Anon's Official Ski & Snowboard Helmet Guide

Whether you're a seasoned skier or snowboarder or headed to the mountain for the first time, finding the right helmet that will work for you is essential. While your personal preferences will help determine the best ski and snowboard helmet for you, we've created a ski and snowboard helmet guide to help determine your helmet size, fit, styles, construction types and more.

Overview:

• Video: Anon's Helmet Fit Guide
• How To Determine Your Ski & Snowboard Helmet Size
• The Difference Between Standard and Round Fit Helmets
• Anatomy of Anon's Ski & Snowboard Helmets
  • Construction Types
  • Protection Inserts
  • Fit Systems
• Suggested Helmet + Goggle Pairings

Video: Anon's Helmet Fit Guide

How to Determine Your Ski & Snowboard Helmet Size

One of the most crucial factors to consider when choosing a ski or snowboard helmet is the size. A helmet that fits perfectly is essential for maximum protection and comfort.

Measuring Your Head Size:

To measure your head size, take a soft measuring tape and wrap it around the base of your head, roughly along your temples and above the ears, about one inch above your eyebrows. This is the widest part of your head, and it's where the helmet should fit comfortably. Helmet measurements are typically determined by centimeters. Take note of the centimeters measured, as this will determine your helmet size.

Determining Helmet Fit:

• Too Small: If the helmet feels excessively tight or sits too high on your head, it's likely too small.
• Too Large: A helmet that feels loose, shifting easily from side to side or front to back, is too big.
• Just Right: A proper fitting helmet will feel snug and comfortable around the entire head.

Refer to the Sizing Chart Below:

Ensuring your helmet fits properly is essential for a safe and enjoyable skiing or snowboarding experience.

Check out the chart below for measurements and helmet sizes, which will guide which size you'll select for your helmet.

Universal Ski & Snowboard Helmet Sizing Chart

The Difference Between Standard & Round Fit Helmets

There are two different fit options for snow helmets: standard and round. A standard helmet accommodates oval head shapes. When a standard helmet fits correctly, you'll notice comfort around the entire head, without pressure on the sides, front, or back of the helmet.

If you try on a standard helmet and notice discomfort or pressure on the sides of the helmet, try on a round fit helmet. A round-fit helmet is narrower from front to back but wider throughout the sides, relieving possible pressure points and giving more width to the sides of the helmet for the best fit. Round fit helmets tend to have more room through the sides of the helmet and crown area, which can provide a more comfortable fit for those with a rounder head shape. Ultimately, the choice between a standard and round fit helmet comes down to head shape. If you notice that a standard helmet feels constricting on the sides of your head, try a round fit helmet.

Take a look at the reference chart below reference oval and round head shapes.

Ski & Snowboard Helmet Constructions

There are a few different helmet constructions to consider when selecting your helmet. Do you care about weight, durability, style, or all of the above? Below, we break down each helmet construction type along with some Helmet options to explore for each category.

Endura Helmets

An Endura shell, or more commonly referenced, a hardshell construction, features an injection-molded ABS exterior for lasting durability and ding-resistant strength. This helmet typically feels slightly heavier than an in-mold construction but can be found in a low-profile and sleek style like the Windham WaveCel Helmet.

In-Mold Helmets

In-mold helmets are simple, featuring a hard outer shell made from polycarbonate materials. Typically, you'll find in-mold helmets to be lighter in weight and offer a low-profile style. Check out the Logan WaveCel Helmet or Oslo WaveCel Helmet, if you're interested in an in-mold construction.

Hybrid Helmets

A hybrid shell takes a 50/50 approach, combining the benefits of an Endura shell and in-mold shell construction, featuring the durable components of an Endura shell on top and an in-mold shell on the bottom for a lightweight feel. If you're interested in a hybrid construction, check out the Merak WaveCel Helmet.

Ski & Snowboard Helmet Protection Inserts + Certifications

Anon ski and snowboard helmets utilize two different inserts, WaveCel and MIPS. For certifications, all Anon Helmets adhere to the two applicable certifications listed below, ASTM 2040 and CE 1077B.

Protection Inserts

• WaveCel® Technology - WaveCel® behaves like a network of hundreds of interconnected shock absorbers connecting your head and the outer shell of the helmet. WaveCel® helps distribute the impact energy through its network of cells, reduces impact forces like the crumple zone of a car, and then helps divert rotational forces by flexing and gliding. To learn more about WaveCel, check out our article covering WaveCel and our Anon WaveCel Helmet line.

