UPDATE: Check out our review of the Best Snowboard Helmets for 2019/2020 by clicking here.
Helmets have become increasingly commonplace on the brain boxes of snowboarders young, old, and those in the middle. While in the past they were bulky, heavy things with somewhat of an image problem, the best snowboard helmets of 2018/19 have gotten to the point that they’re so light and comfortable that after a couple of runs it’s easy to forget you’re wearing one.
The chances of seeing your heroes – be they in the park, the backcountry, or even in the streets – riding with one on is greater nowadays than ever, but fear not, the great helmet debate is still raging on – with a new study! However, if you’ve decided this is the season to get lidded – or your old one has had one knock too many – you can rest safe in the knowledge that there’s a heap of options for you this season.
“The best snowboard helmets of 2018/19 have gotten to the point that they’re so light and comfortable that after a couple of runs it’s easy to forget you’re wearing one”
While many helmets fall into the long-used ‘EPS foam wrapped in a shell of hard ABS plastic conforming to safety standards’ category, at the higher price points it’s common to see more technical approaches to diffusing the energy from an impact on your head. In-mould technology is becoming more common, stripping back on weight and bulk, even on lower-priced models, while MIPS (Multi Impact Protection System) has been adopted by several companies to offer better protection to certain kinds of impacts.
Whatever the tech involved, it won’t help you as much as it should if the helmet doesn’t fit correctly. Trying before you buy and getting the advice of the sales staff would be our suggestion, though most helmets to allow you to adjust the size somewhat for a more tailored fit – either by adding/removing padding, or via a tightening system. The chin strap should be comfortable and easy to use, plus it’s good if there are plenty of vents (some models offer adjustable ones) to keep you from overheating or your goggles getting fogged.
When it comes to extra features, many helmets will have removable ear flaps (some have the option to include and audio system too) allowing you to adapt to changing temperatures and style preferences. You can rock your goggles over the top or underneath on a lot of models, too. But the most important thing – we’re taking protecting your head as a given – is that they have minimum interference on your riding experience. Check out our guide on how to choose your snowboard helmet, have a gander at some of the best helmets for 2018-2019 below, and get down to your local store to find the one that ticks your boxes best.
Scroll down to view all the best snowboard helmets, or skip to a particular brand using the links below
Anon Greta | Anon Highwire | Anon Raider | Giro Emerge | Giro Ledge MIPS | Giro Terra MIPS | Head Thea BOA | Head Varius | K2 Stash | Oakley MOD5 | Quiksilver Skylab SRT | Roxy Angie SRT | Roxy Muse | Salomon Brigade Audio
