The positive reception earned by Pret helmets is an encouraging sign, given its relatively young age in the market. The company launched four years ago in Park City, UT, with the goal of producing stylish, high-performance helmets that emphasize ventilation, weight reduction and super comfortable, custom-fit systems.
From the lightweight, high-performance Carbon Effect to the simple and versatile Cynic, Pret has proved that it can manufacture goods for skiers across all disciplines. This is further evidenced by its athlete roster, whose members utilize the different helmets in many different ways.
Brant Moles, the 1997 US Extreme Freeskiing Champion, is an industry veteran who appears in films by Teton Gravity Research, Matchstick Productions and Warren Miller. Moles leans on the Effect helmet, whether he’s out in the backcountry or tearing up the resorts around Park City.
“The Effect has all the features [Moles] needs, hiking off piste and skiing inbounds,” says VP of sales and marketing, Mark Featherstone. “The adjustable VTT3 venting, X-Static liner and super lightweight construction make it perfect for all of his needs.”
The venting mechanism allows for three different levels of airflow, while the fleece liner provides warmth and comfort. Also, the liner is made of recycled materials to reduce the production footprint. Bonus!
Caroline Gleich is another one of Pret’s top athletes, who spends much of her time climbing and skiing intense lines around the globe, particularly in her backyard, the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. Gleich relies on the Lyric helmet in all of her high-alpine pursuits. “Its ultralight weight and VTT1 ventilation make it an ideal high-altitude lid. It packs small and has bright colors for high visibility,” explains Featherstone.
The Lyric, like all of Pret’s helmets, utilizes the RCS fit system, which allows quick size changes via dial, and four centimeters of microadjustment.
In addition to Gleich and Moles, Pret employs the services of Corey Seemann, an up-and-coming big- mountain skier from Vail, CO. Seemann currently spends his winters in Montana and was fortunate enough to do some filming with TGR last season. The Cynic is his helmet of choice.
“The VTT1 venting, removable ear curtains and liner make the Cynic super versatile and perfect for [Seeman],” says Featherstone. “He can pack it on the sled, hook it on his belt when hiking the pipe and most importantly, cover his dome when dropping in on big lines.”
Front vents and internal venting channels in the VTT1 system help promote optimal airflow, and its simple design crosses a wide variety of uses.
The bottom line: Pret helmets work for a wide variety of skiers and skiing styles. From the everyday resort skier to the young gun in the park to the backcountry assassin, these brain buckets are some of the most lightweight and high- performance lids on the market.
Pret Cynic
“Deceptively simple, clean, and capable. The Pret Cynic ski helmet covers all conditions and all areas. The audio-ready helmet features…” Click for full review.
Pret Lyric
“The Pret Lyric ski helmet is perfect for park laps, hiking, or cruising the resort. Super lightweight and low profile, it’s a great helmet for all riders…” Click for full review.
Pret Effect
“The Pret Effect ski helmet is the highest performing helmet in the line, providing completely adjustable ventilation for all conditions. With 13 external and 19 internal vents…” Click for full review.
