Purchasing a helmet

·        Where should I buy a helmet?  Many websites offer great deals on inline skating helmets and provide helpful information in selecting the right kind of helmet for the style of inline skating that fits you. Specialty skating shops also offer inline helmets, especially if you need a multiple-impact helmet for aggressive or freestyle skating.  Bike shops  and even discount stores offer CPSC certified helmets that are suitable for inline skating, as long as you are not participating in aggressive or freestyle inline skating. The big advantage of going to a local store as opposed to an online purchase is making sure that the helmet fits properly.

·        What is a proper fit? Trying on a variety of helmets helps you determine what a good fit is for you.   A properly fitting helmet should, first of all, feel like it fits well and is not too tight or uncomfortable. The helmet should fit flat on the head and not tilted back.   Even with the straps not fastened, the helmet should not move around on the head. The front of the helmet (it usually has the name of the company on it, by the way) should be about two finger widths above the eyebrow. The front straps and the back straps should make a “V” right below the ear, and the chin strap should fit snug—even when the mouth is open. This may seem insignificant, but if you are purchasing a helmet for a child, be sure it is a helmet that he or she likes as far as color and style are concerned. An appealing helmet to a child may reduce the child’s aversion to wearing a helmet.

·        How much? Helmets range from about $20 to $200. There is some debate on whether the cheaper helmets are actually better than some of the more expensive ones.   However, if the more expensive helmet provides the better fit, it is far safer than a poor-fitting, less expensive model. 

·        What styles are available? Many different colors and styles are available.  Some brands, like Protec, feature helmets named after famous skaters. Helmets, especially ones for aggressive skating, can resemble low-profile motorcycle helmets, while others look more like bike helmets (and that is indeed what many are!)   Believe it or not, one helmet by Reevu features mirrors to enable the skater to see behind him or her. One factor to consider in choosing a helmet is the amount of ventilation holes on the helmet. If you are considering an inline skating marathon, then you would want a helmet with lots of good holes for ventilation. One the other hand, if you have a shaved head or little natural hair cover, then sunburn could be a problem with a well-ventilated helmet and proper precautions should be taken.  Some companies, such as Bell, have helmets especially designed for larger heads, as well as helmets for younger skaters with much smaller heads.

 

Sources:

 

Skate.com

Londonskaters.com

Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute/ bshi.org

Walmart.com