Photo courtesy of 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
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 a popular brand among skaters and BMX users. Among their products, the "MACON 2.0" is particularly popular with skiers and snowboarders. This is a Japan-exclusive color model with a JAPAN FIT design. It features ear pad liners and a goggle clip, and at around 10,000 yen, it offers excellent value for money.
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 Website:https://k2snow.com/ja-jp
OAKLEY|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 Website: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.
Brain Protection System) for brain protectionMIPS (. Perfectly compatible with SPY seamless goggles. Removable lining and washable ear pads ensure hygiene and comfort. Its street-style design is cool and popular among park-oriented freeskiers and snowboarders.
¥16,000
◆Official Website:https://www.spyoptic.jp/
SWANS|HSF-190
Helmet and goggles are ventilated at the same time

HSF-190
SWANS, a specialist eyewear brand, has released a new model that utilizes their high technology. Three ventilation holes in the front area of the visor effectively release moisture that accumulates at the top, reducing goggle fogging and ensuring comfortable vision and wear. By ensuring ventilation compatibility with goggles, the ventilation effect is maximized. SWANS' Japan Fit, which is based on their deep understanding of Japanese head shapes, provides an exceptional fit. Collaboration colors with HAKUBA VALLEY are also available.
Weight: 460g (M), 480g (L)
Size: M, L
Color: ABL (4 colors total)
¥16,500
◆Official Website: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 total)
¥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
Features:
•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 Website:https://www.full-marks.com/aclima/
SMITH|Maze
Anyway, it's lightweight and very comfortable to wear

Maze
The Maze is an ultra-lightweight and low-center-of-gravity model with an in-mold construction. Its light feel, beautiful design, and the reliability of its MIPS-equipped high level of protection have made it a global bestseller.
Of course, it's a Japan fit. The shell is equipped with SMITH's renowned AirEvac airflow system, which 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's so iconic that people say, "When you think of SMITH, you think of the Maze."
Weight: 400g(M)
Size: S, M, L
Color: Matte Birch (7 colors in total)
¥26,950
◆Official Website:https://smithjapan.co.jp/
K2 | DIVERSION MIPS
Both functionality and price are good!

DIVERSION MIPS
Features:
• 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 Website:https://k2snow.com/ja-jp
K2|ROUTE

ROUTE
the Boa® 360 fit system, these headphones boast an astonishingly light weight of just 320g. Combined with numerous ventilation holes and removable ear pads, they are ideally suited 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 Website: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 Website: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 Website: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 Website: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" boasts outstanding functionality for backcountry use. It features a built-in medical ID chip, allowing emergency responders to instantly access necessary information in the event of an accident in the mountains, enabling rapid rescue (registration required). Equipped with RECCO reflectors, it's a model that excels in crisis response from a softer perspective as well.
The shell is made of durable polycarbonate material, and the MIPS system ensures solid safety from a harder standpoint. Comfort is also ensured with features such as adjustable ventilation and removable ear pads. The interior is very spacious, providing a good fit even for wider heads.
Weight: 500g
Size: XS/S, M/L, XL/XXL
Color: Uranium Black (6 colors total)
¥38,500
◆Official Website: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, featuring "Spherical Technology," developed in collaboration with MIPS, which mitigates rotational energy generated by certain impacts. The Polartec inner lining ensures superior warmth, quick-drying properties, and breathability, resulting in unparalleled comfort. This design is a collaboration with POW. A portion of the sales will support POW's climate change activism. By using the GIRO x POW collaboration helmet and goggles, users are participating in environmental protection efforts.
Size: M, L
Color: Matte POW Grey (5 colors total)
¥52,800
GIRO|TOR SPHERICAL

TOR SPHERICAL
This is the top-of-the-line GIRO helmet, newly introduced for the 2022-23 season. The difference from the GRID SPHERICAL is its hybrid construction. The upper part is a vented hard shell, while the lower part is made with lightweight in-mold construction, achieving a high level of impact resistance and lightness.
It also features GIRO's unique "Spherical Technology," which protects the head from rotational energy generated during impact by the movement of two layers of impact-absorbing material (10mm-15mm) during impact, along with MIPS. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, it offers high-spec safety, comfort, and lightness.
Size: M, L
Color: Matte Trail Green (5 colors total)
¥55,000
◆Official Website:http://giro-japan.com/
Visor helmet recommendations
POC | Levator MIPS
A unique visor helmet nicknamed "eyelid lifting muscle"

Levator MIPS
10486_1613
Features:
• Interchangeable Integrated visor
• MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System)
• RECCO® reflector
• 360° fit system
• Weight: 930g (M/L)
• Color: 4 colors available
• 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 Website: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 2022-23 season, Salomon produced a new visor helmet called "DRIVER PRIME." Its defining feature is its design that combines fashion and functionality. Driven by a desire to change the look of visor helmets, the helmet team at headquarters painstakingly designed this product with confidence. It
looks almost like a separate goggle and helmet, yet it is packed with features, offering a wide field of vision and a premium fit—its greatest appeal.
Equipped with numerous technologies, including MIPS, Smart Safety 360°, and EPS4D, this helmet maximizes safety. It also features BOA360® technology, a dial-type fit system that allows for a perfect fit around the head. The MaxFit construction and merino liner ensure excellent comfort. The helmet also features ample ventilation for a comfortable, sweat-free fit
And the goggles' functionality is key: they use Sigma Photomagnetic lenses, which appropriately change the light to improve contrast and ensure a wide field of view. Lens changes are quick and easy, allowing you to adapt to the lighting conditions on the snowy mountains, giving you an outstanding 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 Website:https://timetoplay.salomon.jp/

