No matter the level of your skiing ability, having the proper skiing gear is a no-brainer. Of them all, a ski helmet is a top priority, as it protects one of the most sensitive parts of your body – the head. That said, skiing gear does not come cheap. If you’re worried about the price of ski helmets, then fret not. Today, there are scores of best ski helmets under 100 that offer all the characteristics and features of higher-end models. Right from venting to advanced fit customization, these budget ski helmets are ideal if you are just starting out skiing. Plus, if you head to Vermont’s Ski Resorts just a few times over the years, then these ones are ideal for you. From basic yet effective models to the most tech and featured-packed ones, here are the best ski helmets under 100.
How To Choose The Best Ski Helmets Under 100?
Even if you’ve decided on getting budget helmets, that doesn’t mean that you should compromise. Just like other skiing gear like Alpine Ski Boots and Ski Helmets For Glasses Wearers, your ski helmet should be comfortable for and protect you. And there are quite a few considerations when it comes to protection, comfort, and warmth provided by ski helmets? So, what are they? Read on.
Are you just starting out with skiing? We’d recommend you also check out the Best Ski Helmets for Beginners. If you’re looking for protection for your entire family, here is also a list of Best Ski Helmets for Kids.
Types Of Ski Helmets
To begin with, there are numerous designs and kinds of ski helmets, including complete face helmets, complete shell ones, and half shell helmets. If you’re worried about safety, then go for the complete or full-face helmet, especially if you’re a beginner. It covers everything from the ears and head to even the chin and leaves just the eyes and nose exposed. If you’re skiing recreationally, then the complete shell or half shell ones are ideal. Both cover only a part of your head, with the former also protecting your ears. So, what you’ll need to wear with these two types of helmets is a pair of removable ear muffs.
MIPS
MIPS, which is an abbreviation for Multi-directional Impact Protection System, is a scientifically-designed extra protection layer fitted into helmets. In the event of an unfortunate collision or crash, the MIPS layer reduces the rotational forces to your head. So, when you fall, you’ll fall at an angle and won’t damage your grey matter. Basically, MIPS helmets absorb the shock, taking the stress off the brain. Having said that, MIPS ups the price of the helmet considerably. Since not all ski helmets under 100 will have a MIPS feature, you need to be careful about what you want.
Ventilation and Warmth
Whether you’re a novice or an expert skier, one thing everyone wants is ventilation and warmth. To begin with, you need to check whether your helmets are compatible with goggles or not. You might even want to check out Ski Helmets With Built-in Goggles if you want to avoid that headache altogether. Secondly, you need to check the weight and bulk of the helmet. Next, the helmet’s ventilation system needs to be flexible and adjustable, especially if you’re going to be skiing during summertime too. Finally, you need to check that the earpiece fits comfortably and snugly.
Adjustment And Fitting
Undoubtedly, ski helmets are only completely effective when they fit extremely well. So, you might have to try out a few helmets before finding out which one fits you best. For one, you need to check out the helmet’s adjustment system, which allows you to have a range of fits. Secondly, ski helmets some in a spectrum of sizes ranging from XS to XXL for catering to a variety of head sizes. Additionally, some also have inner adjustable layers to ensure an even more secure fit. Finally, look out for the helmet’s chin strap. The best helmet chin straps today are not only padded but also magnetic for easy, single-handed, and gloved operation.
Smith Holt Ski Helmet
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For a staggeringly affordable maximum price of $75, the Smith Holt is one of the best ski helmets under 100 that you can find. This true budget offering has everything you’d ever need – a bombshell construction, a self-adjusting Lifestyle Fit system, and an adjustable venting system. Despite weighing 1.95 lbs, the Holt boasts a smart design and doesn’t sport the bulky look usually associated with helmets. The adjustment system is par excellence and features not just a dial adjuster but also a stretchy elasticized band at the rear. So, it ensures a true-to-form snug fit for your head. The foam lends additional thickness and warmth, adding to the comfort.
The best part? The helmet isn’t ideal just for winters – its all-season tag with the pad kit means that it can be used in summers too. What’s more, the adjusting venting system allows you to switch the airflow and keep the head cool under the hot sun. Finally, the AirEvac system also keeps your goggles fog-free, leaving a clean field of vision in the front.
