Ski mask for glasses. Peculiarities. Ski goggles as the basis of equipment Good ski goggles

Any athlete with minimal skiing experience will confidently say that 50% of successful skiing depends on the selection of equipment. And here we are talking not only about the selection of skis and poles, but also about the purchase of a ski mask. There are also some nuances of choice and purchasing features. What kind of glasses or masks for skiing are considered the best, but which models should you refrain from buying?

General information about glasses and masks

Ski mask protects a person not only from bright sun rays that can interfere with successful skiing, but also from pieces of snow, ice and strong wind. It will help preserve your vision and avoid injury due to loss of visibility.

Many beginners try to save money on buying glasses by purchasing the cheapest models, which not only have questionable quality, break quickly, but can also cause eye disease, since they will not protect against UVA and UVB radiation. That is why professionals immediately acquire good, expensive glasses, which will serve their owner for as long as possible.

Which is better, glasses or a mask? Glasses are becoming increasingly popular these days, but there may be a problem with them. serious problem. The fact is that it is problematic to choose glasses that fit perfectly without causing discomfort in the bridge of the nose. But the visibility with a mask is much better and can be worn with regular glasses.

Another serious question that most often arises among novice athletes is the difference between goggles for snowboarding and a model for skiing.

The main difference lies in the fact that snowboard masks give a maximum viewing angle, since this is very important in the sport itself. And if ski masks sometimes provide minimal visibility, then this is not a problem, because when skiing, the most important thing is to see what is in front of the athlete. In the case of a snowboard, a person must have the widest possible viewing angle to avoid the possibility of injury.

Now there are many categories by which masks and glasses are chosen. First, you need to list these categories, and then you should focus on the most important of them. How to choose a mask or goggles for snowboarding? What to look for Special attention when choosing a mask for alpine skiing?

On the quality of the lenses, and this is perhaps the most important criterion.
For size, shape and frame.
On the quality of fit to the face.
Check for ventilation and compatibility with the helmet.
Lens and filter selection

Lenses

There are masks on the market now with one and two lenses, fastened to each other. Masks with two lenses are much more practical and reliable, because they help reduce fogging of the model, improving visibility.

It's great if the lenses have coating antifog, since this is what helps prevent the mask from fogging.

Lens shape. Good lenses usually have a spherical shape, that is, they are concave not only horizontally, but also vertically. This allows for much less distortion of the visible image. To reduce distortion, lenses are often made different sizes, resulting in them being thicker in the center and thinner on the sides.

Filters

The color of the lenses is also important - the filter. For example, models with black lenses are ideal for riding in sunny weather, but models with blue or clear lenses are suitable for cloudy days or evening riding.

Special polarized lenses are considered one of the best. They have a small grating on the surface that allows only vertical light waves to pass through, which reduces the amount of glare from snow and ice.

Particular attention should be paid to filter type. What kind of filters are there?

Transparent, suitable for night skiing, transmits up to 98% of sunlight.
Dark brown version, transmits up to 10% of light.
Pink filter allows 59% of light to pass through, improving depth of field.
The yellow filter, best suited for bad weather, transmits 68% of light.
Gray, improves depth perception even in the sunniest weather, transmits 25% of light.

Antifog

It was already mentioned above that many manufacturers to reduce fogging glasses, a special liquid called antifog is applied to the lenses. It absorbs moisture so quickly that it does not have time to condense on the lens.

This anti-fogging system is considered very effective, but with it Do not wipe lenses from the inside, otherwise this very coating can be damaged. If a person accidentally damages the antifog coating, the glasses will quickly become unusable.

Ventilation

Very important characteristic when choosing a mask, it is the presence of ventilation. It will be great if the ventilation is regulated, which means that a person will be able to remove accumulated excess moisture outside. Now there is a simple ventilation option, which is holes in the mask, with the help of which air circulation is carried out. This system is a little inconvenient, because too large holes let in a lot of cold air, and therefore, using a mask brings discomfort to skating.

And yet, much more popular are the models in which it operates small fan on batteries. Its operation can be adjusted, thus creating ideal wearing conditions. If ventilation works well, a person may be pleasantly surprised complete absence fogging.

Face fit and perfect fit

During the purchasing process it is important try on a mask, securing it correctly. If the model does not pinch anywhere, does not put pressure on the bridge of the nose, then you can purchase it, because it fits perfectly in size.

