Best Snowboard Helmets 2017-2018 - Whitelines Snowboarding

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Buyers Guide 2017/18

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Best Snowboard Helmets 2017-2018

This year's best snowboard-specific helmets, reviewed by the Whitelines Team

UPDATE: Check out our review of the 2018/2019 Best Snowboard Helmets here

Lid users have never had it so good – modern snowboard helmets are techier than state-of-the-art farming equipment, and much more enjoyable to put your head into. Not everyone has been won over yet, but if this is the year that you ditch the bobble hat for something safer, our list of the best snowboard helmets for 2017/18 should help you make the right choice.

Impact-absorption systems continue to evolve, with some really nifty ideas changing the way we think about managing a crash. MIPS (Multi Impact Protection System) is more popular than ever, thanks to tried-and-tested performance that’s doubtlessly saved several lives. Then there’s an abundance of lightweight ‘in-moulded’ options, once exclusive to the costly models but now more affordable than ever.

“If this is the year that you ditch the bobble hat for something safer, this should help you make the right choice”

An ill-fitting helmet won’t be up to the job, so make sure it’s a good match for your head. Most have a degree of adjustment to them, so you can fine-tune things for an even better fit. The chin strap should be comfortable too – if it isn’t, you’ll know about it after a few laps – and the venting needs to be sufficient to prevent you from cooking, or your goggles from fogging.

Most snowboard helmets have removable ear flaps, which you can pop out to suit your style (or the temperature). Some also have liners that can be removed should you prefer to wear a beanie under your lid, and most can be worn with goggles either underneath or over the top.

Ideally, you want your snowboard helmet to feel anonymous. A good lid doesn’t make its presence felt until you need it to – at which point it needs to be up to the task.

For more info, check out our guide on How To Choose Your Snowboard Helmet – then head down to your local shop and try on as many of these as you can, until you find the one in which you have full confidence.

Scroll down to view all snowboard helmets, or skip to a particular brand using the links below

Anon | Bern | Giro | Head | Oakley | Quiksilver


Anon Blitz Snowboard Helmet 2017-2018

If you like to rock a peak, the Anon Blitz is a lid worth considering.

Thanks to Anon’s Active Ventilation system, you can adjust your temperature on the fly with just one hand. Removable ear pads and liner material give you complete control over your noggin’s environment, and the hardy shell keeps you safe as houses.

With colourways ranging from subtle to garish, finding the right one for you is a piece of cake.

Check out our full review of the 2017-2018 Anon Blitz here

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Anon Griffon Women’s Snowboard Helmet 2017-2018

This subtly brimmed women’s model is a good-looking option for female riders looking for the technical features that comes with moving up into the mid-range of helmet pricing.

The Anon Griffon uses in-mould construction to fuse a lightweight polycarbonate shell to an EPS liner, resulting in head protection that has stellar comfort with a low profile fit and look. It’s also got strategically-placed vents on the front and back to draw air through effectively, chillling your head and preventing steamy windows.

In terms of fit, a 360 Boa Fit System is the ultimate in terms of quick, customisable fit and comfort, and the magnetic strap buckle couldn’t be easier to open and close.

Even more snug comfort is guaranteed by the long-haired fleece that covers the Anon Griffon’s liner and ear pads.

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Anon Raider Snowboard Helmet 2017-2018

Dependable protection needn’t cost the earth; the Anon Blitz packs a lot more tech into its skate-style outer shell than its price tag would suggest.

Designed to hold out against multiple knocks and adjustable to best suit the conditions, the Blitz is the perfect choice for the mountain dweller who wants winter-long protection and comfort.

That’s why it’s one of our top picks for 2017/18.

Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2017-2018 Anon Raider here

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Bern Heist Snowboard Helmet 2017-2018

This new model from Bern is one serious piece of kit, with more safety features than a Formula 1 car. The standout is a rib cage-like design that gives it ‘crumple zones’ to protect against big impacts.

At the same time it’s impressively light, with plenty of options for adjusting your temperature to the weather. Not a fan of the brim? No problem; it’s also available without.

The Bern Heist our favourite new helmet of 2017/18; read our in-depth review to find out more.

Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 2017-2018 Bern Heist here

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Giro Ledge MIPS Snowboard Helmet 2017-2018

Riders after a sleek, minimalist skate-style helmet that offers a ton of protection would do well to check out Giro’s Ledge MIPS. The ‘MIPS’ stands for Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, which reduces the transfer of energy should you spank your head with any degree of rotation, and sits beneath a hard shell construction.

