Giro G9 Junior

One expert reviewer singles out the Giro G9 Junior ski/snowboard helmet for its durable protection and consistent performance at a good price. He says its bright graphics (at one point this helmet was offered with a bright red flame pattern) are a high point, and parent reviewers agree. Not only do their kids like the cool graphics, but the bright colors make them easy to spot on the slopes. A few parents complain that the G9 Junior is heavy and bulky, and one grumbles about the price. But most parents like the G9 Junior and, even more important, their kids do, too.

The adult version of this helmet -- the Giro G9 -- also receives enthusiastic user reviews, with 4.5-star average ratings (out of 5) from more than 60 reviewers on Buzzillions.com and almost 20 on TruSnow.com. For a slightly less expensive kids' helmet that garners one brief expert mention, check out the Lucky Bums Winter Sports Youth Helmet (*Est. $50).

Kids' ski and snowboard helmets don't receive the same degree of expert attention that adult helmets do, but the former ski racer behind SkiGenie.com recommends the Giro G9 Junior specifically. User reviews for kids' helmets are even scarcer, but we found a handful on Buzzillions.com, a couple on Backcountry.com and a single review on Amazon.com.