Need a new bucket

[Grant]

My Giro 9.Nine is well overdue for replacement and I'm trying to figure out what to buy. I really like the fit of the 9.Nine and the fact that the ear pads and vents make it much cooler in the spring is a bonus. I'm shocked I've not lost the removable vents so I'd rather not get that feature again. I've seen the Giro 9.Ten and the Montane which both look nice. The Montane wins due to it's light weight and the adjustable venting without taking it off. I haven't tried on any Scott, Bern, Red, or other brands. I ski at the resort 1 day a week and then earn turns another 1-2 per week, so it has to be worthy. I won't likely replace it until 2023 unless I crash.

What am I missing? Is there some crazy new feature I am not considering? Is there a steezy look I need to have to fit in with the cool kids? What are you wearing and why?

[Greg]

Since this is TTips V.2.0 this thread has to disintegrate into an argument about whether helmets increase or decrease your risk of injury. I will state here the terms "risk homeostasis" and "peltzman effect", thereby claiming the points for being first to mention those.

Seriously, I too am interested in this question, as I need a new helmet. The POC helmets seem to be popular. Are they good? I like light and well vented.

[revloren]

There are two basic helmet designs. In-mold helmets, like the Giro Nine, take a thin rigid shell and inject a foam liner. They are usually pretty light like a bike helmet, cheap and may not provide the maximum protection. Other lids are two piece affairs with thicker plastic shell attached to a rigid foam liner. They are usually heavier, more expensive and may even be able to absorb multiple impacts.

I stick with my Gyro for the weight, making me more likely to wear it ALL the time when lift-served skiing.

[Tele 'til You're Smelly]

the OP could have been written by me! The visor of the 9.9 has been key for me, so I'd like options with that. I do not need Bluetooth, auto haircombing etc.

[Nurse Ben]

POC Receptor Bug, not the coolest, not the lightest, and not the prettiest, but it's the only helmet I'll wear. Anything POC will be good for your head, but I find the Receptor to be the best fitting.

[Quadzilla]

I have two helmets that I really like. My BC is a Smith Maze helmet that used to be my primary helmet. It is light, vented and pretty warm with ear guards in. Last year I got a Bern Hard Hat for resort skiing. The Bern is a bit heavier but way more protective in case you need it. It fits snug, warm and lots of padding around the whole helmet. Great goggle hook and decent vents. If I was in a wreck I would much rather have the Bern on compared to any other helmet I have worn. But for BC use maybe overkill due to the added weight and total head covering with padding. For me the only use I have for a BC helmet is for branch protection and the Maze does this and light.

[Baaahb]

I think a 2.5 gallon plastic bucket is the best size for mixing mortar and grout. Most of the others mentioned on this thread won't work a damn.

[Tele 'til You're Smelly]

edited after I found this one-

anyone have experience with this POC helmet? Looks like it's got what I want- visor, light color, removable ear flaps- is the venting good though? I worry that without movable vent covers it would either be too cold for winter or too warm for spring/BC

http://www.pocsports.com/en/product/1207/synapsis-2-0

[Quadzilla]

Weird that it's hard to find ones with full visors- some of the Smith ones have a little lip but that's not enough for me; looks like POC has one but the graphics are really stupid (guess I could spray paint it, but not sure those vents are cool enough either). Giro no longer offers one it doesn't look like except the full-face model.

Usually I buy new ski gear before it's completely worn out because some new model comes along that piques my interest. But I haven't seen anything I like as much as my 9.9 so I keep using it probably longer than I should.

Smith makes one called a Variant Brim, very popular helmet around here. Brim is a bit bigger than average but not a full brim. Smith Vantage is a popular helmet here too.

[Gary at Tahoe]

I have the Smith Variant Brim, that Quad mentions. great helmet. I like the adjustable vents on top and the brim is really nice when its snowing out.

[bkclyde]

Had the Giro 9.9, loved it. Replaced it last season after, um, a tree jumped out the forest, and assaulted me. Yeah, that's what happened. Anyway, replaced it with the Giro 10. It has a higher "profile" than the 9.9, the hood of my shell is much snuggier over the helmet. It is also MUCH breezier and cooler, they've significantly improved the ventilation. With the 9.9 I never put in the vent plugs, with the new 10 I have all the flaps closed and it still gets chilly sometimes. Going to Giro brand goggles helped a lot, closed up the gaper gap. The Smith Variant w/ or w/o Brim is pretty popular in these parts, watch for it on SAC/Gear Cache.

[Nurse Ben]

anyone have experience with this POC helmet? Looks like it's got what I want- visor, light color, removable ear flaps- is the venting good though? I worry that without movable vent covers it would either be too cold for winter or too warm for spring/BC

http://www.pocsports.com/en/product/1207/synapsis-2-0

I tried one on before I bought a Receptor Bug. Many of the POC helmets run small, this is one of them. The Synopsis is also quite hot due to poor ventilation.

Get the Bug, stick on a flexible visor like they use on a kayak helmet, then go ski.

Before the POC Bug I had the Smith Variant, it was a fine helmet until it started falling apart, the replacement helmet did the same.

The POC's are bomber, worst thing that happens is the padding wears out, in which case it is easilly replaced with extra padding (included) or ordered, so more like a bike helmet in that way. We have four POC Bugs in our house, light blue, neon green, llight brown, and grey.

[bbense]

Smith Maze if it fits you. Light, comfortable and vents extremely well if you're moving fast enough to get some air flow. It's the first helmet I've owned where I need to also use a liner for warmth on storm days. I know it doesn't look like it vents at all, but they got the aerodynamics right on that one.

[QuiverQueen]

Paging James to the white phone. If he's around, he did quite a bit of research last year after he hit the WROD hard and rung his bell. If I recall
correctly, he ended up with a POC of some kind. POC seems to be doing more than many as far as research into head injuries and how to best
prevent them.

I like the Giro Seam/Sheer: easy to ventilate, small molded brim with a "stack vent" that helps keep goggles clear, adjustable fit (both around the head and
vertically), light enough, and nice colors.

[3PinGrin]

Smith Maze if it fits you. Light, comfortable and vents extremely well if you're moving fast enough to get some air flow. It's the first helmet I've owned where I need to also use a liner for warmth on storm days. I know it doesn't look like it vents at all, but they got the aerodynamics right on that one.

X2 on what bbense says. Love my Maze and am amazed how well it vents given the limited amount of openings. I like the fact that the top has no openings for an errant branch to peel some scalp. Probably not as protective as a POC but definitely appreciate the minimalist design.