Ski touring helmets & goggles · Test magazine 2023
Tech talk with Roland Zechner, GROFA
Head of Sales Austria · Print page 125
Who is Roland Zechner? Head of Sales Austria at GROFA
Roland Zechner is Head of Sales Austria at GROFA and comes from Kitzbühel. A former Nordic combined athlete, he has been accustomed to wearing a helmet since childhood. At the time of the 2023 BACKLINE test magazine, he had worked in sales of Giro helmets for more than 20 years. He also uses the equipment himself while skiing, off-piste and on ski tours.
In the interview about ski touring helmets and goggles, Zechner identifies a good fit, low weight and effective ventilation as key purchasing criteria. He considers a good adjustment system important for accommodating a hat or headband beneath the helmet. When pairing Giro helmets and goggles, their sizes should match. He sees the main differences between women’s and men’s helmets in their colours and inner lining.
Zechner also describes a camera mount on selected Giro models that releases under a defined load. If a helmet causes pressure points, he explicitly advises against filing it or attempting to reshape it. He recommends buying from a specialist shop with trained staff; minor adjustments to the interior may be possible.
What should one be aware of when purchasing a ski touring helmet?
First and foremost, the helmet must fit well. Especially for ski touring, it should be light and well-ventilated. I find a good adjustment system very important, as you often put on a hat or a headband under your helmet at the summit, especially during tours.
Do all Giro ski goggles fit all Giro helmets?
Basically, yes. Of course, I cannot combine an inexpensive children's or youth goggle with an adult helmet. Ideally, you combine large goggles with medium and large helmets. Smaller goggle models fit smaller helmets. Giro offers a wide range of products for this, where everyone can find the right combination.
What are the main differences between a women's and men's helmet model from Giro?
The main differences are really only the colors and the plush interior. On average, women need slightly smaller helmets than men.
Studies have shown that helmet cams without predetermined breaking points increase rotational forces and thus serious head injuries. Giro offers a safety system on some models. How does it work?
That's correct, which is why Giro has its own Cam Mount on some models that does not have a predetermined breaking point, but rather disengages under a precisely defined load, thus not endangering the helmet wearer!
What can be done about localized pressure points inside the helmet?
Thankfully, this almost never happens with Giro helmets. If it does, you can slightly adjust the interior padding. Under no circumstances should you file away at the helmet or try to dent it. I would recommend buying the helmet in a specialist store with appropriately trained staff; then the helmet shouldn't cause pressure points.
