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I'm a designer at a protective gear company. I want to get some input from the riders so I can design better products for us all. I've been out doing tons of interviews with shops and riders, but I want to start a community conversation conversation to see how the people feel about protective equipment.I've noticed that snowboarders often buy protective gear as they get better. The helmets and pads provide tons of confidence. Has anyone experienced this? Any stories to tell? Maybe they'll inspire others to try some protective gear out too.
What you've noticed about people buying as they progress is true for me. I now always wear a helmet but initially did not invest in one. The main reason I started wearing a helmet is that I insist that my son wears one, when I got good enough to keep up with him he was like “well why should i wear a helmet if you arent going to…” so I got a helmet. The extra confidence I got once I started wearing it helped me step up my riding more than I ever imagined. Its annoying to me that most pro riders dont wear helmets in movies, photoshoots, etc IMO this is portraying an image that its not cool to wear a helmet.
That's so good to hear. Progression through protection is our motto.How old was your son when he first started snowboarding? They're getting younger and younger. We're hearing 3 years old in some cases. What did you look for when you bought a helmet for him? and yourself? Pro riders not wearing helmets is a crazy issue that I just stepped into recently. The whole image thing has gotten a little bit out of hand. They are a pretty big influence, but unlike in skating, the riders wise up once they experience and survive something beyond their capabilities. That's when they realize that they don't care about being cool, and just want to get better.
He was around 8 when he started riding, we live very close to a resort and our school partners with them- about every 2 weeks throughout the winter the kids that participate take the day off to ski and ride. (so at 13 he already has 5 solid years of riding under his belt) A requirement of the program is that helmets are mandatory. When buying my only requirement was that it was from a reputable company, we ended up getting a giro “bad lieutenant” digicamo helmet. It is very cool looking, which helps in him wanting to wear it. Same with me, this is very superficial but I don't want one that makes me look like a “bobblehead” haha 8)
I'm a designer at a protective gear company. I want to get some input from the riders so I can design better products for us all. I've been out doing tons of interviews with shops and riders, but I want to start a community conversation conversation to see how the people feel about protective equipment.I've noticed that snowboarders often buy protective gear as they get better. The helmets and pads provide tons of confidence. Has anyone experienced this? Any stories to tell? Maybe they'll inspire others to try some protective gear out too.
Thanks for this important thread. I wear a helmet a lot. Not only for protection, but for comfort as well. I have to say that if the helmet does not offer proper ventilation, waterproofing, and ear coverage options, I will not buy it. If it is not comfortable I will not buy it. The last
It is very cool looking, which helps in him wanting to wear it. Same with me, this is very superficial but I don't want one that makes me look like a “bobblehead” haha 8)
This is a very important point. Kids only care about looks. Parents care about comfortable protection, but the helmet has to fit properly to provide that protection. Did you have difficulty finding a helmet that fit? Youth protective equipment is so important, but a proper fit is a little bit difficult to achieve. How about when your son outgrows his helmet? Do you purchase a new one every few seasons?
Thanks for this important thread. I wear a helmet a lot. Not only for protection, but for comfort as well. I have to say that if the helmet does not offer proper ventilation, waterproofing, and ear coverage options, I will not buy it. If it is not comfortable I will not buy it. The last consideration I have looks, although looks are the first thing to attract it to me in the store.PS. I am the operator of the site. Feel free to mention your company name and use plugs, we do not have a rule against that (I know a lot of forums do)!
Thanks for having me. You've got a great community here.I'd love to mention the company name, since I feel this is a good initiative my company is taking, but I wouldn't want to bias any opinions. If anyone would like to know, feel free to send me a message and I'd have no problems in letting y
Regarding your question- we didn't have too much trouble finding a good fit, actually. Tried several sizes of this helmet at a chain store (dicks sporting goods, I think), after finding the right size I ended up ordering one off the internet as the store didnt have many styles in stock. We have gotten a new replacement about every 2-3 seasons. The first season he used resort rental helmets, although I am unsure of them- its hard to tell how old they are or if they've ever been on someone who smacked their head and didn't get replaced as they should have.
dude. knee pads that are very stealthish. i wear big bulky skateboard kneepads when im riding on hard ice pack days and they're annoying, sweaty, and they restrain you enough to where you notice. if you could design something that covers the cap of the knee, and just some cloth or nylon mesh that supports the leg above and below, ill buy a few sets. the knee cap cover just cant be too big, thats my biggest beef with protection equipment.
Snowboarding knee pads are moving away from skate style pads. We don't really need the cap, so they're lower profile. I'm interested in trying them out this season. I usually wear a knee brace to help support my knee. Seems like snowboarding knee pads aid in that area too. Check them out and let me know if that's what you're looking for.
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