#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
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#6 on this list
Obex Mips
POC
The POC Obex Mips is geared toward all-mountain resort skiers and freeriders who prioritize clean Scandinavian design, high-grade materials, and an unobtrusive, low-profile fit. POC has a strong reputation for safety engineering, and the Obex translates that heritage into an all-around helmet that avoids the oversized 'mushroom' look common in the protective gear market. Reviewers praise its solid build quality and comfort over full resort days. Construction features an in-mold EPS liner encased within an outer polycarbonate shell, augmented by an ABS top cap for puncture resistance and structural integrity against hard falls. The integrated Mips Evolve layer reduces rotational forces, while an intuitive rear dial adjustment system secures the base of the skull. Venting is manually controlled through an adjustable slider on top, complemented by front chimney vents that vent warm air from goggles to prevent lens fogging. While the Obex performs admirably across winter conditions, its ventilation system is a single-slider setup rather than a dual-zone control, meaning you cannot adjust front and rear airflow independently. Additionally, POC helmets feature a distinct interior head shape that tends toward oval; riders with rounder head shapes may feel pressure at the temples. **Highlights** - Multi-material shell pairing in-mold polycarbonate with a reinforced ABS top cap - Low-profile, sleek silhouette that sits close to the skull - Mips Evolve rotational impact protection technology - Sliding active top vents for easy temperature control on the fly - Integrated goggle chimneys prevent lens condensation - Removable ear pads compatible with audio accessories **Watch-outs** - Venting cannot be tuned separately between front and rear zones - Shell fit profile runs slightly narrow for rounder head shapes - Priced firmly in the upper-mid tier at around $260
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Prime Mips | Obex Mips |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1 lb. 2.8 oz. (533 g) | 1 lb. 1.6 oz. (approx. 499 g) |
| 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 | — |
| Ventilation | Active dual-zone with 23 vents | — |
| MSRP | Around $245 | — |
| Shell Construction | — | In-mold polycarbonate with ABS top cap |
| Impact Liner | — | Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) |
| Rotational Protection | — | Mips Evolve low-friction layer |
| Venting System | — | Adjustable top sliding vents with goggle chimneys |
| Audio Compatibility | — | Compatible with POC Aid Communication ear pads |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
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
Obex Mips
- Streamlined, low-profile silhouette avoids a bulky mushroom appearance
- Hybrid ABS and polycarbonate construction balances durability and low weight
- Integrated Mips Evolve tech and front goggle chimney anti-fog vents
- Plush interior padding with audio-compatible removable ear pads
- Single-slider venting lacks separate front and rear airflow control
- Internal shape leans oval, creating potential temple pinch on rounder heads
- Firmly in the premium price bracket without dual-zone adjustability
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.