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What are inline skating helmets and how do they differ from other helmets?

Home » Inline Skating » Choosing an Inline Skating Helmet » What are inline skating helmets and how do they differ from other helmets?

Inline skating helmets are basically bike helmets. The reason for this is that the kind of fall that is typical for inline skater is very similar to kind of fall that is typical of a bicyclist. In other words, the impact of the fall or the injury risks is similar. Most inline skaters and bicyclists need what is called a single impact helmet. It is good for only one accident. After that, it should be thrown away and replaced. A single impact helmet differs from a multiple-impact helmet that is necessary for other types of sports, such as hockey, football, or skateboarding. Generally speaking, one “hit” or impact in a sport requiring a multiple impact helmet will not be as strong or potentially damaging as a “hit” or impact in a sport that requires a single impact helmet. This distinction is very important for sports enthusiasts to recognize: A football helmet will not protect you in a serious bike injury, such as a heavy blow to your head in a hard fall on concrete! And equally, a bike helmet does not offer great protection in a football game unless you put on a new one after every head collision! Different types of plastics and the physics involved in the different types of collisions constitute the need for single-impact helmets and multiple-impact helmets, depending on the sport. The type of material used in single-impact helmets, expanded polystyrene (EPS) is very strong and hard, but once it is crushed the material will not regain its shape. On the other hand, the material in multiple-impact helmets, expanded polypropylene (EPP), is not geared for as intense collisions and will regain or maintain its protective capabilities. Interesting, the standard for testing single-impact helmets is dropping the helmet from the height of two meters whereas the standard for testing a multiple-impact helmet is dropping the helmet from the height of one meter.

• An important exception: aggressive and freestyle inline skating requires a multiple-impact helmet. Why? Aggressive and freestyle are more “trick” and skill-oriented sports where falls are the norm. The type of fall in a half-pint will differ from the type of fall on street pavement, or in the worst possible scenario: a collision with a vehicle. Therefore, the multiple-impact helmet is necessary for aggressive and freestyle skating.
• An important invention: Several companies have developed helmets that fit both the single-impact and multiple impact standards. How? The protective liner is able to cushion during lighter impacts and yet, become stiff and very protective in more substantial impacts. A company called W Helmets uses a product called Zorbium that provides protection from both high and lower impact falls and collisions.

Next Page: What kind of safety certification should I look for in purchasing a helmet?

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