We are more than half way done with the snow season of 2013-2014 and sales records and data have been released showing us which helmets have been the hits thus far. It's not too surprising that Smith and Giro have completely dominated the retail charts. We wanted to focus on 'Top Rated' as opposed to 'Best Sellers' because how many have sold isn't necessarily the main indicator for a quality helmet. Marketing and other factors can influence the amount of helmets sold -- what it comes down to is what the people are saying and how high they are rated in reviews after actually using them so you are able to have solid information on the best bang for your buck. Before getting into it, make sure you scour the internet for some deals, especially late in the season. Both Smith and Giro release closeouts and retailers discount them tremendously, including us. Lastly, I've provided you a link to both Amazon and us (of course we offer a 10% discount, what'd you expect?) if you're looking to buy at this moment. Let's take a look.

1. Smith Optics Holt Helmet

This helmet has been around for numerous years and it was no surprise it has had continued success. One of the main attractions of this helmet is the quality vs. price. Being only 60$ and providing a very stable source of protection for riding. 

• Main features: Removable goggle lock, 14 vents, airflow control and ventilation.
• Positives: Is stated to be in the top 3 for concussion prevention, is relatively comfortable and keeps your head warm (some say you do not need a hat or beanie underneath). Also offered in size XL for those of us who have larger heads! The summer pads also make it multi-functional. Is not too heavy and the fit is apparently great.
• Negatives: Padding is said to be not as up-to-par as more expensive helmets. The goggle clip is apparently very shaky and if you move your goggles up more than half way they fall off. It also does not have an internal adjustable fit mechanism for customizable fitting. You need to rely on their sizing charts for this one.
• Colors available: Matte Black, Matte White (above), Matte Graphite, Neon Blitz, Matte Kelly, Matte Orange, Matte Oxblood
• MSRP: $60
  

Use coupon code at checkout: BLOGHELM10 for 10% off any top 10 helmet!

2. Smith Optics Vantage Helmet

This is a personal favorite of ours. We did a review on it here if you're interested. Being one of the more expensive helmets, the technology is extremely powerful. If you're able to spend this much money on a helmet, you won't be disappointed. This is as good of a helmet your'e going to get. It has the most insane technology out there, but that's why it's two hundred bucks and some change.

• Main features: Top-of-the-line shell construction, Aerocore technology (check our review for info on this), adjustable fit system, 21 vents, snapfit ear pads, removable goggle lock and nanosilver perofrmance lining.
• Positives: Extremely lightweight, the vent system is adjustable with two sliders for customization or whatever mood you're in, comfortable chin strap, and ear muffs do a great job at keeping you warm.
• Negatives: None, and if we want to nit-pick, it is said that the lime color is a bit off from the pictures Smith provides
• Colors available: Matte Black, Matte White, Matte Gunmetal, Kelly Blockhead, Fire Blockhead, Root Prospector, Acid W3, Orange W3, Sage Chakana, Xavier Charger (above), Darkness, Irie Rockers
• MSRP: $220
  

 Use coupon code at checkout: BLOGHELM10 for 10% off any top 10 helmet!

3. Giro Nine.10 Helmet

This helmet has been out for about two years now and has continued to show it's dominance. A combination of the Giro G9 and G10, it's sleek look and affordable prices for the features make it very valuable (more than half the price of the Vantage).

• Main features: In-form fit system for custom fitting, in-mold construction, ventilation, weatherstrip vent shield.
• Positives: The weather strip vent shield prevents wind from getting inside of your helmet. Sizing is excellent due to the customizable fit system. The ear pads are also vented to ensure your hearing isn't completely taken away from you but still kept warm. 
• Negatives: The vents are not closeable! If you are to be in extremely cold conditions, be careful...although there have been mixed reviews because even with the open vents the helmet is still relatively warm with it's lining and shell.
• Colors available: Matte Black, Matte Black Fader, Matte Green Motherboard, Matte Red Motherboard, Titanium, White
• MSRP: $100 

Use coupon code at checkout: BLOGHELM10 for 10% off any top 10 helmet!
  

4. Giro Decade (Women's) Helmet

This helmet has been out for about two years now and has continued to show it's dominance. A combination of the Giro G9 and G10, it's sleek look and affordable prices for the features make it very valuable (less than half the price of the Vantage).

• Main features: In-form fit system for custom fitting, in-mold construction, super cool vents, weatherstrip vent shield, women's specific
• Positives: Is said to be true to size and fits extremely well (especially with the customizable fit system of Giro). The back is an adjustable wheel and it has a hole in the earmuffs for headphones. The flaps inside can be tucked in for venting if needed. Light and comfortable. Stylish colors for women.
• Negatives: None reported
• Colors available: Black Pearl Sans, Green Harvest, Magenta Whirl, Matte Titanium Cable Knit, White Pearl Sans
• MSRP: $100

Use coupon code at checkout: BLOGHELM10 for 10% off any top 10 helmet!

5. Giro Encore 2 Helmet

Although a relatively older style by Giro (2009), the Encore 2 continues to make it's way into the ranks of top rated snowboarding helmets. This is more of a competition to the Holt, holding the same MSRP of 60$. However, as it is an older model, you should be able to scavenge the internet for some nice discounted Encore 2's, making it a better bang for your buck for most of these helmets. Who cares if it didn't come out this year?

