As one of our favorite brands out there, K2 has once again created a snowboard and ski helmet that differentiates itself from the market simply by sticking to what is not broken. Snowballing off of last year’s model, this year’s K2 Stash snow helmet exemplifies everything great in a helmet, from its durability, comfortable design, and all the way to its fashionable statement. What makes K2 a leader in this industry in our opinion is its constant ability to create a helmet solution that can be used for more sports that just your typical snowboard and ski helmet. When you are not using the K2 Stash shredding through that wintery powder, you can effortlessly utilize it during your summer activities as well (even if it doesn’t apply to you now, you never know in the future). The design of this helmet makes it supremely comfortable and created with superior protection and security. Let’s take a closer look at some of the great features on this model so that you can make the most informed decision when deciding if this is the right snowboard and ski helmet for your next adventure.
Features of the K2 Stash Snow Helmet
- Passive channel ventilation
- Brand new 360 K2dialed Fit System
- Magna-Snap goggle clip
- Convertible Full-Wrap Liner System
- In mold helmet construction
- Colors come in Black, Red, White, and Blue
- Half Shell helmet style
- 1 year warranty
- Conveniently built with an adjustable fit
- Removable ear pads
- Baseline audio system compatible
- Snow and bike certified
- Polycarbonate shell material
The K2 Stash design
The pinnacle of the design of the K2 Stash snowboard and ski helmet is that it is created with durability, comfort and a light weight. These helmets are built with in-mold construction, a popular combination of both a soft interior and hard outside shell typically seen in higher-end helmets, which is a premium construction that is specifically designed to create a lightweight performance headgear. This polycarbonate designed shell is directly built for riders who like the reassurance of knowing that their head is going to remain safe and sound, while not even realizing that they are even wearing a helmet to begin with.
The K2 Stash is also fully equipped with passive channel ventilation essentially meaning that your head is not going to be deprived of air. Some of you might think that you will not be concerned with needing to cool down while riding in the cold snow, but it can be so easy for heat to become trapped inside your helmet, and depriving your head from having any breathing room. This headgear is specifically designed with channels on the inside surface which is going to direct air right through the frame disallowing your noggin from suffocating. Beginners often have a particular issue in heating up while learning, so the ventilation this snowboard and ski helmet is equipped with will without a doubt have you first time riders covered. These channels in the Stash are going to remove moisture and any sort of excessive heat that might be trapped. This is for sure going to keep you sweat free and incredibly comfortable throughout your wilderness journey. It may be difficult if you prefer to wear a beanie underneath your helmet (we usually do, unless it’s a little hotter that day); however, we’ll leave that preference up to you.
Furthermore, the helmets adjustability is fully equipped with a 360 K2Dialed fit system. Aside from the obvious necessity of protection when it comes to helmets, one of our biggest annoyances when it comes to reviewing gear is the fit system. Many helmets out there come with a strap or two to tighten or loosen, however the helmets that really stand out to us have a “360” design. If you compare this snowboard and ski winter helmet to others out there you might find that this particular feature is growing more and more in popularity. The K2Dialed fit system has become an incredible advancement for snow helmets throughout the industry. This is a characteristic that brings a unique customization which contains a web design that is also integrated into the textile liner, this is meant to provide a higher level of comfort and is going to be optimal for security. This revolutionized development has virtually eliminated all unwanted pressure inside the helmet regardless of the size, shape and form of your head. It adjusts the fit of your entire head, not just a vertical and horizontal strap like others.
Additional K-2 Stash features
In addition to the adjustability and durability features that this particular snow helmet has to offer, the K2 Stash comes with so many different fun features that are going to make your ride more entertaining and enjoyable. First of all, this is a helmet that comes with essentially the exact same coverage as a full-wrap liner. With the liner comes enough space to enable the opportunity to also ride with a beanie underneath the helmet itself. One of the more fun features of this helmet is that it is compatible with a baseline audio system for all of you who like to ride while listening to your favorite tunes. The audio system can also be hooked up to Bluetooth or iTunes, allowing you to have further options.
Last but not least, the K2 Stash has received high praise for its magna strap goggle clip. More frequently goggles simple strap around a snow helmet with minimal security which will often times cause them fall off in the event of a tumble (we’ve all had this happen at least once, right?). The magna strap goggle clip isn’t just a strap — it’s a high intensity magnet that latches around the goggle strap adding additional security for your goggles; not to mention in looks very cool in our opinion.
In conclusion of the K-2 Stash
A snow helmet is arguably the most important investment when purchasing your winter equipment. Riding with a helmet is not only going to give you the obvious safety in the event of a fall, but it is also going to allow you to ride with confidence. Yes, there are a lot of options out there when purchasing a helmet, and there are certainly a lot of ways to rationalize going in a different direction. However, as mentioned in this review, the K2dialed system of this particular helmet is going to help create a great fit, and if you are not comfortable wearing one, there is no point in even considering the use of a snowboard and ski helmet.
A few cons we’d mention about this one is the fact that it’s missing MIPS or some other form of protection when it comes to when you actually fall. Albeit, MIPS is quite expensive and the fact that this one is under a Benjamin justifies the lack of extra protection technology. You can always read our best snow helmet under $100 if you did want some competitors to the Stash in the same price-range. You may also be interested in their model just slightly above this one with similar features and a few extras, the K2 Diversion.
While the price of this helmet might concern you, it is important to keep in mind that this is more of a high-tech snow helmet, and that it comes with additional features that might save you more money in the long run. When you consider how much the pros outweigh the cons of a snow helmet equipped with substantially more features, not only are you going to minimize any impact, but the K2 Stash snow helmet is going to give you a helmet with more gadgets that will make you fare more prepared for your winter adventure.
