LHS, I hope you don't mind a question - I wanted to separate it from the 'other' current helmet thread.
Would you know (or reckon) that the polystyrene foam in helmets is pretty much of a muchness or might some makes be of a 'better quality'? And would it be true to say that 'the greater the volume of polystyrene foam around your head, the more impact is absorbed'?
Thanks - I'm in the process of buying a new helmet - it's not a trick question!
Good morning. In answer to your questions:
Would you know (or reckon) that the polystyrene foam in helmets is pretty much of a muchness or might some makes be of a 'better quality'?
The main issue you have with EPS Foam is that there aren't many manufacturers out there that control the density and bead size to very tight tolerances so that you can get significant variations in compressibility. This is accounted for usually by batch testing of the EPS and by the qualification testing of multiple assets to look at repeatability of performance.
And would it be true to say that 'the greater the volume of polystyrene foam around your head, the more impact is absorbed'?
Not necessarily. Again, the factors involved with protection come down to bead size and density of the foam, thickness and shape factor by design. A lot of the research we do shows that additional EPS foam does have a positive effect up to an optimal point.
The main considerations for selecting a helmet will be first looking for the BSI cert label, all helmets have to have this but double check, the next would be a reputable company - MET and Giro have done a lot more research than a lot of companies who supply the supermarkets. And finally fit - extremely important!
Thank you very much LHS, much appreciated.
So do you rate Spesh lids?
Specialized spend a lot of money on R&D and there helmets pass pretty much all the safety tests worldwide - Snell, BSI, CE etc. They are also one of the first companies to employ different density foams in the helmet design but this is more from a weight saving initiative rather than for controlled deceleration. I also like that they still offer multiple size helmets rather than a one size fits all. Although the giro system does work well it does compromise fit somewhat to accommodate the anthro range.
The problem I have with Giro is that in some lids, medium isn't quite big enough and large is absolutely massive. I bought one large online and I looked like Rick Morranis in Spaceballs.
LHS - Member.............. I also like that they still offer multiple size helmets rather than a one size fits all
Indeed One of the things that came out of the TRL testing was that one size fits all helmet really didn't work as well especially if you had a peanut head
