Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with helmet

Best audio/communication solution for snowsports helmet?

Señor Pantalones — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:45:09 -0800

Best ski/snowboard helmet w/audio (mic preferred) integration? Current system of wearing iphone mic'ed buds (attached to a pocketed iphone) under a Bern helmet is nonoptimal. Too many moving parts, fumbling around to find things, etc.

Options:
1. bluetooth audio helmet (giro omen, burton red)
2. wired audio helmet (boeri vortex, poc receptor bug, burton red etc.)
3. DIY (find a good helmet, attach dedicated iphone mic'ed buds to it)

Any reviews/recommendations/experiences? Price is not as significant as ease of use and functionality of the setup. I'd like to be listening to music all day and have the ability to answer calls.

I don't always want to listen to music in the snow, but sometimes I do, and I need an ideal system for it.

Free as a bird

ghost dance beat — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:25:19 -0800

What is the most lightweight and/or the most vented bicycle helmet that you can buy? I am looking for the most comfortable helmet possible - one that almost feels like you're not even wearing it (impossible, I know). Let's assume I am not concerned about any country-specific safety regulations or certifications. Any recommendations of brands or specific models?

Pimp My Bike!

Juliet Banana — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:11:38 -0800

I'm about to go on a bike accessory spending spree, and I wanted input on the most impenetrable locks, the most stylish helmets, and on everything from baskets to bells to headlights. I also would welcome any input on the best way to light a bike frame using electroluminescent wire. HELMET: After considering Nutcase Helmets and this hilarious derby hat helmet and wishing the Yakkay helmets were available in the US, I'm almost decided on the Bern Watts. I can't shake the feeling that I'm missing something really cool in the thousands of helmets out there, though; have you ever seen a helmet that looks so cool you actually want to wear it?

LOCK: U-locks are still the gold standard, right? Does it matter if it's actually a Kryptonite?

HEADLIGHT AND TAILLIGHT: These are required by law and safety, but I still want them to look good, you know? Am I going to regret not getting some crazy expensive bulky high powered light when I'm squinting into the pitch or getting run over from behind? Chicago is pretty well-lit; do I really need a eye-scorching headlight if I never ride trails?

BASKETS, BELLS, HELL, MAYBE EVEN STREAMERS: These are just for fun, so if you've found anything particularly awesome or cute, hook it up.

EL WIRE: It seems like most people trot this out only for Burning Man, but I honestly would like to keep something like this wrapped around my frame 24/7 and turn it on for night rides. Does anyone have any ideas of how to keep an inverter attached, dry, and preferably unpilfered? I would need to be able to detach it to replace the batteries and in case it started pouring. The best idea I've had so far is to velcro the inverter underneath my hollow banana seat, but I'm not sure how to keep it safe from the spray from my un-fendered back wheel; maybe a velcro-attached piece of vinyl? Shrink-wrap?

THE BASIC BACKGROUND: The most important things to me are one, safety, and two, style. I want things that will help me not get killed and look really slick while doing it. I am not athletic and the most competitive event I'm going to take part in on my bike are Eat, Drink, and Ride Bikes pub crawls. If I cared about speed or mileage or whatever people like Matt Haughey worry about, I would not be riding a single speed knock-off Schwinn Stingray from the 1960s with a cruiser brake. I ride my bike to have fun and get from Point A to Point B.

What is a comfortable hairstyle-preserving bike helmet?

CancerMan — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:43:36 -0800

My spouse wants to bike to work, but doesn't want to wear a helmet, citing "heat" and "helmet hair" as the main reasons. With no concern for price, what helmet brands or models would best prevent those "horrible" conditions? This is her first attempt at biking to work. She's ridden a bike many times before, but only on bike paths away from traffic or around quiet neighborhoods (she didn't wear a helmet then, either). The commute is approximately 15 minutes through a semi-residential area, along a busy multi-lane road. She intends to ride on the sidewalk. The condition of the concrete is pretty good for the most part, but there are two or three places where tree roots or soil erosion have created bumps. She would have to cross three intersections, each leading to a housing subdivision. Since it's rush hour, traffic is significant as many people are leaving or returning to and from work, which means there will be cars pulling out of driveways and turning into these main intersections.

My wife knows why she should wear a helmet, and she's heard enough gory stories and seen pictures of accidents to understand the consequences of not wearing one. I've also told her of my own close calls on city streets with inattentive drivers (however, I no longer ride to work).