• Main features: Fit Kit pad system, hardshell conscruction, super cool vents.
• Positives: Is said to be very warm (almost too warm, if that is possible on the pow?). Can also act as a mountain bike helmet if need be. It is also certified for multiple sports if you are competing. Has an excellent goggle retainer clip with buttons so your goggles do not slip off easily.
• Negatives: Comfort is stated to be OK and the goggle strap at the back is a bit tight.
• Colors available: Red, Grass, Soda Static, Orange Tulips
• MSRP: $60

6. Smith Optics Maze Helmet

The Maze has some of the coolest graphics we've seen. A definite must-have if you're looking for something more than just plain matte colors. Relatively basic when it comes to technology and seems a bit overpriced for 100$. However, it does feature Smith's essential technologies, with special ventilation and self-adjusting fit system.

• Main features: Removable goggle lock, 9 vents, snapfit ear pads, airflow climate control, self-adjusting fit system, "AirEvac 2 Ventilation".
• Positives: Provides a size XL for those with larger noggins, excellent protection against concussions with contact absorption, and is stated by reviewers that it provides 'pretty good' warmth on the mountains.
• Negatives: Velvet lining is a bit jankey, is stated to be relatively basic and not worth 100$
• Colors available: Matte Black, Matte White, Bobby Digital, Kelly Blockhead, Acid W3, Steel Oceanic, Darkness, Charcoal Batik, Lago Duck Camo, Bone Prospector
• MSRP: $100

Use coupon code at checkout: BLOGHELM10 for 10% off any top 10 helmet!

7. Smith Optics Transport Helmet

Another helmet to add to Smith's domination of the top snowboarding helmets of 2014. You can't ignore the quality they provide with reasonable prices. This one is about half the price of the Vantage, but still provides some excellent features that stick out to most snowboarders. Comes with standard colors.

• Main features: Removable goggle lock (like most of their helmets), hybrid in-mold construction, total of 16 vents, "AirEvac 2 Ventilation", their more advanced fitting system 'BOA', snapfit ear pads, nanosilver performance lining.
• Positives: Sizing is accurate and fits very well, has sliding vents just like the Vantage to ensure customization of airflow on your head, very light. Very big quality of this helmet is the adjustment features.
• Negatives: None thus far. A definite bang-for-your-buck and worth getting over the Maze considering it is only 30$ more.
• Colors available: Matte Black, Matte White, Matte Graphite, Acid W3, Steel Blockhead, Sycamore Blockhead
• MSRP: $130

Use coupon code at checkout: BLOGHELM10 for 10% off any top 10 helmet!

8. Smith Optics Voyage Helmet

Smith continues their dominance with another 130$ helmet for women. This helmet has basically the same features as the Transport but includes a fleece-type tricot lining inside, giving it both a comfortable feel and lavish look. The colors are rather women's specific.

• Main features: Removable goggle lock, fleeced tricot lining, hybrid in-mold construction, 16 vents, "AirEvac 2 Ventilation", low profile regulator adjustable climate control, snapfit ear pads.
• Positives: Better looking than most helmets on the market with design touches. The fleeced tricot lining is more of a soft suede which feels great compared to just foam sponges most helmets are made of. Stated to be very warm (as most Smith helmets are). Fit is stated to be great.
• Negatives: Plastic shell on the outer helmet is stated to be flimsy. But this should not affect your protection too detrimentally. Be wary.
• Colors available: Black Pearl, White Pearl, Merlot, Satin Mist, Jade Omega, White Tide
• MSRP: $130

 Use coupon code at checkout: BLOGHELM10 for 10% off any top 10 helmet!

9. Giro Surface Helmet

This is surprisingly one of the higher rated helmets on the market, considering it is relatively old (just like the Encore 2). Also, Giro has come out with a newer version of this helmet, titled the Surface S. I don't want to steer away from the good reviews from this. Most retailers still have some in stock and since it is an older helmet many are discounted for a more affordable bang-for-your-buck investment. Again, just because it isn't the newest thing, doesn't mean it isn't a good and affordable helmet!

• Main features: Hard Shell construction with an interior sub-liner, 6 'Super Cool' vents with mesh covers.
• Positives: Still fits comfortably if you wear a hat underneath, solid core for great protection and is not too heavy yet remains solid. The ear flaps are warm and can support speaker-systems, adjustable strap to ensure a great fit.
• Negatives: Straps are stated by a few people to have faded by the sun after numerous uses. Ear pieces are stated to be a bit flimsy. 
• Colors available: Black Denim, Matte Black, Matte Red, Blue Final Frontier, LH Orange, Matte Tank
• MSRP: $85

10. Smith Optics Allure Helmet

Coming in at #10 is again another Smith Optics helmet. This is also colors pertained to women, coming in at another 100$ retail price. Standard helmet with Smith's standard (if you'd like to call them this) technologies. Going this route is more for the colors available that are not for other helmets. 

• Main features: Removable goggle lock, 9 vents, fleeced tricot lining (just like the voyage), beanie compatible (all are basically this), lightweight in-mold construction, airflow climate control, lifestyle fit system, "AirEvac 2 Ventilation", snap fit ear pads.
• Positives: The interior is soft just like the voyage with the suede-like interior (very comfortable on the ears and head), great impact absorption (this is relative to how hard you actually hit your head, but many have said it has saved their lives). Also stated to be very light in weight as well as having a nice goggle holder for when you go in doors or need to wipe your eyes off. 
• Negatives: None taken. This is just another Smith 100$ helmet, so what it comes down to is comparing the features/colors and styles that are available with the opposing helmets Smith offers within this price range.
• Colors available: Black Pearl, Dusk, Jade Omega, White Tide, Facemelter, White Ombre
• MSRP: $100

Use coupon code at checkout: BLOGHELM10 for 10% off any top 10 helmet!

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