We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
We purchased the top 12 ski helmets available today and had them all impact tested at a professional testing lab. Then, we bought another set of these 12 helmets and hit the slopes to assess their performance across key metrics like comfort, warmth, and ventilation.
This year's best ski helmet is the Scott Symbol 2 Plus D. No competing helmet could match this one. It has it all — top-notch impact testing performance, super warm yet excellent ventilation when needed, and its one of the most comfortable helmets we tested.
If price is a top concern, the best helmet value is the Giro Ratio Mips. Despite its affordable price, it delivered the second-best Impact Test performance. It also performs much better than average across the board, in comfort, warmth, and ventilation, yet sells for one of the lowest prices.
Our expert reviews can help you find just the right ski gear. We have you covered with in-depth reviews of the best outerwear, including our favorite ski jackets, best ski pants, and the best ski gloves to keep you comfortable on the mountain.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on November 19, 2024, testing the entire lineup of 2025 products. This update includes impact testing data for each helmet conducted by an accredited testing lab to augment our extensive hands-on testing.
Terrific impact test score, minimalist style, great value, comfortable, affordable
Magnetic buckle, easy-to-use adjustment system, lightweight, low-profile
Easy to hear through ear pads, good adjustable ventilation, warm, great magnetic buckle with a release tab
Lightweight, low profile, versatile, adjustable ventilation, solid value
Lightweight, low profile, comfortable earpads with earbuds, classic style, easy to remove earpads
Unique ventilation system, comfortable, earpads are earbud friendly, Can hear well through earpads, magnetic buckle
Low profile for a hardshell construction, comfortable padding, light on the head, adjustable harness
Affordable in-mold construction, adjustable vents, adjustable dial system
Low price, adjustable dial, comfy ear pads
Cons
Expensive
Expensive, brimmed style may not be for everyone, earpads apply pressure to earbuds
Heavy, larger profile
Fixed vents, a bit bulky
Can't toggle vents back and forth, small velcro tabs can come off the liner
Some wind noise, pricey, slightly heavy on the head
Earpads are hard to remove, earpads press on earbuds, the dial is hard to use with gloves
Drafty earpads, not the warmest, adjustable dial, can be challenging to use with gloves on
Expensive, thin padding
Fixed vents
No rotational impact system, less coverage of the head
Heavy, bulky, shallow fit, no rotational impact system,
Bottom Line
Superior comfort, top-tier impact performance, and innovative features make it the ultimate ski helmet choice
One of the best models we have tried due to its low profile and highly engineered adjustable ventilation system
Outstanding impact test results, adjustable vents, and a dial for tuning the fit, this model has high-end features and strong performance at a stellar price
An affordable option for riders seeking a minimalist skate-styled helmet that offers solid protection and comfort without the bells and whistles and steep price tag
Perfect for riders looking for a lightweight and low-profile helmet that's easy to forget about
A unique and functional approach to premium features is a worthwhile consideration for your next lid
An impressive balance of performance, features, and price
A helmet that you can forget about while it's on your head that has all the key features
Oakley's premium helmet offers resort-focused ventilation, a unique style, and a valuable feature set
A relatively low profile and comfortable hardhat combined with a simple feature set for those looking for streamlined protection
An affordable helmet that includes important features but lacks the same level of coverage and impact protection as other options on the market
A cost-effective way to provide a bit more protection for the infrequent trip to the ski hill
The Scott Symbol 2 Plus D is hands-down our favorite helmet for skiing and riding thanks to its confidence-inspiring level of protection, thoughtful feature set, and a high degree of comfort. In impact lab testing, this helmet received one of the best scores in the review. The feature set makes this helmet a joy to use on the mountain, and it has everything you would expect from a premium helmet, such as adjustable vents and a dial fit system. We love the earpads as they don't mute the world around you and are incredibly comfortable with or without earbuds. The low profile, in-mold construction ensures this helmet is easy to forget about during your ski day.
