Top 10 Snowboarding Helmets

A good snowboard helmet is one of the best investments you can make before hitting the slopes, regardless of your snowboarding skills or style. The fact is, everyone falls once in a while, and some accidents can be really dangerous. If you like to practice in the snowpark or if you are a freerider, you must wear a high-quality helmet that protects your head from impact.

The good news is that a wide variety of helmets are available on the market, and many are reasonably priced. In addition, manufacturers are continually improving protection systems to reduce the risk of serious injury. In this article, I’m going to tell you about the most popular types of construction, the most modern protection systems, and other important features that you should take into account. Also, I will review the best models of the year, so that you can find the one that best suits your needs.

Take a look at other guides to find the best snowboards, jackets, pants, goggles, and snowboard boots.

THE 10 BEST SNOWBOARD HELMETS

---

SMITH VANTAGE MIPS

FEATURES: The Smith Vantage has some of the best features you can find on the market: Aerocore construction, SL hybrid structure, adjustable temperature control, 21 adjustable vents, Snapfit earpads, and a MIPS system. It’s slightly more expensive than other high-end models, but it’s incredibly comfortable, resistant, and durable.

---

OAKLEY MOD 5 MIPS

FEATURES: If you liked the previous model, pay attention to the Oakley Mod 5 because it’s not far behind. This model stands out for its efficient ventilation, modular brim system, and aggressive design. Thanks to the versatility of the interchangeable brim, it’s compatible with many goggle designs. It’s the ISPO Gold award-winning helmet for its high quality and performance. It’s slightly heavier than other models due to its solid construction, which provides greater impact protection.

---

SWEET PROTECTION SWITCHER MIPS

FEATURES: The Sweet Protection Switcher MIPS uses Occigrip technology to provide a personalized, comfortable fit. It also includes a Bio-Mapped protection system that is based on the anatomy of the head to improve high-impact absorption. Highly rated among renowned skiers and snowboarders, this model has the best ventilation system on the list.

---

SMITH QUANTUM MIPS

FEATURES: The Smith Quantum offers a good balance between high protection and comfort. It’s equipped with the Aerocore system and a Koroyd aerodynamic core that increases lateral impact resistance. In addition, it includes a MIPS liner that reduces the risk of brain damage in the event of an accident. The Wayfarer strap and Boa FS360 systems ensure the best fit and comfort.

---

SALOMON DRIVER

FEATURES: The Salomon Driver includes an integrated visor that is compatible with prescription glasses. The visor is easily replaceable without the need for tools. The hybrid construction provides great shock absorption from all directions. The removable AdvancedSkin inner lining wicks away moisture and protects you from the cold. The adjustable ventilation system helps regulate the interior temperature.

---

SALOMON PIONEER

FEATURES: The Salomon Pioneer is an incredibly lightweight, in-mold helmet of great quality. The main characteristics: An EPS 4D system for better shock absorption, an adjustable dial for the perfect fit, and an ActiveDry inner lining that helps keep your head warm and dry. The comfortable inner padding and ultralight weight will make you forget that you are wearing it.

MID AND BUDGET RANGE

---

BOLLÉ SYNERGY

CHARACTERISTICS: The Bollé Synergy is a high-quality hybrid helmet that you can get for a reasonable price. It features a simple but effective construction, with a great adjustable ventilation system, a Click-to-Fit adjustment dial, a comfy inner layer for thermal protection, and removable earpads.

---

BOLLÉ JULIET

CHARACTERISTICS: The Bollé Juliet is a very popular helmet among female snowboarders. It features an adjustable ventilation system, a Click-to-Fit dial, and removable earpads. The Juliet is built with injected ABS, which makes it slightly heavier than the Bollé Synergy, but it’s more resistant and durable. The inner liner is soft, warm, and comfortable.

---

ANON RAIDER 3

FEATURES: The Anon Raider 3 is pretty popular among beginners who are looking for quality but don’t want to spend a fortune. It features a passive ventilation system that improves airflow and helps evaporate moisture, and an Endura-Shell outer layer that is highly resistant and durable, as well as inner paddings and earpads that provide good thermal protection. Also, it includes a retainer clip on the back to hold your goggle strap.

---

SMITH HOLT

FEATURES: The Smith Holt is considered by many to be the best budget helmet on the market. It has a pretty good passive ventilation system, a highly-resistant outer shell, an efficient Koroyd shock-absorption system, a warm and comfortable inner lining, and a very reasonable weight for an ABS construction. If you are looking for a budget model with great performance, the Smith Hold is one of the best options of the year.

---

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND BEFORE CHOOSING YOUR SNOWBOARDING HELMET

IS IT MANDATORY TO WEAR A HELMET?

Helmet legislation varies significantly from country to country. Even within the same country, it could be mandatory or not, depending on the province or state. For instance, some ski resorts in the United States don’t allow you to go snowboarding without a helmet. On the other hand, in many countries in Europe, you can ski and snowboard without wearing any protection. In some countries, such as Spain, Italy, and Austria, the use of a helmet is mandatory only for children under 15 years of age and for freeriders.

What most countries do have in common is that they strongly recommend wearing a helmet, regardless of your skills or age.

It is really important that you wear a helmet because it drastically reduces the risk of serious injury—and, as you know, everyone falls from time to time. Also, today’s models are so comfortable and lightweight that you will forget that you are wearing one.

TYPES OF HELMETS

Snowboard helmets can be manufactured using three different techniques: ABS, in-mold, or hybrid construction. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, which makes them more or less appropriate for certain activities.

