The Top 5 Best ski helmets reviewed 2020
Whether you are a pro at skiing or just learning to get into the sport, when it comes to your safety, you need to make sure that you own a safe, stylish, and exceptionally good ski helmet. Without purchasing one, you are putting your life in danger. These days ski helmets are so stylish and can complement your ski outfit that you may have bought specially for your ski trip not to mention that they really keep you warm.
There are so many options for you in the market depending on what features you are looking for and what is your budget for the equipment. To assist you, we have put together this extensive guide reviewing and detailing some of the best ski helmets out there so you can just pick one that fits your needs and have peace of mind knowing that you are safe while skiing on the slopes.
Some of the best ski helmets in 2019-2020 are:
| Product Name | Construction | Vents | Shell | Lining | Weight | |
  | Smith Optics Vantage | Hybrid | 21 | Koroyd | Nanosilver | 17.5 oz. |
  | Giro Stellar MIPS | Hybrid | 14 | Articulated hard shell | Nanosilver | 1.1 lbs. |
  | POC Receptor Bug Adjustable | In-mold | 8 | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene | Expanded Polystyrene | 1 lbs. 2 oz. |
  | Giro Fade MIPS | In-mold | 13 | Polycarbonate | Foam | 1 lbs. |
  | Oakley Mod 5 MIPS Ski/Snowboarding Helmet | Hybrid | 8 | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene | Expanded Polystyrene | 20 oz. |
1) Smith Optics Vantage
This ski helmet is considered the best product in the market because no other model can give such an amazing combination of performance and looks. Just like other models launched by this company, Smith Optics Vantage can also fit different head shapes because of its adjustable BOA wheel system. This feature makes it easy to form any kind of head shape and we found this to be true when we tested it while skiing.
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The earpieces are great, they do not press too tightly on your ear and doesn’t leave a mark or spot even if you wear the helmet for a long time. This helmet also scores high when it comes to its warmth rating, you will not feel any air passing underneath the earpieces and you also do not have to wear an extra beanie under the helmet to keep yourself warm. This ski helmet holds the highest mark for ventilation in this list. It has 21 vents which are adjustable (can be opened or closed easily) and can create a good climate control for the riders head.
This helmet has the highest number of vents in this list. There are 21 vents that are completely adjustable and can be opened or closed according to the rider’s liking. These vents are placed so ideally to create good weather control for your head and to provide an optimum amount of airflow for comfortable wear. The vents here are divided into 3 groups, vents near the crown area and the front can be open/close through a single slider while the vents present on the back and middle portion use separate sliders.
This ski helmet also gives a good helmet/goggle combination which not just works very well but also creates a good cover for your face. With MIPS, BOA, adjustable vents and earpieces, it is still quite sleek, lightweight and appealing thus proving itself to be a top of the line engineered product. It has a koroyd construction (a material that has vertical tubes to absorb shock/impact) thus it is durable, strong and resilient.
- ✓Chinstrap with plush padding
- ✓Features 21 adjustable vents
- ✓Can quickly damp heat for extra insulation
- ✓MIPS liner
- ✓Honeycomb aero core construction
- ✓EPS foam with koroyd built
- ✓BOA tensioning system
- ✓Lightweight to give all-day-long comfort
- ✓Gives a snug fit to any head shape
2) Giro Stellar MIPS
Giro Stellar MIPS helmet for women gives an astronomical performance with incredible looks. This helmet is considered the best model out there due to its articulated hard shell construction. It has a copiously integrated conform fit that only needs a two-piece shell to fit any head shape by expanding and narrowing itself through a dial turn. It has a flexible EPP built to give a good-profile fit to the user. The in-mold construction consists of an outer polycarbonate shell and a shock-absorbing foam lining. This edifice allows decent ventilation and makes a helmet lightweight and cooler than its competitors.
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This helmet features stack ventilation which can be used to align the gear with the center vent of the goggles to keep them fog-free and clear while skiing. An adjustable venting system or the thermostat control allows the rider to tune the airflow according to her personal liking through a basic control button present on the outside of the helmet. The presence of fidlock magnetic buckle closure makes it easy to open and close the fasteners through strong magnets and a high locking force through a secure snap.
A POV mount camera is also included in this gear which is quite easy and safe to operate. Through this, you can use the camera for making short videos or films of your skiing adventure. It has a unified compatibility with almost all models of Giro goggles. The manufactures have designed their products in such a way that they all compliment each other and give optimal performance ensuring a good and comfortable skiing experience.
Many female skiers are impressed with Giro Stellar MIPS and give it a 10/10 score saying it’s their favorite helmet as they are very impressed with its lightweight feel and comfort level.
