Last week ESPN addressed that there are many different safety helmets on the market and these protect the head in very different ways. It is true that a military helmet for example needs to stop bullets whereas a ski helmet is meant to protect the wearer from injury in a crash.
However, in this insightful piece ESPN noted, “(motorsport) racing helmets are designed to redistribute the force of an accident, skiing helmets are designed to prevent skull fractures, and have not been designed with potential brain injuries in mind.”
The article also added, “Brain injuries are not restricted to Formula One, yet the FIA is the governing body that has done the most research on how to reduce the impact of high-impact head injuries on its competitors.”
With this in mind, perhaps it is time that the governing bodies for various sports start to consider the research that other bodies are doing. Thus football – which has only in recent years started to take head injuries seriously – could learn something from motorsport as well as winter sport helmets and so on.
These should all do the same thing at the end of the day, and that is to protect the wearer.
Italian helmet maker Osbe have introduced a new stylish ski helmet for those who don’t like to take their time heading down the slopes. This model features an integrated lens/helmet design that eliminates the need for goggles – hence the Osbe United moniker. It features UV-protected, anti-fog lens that even allows skiers to wear prescription glasses if needed. This one just screams speed.
Rudy Project is offering a two-for-one promotion on its sunglasses, RX lenses, goggles and helmets. Purchase one of Rudy Project’s three premium helmets, or a pair of sunglasses – there’s over 20 models to choose from – and get a second item free. On average, you’ll save about $180 on the deal, though to do that you’ll spend that much. You’ll also have to pay $24.95 for shipping and insurance. 
Lazer Sport, the makers of cycling helmets, eyewear and snow helmets, recently introduced a redesign of its site including all its new products for 2012. To celebrate, the company is holding the Love Lazer Official Helmeteer Contest. 
While there has been an increased focus on the protection that helmets can provide to the wearer, engineers at the Frauenhofer Institute are also considering how a helmet can also help provide some power for personal electronics. The team has developed a flexible solar panel that is durable enough to be mounted on helmets, and can optimize Bluetooth in the process.
There seems to be a magnetic connection this winter season when it comes to ski helmets and goggles – at least as a means to keep the ear protection attached to the head protection. While Anon has introduced its Magne-Tech lens technology, Casco has now developed the Magne-Link system, which also replaces the traditional wraparound headband.
Ski helmets came into prominence on the slope only within the past several years. Yet adoption is growing. Ski-Injury.com reports that in the 2009 – 2010 season, 57 percent of the total population on the slopes wore helmets.