Recommended Helmets | 2023-24 Season Must-See! 11 Helmets with Highly Rated Reviews from Pro Shops

With the rise of tree running in the backcountry and on slopes, wearing helmets has become an extremely natural sight in recent years, and helmets are becoming more and more diverse. Helmets are important items that protect the head and, ultimately, lives, but when it comes to choosing a product, the range of features and prices is so wide that it can be difficult to make a choice. This is where pro shops can come in handy. They combine their extensive knowledge and user feedback to provide persuasive advice that compares and evaluates products from multiple perspectives. For the 2023-2024 season, we'll introduce some excellent helmets that have been carefully selected and highly rated by discerning pro shop staff

POC｜FORNIX MIPS POW JJ

A helmet that allows you to participate in POW's efforts to combat climate change

◆Official website／ https://www.full-marks.com/pocsnow/item/snow-poc/helmets-snow-poc

One notable feature of the FORNIX MIPS POW JJ is that 10% of sales will be donated to POW (Protect Our Winters), an organization working to combat climate change. This model was developed in collaboration with snowboarding legend and POW founder, Jeremy Jones of the USA, and supports POW. Aside from that,
this helmet color is expected to be popular next season! It was the most popular color at the POC pre-order event. Speaking of the model alone, the FORNIX MIPS POW JJ has been around for a while, and honestly, it doesn't have any special features. However, it does feature an EPS liner with excellent shock absorption, a durable PC shell, MIPS, and ventilation for comfort, making it a fairly conventional model in a good sense.

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GIRO｜JACSON MIPS & TERRA MIPS

A smart and stylish model that is easy to use in any situation

What beautiful curves! "TERRA MIPS" is the ladies' model of "JACSON MIPS"

◆Official website: http://giro-japan.com/

First of all, I think the helmet's curves are beautiful. There are few bumps in the mold, giving it a very smart and cool impression as headwear for skiers and snowboarders. Headwear is also an item that contributes to looking cool, so it's something you should pay particular attention to when choosing. The helmet itself is also a lightweight model. It's a helmet that is easy to use in any situation. Another great point is the wide range of colors available. The ability to choose colors to suit your style is another strength of these two models

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Bern｜Macon2.0

If you remove the attachment, it can also be used as a summer helmet for street sports, cycling, etc.!

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

In my opinion, the key points when choosing a helmet are "fit" and "comfort (wearability)." Many snow helmets are designed to be "ridden" rather than "put on," and I feel that many of them don't fit properly. However, Bern helmets fit very well, and they feel like they wrap around your entire head. What's more, by removing the attachment, you can use it as a summer helmet for street sports, cycling, etc., which is great! If you're a skier, it's even better because you can use it for off-season training like inline skating, mat jumping, and water jumping!

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SMITH ｜METHOD

Colloidal panels improve shock absorption compared to the classic "MAZE"

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

This is an upgraded take on the iconic and hugely popular "MAZE" model from SMITH. The addition of colloidal panels improves impact absorption compared to the MAZE, while in-mold construction further enhances protection. The fit and lightness, both of which are factors that make the MAZE so popular, have also been further improved. The lineup also includes a collaboration model with Oyuki (pictured), which is sure to create a buzz!

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OAKLEY｜MOD1 MIPS (ASIAN FIT)

MIPS® + BOA® + Asia fit at this price!

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

The MOD1 features a fresh look inspired by classic skate style and a timeless shape infused with unparalleled OAKLEY DNA. It features a lightweight one-piece shell and a secure 360 ​​BOA® system. Focused on fit, it offers a TRUE ASIAN FIT that perfectly fits Asian heads. Available in a wide range of colors, the price of just 15,400 yen is a real draw!

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K2 ｜STASH

Weighing just 360 grams! Comfortable even when used all day long

◆Official website: http://www.k2japan.shop/

Whether you're on the slopes or in the mountains, a helmet is an item you wear for long periods of time. Helmets have been developed to the point where many models come with many features, but have you ever experienced fatigue in your head and neck after wearing one for long periods of time? This "STASH" helmet weighs just 360 grams, making it a very lightweight helmet.

If you remove the inner liner and wear it over a beanie, it becomes even lighter. A lightweight helmet is comfortable even when worn all day. Surprisingly, not many people are concerned about the weight of their helmets, so it might be interesting to check the weight of the helmet you use.

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SMITH｜ Summit

High-level performance and design, a finish that will impress backcountry skiers

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

SMITH's backcountry helmet. Backcountry skiing poses more dangers than ski slopes, so safety and lightweight design are essential for any helmet. That's why we recommend the "Summit." This

ultra-lightweight model features an Aerocore and hybrid shell construction with Colloid and MIPS technology, making it perfect for backcountry skiers. Weighing just 400g (as listed in the catalog), it's incredibly lightweight, providing a stress-free wearing experience and a minimal burden on the body. Its BOA system allows for size adjustment, ensuring a perfect fit. While focusing on lightweight design can often come at the expense of design, this highly functional helmet from SMITH combines performance and design.

Sweet protection｜Switcher MIPS

Versatile and smart looking, it's great for everything from the slopes to the backcountry!

◆Official website／ https://sputnikshop.jp/collections/helmet

First and foremost, it's the appearance. It has a luxurious feel, and the design shows attention to detail. It's cool. The Switcher MIPS is a relatively lightweight model in the Sweet Protection lineup, making it versatile for everything from the slopes to the backcountry. The fit is surprisingly wide, too. If you're interested, I recommend you try it on for yourself!

Sweet Protection's sophisticated design is eye-catching. Sweet helmets, even in large sizes, make your head appear smaller, making them easy to coordinate with other items and highly useful. This is especially appreciated by Japanese people, many of whom have oversized foreheads, including myself. I was struggling to find a suitable size, but the Switcher MIPS is my favorite, offering a comfortable fit and a smart look.

Of all Sweet helmets, the Switcher has the widest forehead circumference, making it easy to wear. Sweet helmets are known for their durability and, needless to say, safety, but they are also heavy. The Switcher, however, is lightweight, weighing just 580g (catalog size M/L), reducing stress and making it a great choice for backcountry skiers and freeriders. Ample ventilation is also a plus. Combined with its unique shell structure and impact protection technology, the MIPS system provides a sense of security. Double thumbs up!

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POC｜OBEX WF MIPS

Lightweight, comfortable and extremely safe helmet

◆Official website／ https://www.full-marks.com/pocsnow/item/snow-poc/helmets-snow-poc

It's lightweight and comfortable to wear. The WF (Wide Fit) model has a wider base than the standard model to accommodate the Japanese head shape. It features an in-mold construction that combines a highly impact-resistant polycarbonate shell with a durable ABS top shell, providing all-day comfort and safety. The OBEX features sturdy ear pads with a highly shock-absorbing EPS liner, providing excellent protection for the temples and other parts of the head, even in lateral falls. Equipped with MIPS, it also reduces impact to the brain in the event of a fall. This helmet offers exceptional safety

Bern｜WATTS

We also recommend this for a stylish look!

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

bern's classic and popular visor-equipped hat is a great choice for a stylish look!