I know anything about helmet or head safety is always a bit controversial, but saw this pop up on my Facebook feed. A beanie that's 32% safer than a helmet... apparently. Haven't had a chance to read properly yet, as I'm out skiing at the moment but thought I'd share in case it was of any interest
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Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
CathS wrote:
And 100% more expensive than a helmet?
Cheaper than some, more expensive than others so not right to say more expensive than a helmet, rather more expensive than some helmets.
Nice to see someone challenging the norm.
After all it is free
After all it is free
Gordyjh wrote:
No chinstrap therefore not safer
But it does have a chinstrap, it's one of the main items they have under features
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Also, it’s only “safer” than the cheapest, most basic helmet.
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32.4% safer ... haha. That's a strangely precise number for something that is almost impossible to quantify.
Does look pretty neat though.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
Non-Newtonian Materials (patented) - WTF?
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
@stevew, why not?
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
From their text “This helmet is so comfy……”. It’s a helmet.
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
stevew wrote:
Non-Newtonian Materials (patented) - WTF?
That's the stuff that goes hard on impact. Much like D3o armour and the many many other types in protective equipment worn for MTB/motorcycling etc etc. I'm sure they have their own version.
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
stevew wrote:
Non-Newtonian Materials (patented) - WTF?
It's how the materials flow under strain, Newtonian materials have a straight stress/strain curve, wheras non Newtonian materials have a curved stress/strain curve, rather like rising rate suspension on cars & motorcycles. The material will deform easily to start with, but get progressively more resistant.
Take a rubber band and stretch it, at first it appears to be a linear stress/strain curve, but as the polymer chains straighten out, the band becomes increasingly difficult to stretch.
Non Newtonian fluids can also go the other way and get less resistant as strain is applied, molten polymers are an example of this.
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
But I expect the beanie is still as hot, sweaty itchy & uncomfortable as a helmet
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Custard also has non-newtonian properties, do you think they just filles it with custard?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
tangowaggon wrote:
stevew wrote:
Non-Newtonian Materials (patented) - WTF?
It's how the materials flow under strain, Newtonian materials have a straight stress/strain curve, wheras non Newtonian materials have a curved stress/strain curve, rather like rising rate suspension on cars & motorcycles. The material will deform easily to start with, but get progressively more resistant.
Take a rubber band and stretch it, at first it appears to be a linear stress/strain curve, but as the polymer chains straighten out, the band becomes increasingly difficult to stretch.
Non Newtonian fluids can also go the other way and get less resistant as strain is applied, molten polymers are an example of this.
Thanks for the rational non-judgemental explanation, never heard the phrase before and thought it was marketing speak
Custard also has non-newtonian properties, do you think they just filles it with custard?
Yep, definitely custard we've a "custard" differential in centre location on an old 4wd transmission. Very clever device.
"Dilatent" I believe is the property demonstrated by this material field. Movable when at rest, but with transfer to more solid when moved quickly. Plain cornflower mixed with just enough milk to bring liquid state will demonstrate this in a glass and using a teaspoon.
The opposite is "Thixatropic" as demonstrated by non drip paint, transfer to liquid as you shake it, shifts to thicker when undisturbed.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
I don't see how it won't shift and slip, or press onto the top of the goggles. There's no adjustable perimeter band that I can see, if they're relying on the chin strap to pull in the occipital cup (for fit) then it's just going to fit like a riggers helmet - not comfortable at all, especially with the weight of that non-newtonian outer...
Would love to try one out, there must be more nuance to it.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
reminds me of Trotters Crash Turbans.
After all it is free
After all it is free
UtahGetMeTwo wrote:
reminds me of Trotters Crash Turbans.
Funnily enough, humour follows fact there. At the introduction of motorcycle helmet law in UK the Sikh community successfully campaigned for exempt status as it would mean removal of their headwaer to facilitate, which they have controlled by religious belief.
And so, you can ride a motorcycle, legally still I believe, while wearing a turban in place of a crash helmet.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
Nowt but pink available in large anyway. Would go with my cricket top but not my skiwear...
