your hand. Tegaderm is a wonderful way to cover this kind of scrape. It keeps it moist so that you don't have the pain that happens when dry scabs crack and peal. It also is waterproof, can stay on for a week, and can cover large areas.
I have yet to know anyone who has significantly scraped up an elbow in straight ahead skating.
Bicycle Helmet / Sunglasses problem?
rewald
I ride a road bike, and wear a Giro Eclipse helmet. I've tried several sunglasses, but the helmet seems to crunch my sunglasses down onto my nose. Anybody else experience this problem? Any ideas on a good solution? I wonder if a skateboard helmet would be better or worse?? I also wonder if any bicycle helmets come with a built-in sun shield, thus making sunglasses unnecessary. Thanks!!
Answer
The helmet may be "crunching" your sunglasses down on your nose because the lateral (around your head) adjustment is too loose. A general rule of thumb is to unfasten the chin strap and bend over. If the helmet falls off, the lateral adjustment should be tightened. I have also heard people complain that certain wraparound styles of sunglasses do not work with certain helmets. You may want to look at some cycling specific sunglasses (take your helmet with you when you go to purchase).
There are MTB helmets with visors, but they do not provide eye protection and probably won't give you the glare reduction your'e looking for. I've never seen a eye-shield type device on a cycling helmet and suspect that the aerodynamic effect might not be good.
The helmet may be "crunching" your sunglasses down on your nose because the lateral (around your head) adjustment is too loose. A general rule of thumb is to unfasten the chin strap and bend over. If the helmet falls off, the lateral adjustment should be tightened. I have also heard people complain that certain wraparound styles of sunglasses do not work with certain helmets. You may want to look at some cycling specific sunglasses (take your helmet with you when you go to purchase).
There are MTB helmets with visors, but they do not provide eye protection and probably won't give you the glare reduction your'e looking for. I've never seen a eye-shield type device on a cycling helmet and suspect that the aerodynamic effect might not be good.
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