#4 on this list
Ledge Mips
Giro
The Giro Ledge Mips is an absolute staple for park riders, budget-conscious resort skiers, and street snowboarders who treat their gear hard. Built around a thick, injection-molded ABS hard shell paired with an EPS liner, the Ledge is constructed specifically to withstand frequent drops, gear-rack scrapes, and park rail impacts that would dent fragile in-mold alternatives. Reviewers continually cite it as the premier budget pick in winter sports gear. Despite its modest $125 price tag, Giro equips the Ledge with a multi-directional impact protection system (Mips). It utilizes the Auto Loc 2 fit system, an elastic, self-adjusting cradle that provides a secure hold across three fixed settings, making it easy to wear over a thin hood or beanie. The ear pads and goggle retainer clip are fully removable, letting riders customize the helmet for a stripped-down street skate profile. The cost-saving compromises are straightforward: weight and ventilation. At roughly 1 pound 1.6 ounces, it feels solid and slightly top-heavy compared to premium lightweight lids. Furthermore, the ventilation consists strictly of passive, open ports that cannot be regulated when the mercury drops, leaving you dependent on your base layers to control warmth. **Highlights** - Rugged injection-molded hard ABS shell built for exceptional durability - Standard Mips safety liner included at an approachable price - Auto Loc 2 self-adjusting fit system with vertical tuning options - Removable ear pads and rear goggle clip for low-profile setups - Stack Vent technology lines up cleanly with Giro goggles **Watch-outs** - Noticeably heavy on the head during extended days - Fully passive venting offers no option to block frigid wind or heavy precipitation
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#5 on this list
Prime Mips
Anon
The Anon Prime Mips is aimed directly at dedicated snowboarders and resort riders who want premium thermal control, seamless magnetic accessory integration, and a dial-free buckle experience. It stands out in the category for its hybrid 50/50 shell design, which fuses an Endura-shell ABS upper for rugged overhead protection with an in-mold lower half to keep overall weight in check at approximately 1 pound 2.8 ounces. Real-world testing praise for the Prime frequently centers on its user-friendly hardware. It features a Fidlock magnetic snap buckle that fastens and unfastens effortlessly with thick mittens on, alongside a 360-degree Boa fit system that tightens evenly around the skull. Temperature regulation is handled by an active dual-venting system with 23 vents, allowing riders to fine-tune front-to-back airflow with external sliders during variable mountain weather. The trade-offs here reflect its specialized feature set. The Prime carries a relatively high price point around $245, and its design works best when paired natively with Anon goggles to maximize the anti-fog ventilation seal. While it handles diverse resort weather exceptionally well, riders who prefer minimalist, skate-style simplicity may find the abundance of vent sliders and adjustment dials unnecessary. **Highlights** - Hybrid 50/50 construction balancing ABS impact protection and in-mold weight savings - Active ventilation featuring 23 independently regulated vent channels - In-and-out 360-degree Boa fit system embedded directly into the liner - Fidlock magnetic buckle operable with heavy gloves or mittens - Mips brain protection system - Expedition fleece liner and ear pads for dependable winter warmth **Watch-outs** - Premium price point above $240 - Fits most cleanly with Anon goggles; third-party frames may leave slight gaps
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Ledge Mips | Prime Mips |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Injection-molded ABS shell with EPS foam liner | — |
| Rotational Safety | Equipped with Mips directional slip liner | — |
| Weight | 1 lb. 1.6 oz. (approx. 500 g) | 1 lb. 2.8 oz. (533 g) |
| Fit System | Auto Loc 2 self-adjusting elastic cradle | — |
| Ventilation | Super Cool passive vents with Stack Vent brow | Active dual-zone with 23 vents |
| Retail Price | Approximately $125 | — |
| Shell Type | — | Hybrid 50/50 (ABS upper, in-mold lower) |
| Safety System | — | Mips low-friction slip-plane |
| Adjustment | — | 360-degree Boa fit dial |
| Closure | — | Fidlock magnetic snap buckle |
| MSRP | — | Around $245 |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Ledge Mips
- Resilient ABS hard-shell exterior resists everyday drops, scuffs, and impacts
- Includes Mips rotational slip plane at an accessible price point
- Removable ear pads and goggle retainer support stripped-down setups
- Stack Vent brow channel effectively vents steam from goggle lenses
- Fixed passive vents cannot be sealed during freezing storms
- Noticeably heavier than ultralight in-mold helmet options
- Auto Loc elastic fit cradle lacks micro-adjustable dial precision
Prime Mips
- Hybrid 50/50 shell balances overhead impact resistance with sensible overall weight
- Twenty-three vents with dual-zone sliders offer versatile temperature management
- Integrated 360-degree Boa harness eliminates localized perimeter pressure
- Magnetic Fidlock buckle is completely operable while wearing thick winter mitts
- Premium retail price near $245 represents a significant investment
- Brim profile matches Anon goggles best; third-party frames may require fit checks
- Dual vent sliders add mechanical complexity compared to basic skate-style lids
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.