- ✓MIPS construction
- ✓Articulating hard shell structure
- ✓Low profile and lightweight design
- ✓Conform fit technology
- ✓Thermostat control adjustable vents
- ✓Stack ventilation and super cool vents
- ✓Custom women’s trim detailing
- ✓POV camera attached
- ✓Fidlock magnetic buckle closure
3) POC Receptor Bug Adjustable
This helmet takes all-season ventilation to a single injection-molded construction. It is the bulkiest helmet of this list but is a better option for everybody in comparison to other medium seed helmets that we have tried.
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POC Receptor Bug Adjustable is quite unique and different from other available models in terms of durability, strength and its injection-molded construction for easy ventilation. Usually, other injection-molded helmets contain vents but through an ABS shell which is quite hefty and odious but that is not the case with POC helmet.
This ski helmet can give a snug, comfortable fit to rounder heads and is more comfortable despite being a medium-sized product. This is the only helmet of is category that a rider can wear without wearing anything underneath it. It is because the lining foam and fabric is so smooth and comfortable that the attached earpieces can get well insulated and provide enough warmth to ski in a cold climate. The shell vents located at the top part of the helmet can block a good deal of drafty air from coming inside so the riders have no problem at all.
Since it is a very unique product (comes with removable earpieces, injection-molded construction, and vents), it features two layers of the shell with counterbalance vent holes. It means that the outside air can still find its way to keep your head cool as there are holes in the foam liner (POC Receptor Bug Adjustable has vents that can be labored from the inside with a removable foam sheet).
Then again, to open the vents, the sheets and the helmet must be removed and stored somewhere else until needed. Though all the in-molded helmets have easy and convenient venting features but we think that this particular helmet has a very clever venting aperture to complement its POC built.
- ✓Patented VDSAP system
- ✓Two overlapping shells for extra protection and safety
- ✓Advanced ABS outer shell
- ✓In-mold EPS or polycarbonate inner shell
- ✓Removable earpieces
- ✓Detachable goggle clips and neckroll
- ✓Features size adjustment options for different head shapes
4) Giro Fade MIPS
We have all heard different types of excuses (too warm, too bulky, and not comfortable enough) from ladies who are not in the favor of wearing a helmet while skiing. With all-new Giro Fade MIPS, you’ll want to add this to your ski equipment. It is not just packed with the most amazing specifications, it has also got the most extraordinary features like MIPS technology, and hybrid built outstanding ventilation. With easy to fit, sleek and stylish looks, this helmet no doubt gives a great performance and safety without being a heavy on your head.
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It comes with an in-mold construction where there is a strong polycarbonate outer shell and a foam liner to properly absorb any kind of shock or impact to the head. This fusion of outer and inner layers assists in better ventilation thus making it more serene than any traditional helmet. This helmet is extremely compatible with all aftermarket sound systems by Giro. All you have to do is unsnap the liner, drop the headsets in and you are good to go!
Giro Fade MIPS has a multi-directional impact protection system that is made from three components i.e. interior foam, elastomeric attachment, and low friction liner. If there is any impact to the head, the elastomeric attachment pushes itself and allows the foam liner and low friction liner to rotate autonomously around the head to reduce the intensity of the shock. It features a thermostat control adjustable venting system to allow you to customize the flow of air with a click of a button. Super cool vents and stack ventilation is incorporated in this helmet to make sure that the warm air is unable to cause fogging exhaustion from the center vent of the goggles.
The in-form fit system guarantees to gauge in a custom fit even if you have your gloves on. This ergonomically designed dial is present at the base of the helmet to give enhanced stability and adjustability. The vertical tuning feature, on the other hand, can lodge different head shapes and goggle types for a snuggled fit.
- ✓MIPS technology
- ✓Thermostat control
- ✓In-form fit system and in-mold construction
- ✓Vertical tuning and stack ventilation
- ✓Compatible with all Giro audio gears
5) Oakley Mod 5 MIPS Ski Helmet
A typical yet innovative design of Oakley Mod 5 MIPS Ski Helmet helps it push through the edge of modernization. It supports modular brim system (hence the name) and multidirectional impact protection system so undoubtedly, users consider it a standard gear when they talk about effective helmet tools.
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It gives a snug fit to the skier’s head and is also quite comfortable to wear. The earpieces are covered and cupped with a dense foam layer around the ends so you don’t feel that your ears are being crushed against something after strapping the helmet. It has all the features that a good-quality helmet has but the only addition is that it contains a rubber patch on the outside of each earpiece so no cold air can enter the helmet while skiing.
If the rider wants, they can customize the inner fit of the helmet with a boa system so she can just click the wheel at the back of the helmet and can tighten or loosen it up according to personal preferences. The integrated venting system consists of two vents on the top (can be closed when the temperature lowers down) and two on the backside (to minimize the penetration of cold air). Though the earpieces may feel a little brisk when the weather is too cold, not enough to ruin the skiing experience but definitely noticeable.