Stack ventilation and ‘Super Cool’ vents make sure your head doesn’t overheat and reduce the chance of goggle fogging. Meanwhile you’re head’s kept warm enough, stable on your melon and comfortable, thanks to the audio-compatible earpads and Auto Lock 2 adjustable fit system.

If you prefer to ride with a beanie beneath, fear not: the earpads, fit system and goggle retainer are easily removed. There’s a bunch of modification you can do with the Ledge MIPS to get it right for your head, plus of course it will be seamlessly compatible with goggles like the Giro Blok.

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Head Tucker Boa Snowboard Helmet 2017-2018

This winter Head are celebrating a decade of making helmets, and the Head Tucker Boa is an excellent example of why they’ve been able to reach such a milestone. It’s a high-performance model that’s designed with a low-profile, urban aesthetic in mind.

The Tucker Boa is one for serious riding; whether you’re straight-lining chutes or stepping to the pro line, the Tucker Boa will look after your brain. And it will do it comfortably too: Thermal Ventilation, a Beanie Liner and a neck gaiter keeps your head the right temperature and feeling cosy

Boa 360 fit means you can dial in the perfect size for you, and an all-new Cantilever construction prevents uncomfortable wrinkling when you adjust the helmet, too.

Head’s hardshell technology offers the protection you need, and it’s worth noting that the ear pads, and neck gaiter can be easily removed should you want a more skate-like aesthetic.  
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Oakley Mod3 Snowboard Helmet 2017-2018

Oakley’s Mod3 helmet, favoured by big O ambassadors like Stale Sandbech, uses a super lightweight in-mould construction method and, even more interestingly, it features their proprietary Modular Brim System (MBS). This allows you to change the helmet’s brim depending on the size of the goggles you rock, ensuring you always get seamless helmet/goggle integration.

You can get the MOD3 dialled into the specific size of your head thanks to its Boa Fit tightening system, and securing it is made even easier by the magnetic buckle on the chinstrap, which you can easily open and close one-handed even when wearing gloves.

The ventilation is well placed to funnel air through the MOD3, keeping your head a comfortable temperature, and should you wish you can chose to have the optional MIPS protection liner included.

This fairly unique-looking helmet is the perfect choice for all-mountain riders wanting to be comfortable and protected wherever they choose to ride.

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Quiksilver Play Snowboard Helmet 2017-2017

This new addition to Quiksilver’s helmet range uses in-mould construction to produce a super sleek, lightweight model that will be perfect for any kind of riding.

The fit of the Play is easily fine-tuned thanks to the dialable fit system – turn it one way to tighten; the other to loosen it off – which sits integrated into the soft, thermoformed earpad/neck gaiter that you can also easily remove if you’d rather ride with a beanie. Inside, you have a mesh and sherpa fleece lining (also removable) for maximum comfort and moisture wicking.

The helmet is secured by a padded, fleece-clad chin strap that uses the magnetic ‘Fidlock’ buckle system for easy releasing even with your gloves on, and there are sizable, metal-lined passive vents strategically placed at the front and back of the Play to increase air flow, reduce overheating and whip out condensation.

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Quiksilver Skylab2 Snowboard Helmet 2017-2018

The Skylab’s been a mainstay of Quiksilver’s protection division for some years, and it’s easy to see why. This in-moulded helmet is lightweight, stylish and will look after your brainbox whether you’re ripping rail lines or tree runs.

As well as the tough exterior and EPS shock absorbing foam, this has an EVA brim piece to ramp up comfort and air flow. The Skylab’s passive front and top vents ensure your temperature is well-regulated, while inside the helmet Quik have used mesh and sherpa fleece for ultra comfort through long days on the hill.

The thermoformed ear pads and neck gaiter are super cushy and house the easy-to-adjust fit system, but if you want to rock it more skate-style these are easily removable. The ‘Fidlock’ buckle is magnetic, meaning putting the Skylab 2.0 on and off is a cinch with your gloves on, and has a chin pad covered in deluxe sherpa fleece for added comfort.

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Topics:

Anon Reviews 2017/18 Bern Reviews 2017/18 Buyers Guide 2017/18 Buyers Guide 2017/18 - Apparel Giro Reviews 2017/18 Head Reviews 2017/18 Oakley Reviews 2017/18 Quiksilver Reviews 2017/18

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