This helmet is well-designed and does not disappoint, as it has only a few downsides. First, some riders may struggle to stomach the higher retail price. If you're feeling like your winter budget is just about tapped for the year, the Giro Ratio Mips costs a bit less and still racked up some solid scores across all of our testing metrics. But there is so much good about the 2 Plus D that the only design con we noticed is that the goggle strap is difficult to secure in the latch. Skiers and riders that can brave the steeper initial start-up cost will be rewarded with hard-to-beat protection and comfort.
The Giro Ratio Mips strikes an impressive balance of value and performance. Despite a much lower-than-average price, it delivered one of the best impact testing results. The Ratio Mips also includes a premium set of features but utilizes a cost-friendly hardshell construction to keep the price reasonable. The ventilation system has six adjustable vents, allowing you to micro-manage the airflow and temperature, a rare feature at this price point. The helmet uses a harness system for an adjustable fit, controlled by an oversized dial that is easily adjusted while wearing gloves.
While beneficial for cost savings, this helmet's injection-molded construction is also our biggest complaint. The increased weight and size are more noticeable while riding, and the bulkier appearance detracts slightly from its style. If you're looking for a ski helmet that is a bit more streamlined, check out the Giro Ledge Mips. But, the Ratio is hard to beat for skiers and riders looking for a high-quality helmet on a budget. It is an excellent option for casual skiers looking for a new lid that offers great features and top-notch protective technology and avoids the sticker shock of many top models in this review.
The Smith Vantage Mips is a long-time favorite among resort riders and our test team for its feature set, fit and incredible ventilation. We love the easily adjustable dial fit system, which eliminates pressure points and provides a comfortable, custom fit regardless of head shape. The versatile ventilation system allows you to choose which vents to open so that you can tailor the amount of airflow. The model has 20 midsized vents and two adjustable toggles to control the front and back ventilation zones. The , plus the helmet's tight, high-quality construction, make it an easy choice for any diehard skier.
The main drawback with the Vantage is its high price. Despite the higher price tag, it presents a solid value due to its build quality, comfort, and feature set. However, if you're the type that doesn't mind sponsoring the Après, the Pret Cynic X2 offers the utmost in comfort, a low profile, and one of our favorite overall systems in usability – but it costs even more than the Vantage. This model also landed middle-of-the-road in our impact tests. All of the helmets in our review surpass federal safety standards, but there are a few models that posted better numbers in the lab. The Vantage Mips is a great option for committed skiers and riders looking for versatile and extensive ventilation in a fully featured, low-profile helmet you hardly notice on the hill.
The Pret Cynic X2 is a helmet designed for those riders who don't mind spending a little bit extra to have their helmet maintain a low profile. It uses a magnetic buckle and focuses on features like ride quality and easy fit adjustments. The in-mold construction provides a low-profile helmet that is easy to forget about while on the hill. The cozy liner and dail-based adjustment system help provide a comfortable fit. We loved the magnetic buckle because it was easy to manipulate with gloves. The Cynic X2 has everything you need and nothing you don't.
Look elsewhere if you love to toggle the adjustable vents back and forth throughout the ski day. The helmet uses sewn-in tabs to the liner that flip to block or "open the vents. It's designed for the set-it-and-forget-it rider because it requires removing the helmet, liner, and gloves to adjust the tabs. The Pret Cynic X2 is for riders who prioritize a comfortable, low-profile ride, a streamlined but valuable feature set, and cost over other bells and whistles. If you don't mind dropping the extra coin for a helmet with better overall performance, we recommend the Scott Symbol 2 Plus D. The Cynic X2 only earned a so-so score in our impact testing. While it surpasses international safety standards, our testing showed that some models go above and beyond in terms of impact protection.