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
@UtahGetMeTwo,
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
Having “fallen” for their patter I shall provide a report shortly. Due to arrive on Monday.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
joffy69 wrote:
Having “fallen” for their patter I shall provide a report shortly. Due to arrive on Monday.
Really interested in how you get on with it!
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
It looks an interesting option rather than just a curiosity.
There's, now teenage years, lad in my locality both mentally and physically impaired that wears a soft head protector. Quite tall now and at risk from hard surface pavement, furniture etc. It's made significant difference to his risk and promoted much more activity by making practical improvement in risk of injury.
Some time ago on here there was a view given "tell me what impact you'll be expecting to your head, then I'll tell you which protector would be most suitable " which I thought was a lucid view.
We are used to helmets being hard-ish shell in conventional approach, along with more crushing etc protection within that. Obvious advantage in some impact type and covers broad risk. But with soft type used for example in rugby, it's interesting to see a choice of this type for skiing etc with opinions of this also of interest in the practical use of it.
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
ski_free wrote:
32.4% safer ... haha. That's a strangely precise number for something that is almost impossible to quantify.
Does look pretty neat though.
I bet they are using the "Anti Ordinary Test Report" and then have tested a sample of other (cheap I suspect) helmets and then used their made up %age numbers to justify how its "up to" 32.4% safer... as you say - numbers that could be made to probably say what ever you want and no real meaning
Looks interesting and the use of the technology is clever
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
I always wondered what happened to the inflatable helmet idea. I had to do a search to find it and for a while I thought I must have imagined it.
Sadly it's not reusable which makes it unsuitable for skiing (at least for me). And I guess it wouldn't work under a hood.
Well I've signed up to their mailing list... as a relatively recent helmet wearer, (bullied into it by my family), I would dearly love this to be as good as it makes out...
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
@olderscot, Those definitely exist, my partner has one. No, you can't wear a hood, but you can wear a beanie. Unfortunately, I don't think you can even change the cartridges yourself and have to send them back once used, but if they came up with a reusable/refillable version (see www.restube.com for another small inflatable, albeit more like an airbag with a handle) it would be more attractive.
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
What does it “improve” over helmet?
The main complain about helmet I hear are: 1) it’s too hot, 2) it’s heavy, 3) it’s uncomfortable 4) you can’t stuff it in the pocket when it gets too hot…(I guess that goes back to 1)
1) This contraption doesn’t look to have much ventilation. So 1 is seriously suspect.
2) Is it lighter? It didn’t say. I would have thought they highlight it if it were significantly lighter?
3) That’s their main claim. However, most people who bother to spend the time, can easily find helmets that fit quite comfortably. So it’s trying to solve a problem that doesn’t really exist
I’m willing to give it the benefit of the doubt. If it’s indeed ‘better’, I’ll be buying one when my current helmet, which is quite comfortable, needs replacement.
@abc, steeze. It's about people who want safety of a helmet but not the look.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Scarlet wrote:
@olderscot, Those definitely exist, my partner has one. No, you can't wear a hood, but you can wear a beanie. Unfortunately, I don't think you can even change the cartridges yourself and have to send them back once used, but if they came up with a reusable/refillable version (see www.restube.com for another small inflatable, albeit more like an airbag with a handle) it would be more attractive.
The Hövding helmets are one use and bin them jobs. I've seen one go off, whilst my wife was wearing it...
@abc, steeze. It's about people who want safety of a helmet but not the look.
OK, I miss that “improvement”. Yes, if you want to look outdated, get a beanie looking helmet!
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
joffy69 - ditto. Mine on way too... but contacted them as they dont have contact in Europe (well in Val anyway) and said 'could I have a play with one' so they have agreed to send me one to try out.
After all it is free
After all it is free
looks good, but where does the go-pro sit
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Bit tricky fitting the visor to go over my glasses as well
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
abc wrote:
SnoodyMcFlude wrote:
@abc, steeze. It's about people who want safety of a helmet but not the look.
OK, I miss that “improvement”. Yes, if you want to look outdated, get a beanie looking helmet!
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Poster: A snowHead
