No matter how good you are on a snowboard, safety has to be your number one priority. While they may not be the most fashion-forward gear, helmets are essential when you’re out on the snow. Luckily, there are all kinds of different helmets on the market. But which snowboard helmet with Bluetooth should you buy? Don’t worry!
When picking a helmet, you’re going to get overwhelmed with options. This buying guide will help you navigate the features, technologies, and top models to ensure you find the perfect helmet for your needs. Remember, a proper helmet is an incredibly worthy investment and is not the piece of gear to skimp on.
How to Choose a Ski and Snowboard Helmet & Sizing
Understanding Helmet Safety and Fit
Your helmet is your most important piece of ski gear-it’s the line between a great run and a serious risk. But it has to do more than just cover your head: the best ski helmets combine protection, comfort, ventilation, and features so that once it's on, you forget it’s there.
Protecting our heads from impact and reducing our chances of sustaining an injury are the primary reasons we wear helmets. Impact tests are crucial in evaluating a helmet's protective capabilities. The helmets are 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.
Here’s how to ensure a comfortable and secure fit:
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- Measure Your Head: Once you get your measurement, check the size chart of the brand you’re considering.
- Snug Fit: The helmet should be snug on your head. At the same time, it also shouldn’t be too tight.
- Movement Test: Then, with your hands on the helmet, wiggle it back and forth. You should feel your head moving with it. Next, shake your head side-to-side. The helmet should be snug and not shift at all.
- Chinstrap Adjustment: Similar to how the helmet should be snug, the chinstrap or buckle should also provide a comfortable fit as well. To ensure a comfortable fit, lock the strap and fasten it to your chin. It should provide a tight hold on the edge of your jaw.
Key Features to Consider
There’s also a wide array of features to consider when choosing a snowboard helmet.
- MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System): Skiing is a sport where there is a possibility of multi-directional impact. That’s one reason why we only considered MIPS helmets, which are considered the safest available.
- Ventilation: Models like the Smith Vantage MIPS have versatile ventilation systems, allowing you to choose which vents to open so that you can tailor the amount of airflow.
- Audio Compatibility: Not all helmets have Bluetooth systems built-in. However, some helmets have ear pads with pockets that can accommodate aftermarket audio systems.
Top Snowboard Helmets with Bluetooth
Here are some of the top-rated snowboard helmets with Bluetooth capabilities, based on features, safety, and user reviews:
Sena Snowtalk 2
Sena is known for its incredible Bluetooth and intercom systems, which are used on a multitude of helmets. Not only is it stylish, but its four-way intercom system is also perfect if you have family or friends joining you. The Bluetooth system has a talk time of up to eight hours, and it recharges quickly in under three hours. With all this tech integrated into the helmet, the battery is heat resistant, making it last longer in cold temperatures.
One of the first things you’ll spot is the huge Push To Talk (PTT) button on the side, which makes it easy for wearers to talk to their friends via walkie-talkie. However, one of the most significant features of the helmet is its fall detection system. The helmet features a clamp system to tighten it for a good fit.
POC Obex Spin Communication Snow Helmet
POC as a brand is well-known within the snowboarding community, thanks to its goggles and helmets. The POC Obex Spin Communication Snow Helmet is one of their most recommended helmets because of its many high-quality features and functions. In addition, it’s safety-forward. POC also integrated their proprietary Shearing Pad INside (SPIN) silicone pad technology system inside the helmet.
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TurboSke Snowboard Helmet
The TurboSke Snowboard Helmet is highly sought-after. It works great in the cold, like when you’re skiing and snowboarding. Like previous helmets, the TurboSke helmet has an adjustable dial and a user-friendly magnetic buckle that ensure that the helmet fits comfortably. However, one of the most important features is the ear pads with pockets that can accommodate aftermarket audio systems. They work great with both iOS and Android devices.
Wildhorn Alta
If you’re worried about battery life, the Wildhorn Alta has a listening time of up to 10 hours. Though, they’re less affordable than other picks on our list. So, that’s one thing to consider when choosing a helmet.
