"Ski/snowboard helmet" selected with a focus on function | STEEP recommended `22-23 season model

Photo credit: Fullmarks

When choosing a helmet, the most important thing is to ensure that your head is protected safely, but you also want to pay attention to fit, comfort, lightness, and design. Helmets come in a surprisingly wide price range. Check out the features and functions to find a helmet that matches your intended use. For reference, here are some recommended models for the 2022-2023 season by price range, as recommended by the STEEP editorial team

'22-23 season model snow helmet PICK UP

Helmets have a surprisingly wide price range depending on their functionality and design. You'll want to check out the features and find a helmet that suits your needs. For reference, here are some models for the 2022-23 season in this price range

INDEX

Recommended models in the 10,000 yen range

bern|MACON 2.0

A Japan-exclusive color model that's the talk of the town for the 22-23 season!

MACON 2.0
MATTE AMAZON BLUE

Bern is popular among skaters and BMX riders. The MACON 2.0 . This is a JAPAN FIT model available in a color exclusive to Japan. It features a liner with ear flaps and a goggle clip, yet is also incredibly cost-effective at just 10,000 yen.

Size: S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Color: 12 colors
¥10,780

◆Official website: https://www.yts-store.com/c/bern/


K2 | PHASE MIPS

PHASE MIPS

This hard-shell helmet is made from a durable ABS shell and is impact-resistant. It features ventilation that allows you to adjust the airflow with the push of a finger. The highly breathable full-wrap liner wicks moisture and prevents overheating, and is removable and washable, so you can always stay comfortable. The fit can be easily adjusted by turning the dial, making it easy to customize. Equipped with MIPS, this model ensures both safety and comfort, all at a reasonable price

Weight: 550g
Size: S, M, L/XL
Color: Forest Green (all 4 colors)
¥15,400

◆ Official HP / https://k2snow.com/ja-jp


O AKLEY|MOD1 - MIPS - Asia Fit

MIPS® + BOA® + Asia fit for safety, comfort and a reasonable price

MOD1 - MIPS - Asia Fit

OAKLEY helmets, along with goggles, are popular with both skiers and snowboarders. They're equipped with MIPS at this price point. The hybrid shell design, ABS, and in-mold construction ensure reliable impact resistance. The adjustable ventilation and Asian fit ensure comfort. The magnetic latch chin strap makes it easy to use. It's also available in a unique pink color

Size: S, M, L
Color: White (5 colors in total)
¥15,400

◆ Official HP / https://www.oakley.com/ja-jp


SPY | Galactic Mips

Plenty of style and impeccable specs

Galactic Mips
Matte Black Eye SPY bonus brim: Matte Orange.

MIPS, a brain protection system . It pairs perfectly with the SPY seamless goggles. The removable lining and washable ear pads ensure hygiene and comfort. The cool street-style design is popular among freeskiers and snowboarders who prefer parks.

¥16,000

◆ Official HP / https://www.spyoptic.jp/


SWANS|HSF-190

Helmet and goggles are ventilated at the same time

HSF-190

Introducing a new model that utilizes the high technology of SWANS, a specialist eyewear brand. Three ventilation holes in the frontal area of ​​the visor effectively expel water vapor that accumulates at the top, preventing goggle fogging and providing a comfortable field of vision and wearing comfort. By ensuring compatibility with goggles, ventilation effects are maximized. SWANS, which understands the Japanese head, offers a unique Japanese fit that provides an excellent fit. Also available in collaboration colors with HAKUBA VALLEY.

Weight: 460g (M), 480g (L)
Size: M, L
Color: ABL (4 colors in total)
¥16,500

◆ Official HP / https://www.swans.co.jp


BCA|BC AIR

Lightweight at just 340g and with numerous ventilation holes for all-day comfort

BC AIR

This is the only helmet offered by BCA, a specialist in backcountry gear. Its in-mold construction makes it ultra-lightweight at just 340g. It's so light you'll forget you're wearing it. It also has ventilation holes throughout, allowing heat and moisture trapped inside to escape directly, ensuring all-day comfort. The BOA fit system ensures a perfect fit, and the ear pads are removable and made of mesh

Weight: 340g (M size)
Size: S, M, L/XL
Color: Orange (3 colors available)
¥19,800

◆Official website: https://backcountryaccess.com/ja-jp


Recommended models in the 20,000 yen range

POC | OBEX WF MIPS ASIAN FIT

A model that combines safety and design at a high level

OBEX WF MIPS ASIAN FIT

Function:
MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System)
, in-mold construction with ABS top shell
, durable polycarbonate shell
, adjustable ventilation
, dial-type size adjustment system
, removable ear pads

WEIGHT: 450g(M/L)
SIZE: XS/S,M/L
Color: Lead Blue Matt (2 colors in total)
¥27,500

◆ Official HP / https://www.full-marks.com/aclima/


SMITH|Maze

Anyway, it's lightweight and very comfortable to wear

Maze

This ultra-lightweight, low-center-of-gravity model features an in-mold construction. The Maze continues to be a huge hit worldwide thanks to its light feel, beautiful design, and the reliable high level of protection provided by MIPS.
It's a Japan fit, of course. Inside the shell, SMITH's signature AirEvac airflow system draws in fresh air from the outside and expels heat and moisture from the inside, ensuring constant comfort. The ear pads are removable. It's a masterpiece that some say is synonymous with SMITH: Maze.

