Q:
What is the best ski helmet?
A:
First of all, the best ski helmets adhere to the highest safety standards for non-motorized sports and will be marked accordingly with ASTM F2040 and/or CE EN1077 certifications. After that, fit is the most important factor to consider. You want the helmet to feel comfortable but still be snug enough to move your forehead slightly when pushed back and forth. For skiers who have long hair and/or who occasionally wear beanies, we suggest helmets that have an adjustable fit system, so you can make slight changes to the helmet's size for a comfortable, customized fit every time you wear it. Ideally, we would suggest getting a helmet that has a rear adjustment wheel, so you can make quick adjustments on the go, but a convertible liner is a sufficient alternative if you aren't given the former as an option. You also want to make sure that your helmet is lightweight and isn't so bulky that it will significantly hinder your peripheral vision when on the slopes. A good ventilation system is also important to keep in mind because it will help you control internal temperatures and reduce goggle fogging. If possible, we'd suggest opting for a helmet with adjustable air vents (as opposed to vents with removable plugs) because they offer more precise temperature control and are easier to adjust on the mountain. While the best ski helmet for you will depend on your head size/shape and your preferred features, some of ProductReportCard's favorite helmets include the Shred Django (men's/$169), the Salomon Venom (women's/$70) and the Smith Optics Maze (unisex/$100).