Unfortunately, the two reasons of heat and hair appear to be deal-breakers for her. She feels the short commute and fact that she will ride on the sidewalk present less risk of injury, such that she will still arrive at work safe and beautiful. Therefore, this question is less about why she should wear a helmet, and more about what kind of helmet she could wear. I think if I can show her that she can still wear a helmet and preserve her style, she'll be more inclined to do so.

Her hair is in a bob, down to her neck, and the front bangs are usually pinned with a tiny (tiny!) clip. I've asked if she could style her hair at work, but she refuses to because she can't bring nor store her products at the office, much less find a place to freshen up. She will also not wear a bandanna or cap because she feels it will only trap the heat.

I intend to bring my wife to our local bike shop to perform some maintenance checkup on her ride. Whilst there I want to have her try on some helmets and ideally show her that some helmets won't mess up her hair and still provide ventilation and protection. I've also read a couple of AskMe threads about helmet hair, and started to look at brands like Giro and Limar (unknown if the bike shop carries them).

Are there other brands that will provide a level of comfort, negate the heat and preserve her hairstyle, so that my spouse will wear a helmet on her commute?

Headphone recommendations for road cycling?

Señor Pantalones — Sat, 16 May 2009 21:34:46 -0800

[cycling] best headphones, preferably not buds? A few years ago, a company called Slipstreamz introduced something called "The Slip" which mounted earbuds outside the ear on a windscreen and allowed the best of both worlds -- hearing your environment and hearing your ipod. They appear to be out of business (or at least hard to find, and their server has been down since I started looking).

I've tried riding with both forms of iPhone buds (the plug-style and the pre-plug disc-shaped "buds"). They block too much environmental audio, and I'm not comfortable being that detached from my surroundings.

What are you using? What do you like or dislike about them? Would you recommend them?

Thanks in advance. Bonus points for iphone-friendly (e.g., mic on the cable) recommendations.

Sorry I have to ask, but no "don't do it" safety responses please. This is a specific question for people who choose to ride with headphones.

Baby Bike Helmets - a Parent's unobtainium!

chuma — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:15:35 -0800

Where can I find a bike helmet for my 14 month old daughter? I have been looking everywhere! Everything I have found is 3+ and too big! If you know of a place that sells baby bike helmets, please let me know! Have tried:
Sportsmart
Walmart
Canadian Tire
Zellers
Toys R Us

Helmet hair solutions

imposster — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 13:19:05 -0800

Any suggestions for battling helmet hair related to bicycle riding? My current helmet has vents that produce odd ridges in my hair that don't come out, even after wetting my hair. For the record, I'm a male with short to medium-short hair (although the length doesn't affect whether I get helmet hair or not.) I really like riding my bike to work and I don't feel safe riding in traffic without a helmet. Is there a type of helmet that is better for not messing up your hair or are there other tips?

Can you recommend protective gear for Krav maga sparring?

benzenedream — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:09:31 -0800

Can you recommend protective gear for Krav maga sparring? I've done some boxing and am now planning on doing Krav Maga sparring. They offer a package at the gym I go to but I already have some of the things in the package (cup, mouthguard, fight gloves). I need shin guards and protective headgear. Can any fighting Mefites suggest good quality gear? I'm not looking for a specific store rec, but pointers to a specific model. Headgear should include chin padding but not a full face visor.

Was this disturbing ad a real Allstate commercial?

punchdrunkhistory — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:18:54 -0800

"Some children don't wear helmets. Some children don't have heads." Was this a real Allstate commercial? I have a very vague memory of, some years ago, seeing a bizarre Allstate Insurance commercial. At first it seemed to be rather typical - Dennis Haysbert (or some spokesman - I believe it was him) standing in the middle of an empty street holding a child's bicycle helmet. But the tagline was completely absurd: "Some children don't wear helmets. Some children don't have heads."

Googling reveals no other mention of this commercial - obviously I was the only one so disturbed! So I ask - was this a real commercial? Was it an SNL skit? A dream? Bonus points if it's available to watch somewhere online.

Suggestions for a First Motorcycle and Gear

kortez — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:20:04 -0800

Having never ridden a motorcycle, I took the MSF Basic Rider Course this weekend. Now I'm looking for advice on bikes and gear. I took the class because I wanted to figure out if I really want to ride motorcycles. I absolutly loved it. Now I'm stuck trying to figure out how to proceed from here. The options are overwhelming. So, what I'm hoping for is feedback on bikes and gear I ought to consider.

