Information to consider when purchasing
a cycling helmet
By Ken King, PCI #523
Lakewood PD (CO)
IPMBA Industry Relations Committee
The purpose of this article is to help
the public safety cyclist differentiate the facts and myths of cycling helmets.
Many vendors offer a variety of helmets that range in price $40 to $200.
That's a wide range, and understanding the differences between these various
models can be difficult. The information below is intended to clarify what
to buy and when to buy (or replace), as well as shed light on some of the
current cycling helmet safety regulations.
CONSTRUCTION
Everybody knows that helmets are intended to provide safety and prevent head
injuries. But how? Is a more expensive helmet a safer helmet? An examination
of the inner workings and design of helmets can lead to a better understanding
of how they provide protection. Most helmets are currently constructed from
expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam. EPS is the best material available for absorbing
impact and energy from crashes. It is also able to withstand a wide range
of temperature and weather conditions.
There are two common construction types: the in-mold construction (also commonly
referred to as "single construction"), and the tape-on shell (also known
as the "two-piece tape") style. In-mold technology consists of a manufacturing
process in which the inner EPS foam liner and the outer hard shell are molded
as one unit. In-mold designed helmets are extremely resistant to separation
upon an impact or crash, primarily due to the advanced molding procedure
and the rigidity of the one-piece construction.
The two-piece style construction has two separate components: an inside EPS
foam piece and an outside hard shell. A band of tape can be seen around the
outside perimeter of the helmet where the inner and outer units meet. Because
tape can lose adhesiveness, the shell may become damaged or separated in
a crash. Therefore, a two-piece constructed helmet may not perform as well
in a serious crash as an in-mold unit.
In-mold construction typically signifies a better quality helmet, so this
type of helmet will usually have a slightly higher price tag. Just a short
time ago, in-mold helmets cost $75-$100; however, today's prices hover around
$50.
COMFORT
Comfort is another critical component of helmet selection. It can be broken
into two categories: venting and fit. Vents allow air to flow through the
helmet to keep the head cool and reduce sweating. Most helmets have between
12-24 vents. Large vent openings may allow branches, sharp rocks or other
objects to pass through and contact the head. Too much venting means less
contact surface on your head, which means the energy of an impact will be
concentrated in one area rather than dissipated, which could lead to injury.
Therefore, do not buy a helmet with more venting than is needed.
The best gauge of comfort of a properly worn helmet is a snug fit with no
pressure points. Some brands offer a one-size-fits-all, while other helmet
manufacturers offer advanced fit devices. It should not be possible to lift
a properly fitted helmet off the head by pulling or twisting. The helmet
should not slip and leave a large area of the head unprotected. Strap size
may also affect comfort. Smaller straps tend to pinch and seem less comfortable
than larger or wider straps. Comfort is highly personal to each rider, and
it may be necessary to try different helmets from several manufacturers to
find the right fit.
The built-in retention mechanisms of the helmet design may also add to comfort.
Retention refers to the helmet's ability to stay in place in a crash or on
impact. Some retention devices provide additional coverage to the rear of
the head. Another comfort consideration is that the helmet have a smooth,
rounded exterior free of snag points or sharp edges that might cause injury
in a crash or upon impact.
COST
Cost is also a major factor in helmet selection. Quality helmets range in
price from $40 to $200. A higher price does not necessarily mean greater
safety protection. In fact, the latest Consumer Reports rating (1999) showed
that many moderately priced helmets (under $50) performed as well as the
higher priced models. At this time, a report on the safety performance of
the newer model helmets is not available. However, most vendors however provide
basic safety information on their websites and in their product literature.
The cost of a helmet is dictated by construction type (in-mold versus tape-on
shell), fitting and retention type (universal fit versus advanced fit), venting,
and, of course, finish (how cool it looks).
