What To Look For
2008 was a good year for ski helmets, as manufacturers released a number of new helmets such as Muse from Bern and the Moxie and Moxie Pro from K2. The helmets were lighter and more durable than those released in previous years. When shopping for a ski helmet, you'll want to look for a helmet that fits your head properly. It should fit firmly on your head and not wiggle when you push against it. There shouldn't be any gaps between the helmet and your head and you'll also want to check the fit of the helmet with your goggles to ensure the two pieces fit together.
Common Pitfalls
The biggest mistake you can make when buying a ski helmet is buying one because it looks good or because you read one of the 2008 ski helmet reviews that made it sound good. Ski helmets protect your head in the case of accidents and it's one of the most important pieces of equipment you own. You shouldn't skimp on it at all, but spend some time looking at different models and trying different ones on to find the best fit. Wearing a helmet that doesn't fit increases your chances of having a head injury in an accident.
Where To Buy
If you're shopping for ski helmets, start your search at local sporting goods stores that sell skiing equipment. The Sierra Trading Post, Dick's Sporting Goods and REI are all good choices. Trying the helmet on is always best, but if you decide to shop online, look at retailers such as Amazon, where you can buy helmets at a discount and read the reviews.
Cost
The price of a ski helmet varies depending on the style, manufacturer and size. Child size helmets are much less expensive than the adult versions and typically retail for less than $50. Adult versions are a little different because the price is based on the quality and the manufacturer. In general you can expect to pay $50 to $200 for a ski helmet. Those from well known companies such as Smith, Giro and Alpine are usually more expensive and priced at $150 to $200 because the helmets are known to last for several seasons.
