I am sure theres a whole thread on this with recommendations, I am just not finding it in the search bar.
Im getting older and looking for a light weight alternative to a helmet while winging/foil.
I have not used one but you might perhaps consider a light weight hard helmet (covering the ears). I am a bit skeptical of a soft helmet bearing the impact on a foil but I guess it's better than nothing. I wear an old Pro-tec helmet from my windsurfing days when I am kiting in extreme conditions and while winging (all the time). While I have not hit my head while winging, I have hit my head on the foil while assembling/attaching it to the board (guess I'm not that careful). Had the helmet on and it saved me a few bumps/cuts. I also wear a life vest for impact protection. Safety first!
I once saw a video of a winger without a helmet falling off the board hitting the back of his head on the foil. The video did not show the aftermath but I don't think it was good.
Lots of those people use those hats in my area. They seem pretty happy with them. They're very cheap.
Head protection is pretty much essential for wing foiling. All the gear is attached to you and random bumps are common. I've never had a hard whack from a board or a foil, but I've been happy to be wearing a helmet when the board is bouncing off the back of my head.
Note that the bumps are very random. It's not like every crash the board or foil is trying to kill you, and it's not like being more skilful stops it happening. I can go for days without falling in a session, and weeks without getting bumped. But if you're bobbing around in the water and a wave or bit of chop pushes the board the wrong way then there is a chance it will bump you on the head.
Similarly, not every session or every fall will result in the foil cutting your wing. But a random fall with a random wave and the odd bit of chop and shit happens.
Yes, I ordered one of those soft helmets from Decathlon to try on at home. Did not like how it felt (too tight/restrictive) and it looked quite weird too.
I've also tried the Mystic MK8X and Mystic Predator (£55) helmets. The Predator was the most comfortable fit and looks OK when wearing so that's the one I kept and have been using. It's protected me from a few dings to the head from my board, luckily no foil impact yet (phew)! The Mystic helmets are supplied with a few sets of padding of different thicknesses that can be used to get a comfortable fit.
Last edited by BenS on Tue Feb 07, 2023 4:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I tried the soft helmet, looked great and liked the protection but the fit was just not for me, it just slipped up and down, ill be sticking to my concept helmet for now, looking for something a bit lighter for wing foiling but want protection just in case i hit foil...
oh yea, forgot to say i dont want a 150 euro helmet, the industry has to gone to stupid prices of late, for what is a very basic item that everyone should be wearing..