There’s no role you must do. However, one thing should always be a constant: A ski helmet or a snowboard helmet to protect your head, whether you are a ski beginner or adventure skier. Just like the lyric from Christina Perri’s song, “I can do it. But I’m only human. And I bleed when I fall down.”
We are physically mortal, so we need to protect our unique dome well.
My husband grew up in the snowy land, Hokkaido, a place that has a long snow season world-class quality snow powder. And it’s a famous skiing and snowboarding destination. Skiing is always the case for him. Even his 90 years old granny dumped rubbish by skiing. People like them think a ski helmet is necessary when skiing. Because they saw people were injured or die in ski accidents. You never know what’s going to happen. Therefore, a helmet is an absolute necessity.
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Choose the Right Size Ski and Snowboard Helmets
Ski and snowboard helmets give us extra protection and safety. But they only work when you wear the correct size.
Ski & Snowboard Helmet Size Chart—Click Here>>
Can I Wear Ski Helmet Snowboarding?
There are many questions such as ‘can I wear ski helmet snowboarding?’, ‘can I wear bike helmet skiing and snowboarding?’, etc.
This article answers these questions and explains the reason—Click here>>
Best Ski and Snowboard Helmets
Smith Vantage MIPS | Smith Quantum MIPS | Sweet Protection Switcher MIPS | Smith Mission MIPS | Scott Symbol 2 Plus D | |
Price on Official Website (USD) | $230 – $260 | $210 – $300 | $269.95 | $100 – $130 | $219.95 |
Buy on Amazon | Men’s >> Women’s >> | [Click Here] | [Click Here] | [Click Here] | [Click Here] |
Multi-Impact | ✓ MIPS | ✓ MIPS | ✓ MIPS | ✓ MIPS | ✓ MIPS, D3O® |
Construction | Hybrid SL Zonal Koroyd® | Hybrid Aerocore™, Koroyd® | Advanced Hybrid | Zonal Koroyd® | PC In-mold with EPS liner PC bottom wrap |
Ventilation | AirEvac™ 2 system | AirEvac™ 2 system | Dial adjustment | AirEvac™ 2 system | The dual active venting system |
Vent | 21 | 22 | 22 | 18 | 44 |
Removable Ear Pads | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Audio Compatible | ✓ Outdoor Tech™ audio system (not included) | ✓ Outdoor Tech™ audio system (not included) | ✓ Audio Ready system (Sound Chips not included) | ✓ Outdoor Tech™ audio system | Х 360° Pure Sound technology |
Fit Adjustment | BOA® 360 Fit System | BOA® 360 Fit System, Fidlock chin strap | Turn-Dial adjustment | Adjustable Dial Fit System | RAS 2 Fit System |
Asia fit | ✓ | ✓ | – | – | – |
Number of Sizes | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 |
Goggle Attachment | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Visor | Х | Х | ✓ | Х | Х |
Weight | 17.5 oz | 496 g | 1 lb 7 oz | 653 g | 1 lb 4.5 oz | 581 g | 16 oz | 450 g | 19.8 oz | 561 g |
Certifications | ASTM F 2040, CE EN 1077:2007 Class B, CPSC CE EN1078 | ASTM F 2040, CE EN 1077 Class B | CE EN1077 class B, ASTM2040 | ASTM F 2040, CE EN 1077:2007 Class B, CPSC CE EN178 | EN 1077:2007 Class B, EN12492:2012 |
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Ski Helmet Review
Smith Vantage MIPS
Pros: Comfortable, warm, stylish, compatible with most goggles
Cons: Expensive, sizing is unstable
Experience: Great style looks, lightweight, perfectly ventilated, and comfortable. It fit me perfectly when I wore the correct size. I used to be a smith fan, but now I’m concerned about the Smith Vantage MIPS quality.
I fell on one of my ski trips, and it got cracks on my helmet, and I only had a minor concussion. The experience made me believe the Smith Vantage helmet is protective. However, the size runs small for my last purchase. As I said, their size chart doesn’t do the job. I had to return it and swipe another dimension to fit me.
Smith Quantum MIPS
Pros: High quality, super warm, stylish, comfortable
Cons: A bit expensive for me
Experience: It’s an excellent premium helmet. Great efficient ventilation, and I was surprised by the magnetic strap (I love it so much!).
After the Smith Vantage, I was thinking of the Smith Quantum. The Quantum fits my head snuggly and warm, and I don’t need a balaclava underneath.
For sure, all of the fabulous technology comes at a price. Although the price is not sweet, I believe you get what you pay. Smith Quantum has all you expect for a helmet at this price. If you have enough budget, go for it.
Sweet Protection Switcher MIPS
Pros: Great sound quality, vents are amazing, stylish, proprietary buckle design
Cons: The ear pads are uncomfortable, vents can be noisy
Experience: Beautiful design, great adjustable venting system. This helmet allows me to have a conversation without a lot of “what?”. Also, it is big head-friendly! If you have a large oval dome, definitely give this helmet a try.
Both my husband and I felt the same. The earpads are uncomfortable and wound up because of pain. I will want it more if they improve the comfort of this helmet.
I recommended the helmets to people looking for a snow helmet with excellent venting capabilities.
Smith Mission MIPS
Pros: Good price, comfortable, lightweight, vents well, versatile
Cons: Earpads are hard to remove
Experience: Smith Mission MIPS is fantastic for the price point. I bought it just because it’s with MIPS technology for less money. Surprise me that the weight is light and so comfortable.
The downside that I noticed is my goggles did not seem to stay in one place and tended to flip off the The downside that I noticed is my goggles did not seem to stay in one place and tended to flip off the helmet when taking it on and off. Also, the dial fit system is hard to use with gloves. And earpads are hard to remove.
However, it’s still a good helmet with the price.
Scott Symbol 2 Plus D
Pros: Comfortable, warm, well vented, great hearing ability, easy to adjust
Cons: The sizing runs a bit small. Sometimes, the earpad don’t stay on
Experience: I had to return the helmet and reorder it because it runs a bit small. Therefore, buy a size up if your head size is close to the higher end of the Scott sizing measurement chart.
Besides the sizing issue, it’s an excellent helmet featuring highly engineered. Same as Sweet Protection Switcher MIPS, I can hear perfectly through earpads, and my ears stay toasty warm. I like the quality and features at a reasonable price.
FAQs
Conclusion
These ski helmets are great. And my No.1 choice is Smith Quantum because of the quality. However, the pricing was not easy for me. So I will go with the other helmets which I have shown above.
Choosing a ski helmet can make tough decisions. I hope the information from my experience helps you choose the ski helmet for your specific needs.
Additionally, here’s a guide to ski beginners—Click here>>
If you enjoyed this, don’t miss other ski equipment reviews—Click here>>