The Product: Ski/Snowboard Helmet

There isn’t a good excuse for not using a ski/snowboard helmet anymore especially with all of the options. Unlike the early days of the heavy bowl shaped helmets, today’s ski/snowboard helmets are far lighter and more comfortable.

Recommendation: Giro G9 Ski and Snowboard Hemet Review

Formerly known as the Nine.9, the 2008 Giro G9 ski and snowboard helmet has been updated for the 2007/2008 season, but retains all the features that make it a great helmet and a best seller. Long known for their bicycle helmets, Giro entered the skiing and snowboarding market a few years ago with a whole range of lightweight, comfortable helmets with the look and feel of their cycling cousins. Giro helmets meet both the ASTM F2040 (US) and CE EN1007 (European) safety standards, are lightweight (13.5 oz), and, dare I say, comfortable.

The Giro G9 has a low profile and provides good peripheral vision. It’s also got a Goggle Notch to hold on to your goggles. Another key feature of the G9 ski helmet is the adjustable vent system. Fifteen huge vents with easily removed Weatherstrip plugs maximize ventilation and keep you cool. Manually removing the plugs on the mountain can be trickly, but the ability to customize the airflow makes it worth it. The higher model Giro Fuse, does this automatically. The Giro’s In Form fitting system also lets you dial into just the right fit, to make the helmet even more comfortable. 
           
The other really cool thing about Giro Helmets is the TuneUps feature. Sold separately, TuneUps are removable ear pads with integrated speakers. Depending on the model you buy, TuneUps, TuneUps II, or TuneUps Two Way, you can attach an mp3 player, cell phone, or a two way radio, respectively. New to the Tuneups line-up this season is an integrated Bluetooth version, so you can listen wirelessly. The wireless speakers can be popped directly into the helmet or with the included headphones, so you can listen on and off the slopes. Prices on the Bluetooth-enabled TuneUps should come down a bit this season.

I used to dread wearing a helmet, but now I am so used to my Giro that it feels strange not to wear it. Giro is clearly leading the innovation in the ski helmet industry, while everyone races to catch-up. I'd rather reward the innovator with my business than the imitator.

Devil's Advocate:

It’s probably safer to reserve the TuneUps functionality for the chairlift (especially out west where there are still a lot of slow chairs), rather than the slopes, although it is nice to have on the mogul trails :).