You also need to pay attention to the shape of the mask, because it must provide viewing angle at least 120 degrees.

It is very important that the mask fit tightly to the face, there were no gaps between the surface of the model itself and the skin. If there are such gaps, the mask will allow cold gusts of wind to pass through, and this will also cause discomfort. It is especially worth checking whether the nose slot does not interfere with normal breathing. If a person feels discomfort, it is better to refuse to buy a mask.

Shape and frame

Now they allocate three frame options:

Children's with adaptation to children's face shape and size.
Women's are slightly smaller in size than the general ones, which take into account the average size of a woman's head.
General is perhaps the most popular option for masks.

The frame itself on masks should be thin, but the lenses must be attached securely. This is why frames are usually made from practical polyurethane terpolyurethane. This material retains flexibility and strength even with large temperature changes.

The mask itself usually has a slightly rounded shape, and also involves the use of a well-stretchable strap. Strap It should be perfectly adjustable, fit snugly to the head and not cause discomfort. The inside of the mask should have a soft layer, usually foam rubber, which improves the fit of the model and softens the impact of a fall.

Helmet compatibility

It is important that the mask also fits perfectly with the helmet. That's why you can take a helmet with you to the store to actually check the quality of compatibility.

The mask should fit snugly to the helmet, not dangle or fall off. The safety of the mask and its condition often depend on this. If the model does not attach well to the helmet, if it does not lock onto it, then it is better to refuse the purchase.

If a person wears glasses that improve vision, then he should purchase special masks that allow him to wear them over his glasses. Such models are usually more expensive, but they are very convenient to use.

Mask care and instructions for use

Since the ventilation system and especially the lenses in such ski masks are sensitive, it is important to know rules, helping to extend the life of any model.

You can wipe both the inner and outer surfaces of the lenses only with a special optical cloth included in the kit.
After use, the mask should always be thoroughly cleaned of snow and ice, dried, and then stored warm.
The mask should always be stored in a special case, as this prevents the risk of mechanical damage to the model.
It is very important to thoroughly clear the ventilation system of snow and ice before they harden, otherwise the mask itself will begin to fog up heavily, which will increase the risk of injury when skiing.
Many experienced skiers advise always having two masks with you. If one becomes unusable during the ride, a person can always continue the journey without risk to his health.

The most important The rule here is to always wipe the lenses with the cloth included in the kit, do not try to clear them of snow with anything you can get your hands on. Lenses are very sensitive to external influences, and when improper care, the mask can quickly fail.

Top 5 best mask manufacturers

Of course, when selecting models, experienced skiers also pay attention to the manufacturer, knowing which of them have proven themselves well on the market. So, which manufacturers are considered the best, and which masks will meet all customer requirements?

Has proven itself remarkably well in mining ski goggles from the brand Uvex. (average price 2000-3000 rubles)
Masks are popular Dragon.(average price 5-8 thousand rubles)
An excellent choice would be ski goggles from the manufacturer Oakley. (average cost 3-6 thousand rubles)
Masks Anon are relatively affordable (average cost 3-6 thousand rubles)
Marker- another popular manufacturer quality masks. (average cost 5-8 thousand rubles)

How to choose a mask - video

Let's now watch a video where they will tell you how to choose the right ski mask, what filter to use and how to care for it.

Release large quantity A variety of new ski and snowboard goggles is a huge cause for celebration, so choose the right ones and wait for the snow to fall. The latest models feature a new design style - companies are now releasing more frameless models, which makes it easier to change lenses on the fly. These removable lenses and sleek rimless designs often don't add anything new to the glasses themselves, but if they're so popular, who are we to criticize them?

Finding the perfect ski goggles is simply impossible. Some cannot be worn without a helmet at all, others are suitable only for those skiers who descend during the day and want more eye protection so as not to lose their vision from glare. You can vote for very strong, unbreakable models, while others buy only one appearance. Therefore, in order not to make a mistake with your choice, consider the list of five best ski and snowboard goggles, which we have compiled for you.

