Skiing is a popular winter sport around the world. It is famous for its thrill and excitement. With excitement, it also brings safety issues. That is why you will need safety gear like a helmet for skiing. Now the question is, what size helmet will you need, and how should it fit.
Let’s have a look at it.
What size ski helmet should I get?
Ski helmets, unlike bike and skateboarding helmets, need to be snugly fit. That is why choosing the right size of a helmet is very important. You can choose from sizes like small up to extra large when buying your helmet. This size will depend on the circumference of your head.
Table of Contents
Here’s a small guide to ski helmet sizes:
Extra small or Small:
These helmets are usually good for people with a smaller head circumference. You can also use these sizes as kid-size alternatives. They are roughly around 49 to 55 cm in circumference.
Medium size:
Medium size helmets are most popular. These are for people whose heads are neither too big nor too small. They measure around 56 to 59 cm.
Large and Extra large:
Extra large helmets are for bigger size people. You can get a large helmet if the extra-large is too big for you. These helmets measure around 59 to 60 cm.
How should a ski helmet fit?
When it comes to protective gear for skiing, helmets are one of the most important ones. To have the best out of your ski helmets, they need to fit correctly.
Now the question is, how should a ski helmet fit? Well, the simplest answer is that a ski helmet should fit snugly on your head. It should be neither too tight nor too loose. It should not have any gap with your head and stay still when you move your head.
Another thing to look for is perfect compatibility with your goggles. A perfectly fitting helmet will have no gaps with the goggles. As a result, the goggles and the helmet will make a seal between and keep your eyes and head warm.
For a proper fit in your ski helmet, an adjustable chin strap is necessary. The chin strap should be comfortable. It should fit snugly around your throat. Make sure it does not feel uncomfortable when you move your head.
Ski helmet size chart:
As ski helmets come in various sizes, shopping for a ski helmet can be a bit confusing. However, if you know the correct measurements, then it can be easier. To do so, first, measure the size of your head and then consult a ski helmet sizing guide.
You can take help of the size chart given below for this:
| Types | Units | XS/S | S/M | M/L | L/XL | XL/XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For Adults | Centimeters | 50-53 cm | 53-56.5 cm | 56-59 cm | 59 – 62.5 cm | 61-63 cm |
| For Adults | Inches | 19.5-21” | 20.5-22.5” | 22-23.5” | 23-24.25” | 24-24.8” |
| For Kids | Centimeters | 49-52cm | 53-56 cm | 55.5-59 cm | ||
| For Kids | Inches | 19-20.5” | 20.5-22” | 21.7-23.5” |
How do you determine your ski helmet size?
To choose the helmet, you need to determine the size of the ski helmet that will be suitable for you. This process is vital since the wrong measurements can ruin the size of your helmet. You can easily determine the right size for your ski helmet following the steps below:
Step-1:
The first step in determining the size of your ski helmet is to find a suitable measuring tape. You can use a fabric measuring tape for this.
You can also use a thread to measure the circumference of your head and then later measure the length of the thread with a regular scale.
Step-2:
Once the measuring tape is ready, you can now measure the circumference of your head. For this step, it is better to take someone’s help. They need to be set slightly above the brows. Then take the measurements.
Step-3:
When all the measurements are ready, look for a ski helmet according to those sizes. Put on your helmet and check for proper fit. If all the measurements are correct, they should fit perfectly.
Step-4:
Now check for gaps. If all of the linings within the helmet are snug against your head and there are no gaps, the helmet is a perfect fit. A correct size helmet should fit snug on your head.
Ski Helmet Components:
Ski helmet has been a crucial gear for the sport for a long time. In this long period, ski helmets have changed a lot. From technology to comfort, there have been massive changes in the qualities of these helmets.
A modern-day ski helmet consists of several components. Here are the components that a ski helmet consists of:
ABS Hard Plastic outer shell:
The outer shell is the hardest part of the ski helmet. They consist of tough plastic. These plastics although, are very hard, are very light in terms of weight. The outer shell is made of ABS plastic.
This outer shell forms the main structure of the helmet as well as acts as the primary protective layer.
Shock-absorbing EPS foam liner:
Under the ABS plastic shell is a layer of shock-absorbing foam. An EPS foam liner resides here to absorb shocks and provide added security. This layer absorbs all shocks both from skiing or when you fall over.
When buying a helmet, make sure there is a shock-absorbing layer in the helmet. This layer is vital for the protection of your head.
Comfortable foam liner:
There is a third layer of foam or fiber after the hard plastic shell and the shock-absorbing layers. This layer is there to provide comfort and warmth. This layer is usually made of insulating materials.
That is why this layer provides warmth and overall comfort while wearing the helmet. This layer is removable, and you can wash them as well.
Comfortable ear pads:
There are soft, foam ear pads to cover the ears in the ski helmet. These ear pads provide abrasion resistance during any accident. In addition, they also keep the ears warm.
Protective goggles:
Some ski helmets have pre-adjustable goggles. These goggles offer eye protection. They also improve visibility in snowy circumstances.
Quick-lock chin strap:
There is an adjustable chin strap attached to the helmet. You can tighten the helmet using this chin strap. This strap also provides a bit of protection for the chin.
Ski Helmet Construction:
As a ski helmet is a safety gear, these helmets have multiple durable layers of safety materials. Here’s how manufacturers construct a ski helmet:
The shell and the core:
The shell of the ski helmets have multiple layers of ABS plastic. This plastic contains carbon fibers which makes them very strong and durable. The helmet’s core then fits into the shell.
The core contains layers of polystyrene and shock-absorbing foams. On top of them, there is a layer of soft foam lining is.
Air vents:
After infusion of the core and shell together, the base of the ski helmets is ready. Then air vents are made on the base of the helmets. These vents help in air ventilation inside.
Paint and finishing:
After cutting the air vents on the shell, the helmet is ready for painting. At this stage of the construction, the helmets are painted and get branding logos on them.
Earpads and chin strap:
Lastly, the earpads and the chin strap are attached to the helmet. These are to keep the ears warm and secure the helmet.
Can I use my bike helmet for skiing?
If you already own a bike helmet, you might feel tempted to use it for skiing. However, bike helmets are not for such sports. These helmets are usually tight-fit and do not cover your head.
Using a bike helmet for skiing is not a healthy practice and might be dangerous as well. Ski helmets need to be snugly fit and cover your ears and fit with your snow goggles. These are not possible with a bike helmet.
So, the bottom line is, although you might feel like using a bike helmet for skiing, it is not a good idea. Therefore always try to use ski helmets for skiing.
What size is a 54 helmet?
Helmets come in several sizes. You may pick from different sizes, starting at 51-52 cm, which is very tiny. On the other hand, most commonly, helmets can range up to around 63-64 cm, which is Extra Large helmets.
Size 54 helmets are XS size. These are extra small helmets. If you have a smaller skull size than usual, then these helmets will be a perfect fit for you. Besides, size 54 is usually suitable for children as well.
In the case of adjustable helmets, size 54 helmets are S-size helmets. The size S here stands for small size.
While buying the helmet for you, make sure you are buying the right size. Choosing the right size helmet is very important as they provide us security and comfort while riding.
Final Thoughts:
Ski helmets come in various sizes. As a result, there are no standard helmet sizes. You should select a helmet that fits tightly and has no gaps. To select the proper helmet, measure the circumference of your head and get a helmet that matches your measurement.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can Ski Helmets Go in Hand Luggage?