Choosing the right ski helmet involves careful consideration of various features to ensure safety, comfort, and performance on the slopes. This article delves into the key aspects of blue ski helmets, providing insights into impact testing, comfort, warmth, ventilation, and usability.
Impact Testing
Protecting our heads from impact and reducing our chances of sustaining an injury are the primary reasons we wear helmets. The past few decades of material science have changed helmet design to offer more protection than ever before. We contracted a third-party lab to conduct repeatable impact tests in a controlled environment on every ski helmet. Our partner for impact testing is ACT Lab. ACT Lab is a renowned global consumer product testing facility that holds multiple certifications that apply to snowsports.
The helmets were 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. We performed two distinct impact tests.
- Slow Impact Test: The first involved dropping the helmet and dummy head from a height of 1 meter, simulating a common “slow” fall that results in head impact.
- Fast Impact Test: The second test was designed to increase the speed of impact and the amount of force, with the helmet rig dropped from 2.3 meters to mimic more extreme “fast” falls that might occur during collisions, high-speed crashes, or incidents in terrain parks.
We took the accelerometer data from the lab tests, and based on the forces subjected to the test dummy and the duration of those forces, we scored the fast and slow impact tests. We perform both a fast and a slow impact test because the design techniques vary to mitigate different speed impacts. Helmets that perform well on one type of impact may not perform equally on the other. Ideally, you can find a helmet that meets your needs and provides compelling impact test performance on both types of impact since you never know what you might face when out on the snow.
Our overall Impact Test score for each helmet combines the data from both impact tests. After conducting the drop tests, a visual examination was carried out. Even top-scoring options like the Scott Flow Pro were pretty banged up afterwards.
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The budget Giro options tested in this review offered impressive scores, with the Ratio Mips and Smith Mission Mips showing results that were well above average, proving protection doesn't have to cost you a fortune. Every helmet in this review is certified to meet the safety standards.
Impact Test
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. 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.
Comfort
A proper helmet is an incredibly worthy investment and is not the piece of gear to skimp on. Our advice is to purchase a comfortable and reliable ski helmet that's suited to your riding style, even if you have to spend a few extra dollars. The comfortable helmet always ends up on your head, and the wrong one will be a burden to wear or, even worse, not be worn at all.
The 360° adjustment system makes it easy to find a comfortable, secure fit without changing padding. Adjusting the Fornix MIPS ensures a comfortable and secure fit.
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To get the right fit, you should:
- Use the dial-fit system to tighten or loosen the helmet.
- Adjust the chin strap and side straps for added stability.
- Check ear pad alignment to ensure comfort and proper coverage.
Available head sizes range from Small to Extra Large - consult the size chart for exact measurements.
That said, we all come to the table with different budgets, and we have tested a multitude of helmets to be able to recommend quality ski helmets at various price points. We test helmets listed at a variety of price points, some of our best performers also boast the best value. One of our favorites, the Smith Method Pro Mips, offers a fantastic price-to-performance ratio.
Warmth
Throughout testing, we were able to stay warm while wearing the Smith Method Pro, but with minimal venting, we got quite hot on spring days with more pleasant temperatures.
Ventilation
The Smith Vantage Mips is a long-time favorite among resort riders and our test team for its feature set, fit, and incredible ventilation. The versatile ventilation system allows you to choose which vents to open so that you can tailor the amount of airflow. The model has 20 mid-sized vents and two adjustable toggles to control the front and back ventilation zones.
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The ventilation is fully adjustable for increased comfort in diverse weather conditions. The Fornix MIPS is designed to keep your head cool and dry. Vents in the helmet align with goggles to allow steam to escape.
One of our reviewers commented, “The Mips system affords a bit of space between the liner and the main helmet, so it's more breathable than you might think, but we were definitely sweating in the Method Pro.” If you like helmets with a bunch of adjustable vents, we recommend comparing the vent-rich Smith Vantage Mips to the Flow Pro, which offers some of the best breathability in the lineup.
The Ratio Mips also includes a premium set of features but utilizes a cost-friendly hardshell construction to keep the price reasonable. The ventilation system has six adjustable vents, allowing you to micro-manage the airflow and temperature, a rare feature at this price point. We loved the unparalleled breathability of the Smith Vantage, with 20 generously-sized vents allowing incredible airflow.
Usability
The Smith Method Pro is an exceptional all-arounder that was easy to fit to multiple gear testers. The helmet uses a harness system for an adjustable fit, controlled by an oversized dial that is easily adjusted while wearing gloves.
Additionally, the rear goggle strap retainer requires a bit more dexterity and attention, especially with gloves on, but we were able to get used to it with practice.
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Additionally, the goggle strap is held in the back by a unique plastic hook that doesn't ever fully close on top of the strap, which we found to be an acquired taste. A fixed goggle clip at the rear of the helmet keeps goggles firmly attached to your helmet.
Also, the ear flaps were prone to accidentally detaching while pulling the helmet on, though we got better throughout the season at keeping the ear flaps attached. The ear pads are soft and flexible, and can be removed from the helmet if you prefer to ride with open ears.
Specific Helmet Models
Here's a brief overview of some of the helmet models mentioned:
- Smith Method Pro Mips: An exceptional all-arounder with great weight and clean style.
- Scott Flow Pro Mips: Stands out as the top-scoring helmet in impact testing with adjustable goggle vents.
- Giro Ratio Mips: Delivers great impact test results at a reasonable price point.
- Smith Vantage Mips: A long-time favorite for its feature set, fit, and incredible ventilation.
- POC Obex Mips: A very low-profile ski helmet that also boasts a secure and comfy fit.
Here is a table summarizing the features of the mentioned ski helmets:
| Helmet Model | Impact Test | Comfort | Warmth | Ventilation | Usability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smith Method Pro Mips | 8.6 | 8.4 | 8.2 | 6.8 | 7.9 |
| Scott Flow Pro Mips | 9.5 | 7.0 | 7.6 | 7.5 | 7.0 |
| Giro Ratio Mips | 7.8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| Smith Vantage Mips | 5.7 | 8.7 | 8.4 | 9.3 | 9.1 |
| POC Obex Mips | 6.2 | 8.7 | 8.0 | 7.8 | 8.1 |
Fornix MIPS Ski Helmet