‘But Mom! None of my friends need to wear a helmet on their bikes!’ Like me, you probably hated having to wear a helmet as a kid. Snowboard helmet is no different.
A small portion of riders do not wear one as they do not consider it ‘cool’. Thankfully, this is a minority.
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Best Snowboard Helmets 2022
Riders are aware of the dangers they face. A helmet can be the difference between an awesome day on the slopes or going to the hospital concussed. That is why they are an integral part of your gear.
All the different features on offer can make buying a helmet seem overwhelming. Do not fret, we have got you covered. Our list of ‘best snowboard helmets’, will make your decision all that easier.
Helmet Sizing
When buying a helmet, the first thing you should know is what size you need. The most simple and effective way to find out is with a tape measure.
Find the circumference of your head by wrapping a soft measuring tape around it. This should be approximately 1 inch above your eyebrows and ears.
When you receive the helmet, check if it is a good fit. Make sure it fits comfortably and firmly on your head. There should not be any gaps between your head and the inner helmet.
This includes at the rear; the helmet should not be pushing against the back of your neck.
Men's Snowboard Helmet
1. Smith Optics Vantage Snowboard Helmet
The Bluetooth enabled Smiths Optics Vantage helmet is available in 24 colours and has been a top seller the past few years, rightfully so.
The isolated suspension sits under its exterior shell allowing you to adjust the helmet to fit snugly around your head. A 360 Degree Boa System with a single ratchet adjustment is located at the back of the helmet.
The Air Evac Ventilation system is dual positioned, allowing the rider to shut down front or back vents, or both. The Koroyd tubes in this system allow cool air to come in and hot air out.
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2. Bern Watts EPS Snowboard Helmet
This baseball inspired helmet is wearable anytime of the year, all you need to do is change the liner. Geared towards riders and bikers the Bern Watts Helmet provides snugness, style, and protection.
The vents at its rear will allow hot air to escape and cold air in. This along with the premium moisture liner will keep you cool and seat free.
A crank fit dial system ensures a perfect fit for the rider. The sink fit at the back of the helmet provides extra protection for the back of your head.
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3. Giro Nine Mips Snow Helmet
Aimed at the more advanced riders, the Giro Nine Mips offers its riders strength and reliability. This helmet features a sleek design, comfort, and great value for money.
This helmet may not have as much up to date technology as other helmets on the market, but it does have some uniqueness.
Any Giro made audio systems are compatible with the Nine, offering the rider the option to have some sick beats blaring when cruising the down slopes.
Something else which separates this helmet from the rest is the MIPS feature. This will reduce your head rotating when impacting.
Although the vents are typically smaller than other helmets, they are adjustable. This allows you to control the temperature.
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4. Smith Optics Aspect Snow Helmet
The Smith Optics Aspect helmet may be aimed at the beginner/ intermediate rider who’s on a budget, but it’s still a Smith helmet! They are one of the top manufacturers in the game.
The hybrid shell construction contains a lightweight shell inside and a solid ABS shell above. Internal Aerocore constructed combined the Koroyd technology with EPS.Pros
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5. Salomon MTN Lab Helmet
A perfect helmet for the backcountry rider. The 12oz Salomon MTN Lab may be a bit pricier than your usual helmet but remember, it’s both a snowboarding/ skiing and a mountaineering helmet in one.
The vents are placed all over the helmet, making it one of the most ventilated available. Surprisingly though, none of the vents are adjustable. Unfortunately, this means you may feel the cold when it’s raining or snowing.
Another of its features that will appeal to the backcountry skier, is the retainer for the headlamp. This will prevent your headlamp falling off.
One of the great features of this helmet is that the liner can be removed. This allows the rider to wash it, preventing some bad odours from developing.
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6. Traverse Vigilis 2-in-1 Convertible Helmet
The Traverse Vigilis is dynamic in that it converts into a bike helmet with ease. Simply use the pieces of foam to make the transition. The ABS shell exterior combines with the EPS interior creating more shock absorption.
A beginner helmet for those not wanting to break the bank. This brand isn’t the most well known but the helmet has proven to be popular and had some good reviews.
The helmet contains 14 vents, designed to regulate your body temperature, and keep you dry. Don’t worry about losing your goggles, the helmet features a clip for you to keep them attached.
Warm, removable earmuffs which contain a pocket for your headphones are also a bonus to this affordable helmet.
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Best Snowboard Helmets for Women
1. Women's Anon Auburn MIPS Snowboard Helmet
The Women’s Anon Auburn helmet is Sleek, high performing, comfortable, and a low-profile fit, this helmet has it all! The MIPS layer gives added protection for your head against forces rotating.
The numerous vents make sure to keep your goggles clear, providing a more awesome experience on the slopes. A low-profile fit is provided with the lightweight polycarbonate shell infused with the EPS liner.
The magnetic snap buckle allows you to easily remove the helmet, whilst wearing gloves. You will be sure to have all day comfort with these features along with the auto adjust fit.
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2. Anon Omega MIPS Women's Snowboard Helmet
The Anon Omega MIPS helmet boasts a host of features including a 360 degrees Boa Fit System. This provides the rider with an easy to fit helmet.
You don’t need to worry about your goggles fogging with the Goggle Ventilation Channel. The 15 vents on the helmet can be adjusted using one hand. This allows the rider to create their desired temperature.
The rider is provided with a sleek, low profile, exceptionally comfortable helmet from the in-mold construction. Impacts are reduced on the rider by the MIPS System in the event of a fall.
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Best Snowboard Helmets
Riders searching for the best snowboard helmets should always be aware safety is their number one priority. After that, there are a few other factors to take into consideration.
What’s your riding style? Determining this will help you land on what helmet is best for you to buy. The more advanced riders may look to purchase something with less comfort and higher durability.
The beginner or casual rider will look at what helmet provides the most comfort. Each person is different of course, but in a general sense choosing one that’s best suited to your style is the best option.
The cost of your helmet is an important factor when it comes to choosing the best snowboard helmet. Although there are some cheap options available, they will not give you the protection a helmet priced a bit more expensive would.
That is not to say you must buy the dearest one there is but paying that bit extra for a more durable helmet, could mean the difference between life and death.
Air ventilation is an especially important aspect to take into consideration when buying a helmet. This keeps you cool or warms your head by containing the warm air when the vents are closed.
This is usually controlled by a slider, allowing you to open and close the air vents as you please. Brands and different models will differ on how many vents the helmets contain.
Now that you know which helmet is best for you, make sure to know what snowboard size you should consider.
To reiterate the main point again, safety is your number one priority when choosing the best snowboard helmet.