Additional Helmet Recommendations
While not specifically Bluetooth-enabled, these helmets offer excellent features and performance:
Smith Method Pro Mips
The Smith Method Pro Mips was a favorite amongst our entire testing team, with respectable scores across the board, making it a great do-it-all helmet. With the clean appearance of a heavier free-ride model, we were very impressed with a low weight of only 15 ounces in a size large, which was greatly appreciated on long days in the resort or on sizeable backcountry missions. Our review team shared, “This helmet was comfy for the whole crew, even with various head shapes, thanks to neutral dimensions and a great wheel tightening system.”
While it isn't as low profile as the POC Obex Mips, the Method Pro boasts top-tier impact test scores, which were performed at an accredited laboratory.
Read also: Ski Goggle Clarity and Comfort
Pros: All-arounder performance, Great weight, Clean style, Inspiring impact test results
Cons: On the bulky side, Average goggle strap holder, Modest ventilation
Specifications:
- Measured Weight (Large): 15 oz
- # of Vents: 6
- Audio Compatibility: Yes
- Removable Ear Covers: No
- Goggle Attachment: Yes
Scott Flow Pro Mips
The Scott Flow Pro Mips stands out as the top-scoring helmet in our impact testing process, which involves a series of drop tests at the lab. Throughout field testing, we were comfortable in the Flow Pro, and the unique construction of the earflaps allowed us to better hear our surroundings than most ski helmets. The review team shared, “This option included one of our favorite features, adjustable goggle vents, which were very convenient for dialing in the airflow needed to keep the goggles clear.”
Pros: Unparalleled impact test results, Adjustable goggle vents, Easy to hear surroundings
Cons: So-so fit for some, Bigger profile, Not the best goggle strap
Specifications:
- Measured Weight (Large): 18.4 oz
- # of Vents: 6
- Audio Compatibility: No
- Removable Ear Covers: No
- Goggle Attachment: Yes
Giro Ratio Mips
The Giro Ratio Mips delivered great impact test results at a price point substantially less than other high-end options. Our lead tester concluded that this helmet “strikes an impressive balance of value and performance, you don't need to spend big bucks to get great performance.” The Ratio Mips also includes a premium set of features but utilizes a cost-friendly hardshell construction to keep the price reasonable.
Pros: High impact test score, Adjustable vents, Dial for an adjustable fit
Cons: Heavier, Larger profile
Specifications:
- Measured Weight (Large): 21.7 oz
- # of Vents: 10
- Audio Compatibility: Yes
- Removable Ear Covers: Yes
- Goggle Attachment: Yes
Smith Vantage Mips
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,” says one of our head testers, Isaac. The versatile ventilation system allows you to choose which vents to open so that you can tailor the amount of airflow.
Pros: Comfortable, Warm, Excellent ventilation, Adjustment system
Cons: Expensive, Impact test results don't stand out, Brim won't work for everyone
Specifications:
- Measured Weight (Large): 20 oz
- # of Vents: 21
- Audio Compatibility: Yes
- Removable Ear Covers: No
- Goggle Attachment: Yes
POC Obex Mips
The POC Obex Mips is a very low-profile ski helmet that also boasts a secure and comfy fit. Whether our team was cranking out laps on a groomer or going on a backcountry ski traverse, the modest dimensions of the Obex allowed it to easily fit in our packs and, while wearing it, had a great aesthetic compared to the typically clunky profile of most ski helmets.
Pros: Impressively modest profile, Great fit around ears, Inspiring goggle strap retainer, Vent adjustability
Cons: Ear flaps easily detach, Specific helmet fit, Average drop testing scores
Specifications:
- Measured Weight (Large): 17.6 oz
- # of Vents: 11
- Audio Compatibility: Yes
- Removable Ear Covers: Yes
- Goggle Attachment: Yes
Impact Test Results
Our overall Impact Test score for each helmet combines the data from both impact tests. The clear winner of our impact assessment is the Scott Flow Pro Mips, taking the top spot in both fast and slow impact testing. In second place, the Smith Method Pro Mips offers a respectable bottom-line score.
| Helmet Model | Impact Test Score |
|---|---|
| Scott Flow Pro Mips | 9.5 |
| Smith Method Pro Mips | 8.6 |
| Giro Ratio Mips | 7.8 |
| Smith Vantage Mips | 5.7 |
| POC Obex Mips | 6.2 |
Several options that scored well in other metrics still held their own with average scoring, including the Smith Vantage Mips and the POC Obex Mips. Even top-scoring options like the Scott Flow Pro were pretty banged up afterwards.