WHEN TO REPLACE A BICYCLE HELMET
Most manufacturers recommend replacing a helmet every three to five years,
depending on use. Helmet breakdown for public safety cyclists may be accelerated
due to exposure to elements, long hours of wear, and sweating from huffing
pounds of gear around.
Helmets should also be replaced after impact. Once compressed or damaged,
EPS foam does not bounce back or return to its original form. Therefore,
once damaged always damaged. Helmets that have sustained significant impact
may no longer provide adequate safety. The bottom line - even if a helmet
does not look damaged after a crash, replace it anyway. Some manufacturers
allow for a "trade-in" timeframe (often up to three years), during which
if a helmet is damaged in a crash, the consumer can bring it to a local retailer
and receive a discount on a new helmet. There are similar credits for kids
who outgrow helmets and need larger sizes. These programs are designed to
help ensure adequate safety protection for all riders because manufacturers
realize that frequent helmet purchases can be costly. They also help the
manufacturer build brand loyalty.
SAFETY STANDARDS
Today's helmets are all required to meet a minimum safety standard; some
manufacturers go above and beyond that standard in constructing their helmets.
Consumer Product Safety Commission Standards (CPSC)
Since March of 1999, all bicycle helmets must meet the CPSC Federal standards
for safety. Look for the CPSC sticker as assurance that the helmet being
purchased meets the minimum required safety standard and will provide a high
level of protection.
Snell Safety Standards
Additional, voluntary safety standards are obtained through the Snell Helmet
Testing Program and the Snell Memorial Foundation. Helmets that meet Snell's
B-95 or N-94 standard have a higher safety rating than those that meet CPSC;
i.e., they provide additional safety protection. Snell's B-90 standard that
is comparable to the CPSC rating.
American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM) Standards
The previous ASTM's standard is also comparable to the CPSC standard. Some
older helmets were rated with the ANSI Z90.4 standard, which is no longer
used. If this is the case with your helmet, consider trading in "old ironsides"
for a newer model.
International Standards
Outside the U.S., there are several national standards as well as a European
CEN standard. Most test helmets in ways similar to the U.S. standard, however,
they generally use a less severe drop test than the CPSC standard.
A note about visors: visors are not currently covered by any safety standards.
Therefore, in using a visor, consider the construction materials (rigid versus
flexible), the breakaway features (hook and loop versus prong style fasteners),
and the risk of shattering and/or snagging. Advocacy groups are trying to
have visors included in safety standards and this may occur sometime in the
future.
CONCLUSION
When purchasing a helmet, consider the construction type, comfort, fit, and
venting. Select a helmet that meets or exceeds the CPSC Federal standard.
Consider style and finish, but bear in mind that they can add significant
cost to a helmet. A flashy finish will usually cost more but will not provide
a higher level of protection than that of a not-so-flashy model.
Don't make a helmet purchase based solely on price. Wait until you have found
the "perfect" helmet before looking at the price tag. Find out about the
manufacturer's warranty and trade-in program (if applicable). Remember that
the money you are spending is intended to reduce or remove the possibility
of injury in a serious crash. Purchasing the right helmet for your head size,
shape and type of riding may prove to be the most critical cycling decision
you make.
RESOURCES
Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute -
www.bhsi.org
-Bicycle Helmets for the 2002 Season
-The Helmet Update by Email, Volume 20, #4-June 6, 2002
-The Helmet Update by Email, Volume 19, #4-December 17, 2001
-A Consumer's Guide to Bicycle Helmets
Snell Memorial Foundation -
www.smf.org
-Snell Helmet Testing Programs
-Snell Helmet Safety Standards
Consumer Product Safety Commission -
www.cpsc.gov
-What's New About Bicycle Helmets
Ken has been a Police Cyclist since
1996, and an IPMBA Police Cyclist Instructor since 2001. He has purchased
four helmets in the past five years. He can be reached at
kenkin@lakewood.org.
© 2003 IPMBA. This article first appeared in the Winter 2003 issue of
IPMBA News. |
