HArd plastic shell with closed cell foam rubber on the inside(not styrofoam)to protect against multiple low impact hits. Temple coverage, for your temples are fragile (many stylish paddling helmets lack this). Forehead coverage, for being dragged on your back deck and going bunk-a-da-bunk-a-da-bunk-a-da along the bottom on your forehead is not uncommon (many strylish paddling helmets lack this). Ear coverage (many paddling helmets lack this - I have a friend who was deafened by a hit in a hole). A Bomb proof chin strap (some hockey helmets have snaps that are not bomb-proof, but they can be easily modified with cordage). Full adjustability for a snug fit (many paddling helmets lack this). If in doubt, use a Canadian ice hockey helmet (e.g. CCM),and check that the chin strap will not come unsnapped too easily. As far as face mask cages go, they are more popular in Europe than in North America. The pro is that they save your jaw, teeth nose and eyes. The down side is that they may snag and either break your neck, or keep you pinned (although I have not heard of either of these things happening). Here is a hockey helmet: http://my.tbaytel.net/culpeper/GullRiver.html *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Sun Oct 31 2004 - 17:13:26 PST
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