Selecting the Correct Helmet
Picking out the right size helmet is important for your comfort as well as safety. Lucky for you, your favorite helmet manufacturers are making it easier than ever to find the perfect fit.
1 | MEASURE YOUR HEAD
First step to finding the correct fit is to measure your head. Find a fabric or soft tape measure and measure the widest part of your head, just above the eyebrows.
SIZES BY BRAND
Smith- Holt, Maze and Allure: Extra Small - 52-54cm, Small - 54-56cm, Medium - 56-58cm, Large - 58-60cm, Extra Large - 60-62cm
- All Other Smith Helmets: Extra Small - N/A, Small - 51-55cm, Medium - 55-59cm, Large - 59-63cm, Extra Large - 63-67cm
- Holt, Maze and Allure: Extra Small - 52-54cm, Small - 54-56cm, Medium - 56-58cm, Large - 58-60cm, Extra Large - 60-62cm
- Women's Sizes: Small - 52-55cm, Medium - 56-59cm
- Synapsis, Frontal and Receptor: Extra Small - N/A, Small - 53-54cm, Medium - 55-56cm, Large - 57-58cm, Extra Large - 59-60cm
- Receptor Crown, Recepter Bug and Sinuse: Extra Small - 51-52cm, Small - 53-54cm, Medium - 55-56cm, Large - 57-58cm, Extra Large - 59-60cm, XXL - 61-63cm
- Red - Extra Small - 53-54cm, Small - 55-57cm, Medium - 57-59cm, Large - 59-61cm, Extra Large - 61-63cm, XXL - 63-65cm
- Salomon - Extra Small - 54-55cm, Small - 55-56cm, Medium - 57-58cm, Large - 58-59cm, Extra Large - 60-61cm, XXL - 61-62cm
- K2 - Small - 51-55cm, Medium - 55-59cm, Large - 58-61cm (Rival-59-62cm)
Note: each helmet company uses different measurements for each size, so just because you are a medium in one doesn't mean you will necessarily be in the next brand.
2 | ADJUSTABLE FIT SYSTEMS
Increasingly common in ski and snowboard helmets are adjustable fit systems. Great for heads which are in between sizes or for just dialing in the fit just right, these can be extremely helpful in getting your fit perfect. Examples of adjustable fit systems could be BOA dial system, Custom Air bladder system, included multiple sets of padding, and other adjustable fit systems.
3 | OTHER FEATURES TO LOOK FOR
- Venting - Adjustable vents allow you to cool off your head on warm days and keep it toasty when the temp drops.
- Brim - many helmets today come with some sort of brim. Small brims are great for keeping the snow off the top of your goggles, keeping them from fogging up while larger brims can help cut glare by keep the sun off your goggles.
- Head Phones - If you like to listen to music while you ski or board be sure to get a helmet which is accept headphones in the ear pads. Companies like Skullcandy make great headphones that slide right into many popular brands ear pads.
- Women's helmets - Many women's helmets similar sizing as the men's or unisex helmets but with colors and plush liners designed just for women.
