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

What's particularly noteworthy about the "FORNIX MIPS POW JJ" is that 10% of the sales will be donated to POW (Protect Our Winters), an organization working on climate change. This is because the model was developed in collaboration with Jeremy Jones of the USA, a legend in the snowboarding world and the founder of POW, and it supports POW.
Separately, this color is popular for helmets next season! It was the most popular color at the POC pre-order event as well. In terms of the model itself, the FORNIX MIPS POW JJ is an older model and, to be honest, doesn't have any particularly outstanding features, but it's a good, orthodox model with an EPS liner that excels at shock absorption, a highly durable PC shell with MIPS, and comfortable ventilation.

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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/

When skiing on the slopes or hiking in the mountains, a helmet is an item you wear for long periods of time. Helmets have advanced and many features have been added, but have you ever experienced fatigue in your head or neck after wearing one for a long time? This "STASH" helmet weighs only 360 grams. It's an extremely lightweight helmet.

If you remove the inner lining and wear it over a beanie, it becomes even lighter. A lightweight helmet is comfortable even when worn all day. Surprisingly few people pay attention to the weight of their helmet, so it might be interesting to check the weight of the helmet you're currently using.

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SMITH｜ Summit

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

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

This is a backcountry helmet from SMITH. Backcountry skiing presents more dangers than groomed slopes, so safety and lightweight design are essential for helmets. That's where the "Summit" comes in. This

ultra-lightweight backcountry model features an AeroCore and Hybrid Shell construction with Colloid and MIPS. Weighing only 400g (according to the catalog), it's incredibly lightweight, making it stress-free to wear and easy to pack, impressing backcountry skiers. The BOA system allows for easy size adjustment and a perfect fit. Lightweight designs often come at the expense of aesthetics, but as expected from SMITH, this helmet balances performance and design for high functionality.

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 helmets are eye-catching with their sophisticated designs. Sweet helmets make your head look smaller even in larger sizes, making them easy to coordinate with outfits and incredibly useful. This is especially helpful for Japanese people, many of whom have broader heads, and I'm one of them. I used to struggle with finding the right size, but the "Switcher MIPS" is comfortable, fits well, and looks smart, so it's become my favorite.

Among Sweet's helmets, the Switcher has the widest fit around the head, making it the easiest to wear. Sweet helmets are known for their sturdiness and, needless to say, top-notch safety, but that also means they can be heavy. However, the Switcher is lightweight, weighing only 580g (catalog size M/L), making it less stressful to wear and recommended for backcountry skiers and freeriders. The ample ventilation is also a plus. Combined with its unique shell structure and impact protection technology, and the inclusion of MIPS, it provides excellent peace of mind. It gets a 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!