The Giro Ledge Mips is a simple, streamlined helmet with a minimalist approach to providing reliable protection. In our independent impact test, this helmet had one of the highest scores compared to other models in the review. Its lower cost and comfortable fit present a great value for individuals looking for an affordable, stylish lid. It uses a simplistic elastic adjustment system that stretches to fit a variety of head shapes and sizes without any dials or adjustable harnesses.
The approachable price comes with a few caveats, such as fixed vents and injection molding. The fixed vents make the helmet a colder ride in frigid places and less pleasant when it's snowing or raining compared to an adjustable vent system. The construction helps keep the cost down but gives it a larger profile and is more noticeable on your head than an in-mold helmet. The Giro Ledge is great for skiers and riders looking for a simple helmet with a classic look and reliable protection at an excellent price. If you've got the money to spend and you want all of the bells and whistles, the Smith Vantage Mips has tons of features to make your day more enjoyable and earned one of our highest overall scores.
The classic style of the ledge may appeal to freestyle riders.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
Compare Products
Our testers spend the entire season completing comprehensive side-by-side testing to bring you the best helmet review available.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
How We Test Ski Helmets
It's no secret that skiing and snowboarding can be dangerous. There is hard snow, rocks, trees, chairlift towers, and other skiers to worry about. The risks only get higher the higher your skill level becomes. That is why we take ski helmet testing very seriously.
We contracted a third-party lab to conduct repeatable impact tests in a controlled environment on every ski helmet.
Credit: GearLab/ACT Lab
We evaluated each ski helmet across 5 mutually exclusive metrics to effectively dissect the ins and outs of each product. Here's how we broke it down:
Impact Testing(30% of overall weight): Once we decide a helmet is worthy of testing, the first thing we do is buy two of each model – one goes to an accredited testing lab for professional impact testing. They conduct two types of drop tests on every helmet from various heights to simulate slow and fast impacts.
Comfort(25% weight): We scored each helmet on how well it fits and the overall feel. Do you notice it while you're riding? Does it make your neck sore by the end of the day? The best models are hardly noticeable, if at all.
Warmth(20% weight): The difference between ski helmets and most others is that we are using them in cold, freezing, or even arctic conditions. To test the warmth of each model, we wore each one in various conditions with no hat or balaclavas between our heads and the helmet as it came right out of the box.
Ventilation(15% weight): Right behind the importance of warmth for cold days, is airflow for when you're overheating. In areas such as the Western US, temps can fluctuate 20, 30, or even 40 degrees in a day. When it comes time to shed those layers at lunch, it's nice to shed some layers on your noggin too. We carefully inspected and used the ventilation systems integrated into each helmet.
Usability(10% of overall weight): For the last bit of our total score, we inspected and used the bells & whistles the helmets have. For this metric we weighed the helmets, felt out the goggle compatibility, and judged their overall style.
Our partner for impact testing is ACT Lab. ACT Lab is a renowned global consumer product testing laboratory that holds ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and is an ISO/IEC 17065 Certification Body. We developed two custom-tailored impact tests with ACT Lab to evaluate ski helmet impact performance. These two tests are designed to simulate different types of impact risks of concern when skiing or snowboarding.
Our testers ski and ride as much as possible and frequently switch helmets, terrain, and conditions to ensure well-rounded information. We evaluate the comfort and warmth of each helmet with different head shapes, goggles, and temperatures. We assess ventilation and usability through skiing, riding, and uphill. Isaac Laredo reviews all things snowboarding. He spends more time on snow in a season than a weekend warrior does over the course of 10 winters. Isaac spends 5-6 days a week strapped into his snowboard each winter and early spring, either ski guiding, teaching avalanche courses, product testing, or personally riding. He is an AMGA Certified Splitboard guide but, more importantly, a passionate live-long snow slider. He is meticulous about his gear and understands its capacity to make or break your experience. Our expert team brings valuable knowledge to the table to provide you with the best possible recommendations.
Testing goggle strap compatibility with the Mod5.