Zeal HD2 – glasses with camera

Pros: built-in viewfinder
Cons: expensive

If you want to capture the entire descent from your point of view, then a regular camera is not the best tool for this. And the problem is not even that you will have to ride with a tripod tied to your head, you can simply damage your delicate and expensive equipment. Of course, you will have to pay a little extra, but in the end you will get good ski goggles with a built-in camera that can track your gaze. Not only will they save you from losing footage, but you can also ride as much as you want and wherever you want without worrying about your device. The large buttons on the side panel (which, by the way, are very easy to press even with gloves) are much simpler and more convenient to use compared to the OG HD lens. Moreover, the built-in camera is anti-fog and works with different lenses, allowing you to shoot in different lighting conditions.

Price: 21,000 rub.

Bolle Mojo – a bargain

Pros: inexpensive
Cons: poor ventilation at high speeds

If the glasses are good, then they are really good in any conditions, but if not, then you are facing blind descent down a hill with unforeseen consequences. Mojo is one of those glasses where you can save some money while still getting a quality seasonal product. They are just regular, sturdy glasses with anti-glare coating - nothing more. The vintage style of the frame allows air to flow through, which creates ventilation and fights fog (by the way, this frame is one of the cheapest, which cannot but affect the overall price of the product). What's more, these goggles work well in both bright light and night light, so you can go skiing at any time of the day without the fear of hitting a tree. Therefore, if you need simple glasses without unnecessary features and for little money, then this is exactly what you are looking for.

Price: 1000 rub.

Anon M2 – to see is to be convinced

Pros: improved optical performance
Cons: not suitable for everyone

Glasses Anon It is produced by the same company that produces Burton snowboards, so there is no doubt about their quality. The M2 made a splash when it debuted and has remained popular ever since. These glasses have improved optical characteristics, in particular, the Wall-to-Wall system, in which the frame has minimum dimensions. You will be able to see everything clearly and clearly, without the need for binoculars. To expand the viewing angle and radius of visibility in glasses, spherical lenses, so you won't lose sight of any detail. They're curved like human eye, therefore they allow you to avoid those optical illusions, which take place in snowy areas. True, they have a specific style, which most likely will not appeal to everyone.

Price: 10,000 rub.

POC Lobes – miniature and minimalism

Pros: Suitable for people with small faces
Cons: no interchangeable lenses

Majority ski goggles designed for the fact that you either have a large skull or you will wear them over a helmet. If you have a small head and are looking for small glasses, then POC Lobes will be the best choice for you. The minimalist style is sleek and pleasing, and the image clarity is so good you'll forget you're wearing glasses. The accessory has a limited belt length, so it is not suitable for everyone, but only for those with a small head. The glasses have darkened lenses, so you won't have to change lenses or glasses in bright light. And the unisex style and several colors to choose from make the goggles a great accessory for skiing or snowboarding.

Price: 5500 rub.

Smith Optics Sentry - Maximum Protection

Pros: excellent protection
Cons: Slightly limited vision range

Goggles are probably the most important thing when going downhill (well, besides warm socks, of course), so you can't skimp on this essential item, otherwise it could end up costing you huge medical bills and expensive medications, or even completely make him disabled. Since Smith specializes in both protection and visibility, it's no surprise that they offer you wide choose products in the mid-price category with excellent characteristics (of course, you won’t get premium glasses with big bells and whistles, but you won’t find regular basic ones either). The glasses have mirrored lenses that combat glare and penetration ultraviolet radiation during descent, such optics give you a better understanding of what exactly you are seeing and where exactly this object is (though it is worth noting that the viewing range is slightly limited). The wide strap and easy adjustment are ideal for both beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders looking for easy-to-use goggles.

Price: 2000 rub.

Paruta Irina

Ski goggles are products that will provide increased clarity and protect your eyes from accidental impacts from branches, as well as the sun and simply unfavorable natural conditions. When riding in bright sunny weather, the lenses must cut off at least 95% of ultraviolet rays. Modern manufacturers offer a wide selection of masks for every taste, which differ not only in design and color, but also in size, shape and degree of protection. For a specific case, you should choose a specific model in accordance with certain parameters.

Consider the filter color

Ski goggles should be selected in accordance with the likely weather, terrain and skiing characteristics. For different weather conditions, special lenses are selected that provide visibility in different conditions. The main thing is to choose the optimal filter, the shades of which will convey colors as efficiently as possible, protecting your eyes and preventing their fatigue. The more light that is blocked by the glasses, the less damage will be done to the eyes. In low light conditions, glasses should be of maximum capacity.

