Tight Turns: The Ski Bumper, More Helmet Covers and Skboot Design Contest Winner

Where to Put the Skis? On the Ski Bumper!

This is what happens when we go skiing. We take the skis out of the rocket box and

a) if I’m in charge, I lean them against the car. I don’t like to put them on the ground where there is rocky, dirty snow. I also worry about someone parking next to us and running them over.

OR

b) if my husband’s in charge, he put them on the ground. He doesn’t worry about the edges or the skis getting run over. He worries about scratching the car.

We don’t have arguments about this. We just do things differently. Or rather, we used to. Now we have a Ski Bumper.

Here’s how it works: The Ski Bumper is a 26″ long piece of thick polyurethane with ridges every inch on one side and a magnetic strip on the other side. To use it, stick it the side or rear of your car and lean your skis (or snowboards) against it. They’ll stay in place and your car will remain scratch free. When you’re done, strip the Ski Bumper off and put it back in your car.

It’s that easy, although the packaging does include two caveats: 1) don’t drive with it on your car and 2) clean the area where you want to put it. If your car is super dirty, it won’t stick as well and it may leave little scratches.

I included the Ski Bumper in my annual gift guide back in December. I also gave two as gifts, and they were well appreciated. For $15 each, it’s a handy tool for all ski “commuters.”

Helmet Covers for Grownups 

Last season, I traded my burgundy helmet embellished with 100s of stickers, for a more “adult” look, a purple helmet. Some might question my choice in color. Purple is not exactly a color that goes with everything. I agree. But it was, by far, the helmet that fit me best and felt comfortable on my head.

Luckily, my friend Caroline at Skboot, gave me a red Neoprene Helmet Glove (NHG) to try. One of my jackets definitely doesn’t go with purple, but looks good with red. When I wear this jacket, I simply put the NHG over my helmet, and voilà! I have a new look.

In addition to the benefit of easily changing a color and look, the NHG is made of heavy-duty neoprene and provides extra warmth on cold days. This is a huge bonus!

On the flip side, there is no way to attach goggles to this cover. Most goggle straps hold fairly well against the neoprene, but I have dumped my goggles when taking off my helmet or when I’ve forgotten that they’re not clipped on and pulled them up onto the helmet. I think a nifty little snap strap would make all the difference, and I hope Skboot will consider this.

(FYI, Caroline shares that most people don’t dump their goggles and politely suggested that I double-check to make sure I’ve got the NHG on properly. There’s a good chance she’s right and that it’s an issue of operator error. Also, here’s a quick video showing how to put one of the kid’s Skbob and Skbella covers on that may help!)

Additionally, I find that I can’t hear my chairlift companions as well when the cover is on, because the vents are closed up. That’s a small price to pay for staying extra warm when the wind is howling (and you can’t hear anyone, anyway).

There are other helmet cover products on the market, including Helmet Huggers helmet covers and faux fur helmet bands from FOSI. I’ve reviewed both Helmet Huggers and FOSI. In addition to helmet bands, FOSI also offers headbands, cuffs, scarves and more in adult and children’s sizes.

Helmet Band-Its has a similar product, which they take one step up on the luxe ladder with real fur. Their products are also available in faux fur and they sell fur cuffs which match the fur helmet bands. Look for a review of this product early next season.

Practical or glam? Funky or elegant? Stickers or style? It’s your helmet and your choice. You’ve never had so many options.

And the Winner Is?

Although we announced the winner of the Skbob and Skbella Helmet Cover Design Competition just before Thanksgiving, I wanted to share the winning design with you today. Here it is, as designed by 7 year-old Eva.

 

Thanks again to Skboot for sponsoring this fun contest! All of the entries were wonderful and it was really hard to pick a winner.

Congratulations Eva!

Related Posts:

• Christmas Gifts for Skiing Families, November 19, 2012.
• No More Ugly Helmets? Helmet Huggers Giveaway, November 5, 2012.
• Ski Fashion 2012: Winter Styles for Cool Kids, October 17, 2012.
• Ski Fashion 2011 Giveaway: Introducing FOSI Helmet Bands, March 9, 2011.

To facilitate this post, I received a Ski Bumper and Skboot NHG to review. As always, all opinions are my own and are exactly what I would tell my family and friends.  

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