well last night a had my first concussion. <BR>My question is whats the best helmet to buy, and do they make a big difference

here we go again. <BR> <BR>a bunch of people will come in here to say that they'll make a big difference, and a bunch more will say that they don't help at all. <BR> <BR>from <b>my experience</b>, they help a lot in preventing concussions, but don't completely prevent it from happening. i got a concussion trying 3s w/o a helmet and got a concussion. i put a helmet on, fell the same exact way (slamming the side of my head on the water) and didn't get a concussion. i did get a concussion with it on, though not nearly as bad. <BR> <BR>there are a few good helmets to buy, including protec and shred ready.

If you buy a helmet with a good fit like a Shred Ready helmet, then yes they help.

"i got a concussion trying 3s w/o a helmet and got a concussion. i put a helmet on ... and didn't get a concussion. i did get a concussion with it on" <BR> <BR>Umali: HUH??? <BR> <BR>Chachi: See what can happen if you don't wear a helmet? LOL! <BR> <BR>(j/k Umali - I just had to! sorry!) <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/lame.gif" border=0>

I think what joe is saying is that you can get a concusion with or without wearing a helmet. I have had three concusions and blown out both eardrums, with and without a helmet. I will say that my eardrum was obliterated without the helmet and only slightly perforated with a helmet. While wearing a helmet, I notice that I do not "see stars" like I used to on moderate falls. I wear a helmet all the time--I am known to take some nasty falls in my desire to become a better rider--melon protection is a good idea!!

I saw Chuck get knocked into next week once he <BR>does take some hard falls. Chucks the MAN

I have the Protec Acewake with the ear guards; it's pretty comfortable and I've done some nice slaps that would have probably toasted my ear drums. I also took a nice head shot without a helmet and suffered a mild concussion. I still get my bell rung with the helmet, but the impact is not nearly as severe. Add some stickers and it doesn't look so bad. I'm starting to see a lot more people wearing them. It does help the wakeboard shot to the head.<img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/happy.gif" border=0>

Protec Ace works for me. Get one before this happens: <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65919/356842.jpg" alt="Upload">

The best helmet I ever used on the water was a skate helmet that I picked up from Tri-city. It was on sale for $20 and had the soft-foam pads inside.. The trade off was that after falling you would have the push the helmet against your head to get the water out.. but for the added protection it was worth it.

I completely agree with every aspect of Joe's first post. I use a Pro-Tec Ace everytime now wakeskating/wakeboarding. <BR> <BR>(Message edited by yosquire on August 13, 2006)

Take a look at this. <BR> <BR>You're in a high risk category for a few months until you've fully healed. <BR><a href="http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&amp;q=second+impact+syndrome" target="_blank">http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&amp;q=second+impact+syndrome</a> <BR> <BR>Good luck.