10 Best Snowboard Helmets in 2022 (Giro, Oakley, and More)

Here are our picks for the top 10 best snowboard helmets! We made our choices based on the points listed in the buying guide below and reviewer feedback.

Trying to choose the right snowboard helmet can be overwhelming. To find the right one for you, we recommend considering which helmet construction meets your snowboarding needs, looking for safety ratings, and keeping an eye out for practical features.

There are two main types of snowboard helmet constructions: injection molded and in-mold. There are also hybrid constructions that combine aspects of both injection molded and in-mold helmets.

Injection molded helmets are sometimes called hard shell helmets. The outer shell of these helmets is made with a hard plastic called acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) that is glued to an expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam liner that is already molded to fit inside the shell. 

These helmets tend to be heavier and bulkier than in-mold helmets, but they offer a lot of protection and impact resistance. They typically hold up to impacts, as well as general wear and tear, better than in-mold helmets.

An in-mold helmet is constructed with a hard plastic outer shell that is evenly filled with EPS foam. Since the shell and lining are combined in a single molding process, in-mold helmets have a sleek appearance and are lightweight.

The nature of in-mold helmets’ manufacturing means they may get damaged more easily than injection molded helmets. However, in-mold helmets have more vents, which increases their breathability. They may appeal to you if you often snowboard in the backcountry or similar environments, where you don't want to get too warm or be weighed down.

A snowboard helmet with a hybrid construction is manufactured to be both well ventilated and durable. These helmets start out as an in-mold construction, which is lightweight and has plenty of vents. Then, the ABS plastic used for injection molded helmets is applied to key areas of the hybrid helmet, which protects it from impacts. 

Whenever you buy a snowboard helmet, look for a rating from the American Society of Testing Materials. ASTM F2040 is the rating used specifically for non-motorized snow sports, such as skiing and snowboarding. Snowboard helmets with this safety rating have been tested for their stability and strength retention. 

You may also come across CPSC certifications as you look at different snowboard helmets. This certification comes from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and it is usually applied to bike helmets that have been tested for stability, strength, and impact resistance. However, it is sometimes used on snowboard helmets, too.

Many snowboard helmets are made with rotational impact protection systems, like MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), which is designed to reduce rotational force after an impact. 

MIPS works by adding a low-friction layer inside the helmet. During an impact, the low-friction layer moves 10 to 15 millimeters. This helps protect against concussions and brain injuries by reducing rotational force to the head.

Nearly all snowboard helmets come with additional features like vents, visors, and audio compatibility. Some features are meant to be practical for snowboarders, while others make wearing the helmet more fun and convenient. 

Most helmets come with vents that release excess heat. Some even come with adjustable vents that can be opened when you want to cool off and closed when you want to retain warmth. Adjustable vents are more convenient than fixed vents because you won’t need to wear an additional layer like a beanie underneath your helmet to stay warm. 

When choosing, consider your location and style of snowboarding. For example, if you do most of your snowboarding in a cold and windy climate, you might opt for a warmer helmet with adjustable vents. If you regularly find yourself snowboarding in the backcountry, you’ll want a helmet with plenty of vents so that you can easily cool down. 

Some snowboard helmets feature built-in visors, which protect your eyes the same way goggles do. You can put the visor down when you want protection and slide it back up when you want it out of the way. This feature is especially useful if you wear glasses, as traditional goggles can sometimes be uncomfortable or annoying. 

For snowboarders who like to listen to music but hate carrying earbuds around, consider a snowboard helmet with integrated headphones. Snowboard helmets with this feature have headphones built into the earpads on the inner lining, so you can easily listen to music.

There are also audio-compatible snowboard helmets. Rather than built-in headphones, the earpads of these helmets come with an inner pocket where you can put your headphones or other audio devices. Some helmet manufacturers specifically make and sell Bluetooth devices that are meant to be worn with their audio compatible helmets.

It’s important that your snowboard helmet is the correct size and fits properly. Sizing for snowboard helmets varies between manufacturers, so be sure you know your measurements to ensure that your helmet is the right size. 

To figure out your size, take a tape measure and wrap it around your head, roughly one inch above your eyebrows and ears. If you do not have a tape measure, wrap a string around your head and measure it with a ruler. Snowboard helmet sizes are usually in centimeters, so make sure your measurements are in centimeters, too. 

A properly fitting snowboard helmet feels snug but not uncomfortable. There should be no space between your head and the helmet’s inner lining. When buying a snowboard helmet, you can choose between standard and adjustable fits. A standard-fit helmet comes in a fixed size, while an adjustable fit helmet uses removable foam pads, sliders, or dials to accommodate a range of sizes.

For example, a medium standard fit helmet may only fit someone whose head is between 58 and 59 centimeters, while a medium adjustable fit helmet can be modified to fit someone whose head is anywhere between 56 and 59 centimeters.

Do you have all the equipment you need for your next snowboard trip? Get ready to hit the slopes with more of our favorite gear!

Author: Alexa Nogueira

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