mx5alan wrote:Ideal Standard for kitesurfing would be a combined
EN 1385: Specification for helmets used for water sports. (Wakeboarding)
EN 966: 1996 Specification for helmets for airborne sports (Paragliding)
The more I look at this, the more it seems we need a kiteboarding standard. I was speaking to a couple of guys a few months back about trying to form an ASTM standards committee for kiteboarding helmets. IF it happens that could be a while in coming.
If I were hang gliding there is no question that I would want the best performing helmet certified by EN 966 or ASTM equivalent. The problem is that most evolved helmets for hang gliding and paragliding are not all that suitable for kiteboarding by virtue of weight, drag and perhaps even bucketing potential (accumulating added water weight resulting in cervical problems).
For example:
This helmet weighs 24 ounces or 681 grams. There is nothing scientific about it, yet, but it seems a better target weight range for kiteboarding might be around less than 400 to 500 grams for the frequent impact environment of kiteboarding. The drag issues are obvious.
This helmet has less drag, but it is hard to say how it would perform with regard to bucketing from just the photo. It is hard to get a feel for the projected area on impact with water but it could be higher than might be comfortable as well. This helmet weights 19 ounces or 540 grams, that is getting up there.
Regarding EN 1385: Specification for helmets used for water sports. (Wakeboarding), the helmets I found this time around look more realistic for kiteboarding. That is with the exception of a number of helmets with excellent composite shell, in some cases superior single impact EPS foam but with EXCESSIVE drag and surfaces for loading up, in some cases only.
I think if we could find a helmet or helmets that satisfied both standards, had light weight, low drag, low bucketing potential, etc. it could be a good thing. Any ideas out there?
FKA, Inc.
transcribed by:
Rick Iossi