Where Advanced Safety Meets All-Mountain Performance.

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.

The construction of a ski helmet shell significantly impacts its weight, durability, and cost. ABS Hardshell construction uses a thick, durable, injection-molded ABS plastic shell that is bonded to a separate EPS foam liner. This method is incredibly resilient against dings and scratches, making it an excellent choice for park riders, kids' helmets, or rental programs. In-Mold construction fuses a much thinner polycarbonate shell directly to the EPS foam liner in the mold. This creates a single, lightweight unit. An in-mold ski helmet is the go-to choice for all-mountain riders, backcountry enthusiasts, and anyone who prioritizes low weight and a sleek, low-profile fit. As an OEM manufacturer, SPIRIT has mastered both techniques, allowing brands to choose the construction that best fits their target market's needs and price point.

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.

For most skiers and snowboarders, a MIPS-equipped ski helmet is a worthwhile investment in safety. MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) is a technology specifically designed to address rotational forces, which are common in skiing falls where you might catch an edge and twist as you impact the snow. A MIPS liner allows the helmet to rotate slightly on your head during these angled impacts, redirecting and reducing the harmful rotational energy that can be transferred to the brain. While a non-MIPS helmet provides excellent protection against direct impacts, the added dimension of protection against rotational forces offered by MIPS is a significant safety upgrade. For brands, offering MIPS in a ski helmet line signals a strong commitment to providing the latest and most comprehensive safety technology.