The main thing is to sit

Ski goggles should not only look beautiful, but also fit perfectly on your face. They should fit tightly to the skin so that the wind does not blow and the eyes do not water. There should also be no pressure on the cheekbones or pinched nose. That is why you should choose models that have a comfortable frame. To ensure a comfortable fit and reduce the risk of injury, the frame is supplemented with multi-layer anti-allergenic foam. It does not cause irritation to the skin, and at the same time serves as reliable protection from snow and wind.

The seat, that is, the slot for the nose, must correspond to the width of the nose. The main thing is that ski goggles do not make breathing difficult. The strap should be adjustable without putting pressure on your head or dangling around it. If you also wear a helmet, then you need to try on glasses with it.

Visibility - wide, ventilation - high quality

The actual parameter that plays a role when choosing glasses is the viewing angle, including the peripheral one. To choose the right glasses, you need to perform a series of simple movements: put on a mask, place your palms at eye level on the sides of your head. We look in front of us - if you can see your palms with your peripheral vision, then your visibility is sufficient. The peripheral viewing angle should be at least 120 0 - the most comfortable ski goggles meet this parameter.

How to choose a model in terms of its ventilation? This feature prevents the glass from fogging up due to temperature differences. To avoid the formation of moisture, a special composition is applied to the lenses. Sometimes installed double lenses, supplemented by an air gap between them. Another way to avoid the formation of condensation and fogging is special openings that are equipped with mini fans.

If an athlete's vision is impaired, special ski goggles are suitable for him. How to choose? Pay attention to diopter lenses - they are marked with the abbreviation OTG. These glasses either increase the internal volume or have an adapter for special lenses.

Types of lenses and materials

There are several types of lenses in shape: spherical, arc-shaped and straight. The latter are no longer produced, arc-shaped lenses are the cheapest, but distort the view, and the most popular are spherical lenses, which have a good optical view. Most often, lenses are made of polycarbonate, which attracts attention with its elasticity and strength, as well as resistance to impacts.

It is worth remembering that when changing height while riding under the influence of a difference in atmospheric pressure glasses may become deformed. In order to avoid this, manufacturers use a special “porex filter” membrane - it equalizes the pressure. Modern ski goggles are classified according to their sun protection index.

Masks-glasses: what are the features?

Glasses for active winter sports must be chosen correctly, especially if you have vision problems. There are a number of requirements according to which you should choose glasses:

The presence of an anti-fog coating inside the mask.
Availability of replaceable lenses.
UV protection.
Flexible frames made of polymer materials that allow you to fit individual facial features while maintaining flexibility even in extremely cold temperatures.
Compatibility with helmets: ski goggles must be chosen in combination with this attribute.

UVEX glasses

The products of this brand are known to many fans active species sports and is distinguished by a combination high level safety with excellent quality. Products are manufactured in Germany using modern equipment that meets international standards. The company offers a wide selection sunglasses, which will please even the most demanding buyer. Uvex ski goggles have decentered lenses that provide clear, distortion-free vision.

To create lenses, polycarbonate is used, which can withstand high and low temperatures. A special coating is used to protect the front side of the lenses from scratches. The lens material does an excellent job of filtering out ultraviolet rays. The models implement the following technologies:

built-in filters providing 100% protection against UV radiation;
automatic lens tinting depending on lighting conditions;
anti-fog coating;
protection against glare and reflections;
ease of care and cleaning;
Innovative magnetic system that allows you to quickly change lenses.

Salice glasses

Salice ski goggles are produced by a popular Italian brand that focuses on creating high-quality products for athletes. The models attract attention with a frame made of chrome-plated plastic, the function of replacing the temples with an elastic band, a removable internal silicone frame, and an additional nose pad. Ski goggles of this brand are presented in a wide variety of models and an equally wide range of prices and prints. You can easily choose glasses and masks that will allow you to be stylish even in a sporty look.

Oakley

Oakley ski goggles offer a wide selection of models to suit every taste, equipped only with modern and advanced technologies. The glasses have triple glass protection to prevent fogging. In addition, on inside The lenses have a special antifog coating. Special double lenses are an opportunity to reduce fogging, because there is an air barrier between them. As a result, Oakley glasses are 100% protected from sun rays and impacts, the reliable urethane from which the glasses are made is plastic, so they will fit perfectly on your eyes. A special three-layer fleece absorbs all moisture, so the process of playing sports will give you only pleasure.

