Ski touring helmets & goggles · Test magazine 2021
Tech talk with Atle Enberget, SWEET PROTECTION
Director Sales & Marketing · Print page 93
Who is Atle Enberget? Director Sales & Marketing at Sweet Protection
In the BACKLINE 2021 test magazine, Atle Enberget discusses ski touring helmets as Director Sales & Marketing at Sweet Protection. He grew up in Trysil, Norway, and learned to ski at the age of two. According to his biography at the time, he now spends more time snowboarding.
In the interview, Enberget describes touring helmet development as a balance between weight, volume and performance. He says Sweet Protection focused particularly on ventilation, volume and compliance with EN 1077, ASTM 2040 and EN 12492 when developing the Ascender. He describes combining low weight, protection, ventilation on the ascent and warmth on the descent as an almost impossible task.
At the time of the interview, Enberget puts the share of ski touring helmets in the product portfolio at under three percent. He expects the segment to grow and would like more industry attention to drive innovation. For helmet care, he recommends following the instructions for the specific model. The Ascender’s removable comfort pads are washable, though he suggests replacement may be preferable after prolonged use.
The perfect touring helmet would weigh almost nothing, offer the protection of a climbing and an alpine helmet, be well ventilated on the ascent and warm on the descent. Is that possible or unrealistic?
It is indeed an almost impossible task and a real dilemma. However, I am firmly convinced that with our Ascender helmet we have come very close to the ideal touring helmet. To build the best possible touring helmet you have to find the perfect balance between weight, volume and performance. The key features we focused on with the Ascender are ventilation and volume – and of course meeting the EN 1077, ASTM 2040 and EN 12492 standards.
How large is the share of touring helmets in Sweet Protection''s portfolio, and do you expect that to change?
The share is very small, under 3 percent. I really hope it will grow. Firstly because I personally believe this “segment” will grow in the coming years, and secondly because I think we have a very good product. Everyone should own a second or third ski/snowboard helmet, and one of them should be designed specifically for touring.
Which innovations in touring helmets have impressed you in recent years?
That is easy! Completely objectively speaking (laughs), I believe we have the best touring helmet on the market.
Which innovations would you like to see in touring helmets in the coming years?
That is a rather difficult question again. Perhaps a stronger focus on this segment from considerably more companies in our industry. I am sure that would help us all see more innovative products and drive development in general.
Do you have a tip on keeping a helmet hygienically clean over a long period?
That depends entirely on the helmet and the brand. I would advise first reading and following the care instructions for the particular model. Our helmet, the Ascender, uses easily removable “comfort pads”, similar to those found in bicycle helmets. They can be washed, but after prolonged use it is often better to simply replace them.