Analysis and Test Results
We spent hundreds of hours comparatively testing these products to score them across a strategic set of metrics. For detailed insight, the individual metrics should give you a better idea of how each helmet performs in particular categories and allow you to make the best decision for your preferred activities and budget. Continue reading to see our findings and top performers in each metric.
What's the Best Value?
The past few decades of material science have changed helmet design to offer more protection than ever before. A proper helmet is an incredibly worthy investment and is not the piece of gear to skimp on. Our advice is to purchase a comfortable and reliable ski helmet that's suited to your riding style, even if you have to spend a few extra dollars. The appropriate helmet always ends up on your head, and the wrong one will be a burden to wear or, even worse, not be worn at all. That said, we all come to the table with different budgets, and we have tested a multitude of helmets to be able to recommend quality ski helmets for a wide range of budgets.
Scott Symbol 2 Plus D is a fantastic helmet and a solid value due to its great performance.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
Our testers' favorite, the Scott Symbol 2 Plus D Mips, comes in at a high price, but due to its category-leading performance, we still find it a solid value for those who have the means or find it on sale. If you're looking for a middle ground between features and price, the Giro Ratio Mips offers an outstanding solution at a more approachable price point. The Giro Ledge Mips comes in at one of the lowest prices of any model in the review and offers great value as it provides a comfortable all-day ride and scored well in our impact tests.
Impact Test
Protecting our heads from impact and reducing our chance of sustaining an injury are the primary reasons we wear helmets. Here at GearLab, we have taken it a step further and partnered up with an accredited testing lab to conduct helmet impact testing.
Why Do We Conduct Impact Testing?
Every helmet in this review is certified to meet the minimum Federal standard protection requirements for downhill alpine skiing, such as the CE EN1077 B and ASTM F 2040, and thus can be considered safe. Our goal in conducting impact testing to look beyond those minimum safety standards and obtain data that allows us to assess which helmets may offer you an additional margin of protection.
The Impact Test at ACT Lab of the Scott Symbol 2 Plus D Mips showed truly impressive performance -- the best of the group -- in //both// Impact Tests.
Credit: GearLab/ACT Lab
The helmets were placed on a dummy's head equipped with accelerometers and other sensors. These sensors capture detailed information about the forces experienced by the dummy's head during the time of impact.
The data gathered from the Ratio's impact tests left us thoroughly impressed.
Credit: GearLab/ACT Lab
We performed two distinct impact tests. The first involved dropping the helmet and dummy head from a height of 1 meter, simulating a common “slow” fall that results in head impact. The second test was designed to increase the speed of impact and the amount of force, with the helmet rig dropped from 2.3 meters to mimic more extreme “fast” falls that might occur during collisions, high-speed crashes, or incidents in terrain parks. We took the accelerometer data from the lab tests and based on the forces subjected on the test dummy, as well as the duration of those forces, we scored the fast and slow impact tests. The reason for both a fast and a slow impact test is that some helmets which perform well on one type of impact, may not perform equally on the other. Our overall Impact Test score for each helmet combines the data from both impact tests.
The field tester was thankful for the third-party crash testing, so he didn't have to be a crash test dummy despite this attempt at a “slow” style impact pictured here.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
Standouts for this metric are the Scott Symbol 2 Plus D Mips with a score of 9.5 and the Giro Ratio Mips which earned a score of 9.1. The Scott did equally as well with the 1 meter, or slow drop as it did the fast 2.3 meter drop. The Ratio performed a bit better with the slow test, but still earned an impressive score for the faster impact. The Ratio's extra affordable cousin, the Giro Ledge Mips, also did well in our impact tests, earning an 8.7 for both heights of helmet drop tests.
