3 Signs You Need a New Ski Helmet

If you’ve used the same ski helmet several seasons in a row, it might be time for a replacement

There is no such thing as an indestructible helmet, but the best ski helmets can drastically reduce the odds of sustaining a concussion or traumatic brain injury. Helmets, however, need to be cared for. Especially if they’re used every season. A common rule of thumb is to replace your helmet every five years, but it’s also important to keep an eye out for specific warning signs.

For instance, has your helmet been recalled? Safety recalls are fairly common but can pass by without our knowledge. You can search for recalls here.
 
It may also be time for a replacement if you decorated your helmet. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that adding paint or even ski helmet stickers can affect a helmet’s safety level.
 
Here are three other questions you should ask yourself to ensure peak protection this ski season.

1. Has the helmet been involved in a crash? 

Did you wipe out last year? Most ski helmets are designed to withstand one impact to the head. Their effectiveness reduces sharply after that. If you hit your head while traveling at high speed, you should retire your helmet immediately – even if it still appears to be serviceable. You want to be proactive about a replacement after a serious collision.
 
The CDC warns not to use a helmet without an ASTM label, which certifies a helmet for skiing after it has passed various impact tests. The Team Wendy M-216™ and M-216™ Backcountry Ski SAR helmets both have that label. They are rated to the ASTM F2040-18 (Recreational Snow Sports) and BS EN 1077:2007 Class B (Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding) standards. We previously explored these standards in detail.

2. Does your helmet pass the eye test?

It may sound obvious, but take some time to look over your helmet before wearing it. Major cracks might stand out, but hairline fractures are easily missed.
 
For convenience, our helmets come with an inspection checklist. Your helmet should clear each of the inspection points below.
 
Operator’s Inspection Checklist

1. Shell: The shell is not cracked or dented.
2. Shroud: The shroud is not cracked or otherwise damaged.
3. Accessory Rails: Ski helmet accessory rails on the M-216™ Backcountry Ski SAR are not cracked or otherwise damaged. Both mounting nuts are securely fastened on each rail.
4. Impact Liner: Impact liner is not cracked or otherwise damaged. Comfort liner is not torn or otherwise damaged.
5. Retention – Fidlock^® Magnetic Buckle: Magnet engages, straps slide freely and strap guides lock securely.
6. Retention – BOA^® Fit System: Headband tightens when dial is engaged and rotated; headband loosens freely when dial tension is released.
7. Retention Attachment: Front strap sections are securely held around the metal bar inside the inner shell. Rear strap sections are securely held under the W plate in the back of the outer shell.
8. Retention Webbing/Stitching: All webbing is free of tears and abrasion marks. All stitches are secure.

3. Have you taken care of your helmet?

When not in use, the CDC recommends that all helmets be stored in a cool, dry location. Don’t leave your helmet in the back of your car. Extreme temperatures – either hot or cold – could damage the integrity of the helmet, and you should also avoid storing your helmet in direct sunlight.
 
For the M-216™, we recommend that it be stored in a temperature and humidity-controlled location where temperature is 60-80˚F (15-27˚C) and within 30-65% Relative Humidity.
 
Also, make sure you’ve been washing your helmet properly. Helmets should never be soaked in water. Both versions of the M-216™ come with a lightweight EPS impact liner and a removable and washable comfort liner, plus removable ear padding designed to be comfortable even while using in-ear communication systems for ski helmet audio. These materials should be hand washed with mild soap and warm water. Wring out the excess water and let the ear covers and ski helmet liner air dry away from direct sunlight.
 
When it comes to the helmet shell and interior, you should mix a few drops of mild dish soap in a quart of warm water, then dampen a cloth or sponge in the solution and wipe the helmet clean. Rinse it in clear warm water with a clean soft cloth or sponge and air dry. Once again, helmets should not be dried in direct sunlight.
 
If you’ve cleaned your helmet with hot water, salt water, benzene, gasoline, solvents or other cleaning fluids, then it’s time for a replacement. Those substances can damage your helmet without showing visible signs.
 
Lastly, you’ve probably seen images of football players sitting on their helmets during a break or timeout. They wouldn’t be doing that if they were using ski helmets. The CDC says it’s important not to let anyone sit or lean on a ski helmet. It can compromise the impact liner that may save your life. If this sounds like something you – or your kids – have done, then it’s time to seriously consider investing in a new helmet.
 
Send questions to info[at]teamwendy[dot]com and we may answer them on Above the Brim.