The Product: Ski/Snowboard Helmet

Ten years ago, you saw maybe a handful of helmets on ski slopes, but these days, they’re definitely on the growing list of must-have skiing and riding accessories. Thankfully, the technology has changed a lot from the early days of ski and snowboard helmets, and today’s helmets are lighter, more comfortable, and come with all kinds of fun add-ons.

Recommendation: Giro Fuse Ski and Snowboard Hemet Review

With a reputation for producing lightweight, comfortable bike helmets, Giro decided several years ago to try their hands at ski and snowboard helmets. They quickly became innovators in snowboard helmet technology, and the Giro Fuse is an excellent example of their skill. As part of the Giro line of ski and snowboard helmets, the Fuse is, of course, ASTN F2040 (US) and CE EN1077 (European) compliant in terms of safety. Even though it’s lightweight, only 15 oz, its double shell means that it’s durable, too.

One really handy feature of the 2008 Giro Fuse versus the lower priced and more popular Giro G9 (See Giro G9 Review), is that the extra vents on the Fuse can be opened automatically using a sliding switch (called the Thermostat) on the top of the helmet, whereas on many other helmets, you have to remove plugs manually. This is also a step-up from other Giro snowboard helmet models. It’s really nice to be able to open up all the vents automatically and let your head breathe at the end of a run. It helps to regulate your body temperature so you don’t get to hot or cold.

If you’re one of those people who likes to listen to music while you’re skiing or riding (or, preferably, on the chair lift where it’s a little less dangerous), the Fuse takes advantage of Giro’s TuneUps accessories. TuneUps are separate speakers that clip into your earflaps and connect to an mp3 player, cell phone, or two-way radio (depending on whether you buy TuneUps, TuneUps II, or TuneUps Two-Way, respectively). There’s even a new Bluetooth version that lets you listen wirelessly. Integrated speakers are becoming a really popular accessory for skiers and snowboarders, and Giro is definitely on the cutting edge with TuneUps. The models with the integrated Tunups are called The Giro Fuse Audio and the Giro Fuse Wireless Audio

If you’re not already skiing or snowboarding with a helmet on, you should definitely start. They may feel weird at first, but they’re worth getting used to. Giro is making some of the best helmets out there: lightweight and sturdy with some really cool technology. The Fuse is one of their best, and definitely worth a try.