Get rid of my goggles?
You’ve got to be kidding. Goggles are one of the most important parts of my ski kit. While goggles can be frustrating at times (fog, anyone?), they’re still a necessity.
So when OSBE USA offered me a chance to try “goggle free” skiing with one of their helmets, I was intrigued. Would an “integrated visor” work better than goggles?
Now, in all fairness, wearing an OSBE helmet with an integrated visor is not really “goggle” free. The visor is basically a goggle attached to the helmet with screws, instead of a strap. Still, having a built-in visor gives you one less piece of ski equipment to keep track of and a potentially wider field of sight.
I like those ideas, so I was eager to try an OSBE helmet.
Just a little background, OSBE is a long-time helmet manufacturer based in Italy. The company began by making electronic communication systems for all types of helmets – motorcycle, ski and snowboard and motor racing. They’ve been making helmets since 1996.
First Impressions
Taking the helmet out of the box, I was impressed. It was new. It was shiny. It was black with attractive graphics.
I liked the stars over the visor attachment and since it is the UNITED Snow model, it says “UNITED” around the back.
I like UNITED. It’s a good word and a grand sentiment.
I also like the very round shape of the helmet.
Next, I put the helmet on. This was the part that worried me.
I have a hard time buying helmets, trying them on, trying to determine which one fits “just right.” Since I ordered this one purely by size (instructions on the website explain how to measure your head in centimeters), I was concerned.
I didn’t need to be. It fit perfectly.
In fact, this helmet fits more comfortably and securely than any helmet I’ve owned.
The padding is thick and holds my head securely and comfortably. But what I like best is the padding over my ears. It is snug to my face, but my ears aren’t squished – exactly what one would expect, I now realize, from a company that makes helmet communication systems.
Next, I inspected and tried the integrated visor.
As I wrote above, I like the idea of having one less thing to pack, to worry about and to mess around with.
When I pulled the down, I really liked the rose lens and the wide peripheral vision it gave me, and I noticed that my sight through the lens was very sharp.
The visor on the United Snow helmet slides up the outside of the helmet. A new model, the Majic, has a visor which slides inside.
So while I liked the visor, I didn’t like the approximately 1 cm band of clear light I saw at the bottom of the visor. Clear light, as opposed to rose-tinted light, meant one thing to me: WIND.
Mountain-Tested, But Only Once
So while I liked the helmet – a lot –I worried that the visor wouldn’t provide enough protection from the elements when skiing.
Here’s what I found.
- The visor, as it comes from the factory, does let in wind as I ski. The first time I used the helmet was on a sunny day. It was warm and I didn’t mind a bit of air coming under the visor, although my eyes did tear a little.
- You can customize the fit of the visor to your face with additional foam padding from OSBE. Attaching a simple foam insert to the existing foam along the bottom of the visor doubles it’s width, effectively blocking light and air. This $20 foam insert does customize the fit. But, unless you trim it carefully to fit your, it also is a bit awkward. It limits how far the visor can slide up and bunches just a bit under my eyes when the visor is down. Sliding a finger up and pulling gently on the foam gets rid of this problem.
- The visor does, in fact, offer excellent vision. It has a rose lens, and because the side-to-side lens span is so wide, I believe it has superior peripheral vision compared to my other goggles. It also has UV protection 400, so my eyes are safe.
- The helmet is very comfortable and secure. I trust my head to it. I especially like the buckle on the chinstrap, which has a ratchet and latch closure and is easier to adjust than most helmet buckles.
Recommendations
If you like the look and the idea of the built-in visor, I recommend OSBE USA helmets. They are well-made, with a smart design.
I haven’t had the opportunity to ski on a very cold or snowy day, so I cannot speak to how well the visor foam will work, but it seems like an effective, if slightly awkward solution to blocking wind and cold.
I also don’t have any idea how the lens will perform in low or flat light, or if it will fog up in damp conditions.