Pros:
- Excellent design.
- Adjustable venting system and AirEvac system.
- Ideal for all-season use.
- Extremely value-for-money.
Cons:
- If you’re a regular skier, then upgrading to a MIPS helmet seems like a better choice.
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Giro Ledge Ski Helmet
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A branded MIPS helmet under 100? As unbelievable as that might sound, that’s exactly what the Giro Ledge MIPS is offering. With a stunning range of colors and an equally stunning maximum price tag of $90, the Giro Ledge is undoubtedly the most value-for-money helmet on this list. Despite not being as feature-heavy as its more expensive brethren, you’ll be more than happy with its offerings. To begin with, it features a clean, skate-like design, complete with a protective, durable, and tough hard-shell cover. Next up is its extremely user-friendly adjustment system, which you can use to dial in a snug fit. This helmet, while said to work best on oval heads, is great for other head shapes too, all thanks to its adjustment system. What’s more, the goggle retainer at the rear is very handy, as your goggles won’t flop around when not in use.
The removable ear pads on the helmet make it ideal for summer skiing too. However, one of its standouts is that you have the choice of the most vivid colors, right from powder blue to bright red. With its most basic model available for $50, integrating it with MIPS costs a mere $20-30 extra. So, why not go for this fabulous, all-inclusive helmet that costs less than $100 and is also considered one of the Best Men’s Ski Helmets.
Pros:
- MIPS technology for less than $100.
- Adjustable fit system.
- Available in a range of colors.
Cons:
- None!
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WILDHORN Drift Snow Helmet
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Another of the best ski helmets under 100 is the WILDHORN Drift Snow Helmet. Having worn by celebrities ranging from Olympian skiers to actors, this somewhat celebrity helmet might be basic, but it works. With a sleek and slim design and a weight of just 18 oz (510 g), it’s one of the lightest ski helmets ever! The helmet boasts absolute protection, thanks to its PC shell infused with a plush, EPS liner, which also keeps you comfy and warm. The adjustable ventilation system keeps the air flow steady and the head cool in summers and warm in winters.
Besides this, there’s a lot to love about this helmet. For one, it’s compatible with a whole lot of goggles, doing away with the dreaded goggle gap that allows snow to enter. Moreover, the ventilation system even keeps the goggles fog-free! Are you a music aficionado? Then there’s a real treat waiting for you. The Wildhorn Drift’s earpads are audio-compatible. Last but not least, the earpads are removable, allowing you to use this extensively for summer skiing too. All-in-all, it’s one versatile ski helmet for the below-100 price and is also considered one of the Best Women’s Ski Helmets.
Pros:
- Lightweight.
- Stylish and available in a spectrum of colors.
- Detachable earpads.
- Excellent inner liner.
Cons:
- No MIPS.
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LUCKY BUMS Snow Sports Helmet (404)
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If you’re a beginner skier, then look no further than the LUCKY BUMS Snow Sports Helmet. The helmet’s price starts at as low as $20, and goes up to a maximum of $65 for all sizes and colors, including red, pink, and blue! The helmet sports a delightful design and is a cross between a skate-style helmet and a traditional one. It features a robust ABS shell exterior that meets the safety standards and is resistant to bumps, knocks, abrasions, and even sharp objects. Going further, the plush and soft EPS liner made of polystyrene foam is highly impact- and shock-absorbing, and keeps you comfortable.
The helmet features multiple vents, complete with removable earpieces, making it ideal for both winter and summer use. Plus, the hypoallergenic fabric liner ensures additional warmth and comfort and is moisture-wicking while still ensuring great airflow. Finally, the dial lock adjustment strap allows you to make micro-adjustments to make for a secure and perfect fit. So, this helmet is everything you want in a ski helmet at an affordable price.
Pros:
- Inexpensive and value-for-money.
- Adjustable for a better fit.
Cons:
- Some users reported a bit of an issue with the padding.
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BERN Watts EPS Thin Shell Helmet (CU)
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The Bern Watts EPS Thin Shell Helmet is another excellent ski helmet under 100. The iconic helmet from Bern’s lineup is an absolute winner for its value, comfort, and overall cool factor. The thin yet robust ABS hard shell combined with the light yet sift EPS foam protects your head. Furthermore, you can easily dial in the fit using the twisting BOA system. The all-season helmet can also be used for summer skiing, thanks to the moisture-wicking liner and the vents which ensure airflow. Finally, the rear micro-adjust ratchet combined with the Crank Fit Dial system ensures the comfiest snug fit possible.
