"A total of 39 whitewater helmets have been rated using the STAR evaluation system. Our impact tests evaluate a helmet's ability to reduce linear and rotational acceleration of the head from a range of whitewater and paddle sport head impacts."
These folks are excellent engineers, but they need a copy editor. A lower score on the "STAR" rating system corresponds to greater protection. But more stars on the usual 1-5 star rating scale means more protection. The ratings are just a little confusing.
The study findings, however, appear to be reliable. The highest priced helmets do not necessarily give the best protection against injury.
Virginia Tech has been studying helmets since 2011. In addition to paddle sports, they also study helmets for football, cycling, hockey, and several other applications.
"No helmet is concussion-proof. Any athlete can sustain a head injury, even with the very best head protection. The helmet ratings identify the helmets that best reduce your chances of sustaining a concussion. With that stated, helmets are only one piece of the equation to minimizing concussion risk. Rule changes and coaching proper technique can result in fewer high-risk head impacts, and are perhaps most important. Having the best available head protection for the remaining head impacts further reduces risk."
Virginia Tech Whitewater Helmet Ratings
These folks are excellent engineers, but they need a copy editor. A lower score on the "STAR" rating system corresponds to greater protection. But more stars on the usual 1-5 star rating scale means more protection. The ratings are just a little confusing.
The study findings, however, appear to be reliable. The highest priced helmets do not necessarily give the best protection against injury.
Virginia Tech has been studying helmets since 2011. In addition to paddle sports, they also study helmets for football, cycling, hockey, and several other applications.
"No helmet is concussion-proof. Any athlete can sustain a head injury, even with the very best head protection. The helmet ratings identify the helmets that best reduce your chances of sustaining a concussion. With that stated, helmets are only one piece of the equation to minimizing concussion risk. Rule changes and coaching proper technique can result in fewer high-risk head impacts, and are perhaps most important. Having the best available head protection for the remaining head impacts further reduces risk."
Virginia Tech Whitewater Helmet Ratings
