Ski Helmets: Reviews

Updated November 2011

Playing it safe on the slopes is cool, whether you're a skier or a boarder. ConsumerSearch editors analyze reviews by experts and users alike to determine the best ski helmets to protect your head as you traverse the woods and glide through powder. All helmets are ASTM or CE safety certified; now you just have to behave safely.

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Best snowboarding and ski helmet

Smith Optics Maze

*Est. $100 Compare Prices

Reviewers say the Smith Maze is an extremely lightweight, well-ventilated, low-profile helmet that offers excellent protection. It melds seamlessly with most goggles, eliminating the gap that develops between some… expandhelmet-goggle combinations. Its drawbacks include ear pads that may muffle sound too much (they're removable) and vents that aren't adjustable. Other Smith Optics helmets may offer similar features and adjustable vents, but they can't match the Maze's popularity and value. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

SkiGenie.com: The editor of SkiGenie.com, a former ski racer, praises the Smith Maze's minimalist, lightweight design and excellent ventilation.

Buzzillions.com: Buzzillions.com reviewers love the Smith Maze, giving it a 4.7-star average rating (out of 5) in more than 65 reviews.

Powder Magazine: The Smith Optics Maze is one of three helmet models in this 2010-2011 Gift Guide, and it scores high with its light, minimalist design and optional audio systems.

GearJunkie.com: A single tester spent 45 days snowboarding with the Maze and admits to taking some "head-slamming diggers." Stephen Krcmar says the Maze protects as well as heavier helmets, and leaves no "goggle gap" between the top of his goggles and the helmet's leading edge.

Amazon.com: About eight owner-reviewers give the Smith Maze a near-perfect rating on Amazon.com, along with the ultimate compliment of hardly noticing it's there during use.

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Buy from Amazon for $99.00
Sierra Trading Post for $59.95	Backcountry- .com for $49.98	Department of Goods for $49.98

Best women's ski, snowboard helmet

Salomon Venom

*Est. $70 Compare Prices

Not only is the Salomon Venom ultra-lightweight, but it's also a great deal. Unlike most helmet liners, the female-specific insert on this model leaves room for long hair tucked underneath or gathered into a low ponytail.… expandA former ski racer selects the Venom as one of the best women's helmets and Freeskier.com gives it an Editors' Choice award. The Venom is the only female-specific helmet to receive this much expert attention. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

SkiGenie.com: The author of this review is a former ski racer, and he selects a variety of men's, women's, unisex and kids' helmets as the best picks of 2011.

Freeskier.com: The Salomon Venom is one of just four helmets to receive Editors' Pick status in this 2012 gear buyer's guide.

YouTube.com: An employee with LevelNineSports.com, an online retailer that sells the Salomon Venom, gives a brief rundown of its features.

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UnbeatableS- ale, Inc.

for $76.88

Best kids' ski helmet

Giro G9 Junior

*Est. $80 Compare Prices

The Giro G9 Junior is one of only a few kids' helmets to receive an expert recommendation as one of the best for its durability and consistent performance. It also gets more enthusiastic parent reviews than most kids' ski… expandand snowboarding helmets. The Giro G9 Junior is highly adjustable, allowing it to grow (somewhat) with your kids without sacrificing fit. One father comments that his daughter "loves it," and the bright graphics options make children easy to spot on the snow. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

SkiGenie.com: A former ski racer selects the Giro G9 Junior as the best all-mountain/carving helmet for children, praising its durability, protection and consistent performance.

Buzzillions.com: The adult version of the G9 receives more than 60 user reviews and a 4.5-star average rating out of 5.

Backcountry.com: Only two users review the G9 Junior here.

Amazon.com: A single owner reviews this helmet, giving it 5 stars out of 5.

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