Power Kite Forum

How snug?

indigo_wolf - 20-2-2009 at 06:47 AM

How snug should your helmet be? What are some good indicators?

Should there be any "float" fore/aft?

I am asking due to the fact that I am right at cusp of two sizes.

Helmet in question is a Giro G10.

ATB,
Sam

BeamerBob - 20-2-2009 at 07:02 AM

Mine isn't tight but doesn't move around. It has equal pressure all around. I like the strap to feel secure under my chin though, so that probably holds everything in place. I forget I have it on sometimes. I think it is a Bell brand hardshell skaters helmet. It's been whacked in the back with a tire attached to a Flexi wide axle.

dylanj423 - 20-2-2009 at 07:21 AM

Float is something you dont really want in a helmet... If it wobbles on your head, then it is too big. You dont want it so small that it hurts your head, either... and if it is uncomfortable at first, it is only going to get worse with prolonged wear.

If I had to choose between slightly small or slightly large, I would go with large. But if large means wobbly, then I would look at another brand of helmet.

macboy - 20-2-2009 at 10:22 AM

And if you can't find the perfect fit - even using all the little adjustment pads (if the model you're looking at has them) just make sure that when it's strapped on you can't knock it off.

furbowski - 20-2-2009 at 10:57 AM

you should be able to move your head from side to side and nod without wiggles or drift of the helmet. go a size large rather than too small tho, helmet headaches can kick in pretty hard after half an hour, hard to assess that in the shop.

consider good quality double side tape (or just duct tape -- black is less obviously kludgy than the silver color) and foam pads in strategic locations, also wearing a bandanna pirate style can increase your head size just a little bit and soak up sweat as well...

Bladerunner - 20-2-2009 at 11:07 AM

I LOVED my 1st helmet. A preditor ( sp ) surf helmet with hard and soft foam all around. I would put it on and forget it was there. Hardly ever moved. My new Preditor Shiznit is nice because it comes with a bunch of different inserts. Still, it shifts and I hate it ! It can be uncomfortable and looks stooopid when it hangs all half caulked ! I'm constantly adjusting it on the move rather than enjoying the ride .

Keep looking until you find one that fits just right !

acampbell - 20-2-2009 at 01:56 PM

Assuming a bike helmet...
You should have the chin strap just loose enough so that if you yawn the strap is tight without pinching too much or choking.

If with that setting, the helmet floats too much, then use the additional foam padding pieces that came with it to add padding at the proper places to snug it up. A real important thin to check is that the helmet cannot tip back enough to expose your forehead to unprotected impact in a face-plant. If that condition is met, then usually any remaining float is OK.

Some helmets may come with more specific instructions, but after 15 years as an in-line skating instructor, these guidelines worked well for my students.

Bladerunner - 20-2-2009 at 02:21 PM

15 years as an inline skater and you aren't hooked on kites and Coyotes ?
What's the story there ???? :puzzled:


Quote:
Originally posted by acampbell


Some helmets may come with more specific instructions, but after 15 years as an in-line skating instructor, these guidelines worked well for my students.

acampbell - 20-2-2009 at 02:47 PM

LOL!! I used to skate all the time in Central Park in New York when we lived there. Volunteered with the Central Park Skate Patrol, worked in / Ran the skate school. Was a big deal to hit 20 mph on skates, then get with everybody afterwards and have a beer.
I have gotten lazier.
Now I can crack a beer WHILE doing 20+ mph in a buggy *sitting down*. Yeah baby.
Getting older isn't always bad.

BeamerBob - 20-2-2009 at 04:58 PM

That reminds me that I need to install a cup holder on the buggy. :cool:

Scudley - 20-2-2009 at 05:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BeamerBob
That reminds me that I need to install a cup holder on the buggy. :cool:

I seem to recall from the ban section that in many states kite buggies are considered vehicles. You could lose your driving license.;-)
S

BeamerBob - 20-2-2009 at 06:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Scudley
Quote:
Originally posted by BeamerBob
That reminds me that I need to install a cup holder on the buggy. :cool:

I seem to recall from the ban section that in many states kite buggies are considered vehicles. You could lose your driving license.;-)
S


Oh um, I mean for bottled water of course! Really, I'm not sure I would be comfortable under the influence while flying a kite and scooting along in the buggy. I've thought many times a camelback would be good in the buggy. I must ride with my mouth open and either grinning or screaming and my mouth is always dry when I stop.