Slow Vs Fast Impact
Product
Slow
Fast
Scott Symbol 2 Plus D Mips
9.5
9.5
Giro Ratio Mips
9.4
8.7
Giro Ledge Mips
8.7
8.7
Smith Mission Mips
6.1
7.7
Smith Vantage Mips
7.7
5.3
Pret Cynic X2 Mips
5.7
6.3
Sweet Protection Switcher Mips
6.2
4.6
POC Fornix MIPS
4.7
5.7
OutdoorMaster Kelvin
6
3.6
Oakley Mod5 Mips
6.1
3
Wildhorn Drift
3.1
5.3
Bern Hendrix Mips
3
3.8
This chart gives a visual representation of each model's slow and fast impact scores, displaying which helmets were good at both, which ones were good at one or the other, and those that fell a bit behind the top contenders.
A Word About Third-Party Tech
In the outdoor industry, manufacturers love to use technical words to encourage a sale. Chances are, you have heard about Gore-tex, BOA, or Mips while shopping for gear. Some of these materials and gadgets have been substantiated by rigorous testing, but manufacturers also tend to invent their own terms to appear as though their products have superior tech with more R&D and rigorous testing when some of their claimed bells and whistles may be no more than a marketing scheme. Because our impact test measures the helmet as a whole, we cannot determine whether or not the added tech helps or to what degree it helps. If we mention that a helmet has technology such as Mips, D30, or Koroyd, we aren't making a stance on whether or not the helmet provides better protection with these components, we are merely letting you know that the helmet includes this technology.
D30 “uses unique patented and proprietary technologies to make rate-sensitive, soft, flexible materials with high shock absorbing properties that are used in impact protection products.”
The inside of the Scott Symbol 2 after a drop test. The D30 is the orange impact, which is designed to absorb and dissipate forces away from the head.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Koroyd “absorbs energy and redirects force away from localized impact zones, limiting dangerous force in order to reduce the risk of injury.”
The inside of the Smith Vantage after a drop test. Koroyd, the straw-like material, is designed to crumple and absorb energy.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Mips: Mips stands for Multi-Directional Impact Protection System. According to their site, “By complementing the helmet with a low-friction layer, designed to move slightly in the event of an impact, the system is designed to help redirect rotational motion away from the head. This is intended to help reduce the risk of brain injury.”
The POC Fornix after the drop tests.
The inside of the POC Fornix after drop testing.
The Smith Mission fresh off the drop tower.
The inside of the Smith Mission Mips after the drop test. Note the impacted Koroyd and the small crack, showing the helmet absorbed and dissipated energy from the head.
The exterior of the Pret Cynic X2 post drop test.
The unphased inside of the Pret Cynic X2 while still receiving a decent impact protection score.
The exterior of the Giro Ratio after impact testing. Note the Crack in the Shell.
A small crack on the inside of the Giro Ratio.
The exterior of the Wildhorn Drift post drop tower.
Inside the Wildhorn Drift.
Profile of the Smith Vantage.
Inside of the Smith Vantage after impact.
A gallery of the helmets after impact testing.
Comfort
An uncomfortable ski helmet can detract from your day on the mountain; eventually, that helmet will find itself in a stack of unused gear. You are more likely to wear a helmet if it is comfortable, especially for those who dislike the feel of helmets. The molding, padding, shape, and fit of the ski helmet all play a role in overall comfort. Ideally, a comfortable helmet should adjust easily to provide a proper fit and then be forgotten about when you are sliding on snow. We rode in and examined each helmet to evaluate which helmets were hardly noticeable while riding and hit the marks above.
The Smith Vantage, Scott Symbol 2 Plus D, Pret Cynic X2 Mips, Smith Mission Mips, and POC Fornix Mips stood out and were our highest-rated helmets for comfort. All these models have a high-quality, lightweight, low-profile feel with ample padding.
The Oakley MOD 5 is an in-mold helmet.
The Ratio is an injection molded helmet.
In-mold helmets are usually lighter and lower profile, while injection-molded models tend to be heavier and bulkier.
