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

Photo credit: Fullmarks

The point of choosing a helmet is that the head is protected above all else, and in addition, I want to be particular about fit, comfort, lightness and design. Helmets come in a wide range of price ranges. I want to find a helmet that matches my usage scene while checking the features of the function. For reference, let's introduce the model recommended by the STEEP editorial department for the 2022-23 season in the price range.

'22-23 season model snow helmet PICK UP

Helmets have a surprisingly wide price range depending on their functionality and design. I want to find a helmet that matches my usage scene while checking the features of the function. For reference, here are some of the 2022-2023 season models in the price range.

INDEX

Recommended models in the 10,000 yen range

bern|MACON 2.0

'22-23 season topic Japan limited color model!

MACON 2.0
MATTE AMAZON BLUE

Popular bern for skaters and BMX users. MACON 2.0 is a popular model among skiers and snowboarders . This is a JAPAN FIT limited edition color model. Equipped with a liner with ear pads and a goggle clip, the cost performance is also excellent at about 10,000 yen.

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

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


K2|PHASE MIPS

PHASE MIPS

It is a hard shell type and is made from a durable ABS shell and is resistant to impact. Comes with ventilation that allows you to adjust the air flow just by pressing your finger. The breathable full-wrap liner wicks moisture and prevents overheating, and is removable and washable to keep you comfortable. The fitting can be adjusted by turning the dial, making it easy to customize. Equipped with MIPS, this model is now available at a reasonable price while ensuring safety and comfort.

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

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


O AKLEY|MOD1 - MIPS - Asia Fit

Safe, comfortable and reasonable price with MIPS® + BOA® + Asia fit

MOD1 - MIPS - Asia Fit

OAKLEY helmets are popular with both skiers and snowboarders along with goggles. Equipped with MIPS at this price. With a hybrid shell design and ABS and in-mold molding, you can rest assured that it is resistant to impact. The airflow can be adjusted, and the Asian fit ensures comfort when worn. The chin strap is easy to handle with a magnetic latch. It also comes in a unique pink color.

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

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


SPY|Galactic Mips

Plenty of style and perfect specs

Galactic Mips
Matte Black Eye SPY bonus brim: Matte Orange

Equipped with a durable ABS shell that uses

MIPS a system that protects the brain Perfect compatibility with SPY's seamless goggles. Removable lining and washable ear pads ensure hygiene. Popular among free skiers and snowboarders who love the park because of its cool street style design. ¥16,000

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


SWANS|HSF-190

Helmet and goggles exhibit ventilation effect at the same time

HSF-190

Introducing a new model that utilizes the high technology of SWANS, an eyewear brand.

Three ventilation holes in the forehead area of ​​the visor effectively release the water vapor that accumulates at the top, suppressing fogging of the goggles and realizing comfortable vision and wearability. Ventilation compatibility with goggles maximizes the ventilation effect. SWANS knows the minds of Japanese people, and the Japanese fit makes it extremely comfortable to wear. There is also a collaboration color with HAKUBA VALLEY. Weight: 460g(M), 480g(L)
Size: M, L
Color: ABL (4 colors)
¥16,500

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


BCA | BC AIR

Light weight of 340g and many ventilation hole effects for all-day comfort

BC AIR

This is the only helmet offered by backcountry gear specialists BCA. The in-mold structure achieves an ultra-lightweight of 340g. It's so light that you forget you're wearing it. In addition, there are ventilation holes everywhere, allowing the heat and moisture trapped inside to escape directly to the outside, allowing you to spend the whole day comfortably. The BOA fit system provides a great fit, and the ear pads are removable with mesh.

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

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


Recommended models in the 20,000 yen range

POC | OBEX WF MIPS ASIAN FIT

A model that achieves both safety and design at a high level

OBEX WF MIPS ASIAN FIT

Function:
MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System)
・In-mold structure with ABS top shell
・Durable polycarbonate shell
・Ventilation that can be opened and closed
・Dial size adjustment system
・Removable ear pads

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

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


SMITH|Maze

Lightweight and very comfortable to wear

Maze

Ultra-lightweight and low center of gravity model with in-mold structure.
Maze continues to be a big hit worldwide based on its light feeling, beautiful design, and reliability of high protection performance with MIPS. Japan fit of course.
Equipped with SMITH's air flow system AirEvac inside the shell, it takes in fresh air from the outside and discharges internal heat and stuffiness. You can always stay comfortable. Ear pads are removable. It is a gem that is said to be "SMITH is Maze".

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

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


K2 | DIVERSION MIPS

Both function and price are good!

DIVERSION MIPS

Function:
・MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System)
・360 K2DIALED FIT SYSTEM
・Removable ear pads

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

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


K2|ROUTE

ROUTE


Boa® 360 Fit System.
The surprising thing is its lightness. Boasting an outstanding lightness of only 320g, combined with many ventilation holes and removable ear pads, it has the best features for all-day backcountry use.

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


Recommended models in the 30,000 yen range

Sweet Protection | Igniter 2Vi MIPS

Igniter 2Vi MIPS

Igniter updated with newly developed 2Vi technology. 2Vi technology is a technology that intricately changes the thickness of the shell and the density of the inner mold in important areas such as the head and sides that require protection. This combines safety and comfort, and the MIPS system is also installed, so there is no need to worry about safety. The shell construction has been changed to a one-piece monoshell construction reinforced with prepreg carbon fiber for greater strength and performance.