One thing about the helmet that’s a standout is its in-built visor, which is what makes this a great choice for Ski Helmets For Glasses Wearers. Nor does the visor obstruct your vision, nor does it touch the glasses. Moreover, the helmet’s air vents even avoid the glasses from fogging up. Oh, and the best part? It’s integrated with MIPS.
Pros:
- Lightweight.
- Great combination of vents and removable earpads.
- Presence of MIPS.
Cons:
- Vents are non-adjustable.
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Anon Raider 3
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The Anon Raider 3 has long been a budget favorite with skiers for more reasons than one. To begin with, its durability and abrasion, scratch, and dent-resistance are sky-high, thanks to the Endura-shell construction On the inside, the padding has a fleece backer, which is extremely soft for its wallet-friendly price. Add to that the earpads and you’re offered optimal comfort and warmth. Its winning quality, however, is its sleek, skate-park-ready looks and a host of interesting colors like gray, olive, and red.
Although the ventilation system isn’t adjustable, the passive ventilation channels keep the airflow going and do a decent job of preventing the glasses from fogging up too. Finally, the auto-adjust system provides the perfect fit, whether you choose to wear this helmet with a beanie underneath or not. Despite being amongst the heavier items on this list (1.3 lbs), it’s still a great buy.
Pros:
- Solid, durable construction.
- Great price.
Cons:
- No MIPS.
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Pret Cynic X (CU)
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The Pret Cynic X is another great mid-level ski helmet under 100. There’s very little about the helmet that you won’t like. For one, the helmet boasts an extra-robust exterior thanks to the PC panels on the outside. The strong, in-mold construction keeps its weight to less than half-a-pound. On the inside, it boasts one plush and immensely soft wool-blend liner that makes it very comfortable to wear. In spite of not being a BOA one, the fit system is excellent and very easy to use even with gloved hands.
Furthermore, what’s so likable about the Pret Cynic X is that despite not being adjustable, its 12-vent fixed system regulates temperature very well. Finally, the helmet is even audio-compatible, making it a great value buy for lovers of music.
Pros:
- Fun and trendy helmet.
- Padded, comfy liner.
- Compatible with audio.
Cons:
- Non-adjustable vents.
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Giro Neo MIPS Helmet
If you’re looking for a ‘Small’ sized helmet in a range of colors under 100, then the Giro Neo MIPS Helmet is perfect. Right from neon green and yellow to bright orange and blue, you’ll find every color under the sun in Small size – all for less than $100! The helmet’s in-mold build melds a robust PC outer shell with an impact-absorbing plush foam liner. The stack ventilation system combined with the adjustable thermostat control allows you to control the airflow and makes the helmet cooler than others in the same category.
That’s not all; the Form-Fit adjusting system makes it very easy to dial-in the fit within seconds – all with your gloves on. Additionally, there’s also a discrete vertical turning feature and an ergo-friendly dial at the bottom to further tune the fit. This adjustment not only optimizes the goggle-helmet fit but also enhances your peripheral vision.
Pros:
- Adjustable venting system.
- Form-fit adjusting system.
- Available in a range of colors.
Cons:
- Practically none.
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TurboSke Ski Helmet
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The TurboSke Ski Helmet is one of the best ski helmets under 100. The durable, robust, yet lightweight helmet features a tough ABS exterior, while an inner, high-quality EPS foam layer. So, it keeps you comfy, warm, and sweat-free all day long. The ventilation system not only ensures airflow but also keeps the goggles fog-free. Moreover, the size adjustment dial ensures a snug fit, no matter the shape and size of your head. Plus, the removable pads are comfortable and supportive, perfect for wearing for hours.
What’s more, the helmet is even music-compatible! In fact, there’s a space for keeping the audio or Bluetooth module. So, all you need to do is simply attach your wireless music player to the helmet to listen to your favorite tunes as you speed down the slopes in glee! So, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the Best Ski Helmets With BlueTooth.
Pros:
- Compatible with most audio modules.
