HOW TO CHOOSE A PARAGLIDING HELMET?
Looking for a paragliding helmet? This article is for you! First, we'll explain why flying without a helmet is a bad idea. Then, we'll look at the most important criteria to keep in mind in your quest for the perfect helmet.
THE IMPORTANCE OF WEARING A HELMET WHEN PARAGLIDING
It's no coincidence that we've decided to start this article with a reminder of the importance of paragliding helmets. Indeed, some paragliders might be tempted to dispense with a helmet, deeming it too cumbersome or unnecessary. Nevertheless, the protective power of a helmet in the event of a head-on collision is well established. Its use could even save your life.
For example, it would seem irresponsible to ride your motorcycle with your hair blowing in the wind (if you have any left), or to let your child ride his bike without a helmet on his head. Well, the same applies to paragliding.
What's more, in the event of an accident, your insurer may refuse to compensate you if you're not wearing a helmet. Judging that you haven't done everything possible to protect yourself.
It's for all these reasons that the wearing of a paragliding helmet has been made compulsory in certain local authorities by prefectoral decree, as well as in paragliding schools. This is also the case for competitions and for passengers in tandem flights. Passengers must wear a helmet throughout their flight.
IMPORTANT CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING YOUR HELMET
By now, you're convinced of the need to wear a paragliding helmet when flying. After a quick search on the Internet or in a store, you realize that there are a multitude of helmets available, and you're feeling a little lost. Is it comfortable? Will it protect me well? Does green go with my golden complexion? Don't panic! Here are a few tips to help you find THE helmet of your dreams.
COMFORT AND SAFETY
A very (very) important criterion is comfort. You need to feel comfortable with your paragliding helmet on your head. The helmet must be the right size and firmly attached to your skull. Above all, it must not float. The risk is that, in mid-flight, it could become detached from your skull and move backwards. It would then become very awkward and lose its protective capacity in the event of an incident.
Nevertheless, your helmet shouldn't be too tight or painful either, and you should be able to move your head freely in all directions.
When you try on your helmet, if you feel a slight pressure on your forehead, or on the sides, it's because the helmet is too small. In fact, this slight pressure, which at first glance is not annoying, can very quickly become an unbearable pain after a few minutes.
Finally, when it comes to color, let your imagination run wild!
DIFFERENT TYPES OF HELMET
You'll also need to choose from several different types of paragliding helmet. First of all, we can mention the so-called "open" or "½ Jet" helmets, which have no chin strap, reducing the feeling of enclosure. Lightweight, they give you wide vision and good sensations in flight. However, some people find the chin strap indispensable in the event of a collision, as it protects the face.
Another type of helmet is the full-face helmet, which is also perfectly suited to paragliding. With its chin strap, it protects your face in the event of an accident and reduces wind noise during your flights, which can come in handy if you're using a radio. What's more, full-face helmets are often fitted with a visor, reducing fatigue and dehydration caused by the relative wind. Nevertheless, they are not always appreciated by paragliders, due to the feeling of confinement they provide, the loss of lateral visibility and their heavier weight.
PARAGLIDING HELMET WITH VISOR
Finally, some helmets come with a visor. Visors can be very useful if you don't want to be dazzled by the sun, or in strong winds. However, if you like to use the feel of the wind on your face to judge your speed in flight, then this type of helmet is not for you. Finally, many helmets, like the Icaro Nerv helmet, offer the option of detaching the visor. This means you can use it whenever you like. There are many different types of visor.
These include :
Smoked visors
Like your sunglasses, smoked visors protect your eyes from the sun's rays. Depending on the level of protection required, they can vary from light to dark smoke.
Yellow and orange tinted visors
Yellow and orange tinted visors increase contrast, enabling you to better distinguish details and enhance your perception of relief.
Iridium visors
Just like smoked visors, Iridium visors provide protection from the sun. What's more, with their "oil puddle" effect, they also give you a unique, eye-catching look.
Blue-tinted visors
Blue-tinted visors enhance the contrast of dark colors and smooth out the decor.
Mirror visors
Last but not least, if you want to fly in places that are highly exposed to the sun's rays, such as snow-covered and sunny areas. You'll need to opt for mirror visors. They filter out most of the sun's rays by reflecting them, protecting your eyes.
DIFFERENT DESIGN MATERIALS
Finally, an interesting criterion to analyze before choosing your helmet is the material used for its design. In general, there are two main types of shell, each with its own advantages and disadvantages: In Mold and ABS.
ABS shells
ABS shells are injection-molded. They offer superior impact resistance and thermal insulation. They are also made up of two parts: an outer shell in ABS plastic and an inner shell in EPS foam, which absorbs and diffuses shocks. Nevertheless, they are heavier and less breathable. To counter this, some manufacturers add airflow channels to their helmets.
In Mold shells
In Mold shells are uniquely molded for lightness, comfort and ventilation during exercise. These shells are made up of two parts: an outer shell in polycarbonate and an inner shell in EPS foam. This hard, malleable foam offers enhanced protection in the event of impact. However, this type of helmet is less robust than paragliding helmets made from ABS, particularly in the event of collision with a blunt object.
AN EN966 APPROVED PARAGLIDING HELMET
Thanks to all the indications given earlier in the article, you've finally found the helmet you've been looking for, and you're ready to buy it, when suddenly! A brilliant idea crosses your mind: why not use your ski or motorcycle helmet for your flights?
Not a good idea... Each helmet is designed for a specific type of use and has a specific resistance to a specific type of impact.
Most sports helmets are governed by regulations on personal protective equipment (PPE) in France, and in most cases by the provisions of the French Sports Code. It should be noted that different regulations apply to each sport.
Helmets for aerial sports (paragliding, hang-gliding, gliding, ULM) must comply with European standard EN 966.
Certain information must appear on the inside of the paragliding helmet:
- Name and address of manufacturer or authorized representative
- CE mark
- Size (head circumference, in cm) and weight (in g)
- Standard number
- Model designation
- Year and month (or quarter) of manufacture
- Helmet type
Conclusion
In conclusion, keep in mind that wearing an EN966-approved helmet when paragliding is highly recommended for safe flying. Choosing the right helmet, and respecting certain key criteria such as size and type, will help you avoid any discomfort or constraints during your paragliding flights.
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