• MIPS (Multidirectional Impact Protection System) is a revolutionary technology that mimics the brain's own protection system with a low friction layer that lets the helmet slide relative to the head. For a helmet featuring MIPS, check out the Anon Prime MIPS Helmet.

Helmet Certifications

All Anon Helmets receive two certifications: ASTM 2040 and CE 1077B. The section below explains each certification.

ASTM 2040 - This is a standardized test and certification used for recreational ski and snowboarding helmets from the American Society of Testing Materials. Each helmet model must pass a series of impact-driven tests, testing the helmet at a series of simulated speeds and drops to achieve this certification.

CE 1077B —This is a certification provided by the European Committee For Standardization, specifically for recreational ski and snowboard helmets. This certification considers all aspects of a helmet's construction, including helmet straps, helmet design, and ear pads. Similar to the ASTM certification, each helmet model must pass a series of impact, speed, and temperature tests to achieve this certification.

While certifications and protection inserts may allow a helmet to provide a better level of protection, nothing is absolute. Please ride and ski within your abilities, and be aware of your surroundings at all times while on the mountain.

Ski & Snowboard Helmet Fit Elements

Additional ski and snowboard helmet elements include fit enhancement and helmet straps to improve overall fit and ease of use. Check out our favorite fit systems and helmet buckles below to learn more.

Fit Systems

• BOA® 360 Fit System - A BOA 360° Fit System delivers micro-adjustable precision fit, offered as an in-shell fit dial just below the helmet shell that provides micro-adjustments in a complete halo around the wearer's head for a perfect fit. You can choose from a variety of Anon Helmet's featuring an in-shell BOA Fit System.

• Auto-Adjust Fit - The Auto-adjust fit system features an elastic closure in the rear of the helmet that dynamically flexes around the wearer's head for a secure fit. If you're looking for an entry line helmet, check out the Anon Raider Helmet.

Helmet Straps + Buckles

Fidlock® Buckle - A Fidlock buckle-strap contains magnets that allow wearers to open and close their helmets with one hand, alleviating the inconvenience of removing gloves or using both hands to unbuckle and clasp a helmet securely while on the mountain. Each WaveCel Helmet features a Fidlock buckle for one-handed, easy adjustments on the go.

Ski & Snowboard Helmet Ventilation, Ear Pads and Liners

When it comes to ventilation, ear pads, and liners in ski and snowboard helmets, comfort is the main factor to consider. Do you tend to run hot or cold while actively skiing or snowboarding? Different ventilation properties will support breathability to keep you comfortable throughout the day.

Ventilation

When exploring helmet options, you have the option to choose between active or passive ventilation, which comes down to vents that can open and close (active), or vents without the option to move (passive). Passive ventilation channels help to draw fresh air in the front and pull moisture from the back of the helmet. Active ventilation, provides the option of opening the vents to draw in fresh air, and close the vents to retain warmth. For a helmet that features active ventilation, check out the Merak WaveCel Helmet.

Ear Pads + Liners

All Anon Helmets come equipped with ear pads and helmet liners, both designed to retain warmth around the ears and head. Our ear pads are also audio compatible, and can be removed if desired. Our general recommendation is to keep the helmet intact to ensure optimal fit.

Ski & Snowboard Helmet and Goggle Pairings

Once you've determined fit, size, and style preferences, it's time to consider your new helmet and goggle combo. To keep it simple, we've listed some pairings below.

Size Large Ski + Snowboard Helmet and Goggle Pairings:

If you've measured a size large for a helmet, check out ourMerak WaveCel Helmet and M4 Toric Goggles or M4 Cylindrical Goggles.

Size Medium Ski + Snowboard Helmet and Goggle Pairings:

If you've measured a size medium for a helmet, check out the Logan WaveCel Helmet or Oslo WaveCel Helmet with the M4S Goggles or M5 Goggles.

Size Small Ski + Snowboard Helmet and Goggle Pairings:

If you've measured a size small for a helmet, you can pair any WaveCel Helmet model with a scaled goggle, like the M5S Goggles.

For additional questions or guidance on Anon helmets, how to measure your head, or helmet details, please contact us HERE.