Weight: 400g(M)
Size: S, M, L
Color: Matte Birch (7 colors in total)
¥26,950

◆ Official HP / https://smithjapan.co.jp/


K2 | DIVERSION MIPS

Both functionality and price are good!

DIVERSION MIPS

Function:
MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System)
, 360 K2 Dialed Fit System
, Removable ear pads

Weight: 550g
Size: S,M,L/XL
Color: GUNMETAL/BLACK (all 3 colors)
¥22,000

◆ Official HP / https://k2snow.com/ja-jp


K2|ROUTE

ROUTE


the Boa® 360 fit system makes it incredibly light. Weighing just 320g, it boasts outstanding lightness, and coupled with numerous ventilation holes and removable ear pads, it's ideal for all-day backcountry use.

Weight: 320g
Size: S,M,L/XL
Color: RUST (all 3 colors)
¥20,900


Recommended models in the 30,000 yen range

Sweet Protection | Igniter 2Vi MIPS

Igniter 2Vi MIPS

The Igniter has been updated with the newly developed 2Vi technology. 2Vi technology intricately changes the shell thickness and inner mold density in key areas that require protection, such as the head and sides. This provides both safety and comfort, and the MIPS system ensures safety. The shell structure has been changed to a one-piece monoshell construction reinforced with pre-preg carbon fiber for improved strength and performance

Weight: 650g(M/L)
Size: S/M,M/L,L/XL
Color: MATTE BRONCO WHITE (8 colors in total)
¥37,400

◆ Official HP / https://sputnikshop.jp/collections/sweet-protection

Sweet Protection|Switcher MIPS

The best-selling hybrid design, which also won an ISPO Gold Award, is still going strong

Switcher MIPS 

This best-selling model, released in 2018 and awarded the ISPO Gold Award, features an advanced hybrid shell structure that distributes impact loads from key areas of the head, providing the necessary resilience during an impact. It also features MIPS and is packed with innovative technology to protect your head from a variety of risks. Its ease of use and versatility make it a great choice. Its design is also exceptional

Weight: 580g(M/L)
Size: M/L,L/XL,XXL
Color: DEEP PURPLE METALLIC (7 colors in total)
¥39,600

◆ Official HP / https://sputnikshop.jp/collections/sweet-protection


SMITH|ALTS

ALTS

In addition to lightweight and durable in-mold construction, the goggles feature Koroyd material, which disperses impact to the zones most susceptible to a fall. The unique ventilation system expels moist air from inside the goggles, ensuring a comfortable fit. The sharp silhouette combines functionality with stylish design. Popular with both skiers and snowboarders

Size: S~L
Weight: 450g
Color: Matte Chalk Rose (all 5 colors)
¥33,550

◆ Official HP / https://smithjapan.co.jp/


SMITH|CODE

CODE

The minimalist design, stripped of unnecessary features, is combined with the patented Aerocore construction using Koroyd material to disperse impact. The lightweight in-mold construction with a compact, ultra-low center of gravity. The Airflow system with six ventilation holes prevents goggles from fogging. The magnetic strap allows for easy one-handed removal for added convenience

The liner is made of a technical knit that provides the feel and fit of a knit beanie, and the Asian fit provides a 360-degree wraparound fit. The skate-style design is light and cool

Size: M,L
Weight: 450g
Color: Black (all 3 colors)
¥36,850

◆ Official HP / https://smithjapan.co.jp/


POC|OBEX BC MIPS

A high-performance model that delivers outstanding performance in the backcountry

OBEX BC MIPS

The OBEX BC MIPS offers outstanding functionality for backcountry skiing. It even has a built-in medical ID chip, allowing emergency personnel to instantly access the necessary information in the event of an accident on the mountain, enabling a rapid rescue (registration required). It also features a RECCO reflector, making it a model that excels in emergency response capabilities in terms of softness.
The shell is made of durable polycarbonate material and is equipped with the MIPS system, ensuring safety in terms of hardness as well. Comfort is also top-notch, with adjustable ventilation and removable ear pads. The interior is very spacious, fitting well even to wide heads.

