As a skateboarder and snowboarder, I’m always looking for ways to save money and streamline my gear. When I first started snowboarding, I wondered if it would be possible to use my skateboard helmet for both activities. After some research and personal experience, I’ve come to the conclusion that, while it’s possible to use a skateboard helmet for snowboarding in a pinch, it’s generally not the best choice for several reasons.
In this article, I’ll be sharing my personal experience with using a skateboard helmet for snowboarding and explaining why it’s generally a better idea to use a helmet specifically designed for snow sports.
Use a Skateboard Helmet for Snowboarding
What Makes a Good Snowboard Helmet?
First, let’s talk about what makes a good snowboard helmet. In general, a good snowboard helmet should have several key features:
Proper fit: A snowboard helmet should fit snugly and securely on your head, without being too tight or too loose. A poorly fitting helmet can be uncomfortable and may not provide adequate protection in the event of a fall.
Adequate coverage: A good snowboard helmet should cover the entire head, including the back and sides of the skull. This is especially important in the event of a fall, as the back of the head is especially vulnerable to injury.
Ventilation: Snowboarding can be a physically demanding activity, and it’s important to have a helmet that allows for proper ventilation to prevent overheating. A helmet with adjustable vents is ideal, as it allows you to customize the level of ventilation based on the weather and your level of activity.
Removable liners: Snowboarding can be a dirty sport, and it’s helpful to have a helmet with a removable liner that can be easily washed. This helps to keep your helmet fresh and hygienic, and it can also help extend the life of the helmet.
How Do Skateboard Helmets Compare?
Now, let’s compare skateboard helmets to snowboard helmets. In general, skateboard helmets are designed to protect against impacts at lower speeds and on harder surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt. They typically have a harder, more durable outer shell and may not offer as much coverage as a snowboard helmet.
Skateboard helmets are also not designed with ventilation in mind, as skateboarders typically do not engage in the same level of physical activity as snowboarders. Finally, skateboard helmet are not typically designed with removable liners, as they are not typically exposed to the same level of dirt and grime as snowboard helmet.
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My Personal Experience Using a Skateboard Helmet for Snowboarding
Despite the differences between skateboard helmet and snowboard helmet, I decided to give it a try and use my skateboard helmet for snowboarding. I figured that, since both activities involve similar types of falls and impacts, a skateboard helmet should provide adequate protection. While the helmet did fit well and seemed to provide adequate coverage, I quickly realized that it was not ideal for several reasons.
First and foremost, the lack of ventilation was a major issue. While skateboarding, I typically only need to worry about overheating in hot weather, but when snowboarding, I’m exerting myself much more and the cold air can make it difficult to stay warm. The lack of ventilation in my skateboard helmet made it difficult to regulate my body temperature and I found myself overheating on even mild days. This made for an uncomfortable and unpleasant experience, and I quickly realized that a snowboard helmet with adjustable vents would have been much more suitable.
Another issue I encountered was the lack of coverage. While my skateboard helmet did cover the top and back of my head, it did not offer as much protection to the sides of my head as a snowboard helmet would. This was especially noticeable when I took a fall and hit the side of my head, as I could feel the impact more than I would have with a snowboard helmet. While my skateboard helmet did not cause any serious injuries, I could definitely see how a more robust snowboard helmet would offer better protection in similar situations.
Finally, the lack of a removable liner was a bit of a nuisance. Snowboarding can be a dirty sport, and I found that my skateboard helmet quickly became covered in snow, ice, and dirt. While it was easy enough to brush off the exterior of the helmet, the lack of a removable liner made it difficult to keep the inside of the helmet clean and fresh. This was especially noticeable on warm days when I was sweating, as the lack of proper ventilation combined with the dirty liner made for an unpleasant smell and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it is possible to use a skateboard helmet for snowboarding, it is generally not the best choice. Skateboard helmet are not designed with the same level of ventilation, coverage, and convenience as snowboard helmet, and using a skateboard helmet for snowboarding can lead to an uncomfortable and potentially unsafe experience. While it may be tempting to save money by using a skateboard helmet for both activities, I would recommend investing in a proper snowboard helmet to ensure maximum comfort and protection while on the mountain.
