Outdated Helmets Will Be a Thing of the Past Next Season
Pointed helmets, helmets with dangerous ventilation holes, and other safety hazards will soon be history. And that’s great news for Cádomotus! Starting next season, the ISU will tighten the rules and enforce existing regulations much more strictly. As a result, several helmets currently in use will no longer be permitted. Want to be sure? Then a Cádomotus helmet is the best and safest option in every respect.
Debate on Ice Skating Helmets and Regulations
The safety of ice skating helmets and the associated regulations have been a topic of discussion for years. This is surprising, given that the rules are fairly clear. Helmets must comply with the ASTM and EN standards, supplemented by ISU’s ‘Communication 2400,’ which, for example, states that helmets must not have protrusions deviating from the shape of the head. Cádomotus not only fully endorses these rules but is also at the forefront of compliance. We are pioneers in innovation, especially when it comes to safety, and we take pride in distinguishing ourselves in this area. Not to be the teacher’s pet, but to provide our customers with the safest helmet possible—one that is also proven to be the fastest on the market.
No ISU Certification – Focus on ASTM and EN Standards
Besides the debate on helmet design, there has been confusion about what qualifies as an ISU-compliant helmet. In a letter to manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, the ISU clarified that there is no such thing as ‘ISU certification’ or ‘ISU tested.’ The letter requests that any references implying such approval be removed, which is entirely within their rights. We fully agree that the ISU is not a certifying body—that role belongs to independent organizations like ASTM and EN. ASTM F1849 is the standard required by the KNSB for helmets used in marathon races, mass start events, and short track. Cádomotus helmets fully meet these certification requirements.
Certification Standards
A quick overview of certification: ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) is the American test standard, used in over 100 countries, making it the most widespread standard. EN (European Normalisation) is the European standard, applicable in 34 additional countries.
Naturally, Cádomotus meets both certifications and proudly carries these quality marks. Learn more about our extensive range of certifications, how testing works, and what Cádomotus does to ensure compliance.
ISU Guidelines and Future Enforcement
Returning to the ISU guidelines, which sparked so much debate last winter:
The rules themselves are not particularly unclear; in fact, they are quite logical and reasonable. For example, protrusions on the back of the helmet, like the one worn by the Dutch pursuit team at last year’s World Championships, are not permitted under ISU regulations. The ISU stated in a letter to Cádomotus:
"The purpose of that regulation is obvious and consists in avoiding serious injuries in case of a fall where a blade could enter the hole, causing serious injuries to the athlete’s head or by twisting the neck."
Rightly so, as this poses a risk of neck injuries, especially if a skater falls backward. The ISU has announced that they will enforce these rules more strictly next season and further clarify their regulations.
Cádomotus’ Safety Features and Innovations
Protrusions—referred to as ‘protrusions’ by the ISU—are something you won’t find on a Cádomotus helmet. The same goes for excessively large ventilation holes that could allow a skate blade to pass through—something still tolerated in helmets from other brands. Our helmets fully comply with this requirement, and with the Omega model, Cádomotus has even developed a patented honeycomb structure. This innovation allows for larger ventilation openings at the front without the risk of a skate blade fitting through. The helmet has become a staple in the skating world, used by the Japanese Olympic skating team as well as multiple marathon teams in national competitions.
Conclusion: Cádomotus Offers Safe and Reliable Helmets
The ongoing discussion about standards may suggest a lot of uncertainty, but in reality, it’s quite simple. There is no ISU certification—only certification from recognized independent bodies like ASTM and EN, which follow strict and transparent testing guidelines. Meanwhile, the ISU has set guidelines that are likely to be tightened or, at the very least, clarified and properly enforced next season.
For Cádomotus—and more importantly, for the users of our helmets—this is good news. We lead the way in safety, meet the strictest international standards, remain well within ISU guidelines, and anticipate future regulatory changes. All in all, that’s more than enough reason to take on the competition with a Cádomotus helmet—one that is not only sleek and fast but, above all, incredibly safe.