The company also specially developed lenses. Oakley's new lens features superior clarity and terrain-reading capabilities, and this technology is being implemented in all of the brand's masks and glasses. The company also offers goggle masks that can change the filter depending on the weather. Special photochromic filters ensure that the lenses change the degree of darkness depending on the specific situation.

You should choose glasses for skiing correctly, taking into account both the features and conditions of their use, and your own feelings and preferences in terms of color, design and shape. Modern manufacturers give you the opportunity to choose the perfect models so that your look, even in sportswear, is stylish and bright. But experts advise: do not choose cheap glasses. And take care of the health of your eyes, give preference to products made from quality materials. This is the only way you will choose a model that will meet your requirements.

For those who have been riding for a long time alpine skiing, there is no need to tell how important and why ski goggles are needed, so this article is not for them. It is for those who are just about to conquer peaks and speeds. A novice skier must first of all remember that ski goggles are not a decoration or a tribute to fashion, they are a purely functional piece of mandatory equipment, and the approach to their selection should be appropriate. This means that before you buy ski goggles, you should evaluate their practical features and only then their appearance.

What should you know when choosing? Firstly, it protects the eyes and face from snow crumbs, ice, branches, mechanical damage in case of falls and impacts. We should not forget that the fastest non-motorized sport, and even a banal hit of a piece of ice in the eye at speed can result in a fall with the most unpleasant consequences. Therefore, ski goggles must have the shape of a mask that fits tightly and comfortably to the skier’s face. The mask should not interfere with free breathing or block the materials from which the ski goggles are made must be light and at the same time durable, and the entire structure is reliable. You should pay attention to the possibility of adjustment and adjustment, as well as the general quality of the elastic band of the glasses, because it will have to be constantly adjusted and stretched greatly when putting it on the helmet.

The main part of ski goggles is a transparent plate, or lens. Of course, it is impossible to determine by eye what it is made of, so here you should trust the inscription on the label, which means you need to buy glasses only from well-known manufacturers with an excellent reputation. But what can and should be determined by eye is how transparent the lens is and whether it gives distortion.

In addition, you need to know in what conditions the skiing will take place. The color of the lenses depends on this. After all, ski goggles are also designed to protect your eyes from the sun, which is very important on bright white snowy slopes. There are a lot of filters, but since these recommendations are intended for beginners, the most suitable for them would be a yellow filter, which is considered universal and suitable for riding in any acceptable lighting conditions.

Of course, so that the skier does not lose visibility during the descent, the glasses must have ventilation and protection against fogging. To do this, there must be ventilation holes around the entire perimeter of the mask. Their shape, location and quantity are specially calculated, and this is another reason why you should purchase equipment only from famous manufacturer. A little thing like fogging may seem insignificant to a beginner, but he should think about the fact that in between descents the mask periodically rises onto the helmet and cools, and when it is lowered again onto a hot face, it can easily fog up and blind the skier rushing towards him. high speed. Another rule worth mentioning here is that you should never wipe inner surface do not touch the lenses with a handkerchief, much less with your hands, as you can easily damage the special anti-fog coating.

I hope that my personal experience will help you choose the right one ski equipment, which, in turn, will allow you to get maximum pleasure from skiing.

Optical glasses are one of the oldest inventions of mankind. Glasses on a skier's eyes are a problem that requires, at a minimum, attention. Of course, there are a number radical solutions- from surgery to all kinds contact lenses. The trouble is that many don't care various reasons, these solutions are not suitable: surgery is expensive and scary, lenses are not always comfortable, require excessive attention, can cause allergies, and in some cases do not help. In the end, someone is simply not too young, is used to wearing glasses and does not want to change anything - a person has a lot of fundamental rights that no one is inclined to forget about.

And more from personal experience: I consider an appropriate helmet as a mandatory part of equipment when any skating. This, of course, creates some additional difficulties in selection, but health, as they say, is more expensive.

What glasses are suitable for wearing under a mask?

Frame

The title photo clearly shows that, compared to the size of the face, the glasses are quite small. From an aesthetic point of view, it is quite doubtful. From the point of view of selecting a mask, it is optimal - there is a minimum of problems with combining dimensions. The frame is made of titanium wire - minimum weight with maximum strength and flexibility. Not a single sharp corner. The frame completely covers the lenses - this design minimizes the risk of impact. The funny thing is that it was bought on sale at one of the network opticians for absolutely ridiculous money.