In-mold helmets provide the best ride quality as they are lightweight and have a lower profile for a more comfortable ride and overall better fit. The Scott Symbol 2, Pret Cynic X2, Oakley MOD 5, POC Fornix, and Smith Vantage are low profile to help you forget you are wearing a helmet. The models are great for skiers and riders who traditionally haven't liked the feel of riding with a helmet.
The Wildhorn Drift is one of the lowest-priced in-mold helmets on the market. It has a surprisingly low profile and is lightweight. The trimmed-down profile contributes to a better ride experience.
The Right Fit
The fit is the most important factor in purchasing a helmet. A helmet that doesn't fit properly is likely to be uncomfortable and, more importantly, can compromise your protection. Some helmets are more suited to round head shapes, while others suit oval head shapes. Many helmets come with adjustable internal padding, which is useful in dialing in the fit to your head. Don't be afraid to use them to customize the helmet to fit your head shape.
The Vantage and Mission share some traits associated with the Smith brand that add to their comfort. The Vantage uses the BOA Fit wheel for smooth and effective personalizing of the interior fit. One of our favorite adjustment systems was on RCS Fit System the Pret Cynic X2, as it uses a very large dial with large contours and an audible click that helped us make adjustments with gloves on.
The BOA system offers great micro adjustability to fine-tune the helmet's fit. Pictured here is the Smith Vantage.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
Earpads greatly influence the comfort and warmth of a particular helmet. The earpads on the Scott Symbol 2 maintain warmth, limited drafts, remain comfortable with earbuds, and preserve your ability to hear around the mountain. They use a cupped design to accomplish this; rather than squishing your ear, there is empty space to allow the ear to fit comfortably. The POC Fornix, Oakley MOD5 Mips, and Sweet Protection Switcher Mips use a similar design style and offer similar benefits. However, the fleece lining on the Symbol 2 provides a more comfortable next-to-skin experience and better audio perception.
The Scott Symbol 2 offered our favorite earpads of any model featured here.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
Even when things are great on top of your head, a scratchy chinstrap that doesn't sit well can be a real deal-breaker. The Scott Symbol 2 Plus D was one helmet with a unique chinstrap that was extremely comfortable. The chin strap is flat, soft, and wide, unlike any other helmet tested in this review.
The large, fuzzy, and heavy padded chin strap of the Scott Symbol 2.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
Warmth
Nothing is worse than being stuck on the top of the mountain, shivering. Of course, you should start with your favorite base layer and add clothing as needed, but keeping your head warm is just as important, and we weigh this metric at 25% of the overall score. Ski helmets are, by and large, warmer than wearing a hat or hood while skiing. A tight-fitting goggle/helmet combo makes it easy to feel completely protected from a raging blizzard. To evaluate warmth, we wore each helmet in various temperatures without skull caps and performed a series of heat-producing activities like hiking to gauge heat retention.
The most prominent design consideration to negatively affect warmth is fixed vents, i.e., vents that don't close. Whether you wear a beanie under your helmet or not, having cold air flowing through at all times can be pretty chilly. Another factor that plays into warmth is the ear pads. These hug the ears, and whether they can perform without being too tight is key. Tight ear pads can cause significant discomfort after hours on the hill. Lastly, some helmets aren't padded and insulated that well, making them better suited for warmer environments.
The Smith Vantage, Sweet Protection Switcher, and Scott Symbol 2 were some of the reviews' warmest ones. They have adjustable vents, full liners, and comfortable yet tight earpads. The Symbol had the least drafts around the earpads among any helmet found in our review.
The Sweet Protection Switcher is one of the warmer helmets in the review due to the liner and earpad thickness; It is also coupled with adjustable vents.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
The Giro Ratio is one of the warmest helmets in its price category. The adjustable vents, liner, and snug ear pads add to its overall warmth potential and make this value-based helmet appropriate for colder climates.
