Hockey helmets are a lifeline for hockey players on the go. On the ice, players rely on their protective gear, and when you’re not on the ice, you’re relying on this gear to keep you safe. There are many different types of hockey helmet lines, and while some work better than others, all of them have one thing in common: they all need to be changed occasionally.
Hockey helmets are built to protect the head in all types of situations, but they’re also meant to look good while doing it. When a player is on the ice, they want to look cool and casual, but off the ice, they want to look serious and professional. You can’t really have both, so you’re going to have to choose between the two. Even so, hockey players will tell you that no matter what type of look you prefer, the protection is unparalleled.
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The Importance Of Protective Headwear
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, head injuries and concussions are the third- and fourth-leading cause of death for people between the ages of 5 and 24. This makes it clear just how dangerous playing hockey can be. If you’re looking for a more in-depth look at the importance of protecting your head while playing hockey, check out this informative guide from the Ice Team:
“The information provided is very helpful,” said Christy Wilkins, a hockey parent whose daughter plays for the Colorado Ice Women’s Club. “I know that my daughter wears a helmet every time she plays, but I wasn’t sure how long that would actually be protective.”
Wilkins is asking the right questions. Is the helmet she wears every night going to be protective? Has it ever protected her before? These are all questions you need to ask yourself before deciding to forgo protective headwear. There is a vast difference between having a comfortable helmet and having a protective one. It’s all about the fit. Finding the right fit for your head is important, and it can make a big difference in your overall head protection. A good helmet should feel snug but not uncomfortable.
Let’s take a closer look at the various types of head protection available and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Types Of Helmets
There are five different types of helmets that the Ice Team recommends you try out:
- Ripstop: This is the oldest type of helmet on the market. It was first developed for motorcycle racing in the 1950s, and it was later adopted for use in hockey.
- Omnidirectional: This type of helmet provides excellent protection and is ideal for downhill skiing or other activities where you might fall. It prevents your head from being smashed against the ground or other objects.
- Cantilever: This type of helmet is also known as a ‘duckbill’ because of the shape of the upper edge that projects like a duck’s bill.
- XPRM: This is one of the newer types of protective headgear that was developed in the 2000s for extreme sports like skiing and snowboarding. It was inspired by the shape of the human head and is designed to cover it in all directions.
- Helmet Plus: This is a combination of the two previously mentioned types of helmets and is ideal for those who participate in both extreme sports and organized hockey.
A good rule of thumb is this: if you are falling frequently, then you need an Omni-directional or a Cantilever helmet; if you are falling occasionally but not as often as you might during a run, then you can opt for the XPRM or a Ripstop helmet; and if you are participating in organized sports or touring, then you should get a Helmet Plus.
How To Choose The Right One?
Once you have determined that protective headwear is important to you, the next step is to figure out which one to get. You should try on a few different types of helmets before making a decision. A good place to start is with the brands Nordstrom and Bauer, which the Ice Team recommends. In addition to protecting your head, these brands also specialize in creating stylish and comfortable headwear.
It’s also important to find a helmet that fits your head. There are countless websites and forums that you can use to find the right fit for yourself. When you find one that feels right, it is the best helmet for your needs. Remember: it is a life-saving device, so make sure that you choose a helmet that will work with all of your headwear and skater accessories. You should also try on different styles and shapes of helmets before making a decision.
How Many Days Does A Helmet Last?
Once you have found the right fit for your head, it’s time to figure out how long it will actually last you. This depends on numerous factors, including how many times you fall during a given day, how hard you fall during those falls, and the type of activities you participate in. The good news is that even if some of these factors go up, others can go down, which means that your helmet’s lifespan can be improved.
The only way that you can make your helmet last longer is by using it more,” said Scott Carlson, M.D., the owner of Inner-City Hockey Academies and an Orthopedic Surgeon in Minneapolis, MN. “The more you use it, the more you wear it, and the more you wear it, the more you will improve its lifespan. Make sure that you don’t wear it while lying down or sleeping. This will help reduce the amount of pressure that it is under and contribute to fewer repairs/replacements down the road. Also, make sure that you take it off when you are washing your hair or cleaning it. This will prevent water damage and keep the air dry so that it doesn’t become moldy.”
Even if you follow these tips, your helmet might still need to be changed at some point. This is especially true if you are participating in a lot of aggressive sports like hockey or mountain climbing. This is because the materials that make up helmets deteriorate with use, and the shape of your head will cause it to become outdated soon anyway. If you notice, most helmets that are suitable for use in biking also work well for hockey.
How Long Does A Skating Helmet Last?
If you are a skater, it’s time to find out how long your helmet will last. This is particularly important if you are participating in very high-speed activities, which is why most skate helmets are built with a plastic or an aluminum cover. The good news is that these types of helmets are much more affordable than other types, which means that more people can afford to participate in these sports. The bad news is that they are also more prone to damage. This is why it’s important to find a skater helmet that is built with the proper materials:
- Plastic: This material is light and affordable, but it is also highly prone to damage. If you fall often enough during a game, then this helmet might need to be replaced. The most common type of skater helmet that needs to be changed is the one that is attached to the ear with plastic ties (pictured above left).
- Aluminum: This is another great material for skater helmets because it is strong and affordable. It is, however, more prone to damage and needs to be changed more often than other types of materials. If you are participating in extreme sports that require you to fall often, then it might be a good idea to get an aluminum skater helmet instead (pictured above right).
How Long Does A BMX Helmet Last?
If you are a biker, it’s time to figure out how long your helmet will last. Like most other types of protective headwear, biker helmets are built with a plastic or metal cover that is designed to protect your head from injuries. The main difference is that a biker helmet is meant to be worn on the head rather than inside the jacket or shoulder like other types of protective headwear. This type of helmet was originally designed for motorbikes, but it has since seen increased use amongst urban cyclists. The good news is that these types of helmets are very easy to use and are affordable. The bad news is that they are also very slippery and can be prone to damage if someone trips over or hits them. It is recommended that you wear a biker helmet when biking in the city because it improves your visibility, but it is also important to be careful when biking on unpaved roads or trails (pictured below).