Lenses

Obviously, to reduce weight, strength and safety, the lenses should be plastic. The most common lens material today is polycarbonate. It may have different brand names. Size matters. If you ride aggressively, especially if you “go the line”, the requirement for correct distance assessment and reading the terrain become paramount. Excessive lateral visibility in this case is rather harmful. The obvious benefit of lenses of a small area is that they can be quite thin without the use of special technologies, and their shape is relatively simple (biconvex, concave).

For the same reasons of optical correctness, I would not recommend all kinds of bifocal, progressive lenses for sports driving. There is nothing to read on the highway. Safety and safety again!

Alternative

Normal people not only “cutting down landmarks”. Sometimes they just go for a ride to beautiful places in companies, with friends and loved ones, with children, for whom, as you know, you never have enough eyes. In order to provide maximum visibility, large area lenses are needed. Obviously, problems with optical aberrations (distortions) begin at the edges of the field of view. To minimize them, special laboratory lenses with greater curvature are used. Obviously, such lenses (in case of myopia) will have fairly thick edges. They are quite durable. To reduce weight, it makes sense to use frames with lenses attached with a special fishing line. Their strength is more than enough (tested). The safety of the structure in case of impact is ensured by flexible nose supports.

Large glasses also require masks of sufficient volume.

Is it possible to do without a mask completely?

Of course. Especially if you ride slowly, on prepared slopes... Having done this once in a snowstorm, they usually begin to carry the mask with them - you can get a whole range of sensations...

Exception

For me personally, Oakley optics stand out completely. It would seem like a simple massive frame... which, as it feels on the face, weighs nothing, thanks to the peculiarity of the fit.

The sum of fantastic protection and absolute optical correctness is not easy to achieve. Both the frame and the lenses are strongly curved, fitting as closely as possible to the face. Aerodynamic elements direct air flow into the ventilation windows. Custom lenses are manufactured in the Oakley factory. Made from proprietary Plutonite plastic. Expensive. And no distortion.

Photochrome

Have you noticed that in one picture the lenses are almost black, and in the other they are transparent? This is a photochromic coating. In common parlance - a “chameleon” - changing shade depending on the level of UV radiation. A very convenient thing. If the lenses are not “left-handed”, in addition to the shade, the degree of light transmission actually changes. Having a photochromic filter on the glasses, we take a mask with minimal darkening - enough for conditions from night skiing in the Moscow region to spring skiing in the Elbrus region. Verified.

Flip-up System

Experience shows that the surface of lenses with a photochromic coating is scratched much more than a regular transparent one. And the cost often goes beyond reasonable limits. An alternative to photochrome is the Flip-up System. The tinted visor can be raised or removed completely.

OTG masks

Ski mask CEBE INFINITY OTG WHITE YELLOW top

Regardless of the brand, color, type of filter... a mask designed to be worn over glasses must have some additional volume in order to accommodate these same glasses. Externally, this is clearly visible; if you look at the mask from above, you will see a clearly angular shape. These "corners" are where the eyeglass frame hinges are placed. It is also obvious that compared to the standard one, the OTG will have a greater thickness, indented from the face.

Ski mask CEBE INFINITY OTG WHITE LIGHT ROSE

From small details: in the seal (seal) of the mask there will be special slots on the sides for the temples of glasses.

I categorically do not recommend, even with a small face volume, center-to-center distance... experimenting with putting on standard masks over glasses. The hinge of the frame will rest on the light filter and the pressure of the glasses on the nose will be in anyway.

Selection

You can wear optical glasses permanently, you can only wear them for riding. In most cases, with the most in different forms and frame sizes, the OTG mask will fit normally over the glasses.

Much more important:

how the mask fits into the helmet;

Will the helmet move the mask with the goggles inside?

As a rule, by the time you select a mask, you already have optical glasses (at least everyday glasses) and a helmet. Even if you don’t have glasses when you try them on, it’s not a big problem. It turns out that the position of the lower edge of helmets varies. Since the helmet is not a soft cap, it is not always easy to adjust its position optimally. And in general, selecting and fitting a helmet to the head is akin to similar procedures with ski boots. True, boots can be adjusted to a wide extent using bootfitting methods... which cannot be done with a helmet.