The OEM Partner for Brands That Lead the Pack.

When selecting an OEM manufacturer for your ski helmet line, you need a partner with proven expertise in three key areas: safety certification, winter-specific engineering, and goggle integration. First, ensure the manufacturer has a deep understanding and a proven track record of producing helmets that meet ASTM F2040 and CE EN 1077 standards. A partner like SPIRIT with an in-house testing lab is ideal. Second, evaluate their ability to engineer features crucial for winter, such as effective adjustable ventilation and the integration of MIPS technology. Third, ask about their process for ensuring seamless goggle compatibility. A top-tier manufacturer will have experience designing helmet brims that eliminate the "goggle gap." Choosing a partner like SPIRIT, who excels in all three areas, is the key to creating a successful, safe, and desirable ski helmet.

ASTM F2040 is the key safety standard for non-motorized recreational snow sports (skiing and snowboarding) in the United States. When a ski helmet is certified to this standard, it means it has passed a series of rigorous tests designed by the American Society for Testing and Materials. These tests are performed in a cold-weather environment to simulate real-world conditions. They include impact tests, where the helmet is dropped onto various anvils to measure its ability to absorb force, and a retention system test to ensure the straps and buckles are strong enough to keep the helmet on during a crash. Choosing a helmet that is ASTM F2040 certified, like those manufactured by SPIRIT, gives you the assurance that it has been proven to provide the specific type of protection needed for snow sports.

An adjustable ventilation system on a ski helmet is a key feature for managing comfort throughout a day on the mountain. Conditions can change rapidly, from cold and windy to warm and sunny. This feature, typically a slider or button on the helmet, allows a rider to manually open or close vents. When the vents are open, cool air is drawn in, flows through channels in the helmet's liner, and pushes warm, moist air out through exhaust ports. This is ideal for strenuous runs or spring skiing. When the vents are closed, they seal off the airflow, trapping body heat to keep the rider warm on a frigid chairlift or during a snowstorm. This ability to regulate temperature, a feature perfected by manufacturers like SPIRIT, significantly enhances a rider's endurance and comfort.

It is absolutely essential to replace your ski helmet after any major crash or significant impact, even if it shows no visible signs of damage. The most critical safety component is the internal EPS foam liner, which is designed to protect your head by crushing and cracking to absorb the energy of a single, major impact. This damage is often hidden beneath the outer shell. Once the liner has been compromised, the helmet will no longer provide its certified level of protection in a future fall. As manufacturers, we design a ski helmet to sacrifice its own structural integrity to save you from injury. Continuing to use a helmet after a major crash is a dangerous risk that should never be taken.