The 5 vents can easily harness the flow of air and do more than just giving vent to the helmet. the idea behind the placement of these vents is to allow the air to flow up over the bottom of the goggles you are wearing (MOD system) and to go in the vents present beneath the brim and then go out from the other vent opening. This ingenious venting system helps to keep your head cool (not too cool) and your goggles to remain free of fog.
- ✓Dual construction hybrid shell
- ✓Goggles and helmet integrated vent system
- ✓Adjustable venting
- ✓BOA 270 fit system for all-day comfort
- ✓Fidlock buckle system and magnetic functionality
- ✓Modular brim system
- ✓No pressure ear cup
Buying Guide
Choosing the best ski helmet can be a task, especially for people who are not aware of the basics of this ski gear. In this buying guide, we have put together some of the most key features that every skier (beginner or professional) must know about before making a purchase.
Types
There are three types of ski helmets available in the market i.e. half shelf, full face and full shelf.
If you are a recreational skier, the best option for you would be half shelf helmets. These helmets only cover one portion of your head which means that you might need removable or detachable ear muffs along with it.
If you are a safety fanatic, we recommend you to opt for full-face whole shell gears. These helmets are quite popular for beginners and children as they can cover your whole head, ears, and even your chin.
Full shell helmets, on the other hand, are just like half-shell helmets but the only difference is that they protect the ears of the rider as well.
Construction
Different types of construction methods are used to manufacture ski helmets.
Injection-molded helmets contain a hard, tough shell made out of ABS with an inner lining made out of foam. Although it is considered as the most traditional string design, it is heavier than the other two constructions which is why they are cheaper and recommended for beginners.
In-mold construction or hybrid construction is the latest design that consists of a polycarbonate shell and an inner EPS liner to give more strength and light weight to the helmet. Hybrid helmets are the most expensive of them all but their durability is nothing as compared to the in-mold design.
Fit And Comfort
Choosing a ski helmet with the right fit is a very important consideration to make before purchasing. To get the right sized helmet, it is better to first note the circumference of your head and then consult the size chart provided by the manufacturers to get the right headgear. As people have different head shapes, many brands and manufacturers are launching different shapes of helmets to fulfill the requirements of their customers.
The ski helmet that you buy should also be very comfortable. It should not slide or move back and forth or from one side to another. Also, you should be able to fasten the helmet easily below your chin so it can fit you closely without choking you or leaving marks when worn all day long.
Warmth and Ventilation
The ski helmet that you purchase should be enough to keep your head warm and should eliminate the need to wear a beanie or another hat under it. Before purchasing a helmet, ensure that it has an adequate number of vents so a certain amount of air can still pass through your head without making you too warm.
Of course, this aspect also demands that your goggles must also fit well with the helmet and must not leave a gap between the two gears otherwise cold air can easily flow inside and make your helmet useless in terms of providing protection as well as warmth.
Weight
In notion, a bulky helmet should be able to provide you better protection but then the helmet should be well-adjusted with other features and specifications. Lightweight helmets do not meet the safety regulations as much as the heavy ones but in the end, it all comes down to your comfort level and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MIPS?
MIPS stands for a multidirectional impact protection system. It is a new technology that has been invented to provide safety to skiers against accidents and injuries. Basically, MIPS is responsible for giving extra safety to the riders by permitting the inner lining to rotate individually from the outer shell. This phenomenon can reduce the movement of your head during an impact. This is why it is always suggested to go for a ski helmet that contains MIPS technology to achieve better head protection.
What is goggle compatibility?
It is very important that the goggles you have bought for your skiing fit well with your ski helmet. There should be no gap between your helmet and your goggles so your head can remain secure and locked. This is why you should take your goggles along when they go shopping for the helmet. The ski helmet should also contain a goggle strap at the back in order to avoid them from slipping down so you can stay relaxed and enjoy your skiing without worrying about your gears.
Is it important to have adjustable vents?
Helmet vents are a very significant part of your ski helmet and are very important to provide you extra comfort over the skiing mountains. If your helmet has adjustable vents, you can easily open or close them according to the situation and weather conditions. High-end models have more vents than a cheap helmet but they are completely worth your money.
Conclusion
All the helmets that we have detailed above are sure to fulfill your needs and requirements for a safe and fun ski trip. All of them can provide you with warmth, ventilation, and protection and also ensure a firm and close fit. With these helmets, we are sure that you can’t go wrong despite the model you choose to purchase for your next ski trip. However, there are some key aspects (such as weight, comfort level, venting system, adjustability, snug fit and construction) that you should not overlook if you want to make the helmet worth your hard-earned money.
We hope our guide was accommodating in finding the best ski helmets for 2019 and 2020. If you want to share your experience or would like to add in some information, please use the comment section below or our contact form to get in touch with us.
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