I'm a designer at a protective gear company. I want to get some input from the riders so I can design better products for us all. I've been out doing tons of interviews with shops and riders, but I want to start a community conversation conversation to see how the people feel about protective equipment.

I've noticed that snowboarders often buy protective gear as they get better. The helmets and pads provide tons of confidence. Has anyone experienced this? Any stories to tell? Maybe they'll inspire others to try some protective gear out too.

That's so good to hear. Progression through protection is our motto.

How old was your son when he first started snowboarding? They're getting younger and younger. We're hearing 3 years old in some cases. What did you look for when you bought a helmet for him? and yourself?

Pro riders not wearing helmets is a crazy issue that I just stepped into recently. The whole image thing has gotten a little bit out of hand. They are a pretty big influence, but unlike in skating, the riders wise up once they experience and survive something beyond their capabilities. That's when they realize that they don't care about being cool, and just want to get better.

I'm a designer at a protective gear company. I want to get some input from the riders so I can design better products for us all. I've been out doing tons of interviews with shops and riders, but I want to start a community conversation conversation to see how the people feel about protective equipment.

I've noticed that snowboarders often buy protective gear as they get better. The helmets and pads provide tons of confidence. Has anyone experienced this? Any stories to tell? Maybe they'll inspire others to try some protective gear out too.

Thanks for this important thread.  I wear a helmet a lot.  Not only for protection, but for comfort as well.  I have to say that if the helmet does not offer proper ventilation, waterproofing, and ear coverage options, I will not buy it.  If it is not comfortable I will not buy it.  The last consideration I have looks, although looks are the first thing to attract it to me in the store.

PS. I am the operator of the site.  Feel free to mention your company name and use plugs, we do not have a rule against that (I know a lot of forums do)!

Thanks for this important thread.  I wear a helmet a lot.  Not only for protection, but for comfort as well.  I have to say that if the helmet does not offer proper ventilation, waterproofing, and ear coverage options, I will not buy it.  If it is not comfortable I will not buy it.  The last consideration I have looks, although looks are the first thing to attract it to me in the store.

PS. I am the operator of the site.  Feel free to mention your company name and use plugs, we do not have a rule against that (I know a lot of forums do)!

Thanks for having me. You've got a great community here.

I'd love to mention the company name, since I feel this is a good initiative my company is taking, but I wouldn't want to bias any opinions. If anyone would like to know, feel free to send me a message and I'd have no problems in letting you know.

dude. knee pads that are very stealthish. i wear big bulky skateboard kneepads when im riding on hard ice pack days and they're annoying, sweaty, and they restrain you enough to where you notice. if you could design something that covers the cap of the knee, and just some cloth or nylon mesh that supports the leg above and below, ill buy a few sets. the knee cap cover just cant be too big, thats my biggest beef with protection equipment.