The Pret Cynic X2 is one of the warmest helmets in the review despite its technically fixed vents, bucking the trend. The model employs a liner of blended wool and recycled polyester fleece to add plenty of warmth. The Pret's ventilation system has hidden flaps on the underside of the liner that can block the vents and essentially close them. Our testers didn't appreciate that you must remove the helmet and liner to “close” these vents with liner flaps. Open, fixed vents generally provide less warmth than those that open and close.
Level One Ventilation System with one flap engaged and one disengaged.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
Ventilation
Ventilation is the helmet's ability to cool you down, reduce head sweat, and protect your goggles from fogging. Ventilation for helmets comes in two flavors — vents and the ability to remove the earpieces. Vents that open and close allow for the most regulation, but having any vents at all will help pull air through the helmet. We skied on warm days and found that not all vents are equal. Some of the helmets we tested look like they'll vent well, but the vents' configuration didn't work to create airflow. Additionally, many helmets have removable earpads that can quickly be stashed in a jacket pocket mid-run. We strongly prefer this ability to customize our temperature regulation on the go.
The Smith Vantage offers one of the most comprehensive ventilation systems for a resort-based helmet. It has 21 mid-size vents; 12 are fully adjustable and controlled with a crisp and well-made toggle. We found the amount of ventilation accentuated with movement as the strategic channeling brought in the fresh air and exhausted warm air from the top of the head.
Adjustable vents, like those on the Smith Vantage, can make your helmet more versatile across different weather conditions.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
The Scott Symbol 2 Plus D also uses a static vent pattern, which is impressively efficient at moving air through the helmet while moving but retains heat while statement more than other models. It has 19 vents, ten of which are adjustable. The small vent holes limit the amount of precipitation that can enter the helmet while still providing plenty of air movement as there are bigger vents underneath and plenty of vented surface area.
The Smith Vantage also vents very well, with options to close all or just some vents at a time. The Smith Mission, Giro Ratio, Sweet Protection Switcher Mips, and POC Fornix Mips also have adjustable vents, vent well enough for use on spring days. The Bern Hendrix Mips offers cost-effective venting that is more than adequate for spring days; it uses thinner, easy-to-remove earpads, which also helps regulate temperature on those warmer days.
The Smith Vantage features our favorite adjustable vent system, praised for its efficiency and toggle action.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
Removable earpieces increase the ventilation potential of a helmet. Removing the earpieces is enjoyable for warmer days. Still, it is more challenging to accomplish on the mountain than simply opening vents. Every model in our test features removable earpieces.
Usability
Have you ever had to take your gloves off to adjust your helmet? We have. Take it from us, it's not fun, especially on chilly days. We looked at each helmet to assess its overall user-friendliness and the quality of the feature set. Features that stood out here were easy-to-reach and use dial adjusters, smooth sliding adjustable vents, magnetic glove-friendly buckles, and simple goggle straps.
All the helmets that employ an adjustable dial and harness system were fairly easy to use with gloves on and provided a solid and versatile fit. Our favorite system is the Pret Cynic X2 as it uses a very large dial with distinct and prominent knobs to help operate it with gloves on. The Giro Ledge takes a different approach and has a simplistic adjustment system that leverages an elastic band and flexible harness to nearly self-adjust to fit various head sizes.
The Giro Auto Loc 2 fitting system utilizes an elastic tab to accommodate and conform to varying head sizes.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
Adjustable ventilation systems share some common traits but also have distinct differences in quality and execution. The toggle and dial-based adjustable vent systems work well and are rather straightforward. The Smith Vantage and Scott Symbol 2 have the highest quality and best action of any toggle-based system we have tried. It has a crispy, smooth, and high-quality feel. The Sweet Protection Switcher is used as a dial to adjust its vents, allowing you to open it partially. The Poc Fornix uses a large toggle adjustment system with a high-quality and easy-to-use design.
