Welcome to a special Buyer’s Guide feature from FREESKIER. Here’s a close-up look at the best ski helmets of the year. Click here to explore the entire 2021 FREESKIER Buyer’s Guide.
Bollé RYFT
At first glance, the all-new Bollé RYFT, one of the best ski helmets of the year, looks like it was created by the luxury designers at Ferrari. But, apart from its aesthetics, the real story here is all about ventilation—opening the vents on this helmet is like putting the top down in a convertible. That’s thanks to Active Panel Ventilation that allows airflow through large vents in the brim, atop the head and on the rear of the Bollé RYFT. It features hybrid shell construction with MIPS technology, a NanoGyne liner that uses traces of silver to prevent odor-causing bacteria, an all-new elastic goggle retainer that’s easy to use while wearing gloves and a dial-in, BOA fit system to ensure a snug fit.
Giro Envi MIPS
Lightweight construction is at the core of the Envi design, into which the engineers at Giro have seamlessly integrated MIPS technology. This women’s-specific helmet features a low-profile dial on the back that not only adjusts the fit around your head but also aligns the helmet vertically to fit better when it’s paired with various goggle shapes and sizes. Inside the Giro Envi MIPS, plush padding and Polartec Power Grid fabrics help manage moisture, while active venting puts you in control of the airflow. Lightweight, protective and chock full of features, Giro’s Envi helmet is the complete package.
Giro Grid
Active ventilation with an odor-resistant, moisture-wicking liner, a Fidlock magnetic buckle and dial-in fit adjustment are just a few preliminary details worth sharing about the all-new, backcountry-focused Giro Grid MIPS helmet, one of the best ski helmets of the year. When you pick it up—or put it on your head—for the first time, you’ll notice its amazingly lightweight feel at just 400 grams. More often than not, you’ll forget you’re even wearing it; but Giro hasn’t skimped on safety here. MIPS Spherical technology has been seamlessly integrated into the helmet’s construction and the single-piece liner provides a fit that feels like your favorite beanie. Adjustable venting allows you to control the airflow and Polartec Power Grid material inside the Giro Grid MIPS wicks any lingering moisture away.
POC Fornix SPIN
Updated this year with SPIN Technology—POC’s proprietary solution to multi-rotational impacts—the popular Fornix helmet is better than ever. The full in-mold POC Fornix SPIN combines an extended PC shell with Aramid reinforcements and EPS foam for a strong, balanced headcase that better protects against sharp objects like big, nasty rocks. Spin the dial to wrap it snugly around your dome and utilize adjustable venting to keep your temperature regulated. All in all, the Fornix SPIN is a welcomed update to the acclaimed Fornix design.
Pret Fury X
A favorite of FREESKIER Ski Testers, the Pret Fury X utilizes Pret’s “Level C” ventilation—one lever to control all the top and front vents—and doesn’t skimp on protective qualities. The full-wrap lower shell on the Pret Fury X improves protection, MIPS technology protects against brain-shaking impacts and full ACT construction adds impact-resistant reinforcements to key areas (like the temple and top of the head) to better shield your precious noggin. Pret’s “X” series is designed with athletes in-mind, guaranteeing top of the line materials like a magnetic Fidlock buckle, odor-resistant X Static lining and audio-compatible ear pads.
SCOTT Couloir Mountain Helmet
For big-mountain freeriders, the Scott Couloir Mountain Helmet offers top tier protection with aesthetics that’ll complement the rest of your technical kit. Casidion foam atop the head is the biggest talking point—a featherweight material that gets its strength by fusing nanoparticles together for a solid, shield-like barrier. It’s then bonded with in-mold construction to ensure all-encompassing protection. When an “alpine start” is in the cards, a headlamp fixation attachment on the Scott Couloir Mountain Helmet ensures no-hassle navigation in the dark and the double liner (good for summer and winter) with Coolmax moisture-wicking fabric keeps your temperature regulated at all times.
Sweet Protection Looper MIPS
The protective qualities of the all-new Sweet Protection Looper MIPS are packaged into one of the most affordable offerings yet from the Norwegian brand, Sweet Protection. Impact Shield shock-absorbing technology reinforces key areas of the head (namely, the forehead and rear occipital lobe where your brain processes visuals) while a hybrid, “variable elasticity” build wraps the circumference of the head with hardshell ABS and saves weight with in-mold additions on top. Seamless goggle integration with all of Sweet’s eyewear further enhance the look, feel and protective nature of this freeride-focused helmet.