Despite what I don’t know yet, I am comfortable recommending this helmet based on the fit and feel alone.
This is because it is easy to detach the visor and use your own goggles. The helmets come with a built in goggle strap on the back. The visor connection points easily unscrew so you can remove it on days when it might not meet your needs.
Also, additional visors in clear, mirror, orange and smoke tints are available and can be easily interchanged for varying conditions.
This flexibility, combined with the excellent fit, comfort and style, make OSBE USA helmets a good option in a higher-end helmet. Until I’ve been able to wear this helmet in more adverse weather, it’s hard to say if I’ll go goggle-free all the time.
But the ability to switch out the visor with goggles and the overall fit and quality of the helmet make up for any potential shortcomings with the visor.
To facilitate this post, I received an OSBE Snow United helmet. As usual, all opinions are my own and are exactly what I would tell my family and friends.
A Bit More from BSM:
January 13, 2014: I’ve used the helmet now several more times and I have a bit more feedback.
1. If you remove the visor to use the helmet with your goggles, please note that the two points where the visor screws to the helmet will stick out about 1/4 inch. I don’t think its a big deal, but I wanted to mention it.
2. I never could really get the additional foam piece to work for me. What I did discover is that on cold days, a neoprene face mask fits perfectly under the visor and prevents cold air from bothering my eyes (I wear contacts and my eyes water easily).
I hope this helps!
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The Wisconsin Skier says
No Gapers Gap With That Setup; Will Need To Come Up With A New Name For The Wind Gap.
braveskimom says
True, but I’m thinking the additional pads will get rid of the wind! Thanks for reading!
Jenny Thompson says
I had a great experience with the united last year-in all weather conditions and I love it. I bought the protons for my kids and it was the first season that I didn’t have to buy extra goggles for the ones they left behind at the lodge!
braveskimom says
So good to hear! thanks Jenny! Great idea re: the kids. Less stuff to lose is always good!
braveskimom says
NEWSFLASH! Apparently, the good folks at OSBE USA looked at my profile snap and I didn’t have the visor totally clicked down. Just tried the helmet on, pushed down a bit more and voila! Success. Less wind gap. Good stuff.
judy berna says
Great review! You got me at ‘goggle free skiing’! As the mom to four, I HATE making sure everyone has goggles and helmets (and all the other gear) and that they all fit again with each new season. I love this idea. Such a great one that makes you think ‘why didn’t they make helmets with visors before’??
I will show my crazy skiing teen boys, and see what they think. In the meantime I’m sharing your post on my fb page, for all our East coast friends and relatives who ski.
Great review!!
judy at justonefoot.com
braveskimom says
Thanks so much Judy! And lest you think I’ve forgotten your guest post, it’s scheduled this month! I hope you’re well!
Linda Williams says
I wonder how well it works for people who wear glasses? Does the manufacturer have any info on this topic? As a wearer of specs, I have a hard time finding goggles that work with my glasses.
braveskimom says
Good question! I will ask for you!
Jenny thompson says
I’ve worn my contacts and glasses. Works well with both
braveskimom says
Thanks Jenny!
Osbe says
Thanks Jenny! So glad you are happy with the product!
Osbe says
Hi Linda! Osbe here!
Thanks for your question! As Jenny mentioned below, you CAN wear glasses comfortably with your Osbe helmet. It’s an added benefit of the integrated visor!
Also, feel free to contact us directly for any specific questions/sizing info/etc – we are happy to help: info@osbeusa.com
Caroline Graham says
Looks good. I’m in the market for a new helmet. Are they in stores?
braveskimom says
Great question! Here is the link from the OSBE USA website for stockiest: http://www.osbeusa.com/pages/Stockists.html
I see that they are available at Cole Sport in Park City!
Thanks!
David R Corey says
How well does it work for those of us that wear glasses?
braveskimom says
Good question. The answers I’ve seen so far, say it works well. But, since I don’t ski with glasses, I’m afraid I don’t know first-hand.