As for bikes, I'm not interested in sport, dual-purpose or dirt bikes, but I'm open to anything else. I intend to buy used, with a budget of up to $2,500. Initially I'll use it for short rides as I continue to learn, but down the road I'd like to be able to go for longer trips. I enjoyed riding the Nighthawks this weekend, but have nothing to compare them to. Also, I'm just shy of 5'6", so that may be something to consider.

And as for gear, I'm clueless. I know that I need a DOT approved helmet, that full face will offer more protection, the Snell sticker is a good thing...but that's about it. Other than an instructor saying he likes Draggin' Jeans, I don't know where to begin to look for jackets, pants, etc. What have you used that you like?

Crash Listening to the Clash

Toekneesan — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:23:19 -0800

I'm considering getting a bike helmet with built-in speakers like this one. Anyone have experience with such a helmet? Two issues concern me.

A.) Is it too loud? Will I still hear ambient sounds?

B.) Is it loud enough? Can you hear anything, especially when riding fast?

I suppose I'd also like to know if they're comfortable and structurally sound. I'm not all that interested in if you think it's a good idea to listen to music when riding, really I'm looking for anyone with experience with one of these.
Thanks.

Lame bike helmet drama

maloon — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 21:31:34 -0800

Can you help me to convince my son (almost 14) to wear his helmet while skateboarding and biking, instead of giving up these activities because I insist he comply (or walk.) None of his friends wear helmets even though our state law says they must up to the age 16. We have been through a few different styles already to accomodate his cool factor, but nothing suits him but the wind in his hair and his mother out of his face. I hate that he's abandoning riding or skating over this.

Can you diiiggggg it??????

Large Marge — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 22:21:58 -0800

My friends and I are going to start a low down dirty east bay motorcycle gang (we just need bikes!). Where can we get sweet jackets and where can we get them embroidered with our gang name (headless skulls!) and how much should it cost? Bonus question: where do we find kaiser helmets?

Custom motorcycle helmet makers?

MrTangent — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 07:18:14 -0800

Custom motorcycle helmet artisans? Am needing to find someone to fabricate a DOT-approved motorcycle helmet for me. Artist/machinist needed. I am thinking of having a motorcycle helmet made and I am going to probably need help finding someone to fabricate it. I want to make a DOT (Dept. Of Transportation) approved helmet that on the inside is padded, comfortable and so on, but the outside will look like the evil villian Kroenen from Hellboy, which you can see here: http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y95/chibiwakki/KroenenMask2.jpg

Need help finding the perfect artisan. I've contacted numerous f/x artists but none of them have experience in doing real helmets (i.e. their stuff would look great, but wouldn't protect).

I wanted to meet interesting people from an old and distinguished culture... and videotape them.

HE Amb. T. S. L. DuVal — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 04:36:26 -0800

My brother will be going to Iraq eventually. He'd like to film his "war diaries" with a helmet-mounted video camera. He'd like to be able to start and stop recording with a simple remote of some sort. What are his options? Perhaps this is obvious, but sturdiness and long battery life are also priorities followed by recording length. Thanks.

Any trouble with bike equipment on board?

iguanapolitico — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 18:43:42 -0800

Am I going to have any trouble carrying my bike helmet on an airplane? I hate to waste a question on this, but it's been nagging at me and I haven't found anything via the google. Besides, I'll be on vacation for a week anyway, ha-ha!

The whole carry-on scenario can be tricky these days, and I'm just wondering if you've had any trouble, or heard of anybody having any trouble, carrying their bike helmet in their carry-on luggage. How about bike shoes with the clipless cleats? I won't bring my tool kit, as I know hex wrenches can be dangerous.

I just don't want them to think that my helmet is a super high tech explosive device. Please tell me I worry for naught.

Which digital video recorder for a helmetcam?

unSane — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 19:49:23 -0800

I am putting together a helmetcam system for mountain biking. Which digital (flash or HD based) video recorder should I use? OK, I'm going to use a camera simlar to this one with 520 line resolution.

I need something which will record the video.

I don't want a DV camera because of the pain of having to digitize everything in real time, and the likelihood of severe shocks when I fall off the bike.

So that leaves either a flash-based or HD based recorder. I think flash would be a better choice for me. The cheapest option appears to be the Aiptek MPVR which I like because it will record third-person video as well and is cheap enough not to worry about.

What other options are there for better quality in a similar form factor with or without lens? Do any other of the new HD/Flash-based camcorders offer video-in (which is the sine qua non here)? Bonus points for (a) a lens (b) toughness (c) quality (d) toughness (e) mac-friendly output format (eg .mov) (f) remote.