Weight: 500g
Size: XS/S, M/L, XL/XXL
Color: Uranium Black (6 colors available)
¥38,500

◆ Official HP / https://www.full-marks.com/poc/


Recommended models in the 50,000 yen range

GIRO | GRID SPHERICAL GIRO × POW collaboration model

GRID SPHERICAL
GIRO × POW collaboration model

This is the lightest, high-end model equipped with "Spherical Technology," developed in collaboration with MIPS, which reduces rotational energy generated by certain impacts. The inner lining uses Polartec, ensuring warmth, quick drying, and breathability, making it exceptionally comfortable. This design is a collaboration model with POW. A portion of the sales will be used to support POW's climate change activities. By using the GIRO x POW collaborative helmet and goggles, users are taking part in environmental protection activities.

Size: M, L
Color: Matte POW Grey (5 colors available)
¥52,800

http://giro-japan.com

GIRO|TOR SPHERICAL

TOR SPHERICAL

This is the top-of-the-line GIRO helmet model, newly released for the 2022-2023 season. What sets it apart from the GRID SPHERICAL is its hybrid structure. The upper part is a vented hard shell and the lower part is made of lightweight in-mold, combining impact resistance and lightness at a high level.

GIRO's unique "Spherical Technology" also features MIPS, which protects the head from rotational energy generated during an impact by allowing two layers of shock-absorbing material to move 10mm to 15mm upon impact. This cutting-edge technology offers high specs for safety, comfort, and lightness.

Size: M, L
Color: Matte Trail Green (5 colors available)
¥55,000

◆Official HP/ //giro-japan.com/


Visor helmet recommendations

POC | Levator MIPS

A unique visor helmet nicknamed "eyelid lifting muscle"

Levator MIPS
10486_1613

Function:
Interchangeable Integrated Visor
, MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System)
, RECCO® Reflector
, 360° Fit System
, Weight: 930g (M/L)
, Color: 4 colors
, Size: XS/S, S/M, M/L, XL/XXL
, ¥82,500

POC is releasing its first full-shield visor helmet. Its unique shape, inspired by astronaut shields and fighter pilots, features a three-dimensional design for the lower part of the face. While it's targeted at all-around users, in Japan, I imagine it will likely be aimed at slightly older users who want to wear it over glasses

The helmet is based on the "MENINX" model released in the 2021-2022 season. "Meninx" means "meninges," and it is a popular model with specs such as a lightweight PC shell, two types of shock-absorbing materials (EPS and EPP), a magnetic Fidlock® strap, removable ear pads, two adjustable ventilation openings, and a dial adjustment system at the back of the head

The word "levator" in "Levator MIPS" refers to the muscle that lifts the eyelid. What a unique name. The sponge under the frame has a three-layer structure, each with a different hardness, so when you lower the visor, it lowers to fit tightly against your skin. It looks flat from the outside, but the inside has a recess in the nose area, so it fits perfectly

◆ Official HP / https://www.full-marks.com/poc/

SALOMON|DRIVER PRIME SIGMA PHOTO MIPS

A new type of visor helmet that makes the goggles and helmet look like separate objects

DRIVER PRIME SIGMA PHOTO MIPS

Weight: 750g
Size: S,M,L
Color:
¥49,500

For the 2022-2023 season, Salomon has produced a new visor helmet, the "DRIVER PRIME." Its distinctive feature is its design, which combines fashion and functionality. The helmet team at Salomon headquarters worked hard to come up with the design, hoping to somehow change the look of conventional visor helmets. It
looks like a pair of goggles and a helmet, and while it's not a visor at all, its greatest appeal is that it's packed with features, offers a wide field of view, and a premium fit.

Equipped with a number of technologies such as MIPS, Smart Safety 360°, and EPS4D to protect the brain from impact, ensuring maximum safety. Featuring BOA360® technology. Another advantage is the dial fit system that fits perfectly around the head. In addition, the MaxFit structure and merino liner make it very comfortable to wear. The ventilation function inside the helmet is also substantial and comfortable without getting stuffy.

The most important feature of the goggles is the use of Sigma Photomagnetic Lenses. Properly change the light to improve contrast and ensure a wide field of view. Lenses can be changed quickly and easily, and the ability to adapt to the lighting conditions on the snowy mountains gives a great sense of security.

This Sigma Photomagnetic Lens would normally cost around 30,000 to 35,000 yen on the market, and the helmet itself would cost around 35,000 to 40,000 yen, but the "DRIVER PRIME SIGMA PHOTO MIPS" is priced at 49,500 yen, which is very reasonable considering the quality

◆ Official HP / https://timetoplay.salomon.jp/

INDEX