Given that traditional fiberglass helmets are a bit heavy I have been looking for a replacement over the last year. Light weight carbon fiber/kevlar helmets are becoming more available (and yes they are spendy) on the market but finding one with good vision while laying down in a DN has been a bit of a challenge. The Luge folks seem to have something but finding more info or a source has been a challenge.
Any suggestions out there?
helmets
Go to reliableracing.com
JD US4691
JD US4691
Helmets
IMHO, one critical feature is the chin protector. I have seen two painful injuries which would have been avoided if a chin protector had been present. I had a suprise capsize a few years ago and would have eaten ice had I not had a chin protector on.
The snow board helmets don't have them. Try down hill ski helmets or off-road bicycle helmets.
http://www.bieffeamerica.com/bsb3sl.htm
http://www.snowleopard.biz/slms/product.asp?s%5Fid=0&dept%5Fid=3649&pf%5...
http://www.snowleopard.biz/slms/dept.asp?s_id=0&dept_id=3394&WT.svl=dept...
Ken Smith
DN4137
Ken Smith
DN4137
helmet suggestions
About 90% of the fleet uses Jofa Ski Helmets. They're very light the optional chin guard makes a convenient handle for holding up your head. And available in whatever color you want, as long as you want white or black. :)
I got mine from Bob Schumacher, DN US 4032, and 116.7 mph landsailing record holder in Iron Duck, 1999.
http://www.canoeimports.com/index.htm
Canoe Imports
370 Dorset Street
Burlington, VT 05403
1-800-307-7439
He's generally got excellent pricing too.
Go reinvent the wheel if you want.
Think ice
4695
Jofa helmets
Sorry Mark but you can't get the Jofas anymore. I tried. I even talked to Bob. Apparently there was some liability issue and they no longer sell them. The snowboarding helmets can be very light though. Check out the K2 Ultra. It weighs just 361 grams.
Helmet suggestions
I have been using snowboarding helmets/goggles for the last few years, and compared to snowmobile helmets it is as if you had no helmet at all. But this year my kids got new helmets by a company called Red. Unbelievabley light and comfortable, and they accept goggles (with some exceptions) perfectly, without the forehead gap. The model I like best is called HiFi and we got them here:
http://www.the-house.com/helm-red.html
John Bushey
John Bushey
Go to REI
I recommend going to REI (they carry Red) or another ski shop and trying on lots of helmets. The sizes vary like crazy between manufacturers. Also there is a big difference in head shapes they are made for (oval vs. round).