It's an easy and smooth process to adjust the vents on the POC Fornix.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
The buckle of the helmet is commonly overlooked but can make a difference in your experience. One of our favorite features of the Pret Cynic X2 is the magnetic buckle. It makes putting the helmet on or taking it off easier with gloves on. Once you get the technique down, it becomes a simple and fast process that is a notable feature of the helmet.
We love this buckle and rarely take our gloves off to operate it, especially when it's stormy. We did here to ensure the buckle could be seen.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
The Oakley MOD5 and Sweet Protection Switcher also have a magnetic buckle, which improves the experience. The Switcher comes with a pull tab to make the unbuckling process easier.
Being easy to use is also a factor in comfort. Magnetic buckles like this one on the Oakley Mod5 are very convenient.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Weight
How to Choose a Helmet
Choosing the right ski helmet is crucial for safety and comfort on the slopes. Understanding the different types of helmets, the importance of fit, and the features available will help you make an informed decision.
Types of Ski Helmets: In-Mold vs. Injection Molded
A comparison of two primary helmet construction methods. The helmet on the left is manufactured using the in-mold process, where the outer shell and inner foam are created in a single step. The helmet on the right is produced through injection molding, with the shell and foam made separately and then assembled together.
Credit: laredo
In-Mold
In-mold helmets feature a thin polycarbonate shell filled with expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam. This construction makes them lighter and more comfortable and allows for more ventilation, thanks to strategic vent placement. However, they tend to be more expensive than other types.
Hardshell/ Injection Molded Helmets
These helmets, often referred to as “skateboard” style, use ABS plastic bonded to EPS foam. They are known for their durability and affordability. However, they can be heavier and bulkier and offer less ventilation than in-mold helmets.
Rotational Impact Systems and Impact Absorbent Materials
Modern ski helmets often incorporate a rotational impact protection system, with Mips being the most common. Many helmet brands have also begun to utilize material from third party manufacturers that specialize in impact reduction. All of these inventions are designed to strengthen a helmet's impact protection.
The Scott Symbbol 2 uses D30 inserts in orange to provide coverage for both the front and back of the head, while the Mips liner in yellow offers additional protection.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
Fit
The fit of your helmet is just as important as its construction. A well-fitting helmet should be comfortable, without any pressure points that could lead to headaches. Helmet sizing typically follows the traditional Small, Medium, Large scale, with each manufacturer providing a sizing chart based on head circumference. Head shapes generally fall into three categories: long oval, intermediate oval, and round oval. Knowing your head shape can guide you to brands that cater to your profile. For instance, Giro designs helmets for long oval heads, while Scott targets round-oval shapes. Always try on different models to find the best fit, ensuring the helmet is snug and secure without being too tight.
A diagram of the three types of head shape. When fitting a helmet look for brands tailored to your head shape. In general, Giro fits long ovals, Smith fits the intermediate oval, and POC Fits round ovals. The harness-based adjustment systems generally manage a slight difference in shape to give a secure fit.
Credit: OutdoorGearLab
Features
Helmets come with various features that can enhance your experience. Look for options like POV mounts, removable earpieces, magnetic buckles, and audio packages. If you enjoy listening to music while skiing, choose a helmet with space in the earpads for earbuds. These features can make your time on the slopes more enjoyable and personalized.
In summary, selecting the right helmet involves considering the type of construction, whether you need Mips, ensuring a proper fit, and choosing features that suit your needs. By focusing on these aspects, you'll find a helmet that keeps you safe and comfortable on the mountain.
The MOD5 clasp smoothly slides into position and securely locks with the help of magnets, providing a convenient and hassle-free experience.
Credit: Laura Casner
Conclusion
Choosing a ski helmet can seem daunting. This review intends to help you quickly and accurately identify the right model or models for your specific needs. Don't get distracted by fancy marketing. Use our assessments and experience to guide you toward the model that helps you ski or ride to your best ability with a protective and comfortable helmet.