ABS

ABS models are popular among entry-level and intermediate riders, as they are highly resistant as well as inexpensive. The main disadvantage is that they can be a bit heavy. Compared to other types, they also feature less efficient ventilation systems. These helmets consist of two parts: an outer shell made of high-impact ABS plastic (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and an inner core made of hard, shock-absorbing foam.

In-mold

In-mold models are another popular choice among all types of snowboarders because they are lighter and better ventilated. Usually, they are the most comfortable option. The main downside is that they don’t offer as much impact resistance as ABS helmets. These models consist of an outer shell and a foam core that are molded together, thus creating a slimmer, lighter design. The outer shell is typically made of polycarbonate, while the inner foam is expanded polystyrene.

Hybrids

These models are popular among intermediate and experienced riders looking for the best performance, regardless of the price (yes, it’s the most expensive type). As the name suggests, these helmets combine the two previous construction techniques to offer the best of each type. Generally, they feature a resistant ABS top that provides high impact protection, and an in-mold rear that helps reduce the overall weight.

SNOWBOARDING SKILLS

Now that you’ve seen the advantages and disadvantages of each type of construction, you should think about your snowboard level. This will help you find the design that best suits your style. For instance, an aggressive freerider or snowpark junkie should look for a sturdy, highly-resistant helmet. On the other hand, an entry-level rider might prefer a more comfortable, ventilated design.

LINERS

Most models include some sort of inner liner that improves overall comfort. The inner liner is usually padded and/or reinforced with protection meshes. Keep in mind that most budget models don’t get close to the comfort levels provided by top-end liners.

Besides comfort, liners should provide good support (look for a snug but comfortable fit). This is important in the event of an impact because your helmet should never be too loose.

The inner liner will also work as a thermal insulator, keeping your head warm in the winter. In very cold weather, you can wear a beanie underneath.

SIZE

Finding the right helmet size is easier than you might think. First, place a tape measure on your forehead, just above the eyebrows, and then wrap the tape around your head. Now take the measurement and compare it to the manufacturer’s sizing chart.

Most helmets use the following sizing system: S = 51-55, M = 55-59, and L = 59-63. However, these references may change from one manufacturer to another. Most models include an adjustable dial at the back to ensure a good fit.

MIPS SYSTEM

MIPS, which stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System, is a safety system featured in many high-range models. This system allows the outer shell to move over the inner liner that supports the head. By doing this, the helmet can absorb impacts and rotational forces more efficiently without affecting the skull.

The inner layer is always connected to the hard foam (usually expanded polystyrene) but there’s a little space between the two. If you are wearing your helmet, and if you try to move it with your hands, you’ll notice that the outer shell has some freedom of movement, while the MIPS inner layer is kept in place.

This system is really popular in many types of helmets (cycling, skiing, climbing, etc.). Many models on the list use the MIPS technology.

VENTILATION SYSTEM

All models include ventilation systems that help keep your head cool. The simplest models have passive vents that let cold air in and rear openings that allow warm air to come out. The most advanced models feature adjustable vents that you can open or close to your liking, depending on the amount of air you want to let in.

WEIGHT

Generally, in-mold models are the lightest on the market, followed by hybrids and, finally, ABS helmets. Weight will inevitably affect ultimate comfort, so keep this in mind if you are going to practice for many hours a day. Lightweight models can weigh between 13 to 16 oz (400 – 450 g). Anything over 21 oz (600 g) is considered heavy.

Keep in mind that weight is not the only factor that affects comfort level. You should also look for a model with padded liners that provide a secure, comfortable fit.

GOGGLE COMPATIBILITY

Today, most models are designed to be compatible with many types of ski goggles. If you don’t want to take any risks, I recommend that you buy the two products from the same manufacturer, as they should always be compatible.

Some helmets include a retainer clip on the back that allows you to slide and secure the goggle strap. This protection element will help you avoid losing your goggles while doing your snowboard stunts.

WOMEN’S VERSION

Some manufacturers have created women’s versions of their best-selling models. These female versions have different decorations and are available in smaller sizes. There’s no big difference, so you shouldn’t worry much about it. If you are a woman, you can buy any helmet as long as you find the right size.

INTEGRATED VISOR

Some models feature a visor attached to the outer shell that can be pivoted up and down when needed. This visor will replace your ski goggles. If you don’t want to use it, you can completely detach it.

An integrated visor offers great advantages for people with vision problems because it allows them to wear their prescription glasses underneath. Also, visors allow for more airflow and prevent lens fogging.

The main drawback of this system is that it’s not as practical as ski goggles when it comes to changing lenses. Also, depending on the model, it can be quite difficult to find spare visors.

EARPADS

Most helmets include some type of pad, foam, or inner lining that protects your ears from the cold mountain wind. Most earpads are removable, so you can use them (or not) depending on the outside temperature.

AUDIO SYSTEM

Earpads featured in most high-end models are compatible with some sort of audio system. Basic audio systems will allow you to listen to music while you’re snowboarding, while the most advanced systems include a microphone so that you can communicate with other riders or make phone calls.

PRICE

Prices can differ dramatically from one manufacturer to another, and from one model to another. You don’t need to buy the most expensive model on the market, but you should definitely choose a reliable helmet. Keep in mind that this piece of gear could save your life, so make sure you choose a safe, resistant model.

---

Did you like “The Best Snowboard Helmets”? Leave a comment!