Obviously it must fit in a camelback and have a battery life of >1hr while recording.

new to biking

mustcatchmooseandsquirrel — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 20:29:10 -0800

I got a bike. Now what do I do? I bought a hybrid and a lock for it; it seem like a good bike and I feel comfortable on it. However, I did not really have a childhood filled with biking and only really had a bike that I rode briefly five years ago or so. Thus, I do not really know how to get into using the bike for fun and transportation.

How do I get to feel more comfortable riding the bike? Is there anything that I need to know that seems obvious? Do I actually need a helmet? (if so, how do I fix helmet hair? also, any tips for riding in a skirt?) What else do I need to know?

I don't have a car so aside from walking, this would be my only real mode of transportation other than bumming rides from friends.

Ribcap helmet beanie in the US

hokie409 — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 18:09:30 -0800

Can I buy a ribcap in the US? I just learned about this beanie that hardens when you fall:

Ribcap

Can I buy this in the US at a store or website w/o using this Canadian site? I read that it would be available in the US already but I could not find it anywhere.

How to make a 15 year old want to skate in a helmet?

flabdablet — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 05:51:13 -0800

I need some gory pro-skateboard-helmet propaganda. The young man of the house has just discovered skateboarder videos, and of course none of the young rebels filmed are wearing helmets. So now he's convinced himself that not wearing a helmet is cool. As the house fuddy-duddy, it's clearly my job to convince him otherwise. I need horror stories, I need gory pictures of bleeding depressed skull fractures, and I need audio testimony from people whose lives have been ruined by acquired brain injury. Help me, hive mind!

Why are bicycle helmets so flimsy?

jldindc — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 12:15:06 -0800

I got a new helmet about 4 months ago, and paid about $100. I wear it all the time, and value the safety it provides. However, I've noticed that nearly all bicycle helmets only have the harder plastic part on the OUTSIDE of the helmet, not also in the inside. I find my helmets always get dented on the inside or on the areas where there is no plastic covering. Why can't they manufacture ones that have it all around the foam areas? or at least on the surfaces that have contact with the table if I put it down on a table? Very frustrating to be always buying a new one, just because the foam gets damaged so easily. I'm willing to spend money to protect my brain, but it seems a little plastic would go a long way to make the helmet last a little longer. I know the helmet is supposed to absorb impact, but would it not absorb impact if there was plastic all around the inside and outside?

Ski helmet: yes or no?

exhilaration — Wed, 16 Nov 2005 08:59:07 -0800

Do you wear a ski helmet? Why or why not? I've been skiing a few times, I'm wondering if I should start wearing one this year. Are they uncomfortable? Do they keep your head warm? And is there anything wrong with renting instead buying?

Can you wear a helmet in a car?

de void — Fri, 27 May 2005 11:55:46 -0800

So the old "Helmet Law" debate flared up on a motorcycle mailing list I'm on. A new twist came about this time though; the claim is outstanding that it's actually illegal to wear a helmet while driving a passenger car or truck on public roads. Is this true? Can anyone verify/disprove this? I'm specifically interested in the state of New Jersey in the USA, but citations of law code from anywhere is welcome.

Accibump on road bike. New helmet required?

netsirk — Mon, 28 Mar 2005 12:00:52 -0800

I had a minor accident on my road bike this weekend, and fell over whilst moving at a very low speed. Do I need a new helmet? I was not seriously injured, just gathered a smattering of road rash and some bruises because I wasn't able to clip my feet out of the pedals quickly enough. I was wearing a helmet, and when I fell, the main point of impact was my elbow. The side of my helmet did also hit the road, but I didn't land on my head or anything like that.

There does not appear to be any damage at all to the helmet - no visible dents or scrapes - but I've heard that the structural integrity of a helmet can be compromised by even a relatively minor bump. It's a Giro helmet, something like this model, and it is about 10 months old. Is it still safe to use? Or am I better of springing for a new one?

Sci Fi Collections

geekhorde — Thu, 06 Jan 2005 00:17:14 -0800

[Two Obscure SciFi Short Story Questions]
When I was a kid our family library was stocked with lots of 'Best Of' Sci Fi collections. One particular story that I half remember had something to do with the human race being enslaved by large aliens, and basically a slave revolt by humans occurs in one of the alien ships. The other story was about an alien artifact (a helmet?) and some quasi-Egyptian pyramid ruins. That's really about all I can remember, other than I remember enjoying both stories very much. Any ideas? I figured furtive had such good luck so quickly, and these have been bothering me, so I'd try my luck.

Not sure, but I think they were both in the same book.