- Side and front vents for keeping your head warm and cool.
- EPS foam within an ABS shell.
Cons:
- Slightly bulky.
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OutdoorMaster KELVIN Ski Helmet
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The OutdoorMaster brand’s products have stood the test of time and are a favorite amongst skiers. Of them all, perhaps the OutdoorMaster Kelvin is a universally-loved ski helmet by all types of skiers. If you’re a beginner skier, you’ll be enthralled by the color choices – it’s like a rainbow. However, if you’re a budget skier, then you’ll jump with joy as these helmets are priced no more than $40! In spite of a shockingly low price, the helmet ticks all boxes – protection, safety, usability, features, and looks. To begin with, it features a reinforced ABS shell build combined with a shock-absorbing EPS core.
What’s more, the 14 vents scattered across the helmet keep your head warm in the winter and cool in summers. On colder days, the inner fleece lining helps with the warmth. On hotter days, the removable earpads can come off, allowing you to whiz sweat-free down the slopes. Finally, the helmet is well-integrated with OutdoorMaster’s goggles, allowing for a snug, no-goggle-gap fit.
Pros:
- Lightweight.
- Excellent build and quality.
- Very, very light on the wallet.
Cons:
- Some users have reported fog build-up.
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Velazio Valiant Ski Helmet
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The Velazio Valiant Ski Helmet is one of the best ski helmets under 100. Designed with safety standards in mind, the helmet uses a combination of ABS shell and plush and soft EPS foam to protect your head. Moreover, it’s also abrasion, scratch, and impact-resistant. Plus, the adjustable dial at the rear is perfect for finding the ideal fit. Additionally, the adjustable top vents and climate-control feature allows you to adjust airflow and stay comfortable in all seasons.
Moreover, the helmet is also goggle and music-compatible. The goggle loop at the rear ensures that your goggles don’t fly off your face in case of a nasty fall. Plus, the plush earpads, besides providing warmth, have space for placing speakers or an audio module. All this for less than $50!
Pros:
- Protects your head.
- Adjustable vents with climate control keep your head comfortable.
Cons:
- Virtually none.
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Giro Nine Helmet (CU)
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A branded Giro helmet for less than $100? And that too one with MIPS? Yeah, you heard that right! Behold the Giro Nine MIPS, which does exactly what its high-end brethren do, but without the wallet-heavy price tag. To begin with, the helmet boasts a form-fit system at the rear that’s perfect for personalizing and adjusting the fit. The combination of the impact-absorbing foam liner and a strong PC outer shell keeps you comfortable and also ensures better ventilation systems. Overall, it makes the helmet not only cooler but also lighter than traditional helmets. In fact, thanks to its sleek design, the Giro Nine weighs all of 15.4 oz (436 g)!
The thick, plush earpads might be on the smaller side, but they end up keeping your ears very warm as you zip down the slopes in winter In addition, the helmet features 12 vents, of which 10 are adjustable, allowing you to adapt to the changing summer and winter climates. Finally, the helmet integrates with goggles really well, allowing you to look stylish at the same time.
Pros:
- Excellent value.
- Lightweight and durable.
- Adjustable venting system.
Cons:
- None!
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Triple Eight Snow Audio Helmet (404)
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If you’re on a budget and are all about the music, then the Triple Eight Snow Audio Helmet is the best ski helmet under 100 that you can find. If you’re a casual skier, then a simple helmet does the trick, and that’s what makes the Triple Eight helmet so good. That said, this one is a little different from your usual traditional ski helmets. To begin with, it has 11 vents that ensure smooth airflow and keep your head cool in summers and warm in winters. It also keeps sweat at bay and keeps you comfortable even if you’re wearing this helmet all day long. Additionally, the padded chin strap and the back neck curtain lend additional support.
Above all, it’s the integrated audio system that you’ll love. Moreover, they can even be connected to a traditional 3.5mm audio cable. So, if you’re interested in listening to music as you ski casually with your friends or family, then this helmet is perfect!
Pros:
- Adjustable venting system
- Padded chin strap.
- Neck protector curtain.
- In-built audio system.
Cons:
- Slightly smaller in size as compared to traditional helmets. However, this is a problem only for those who’re used to the idea of large helmets.
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