All About Snowboard Protection

More and more riders began to pay attention to their safety. Special equipment is able to protect against impacts and falls, which are inevitable when going downhill on a snowboard. It is especially important to choose the right protection for children. There is a huge selection of such accessories in specialized stores, so beginners have problems. Consider the basic recommendations for choosing protection.

Modern ski helmets are presented with a complex design, consisting of several layers. Three main components:

• outer protective shell;

• inner thick shell;

• lining made of soft material.

Such protection for a snowboard is selected individually. There are three models in principle.

In-mold - the technology provides for the use of an EPS inner shell, which is covered with a thin layer of a special polymer. It is popular due to its low weight.

HardShell - the outer shell is made of ABS plastic, it is glued to the inner part. This option is popular if you need a reliable helmet at a low price with an aggressive descent.

Hybrid option - the most expensive, but also effective in application. It combines the merits of two technologies.

Relatively recently, new models made using SoftShell technology have appeared on the market. It uses soft and viscous polymers that can absorb impacts. This design is able to restore its own shape.

When choosing, you need to pay attention to several points. The main one concerns the shape of the structure.

Closed helmet. It is suitable for cases where the likelihood of injury is high. The disadvantage is poor ventilation, the optics starts to fog up a lot. The closed version is more expensive and more difficult to use.

Open helmet. This proposal is less cumbersome. Designed for most types of skiing. Some helmets are equipped with additional optics. Removable elements are used to protect against maxillofacial injuries.

The design of the helmet can have hard and soft ears. Both options are characterized by their own characteristics.

Hard ones are characterized by better protection, especially in case of glancing impact. Manufacturers create a streamlined shape that provides high aerodynamics. The disadvantage is associated with poor ventilation.

Soft-ear helmets are suitable for many disciplines as they do not distort sound. A light weight. The only and significant drawback is associated with an insufficient degree of protection. These helmets are suitable for those who do not develop high speeds during the descent, are engaged in snowboarding at an amateur level.

The ventilation of the helmets is significantly different. There are several different options.

Uncontrolled ventilation is suitable for relaxed riding for a short period. Additional holes provide good air flow, but in strong winds and frost, riding comfort is significantly reduced. If there is a lot of rainfall, it can fall into the holes and clog them.

Adjustable ventilation is represented by levers, with the help of which air holes can be opened or closed. Some of the more expensive options are equipped with two controls that control the degree of ventilation in the front and rear.

Another important distinguishing feature is the presence of a visor. Its purpose is to protect from direct sunlight, the mask will not slide off. In the case of a direct impact on a slope, part of the load falls on this element, it breaks, but protects the head from impact.

As a rule, you can only choose the most suitable option based on your own experience. Recently, helmets with a visor have become popular, which are more expensive but have more advantages.

• Provides a better overview.

• This mask provides comfort.

• Even tan. Such a structural element scatters light, so the tan lays down evenly.

There are also several significant disadvantages.

• Price. Because of this element, the indicator increases significantly.

• There is no way to change the lens. If the weather changes, you won't be able to install a new one.

• Difficulty changing lenses. There are interchangeable visors on sale, but on a slope there may be problems with replacing it.

• Due to its rigid construction, the visor does not fit snugly against the face. This can cause a lot of discomfort.

At the same time, problems arise with the choice of a helmet according to the level of comfort. The options with a visor are more difficult to find, you have to spend a lot of time in a specialized store.

At the same time, each manufacturer creates its own grid of sizes, according to which the selection is made. Design is considered an important factor, since scratches and minor damages stand out the least on the matte surface.

For snowboarders, various back protectors are sold, the main difference being the type of material used to make the back protectors. There are several models:

• plastic;

• from modern polymers;

• rigid structures with metal elements.

Options with metal elements are suitable for active sports with a high risk of injury.

The simplest design is represented by a combination of several plates that are attached to the shoulder straps and a special belt. This option is much cheaper, suitable for beginner riders. If the protective plates are attached with a thin fabric vest, the variant is called "turtle". They are suitable for protecting against injury to the chest or arms.

Recently, a lighter and softer polymer has emerged that resembles foam. At the moment of impact, it becomes tough.

When choosing a suitable model, they must try it on. Protection should not hinder movement, as it will not be possible to move correctly. Some options will not fit, others will not protect the spine.

At the time of the fall during the descent, the blows may fall on different parts of the body. That is why only in the presence of all protective elements can the likelihood of injury be excluded. Snowboarding equipment is often sold as a complete set, but experts recommend buying everything for skiing separately. For example, hip protectors are made from different materials. Some are fine with soft material, others with overlays to increase protection on aggressive descents.

Protective shorts are made from various materials, often combining elastic synthetics with hard plastic. Manufacturers come up with more and more effective protection for the coccyx, but do not forget about severe cold and other moments. Plastic inserts are used for the buttocks and the lateral surface of the pelvis.

Do not assume that an overly expensive option will be better. Some Russian companies produce protective children's and women's, men's models that provide good protection.

Considering the kit, it should be borne in mind that the price depends on several indicators. They are as follows:

• material thickness;

• convenience;

• quality of seams.

Modern options perfectly retain heat, they are comfortable to climb on a cold lift.

The hands can be injured if dropped. To protect them, special elements for the wrist are used, represented by one or two polymer plates, which are attached to the hand in the form of a glove.

The plates used take some of the load on themselves. When choosing gloves, be sure to check for the convenience and reliability of fixation. All seams must be of high quality, and the Velcro system must be well thought out.

Knee pads are considered an important piece of equipment. In most cases, they are made from a rigid polymer cup that absorbs impact. There are three mounting methods:

• With straps at the top and bottom - is considered a budget option that is cheap to manufacture. Such a fixation is not considered reliable; a side impact will damage the knee. Due to its low cost, it is suitable for beginner riders.

• Stocking - a variant in which the knee protector is represented by a fabric tube with various inserts. This protection is considered to be more reliable, but it looks cumbersome.

• Mixed - a knee pad, represented by a stocking with fixing straps. They are best suited for professionals with minimal side impact displacement.

The selection is made according to the price and type of material used. This element of protection, like others, must be comfortable and not hinder movement. Some options are made with a soft material interlayer.

This element of protection is a bit like knee pads.Elbow plates are also made from different materials, which determine the cost and effectiveness of the application. When choosing an elbow pad, several points are taken into account.

• Reliability of fastening. As a rule, the fixation is carried out by means of belts. The hand should be mobile, the movement should not be constrained.

• The outer shell is made of polymers. It must be reliable and withstand the pressure exerted.

• Some options have a soft layer, due to which comfort is provided.

• Like other equipment, this one must first be put on.

The use of protection is considered a mandatory requirement for active sports. This is because even a simple fall can cause serious injury. However, there are also several disadvantages that must be considered.

Inadequate protection hinders movement, and some professional riders are rejecting many of the gear. The service life of the used protection largely depends on the type of material used in the manufacture and its quality. Before each start-up, it is recommended to check all fasteners, since they are the first to fail.