Does the helmet give the wearer a ‘safety blanket’? The study showed that helmeted skiers and snowboarders were more likely to hit stationary objects, which “may suggest that helmet use promotes increased risk taking behaviour”. We’ve seen more than our fair share of punters borrow their mates helmet before dropping into the pro line kickers, despite the fact that they can barely link turns.

It’s unfortunately common to see people out of control on the slopes, whether it’s a drunk weekend warrior trying to make it down after a particularly boozy lunch or that annoying bloke who refuses to get lessons trying to keep up with his mates. One of the major reasons for wearing a helmet is to protect against other people. You might be the next Travis Rice, but matey behind you careening down the slopes out of control doesn’t give a toss who you are, he’ll still take you out. Wearing a helmet on the slopes is a personal choice for most, although some domes insist on riders slapping one on in lessons or when riding freestyle. Wearing a helmet doesn’t automatically grant you VIP membership to the “I’m a Massive Dickhead Club’ the way that it used to. Scroll through the ‘Gram and you’ll see a bunch of pro riders rocking lids.

“You might be the next Travis Rice, but matey behind you careening down the slopes out of control doesn’t give a toss who you are”

Like most products on the market, helmets have undergone some significant changes in the last decade. Probably one of the largest being the introduction of MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System). The new technologies being used in helmets reduce the stress that gets unleashed during an impact. MIPS, for instance, allows the helmet and your head to rotate independently to stop one specific part of the brain taking the full whack. MIPS claims to offer better protection than a standard helmet as it absorbs and redirects the energy from impacts.

One possible theory for the steady rate of head injuries could be the quality of helmet being used, a lot of helmets on the market are a ‘one and done’ style. Even if the outer shell of your helmet seems fine, the inner might be cracked and thus unable to absorb impacts effectively. All helmets have a shelf life, and should be replaced after one significant crash or collision. Check your helmet thoroughly before each use, what’s the point in wearing one if it’s not doing its job?

Hopefully this study can be a wake up call to those who think rocking a helmet makes them invincible, be smart on the slopes kids. Got a strong opinion on #HelmetGate? Drop us a message with your two cents. Regardless of your stance in this debate, we think both parties can agree on one thing. No one, not one single person, over the age of 10 should be wearing a ‘wacky’ helmet cover. Ever.

Whether you’re new to lidding up or have been rocking the brain bucket for yonks, there’s new styles out there for everyone. Take a look and see our favourite helmets for 2019/20.