As we continue our saga into researching snow helmets in the market, today we’re met with a decent price-point of $200 or less to bring us some higher quality features not only when it comes to safety and protection, but some additive functions you may take to liking as well. Snow helmets come in quite a few different shapes, sizes and personalities, so giving you just “one” model to buy would be difficult for us to do in, in our opinion at least. That’s today we limited our choices to 5 of our favorite snowboard and ski helmets for an under $200 budget. But first we must keep a few factors in mind.
Selecting the Best Snow Helmet Under $200
A lot can go into finding “the best” snow helmet, even if we have a specific price ceiling in mind. Today could entail quite a few directions. Many of you may be looking for a snowboard or ski helmet right at $200 on the dot, while others may find themselves gravitate towards the lower end of the spectrum, such as a snow helmet under $100. We made sure we took a few of the different ranges down below since $200 or less is relatively broad.
Let’s talk safety and protection. To us, a helmet is only worth buying if it offers not only a decent construction to keep our heads safe, but other, technological advancements that reinforce safety concerns to combine with the material of the helmet for extra confidence while we ride. In our opinion and experience, we only get one head, and one particular bad fall could make or break many things. Typically, helmets can only survive one huge fall before you have to buy a new one, or can accumulate several smaller bails. Always assume there will be a hard fall.
Do you already have your snow goggles yet? Make sure they’re compatible with your helmet. To be honest, you really shouldn’t have a problem if your goggle straps are adjustable; however, some brands are strict and only make their helmets compatible with their own goggles, while others are universal and even have goggle locks on the back of the helmet for further ease of use.
Aside from safety, this price-range will give us some opportunity to be picky when it comes to ‘extra helmet features’. Here are some additives a lot of these helmet brands are adding into their higher-end models nowadays: advanced fit systems (such as 360 instead of traditional straps), goggle locks, POV camera mounts, brimmed helmets (for look and help with fogging), adjustable ventilation systems, replaceable ear pads, and more. Try to keep in mind what you think will be most useful to you and worth the extra few bucks.
The Best Snowboard Ski Helmets Under $200
Oakley MOD 5
First up, we have the Oakley MOD 5, which is a versatile helmet that comes to you with one of our favorite additional safety measures, Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS), for added safety in your next adventure. To sum up the tech quick, it’s essentially an internal build of the helmet that allows the inside shell to rotate opposite of the outside shell to absorb more contact when you have difficult falls in certain situations. On top of that, this helmet option will deliver a light weighted in-mold construction as well as Oakley’s very own Modular Brim System (MBS). This is a system that not only enables a great goggle to helmet fit, will also offer further help in fogging of your goggles as well as block out the sun.
When you combine the helmets high-tech features, with its sneaky light weight and fixed ventilation alas, you will find one of the best snow helmets for under $200 helmets out there. Removable ear pads and a removable goggle strap retainer are added features that make this even more convenient and one less thing that you will need to worry about in your next ride. You can also read our Oakley MOD 5 review for some more information before you buy.
Giro Combyn
Next up, we have a multi-functioning helmet in the Giro Combyn that will fit riders of all ages. This is a Soft Shell Constructed helmet that contains a Dual Density Vinyl Nitrile (VN) Liner for added durability, comfort, and great security on top of it all. In addition, this helmet is extremely comfortable, as it comes with a fixed ventilation, Super Cool Vents, and Stack Ventilation, to keep your head nice and cool during your ride. For added safety, the helmets Fit system is a ‘Fit Kit Pad System’, which anybody in the industry will tell you, is a great option when it comes to your padding to help ensure you have a custom fit as well as great comfort while you ride.
One of the best helmets under $200, the Combyn comes with so many required safety features, in addition to the trivial things, such as containing a removable goggle retainer, in addition to being compatible with Giro audio systems so that you can enjoy music while you lose yourself in mother nature. When it comes to safety equipment, it starts with the helmet, and the Giro Combyn contains rock solid features that will ensure optimal safety for you and those that you care about.
Burton Echo MIPS
The Echo MIPS is brought to you by Burton, and is another one of the best under $200 helmets for skiers and snowboarders this winter season. Offered at a weight of about 500g, in addition to having a durable ‘In-Mold Shell Construction’, this helmet is equipped to protect you under the roughest of conditions. For further details. the helmets ‘In-Mold Construction’ is a lightweight polycarbonate shell that contains an EPS liner. The Echo also has the beloved MIPS system, which is a Multi Directional Impact System we previously explained that is going to offer great safety when coupled with that shell construction.
The helmet also contains an active ventilation (15 total vents) to keep you from overheating, and perfectly comfortable during the hotter days that might occur this season. In addition, the helmet features an In-shell 360-degree Boa Fit System for easy sizing, which allows an on-the-go adjustment at the flip of a switch (or in this case a dial — just turn it and it will control the entire circumference of your helmet’s fit as opposed to the standard strap).
Smith Maze
Next up, the Smith Maze is a comfortable helmet choice that contains many safety features that will necessitate the best quality experience. Known for its lightweight style as well as its high-tech features, this is a 9 ventilation helmet that is an excellent choice for the more freestyle rider who is searching for a little bit of extra protection. This helmet also comes with a lightweight In-Mold Construction (seeing a trend here?) that is a sure thing when it comes to adding durability, and enhancing your security on the mountain.
Snap fit SL2 ear pads, as well as AirEvac 2 ventilation add to the equation as to why this is one of the best under $200 helmets for winter sporting. If you are looking to improve and take risks, the Smith Maze’s light-weighted nature, and free feeling craft, make this a great selection. It also saves you a few bucks since it’s around the middle price-point of this guide.
Giro Zone MIPS
Finally, we have a lower budget innovative helmet option that is the Giro Zone MIPS. It is a fully adjustable ventilation helmet that contains MIPS technology (can you tell we love extra protection?), in addition to a Fidlock magnetic buckle closure as well as an additive integrated POV camera mount. The helmets shell is an interesting construction as it combines a durable ventilation Hard Shell upper with an In-Mold Construction lower shell — so a little bit of the best of both worlds here.
This helmet contains an In Form 2 Fit System, Vertical tuning, which really is a great fit system, and just another reason why this is one of the best snow helmets under $200. If you are looking to take your ride to the next level, while enjoying the cool mountain breeze, the Giros thermostat control adjustable venting enable the rider to have additional breathing room and focus solely on what’s in front of them.