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

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

Sweet Protection|Switcher MIPS

The best-selling hybrid structure that won the ISPO Gold Award is still alive

Switcher MIPS 

The best-selling model that appeared in 2018 and won the ISPO Gold Award. The advanced hybrid shell structure distributes the impact load from the key area of ​​the head and acquires the necessary elasticity at the time of impact. Equipped with MIPS, it is packed with innovative technology that protects the head from all risks, and is easy to handle and highly versatile. The design is also exceptional.

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

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


SMITH|ALTS

ALTS

In addition to the lightweight and highly durable in-mold structure, Koroyd material is used to disperse the impact to the zone that receives the most impact in the event of a fall. A unique ventilation system allows the moist air inside the goggles to be discharged to the outside for a comfortable fit. The silhouette is also sharp, and it combines functionality and design. It is popular with both skiers and snowboarders.

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

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


SMITH|CODE

CODE

A minimal design with no extra features combined with the patented Aero Core Construction with Koroyd material to disperse impact. Compact, ultra-low center of gravity and lightweight in-mold structure. Equipped with an air flow system that has 6 ventilation holes and protects goggles from fogging. The strap is convenient because it can be easily removed with one hand using a magnetic system.

The liner is equipped with a technical knit liner that helps the feel and fit of a knit beanie, and an Asian fit that wraps the entire head 360 degrees. The skate-style design is also cool with a light feel.

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

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


POC|OBEX BC MIPS

A high-performance model that demonstrates outstanding power in the backcountry.

OBEX BC MIPS

"OBEX BC MIPS" with outstanding functionality in the backcountry.
It has a built-in medical ID chip that allows emergency personnel to instantly obtain necessary information in the event of an accident in the mountains, enabling quick rescue (registration required). Equipped with a RECCO reflector, it is a model that is excellent in terms of crisis response in terms of software. The shell is made of durable polycarbonate material, and the MIPS system is also installed, so safety is solid on the hardware side.

The ventilation that can be opened and closed, removable ear pads, etc., are also comfortable. The inside is very wide and fits well on wide heads. Weight: 500g
Size: XS/S, M/L, XL/XXL
Color: Uranium Black (6 colors)
¥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

The lightest high-end model equipped with "Spherical Technology" that softens the rotational energy generated by a constant impact, realized by joint development with MIPS.

Polartec is used for the inner to ensure heat retention, quick drying and breathability, and the comfort is unparalleled. This design is a collaboration model with POW. Part of the sales will be used to support POW's climate change activities. By using the GIRO x POW collaboration helmet and goggles, users are participating in environmental protection activities. Size: M, L
Color: Matte POW Gray (5 colors in total)
¥52,800

http://giro-japan.com

GIRO|TOR SPHERICAL

TOR SPHERICAL

A model positioned at the highest peak of the GIRO helmet that will be introduced in the 2022-23 season.

The difference from GRID SPHERICAL is that it has a hybrid structure. The upper part is a hard shell with a vent, and the lower part is made of lightweight in-mold, which combines impact resistance and lightness at a high level. MIPS is also installed in GIRO's unique "Spherical Technology" that protects the head from the rotational energy generated at the time of impact by moving the two layers of shock absorbing material 10 mm to 15 mm at the time of impact.

Equipped with cutting-edge technology, safety, comfort, lightness and all high specs. Size: M, L
Color: Matte Trail Green (5 colors)
¥55,000

◆Official HP/ //giro-japan.com/


Recommendation of visor helmet

POC|Levator MIPS

A unique visor helmet with the nickname of "the muscle that lifts the eyelids"

Levator MIPS
10486_1613

Function:
・Replaceable 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 releases full shield visor helmet for the first time. With motifs of astronaut shields and fighter pilots, the lower part of the face is three-dimensionalized to create a unique form. It is targeted at all-around users, but in Japan, it is probably a slightly older group of people who want to use it over glasses. Imagine.

The helmet part is based on the "MENINX" released from the 2021-22 season. Meninx means "meninges", and includes a lightweight PC shell, two types of EPS/EPP shock-absorbing materials, magnetic strap Fidlock®, removable ear pads, two ventilation points that can be opened and closed, and a dial on the back of the head. It is a popular model with specifications such as adjustment system deployment.

The word "levator" in "Levator MIPS" means the muscle that lifts the eyelids. What a unique naming. The sponge under the frame has a three-layer structure, and by using sponges with different hardness, it is designed to come down so that it adheres firmly to the skin when the visor is lowered. It looks flat from the outside, but on the inside, the nose part is recessed and the fit is perfect.

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

SALOMON|DRIVER PRIME SIGMA PHOTO MIPS

A new sensation visor helmet that looks like goggles and a helmet are different things

DRIVER PRIME SIGMA PHOTO MIPS

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

Salomon produced the new visor helmet "DRIVER PRIME" for the 2022-23 season.
The feature is a design that combines fashion and functionality. With the desire to somehow change the taste of visor helmets like before, the head office helmet team worked hard to create a design with confidence. The biggest attraction is that it looks like the goggles and helmet are separate, not like a visor, but it is packed with functions, and you can enjoy 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 costs around 30,000-35,000 yen on the market. The “DRIVER PRIME SIGMA PHOTO MIPS”, which includes helmets that cost around 35,000 to 40,000 yen, costs 49,500 yen. Considering the quality, it is very reasonable.

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

INDEX