B-Roc - 20-2-2009 at 07:13 PM

I board and ski with a boeri helmet. When I bought it I was told that a proper fit means when its on your head, it doesn't wiggle around and when you move it up and down, your eyebrows move with it (meaning its snug enough to pull the skin on your face up and down - but its not a crushingly tight fit). But that was a boeri.

Get one with moveable adjustment pads as they make a great bit of difference.

ripsessionkites - 21-2-2009 at 02:44 AM

bike helmet:

Helmets are not hats! They must be level on your head and strapped on securely to be protective in a crash. You want the helmet to be level on the head, with the fitting pads inside touching all the way around and the strap comfortably snug.
First, adjust the fit pads or ring
Most helmets come with extra foam fitting pads to customize the fit. You can usually remove the top pad or use a thin one there to lower the helmet on the head, bringing its protection down further on the sides. Use thicker pads on the side if your head is narrow and there is a space, or add thicker pads in the back for rounder heads. Move pads around to touch your head evenly all the way around. If you have a "one size fits all" model with a fitting ring instead, just adjust the fit by tightening the ring if needed.
Then, Adjust the Straps
Put the helmet on, level on your head. Adjust the rear (nape) straps, then the front straps, to locate the Y fitting where the straps come together just under your ear. You may have to slide the straps across the top of the helmet to get them even on both sides. Then adjust the chin strap so it is comfortably snug. Now adjust the rear stabilizer if the helmet has one.
Are you done?
Shake your head around violently. Then put your palm under the front edge and push up and back. Can you move the helmet more than an inch or so from level, exposing your bare forehead? Then you need to tighten the strap in front of your ear. Now reach back and pull up on the back edge. Can you move the helmet more than an inch? If so, tighten the nape strap. When you are done, your helmet should be level, feel solid on your head and be comfortable. It should not bump on your glasses (if it does, tighten the nape strap). If it still does not fit that way, keep working with the straps and pads, or try another helmet.

Bladerunner - 21-2-2009 at 09:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by acampbell
LOL!! I used to skate all the time in Central Park in New York when we lived there. Volunteered with the Central Park Skate Patrol, worked in / Ran the skate school. Was a big deal to hit 20 mph on skates, then get with everybody afterwards and have a beer.
I have gotten lazier.
Now I can crack a beer WHILE doing 20+ mph in a buggy *sitting down*. Yeah baby.
Getting older isn't always bad.



Sorry about the hijack here. I just don't get it? If 20mph on tarmac was a thrill wouldn't 40mph on a dry lake and kite be appealing :puzzled:

Have you tried kiteblading ?

I know it is for ME and I'm pretty lazy ! :tumble:

indigo_wolf - 25-2-2009 at 09:45 AM

Thank to all who respond. Order was placed for helmet one size smaller and the original one is going back today.

No real wobble. However, what I was experiencing was the original one could be shifted fore/aft (more than I was comfortable with) if I really whaled on it. Best not to let anyone actually see you testing something like this. :rolleyes:

@BeamerBob (or is that MontanaBob ;)):
Take a look at the Camelbak Slingshot. It's 45 oz instead of 50 oz, but the "carry" might be more buggy friendly.

@B-Roc (BrianO ?):
The Boeri are really nice. Only pads I have seen that are machine washable and the only open helmets I have seen with holes tapped for mounting an accessory mouthguard. Most of them seem geared towards cooler (ski) weather... or did I miss something?

Again, big huzzahs all around.

ATB,
Sam

PHREERIDER - 25-2-2009 at 12:44 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by acampbell
LOL!! I used to skate all the time in Central Park in New York when we lived there. Volunteered with the Central Park Skate Patrol, worked in / Ran the skate school. Was a big deal to hit 20 mph on skates, then get with everybody afterwards and have a beer.
I have gotten lazier.
Now I can crack a beer WHILE doing 20+ mph in a buggy *sitting down*. Yeah baby.
Getting older isn't always bad.


iwas a inline instructor as well. love doing Central park

i was totally hooked on speed ...Many an A2A ride, eddy matzger and the whole crew and the FNS.... i was always one of the flyers in front pack love to run with the pros and yes i i would have to wear a hat at events. strange at first but it disappeared

snug and comfortable but not tight