Testing the Outdoor Master ELK MIPS Ski Helmet | Photo Alex Lemieux Mountain Weekly News
Typically, you get what you pay for when it comes to gear – especially safety gear. But then I was introduced to OutdoorMaster, one of the few companies I’ve found who doesn’t sacrifice quality for price. The ELK MIPS Ski Helmet has all the major safety features you’d want in a ski helmet combined with a sleek look and comfortable fit – all under $100.
I wanted to try the ELK helmet in a few different scenarios, worried that the fleece ear lining and chin strap would be great for storm days but would be too much in the backcountry. I was wrong. It was a high-pressure, bluebird day after a storm cycle and the 8 vents provided a good amount of air flow to keep my goggles from fogging and my head from sweating on runs. The next day, a low pressure system moved in and I lapped runs at a resort. The earmuffs were a very welcomed feature, allowing me to forgo wearing a beanie or buff under the helmet and, because the vents are strategically placed to support airflow but protect against wind and precip getting in, I stayed comfortable the whole day. More importantly, Outdoor Master’s ELK helmet was compatible with the different goggle brands I swapped between.
Features
Protection Technology: Featuring MIPS (Multi-direction Impact Protection System), a toughened PC outer shell, and an EPS core that soaks up shocks with in-mold construction, Outdoor Master’s ELK is both lightweight and durable, combining max comfort and max safety.
Built For Comfort: 8 air vent holes allow for airflow while a fleece inner lining, earmuffs, and soft chin band protects your soft spots on cold days.
Customized and Flexible: Dial in that perfect fit with the size adjustment dial, and keep your ski goggles locked in place with an easy-to-use goggle strap retainer. How easy? I wore mega-mittens on a cold day and still could manage adjusting my helmet size and securing my goggles in place without taking the mitts off. Speaking of goggles, the ELK is compatible with many types of goggles and comes with a mini-brim to help cover those that are larger profile.
Favorite Features
Size adjustability
Fleece lining in all the right places
Look, design, weight
Safety at the forefront
Compatible with multiple types of goggles
Cost
What Can Be Improved?
Earmuff fleece lining isn’t removable, which may make it a bit too warm for those prone to overheating. That’s not me, so I actually dig this feature.
Short chinstrap – This wasn’t a problem for me, but you might want to check into it if your dome is above average.
Non-adjustable vents. If you’re planning to hike or climb in the helmet, this could cause an issue. The 8 vents available allowed for enough airflow to remove moisture and kept my goggles from fogging, but I’m not convinced my head would get cooled down if I turned the activity level up.
Outdoor Master ELK MIPS Ski Helmet Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable protection technology
- Built for comfort with fleece lining and earmuffs
- Customized fit and flexible adjustments
Cons:
- Earmuff fleece lining not removable
- Short chinstrap
- Non-adjustable vents
Overall Impression
The Outdoor Master ELK MIPS Ski Helmet ($89.00) is your ultimate winter wingman for any snow adventures – on the slopes or in the backcountry. Protecting your noggin isn’t an area you want to skimp on, and with OutdoorMaster, you won’t have to. As the official supplier to the U.S. Ski Team, they know something about helmet safety and with the MIPS-equipped system, you can be confident you’re well protected no matter what adventure you get into.
Specs:
Unisex size options: Small (20.07 – 21.25 inch), Medium (21.65-22.83 inch), Large (23.22 – 24.01 inch)
Color options: 12 to choose from
Material: PC Shell + EPS Foam
Cost: $89.90 on their website. Also available on Amazon.
Bungee-style goggle strap
8 non-adjustable vents
Removable inner fleece lining
Fleece lined earmuffs and fleece chin strap
Multi-goggle compatible
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