The Overview: As we saw at the 2013 SIA “Snow Show” optics and helmets are trending towards a minimal, low profile look, rather than past years’ clunkier styles. The benefit? Lighter weight, closer fitting products. This is great news for petite women or women with smaller faces and heads. Utah-based Pret Helmets recently emerged with an ultra-lightweight, minimal helmet in a variety of fun colors.

The Test: My first reaction to the women’s Lyric helmet, was “Dang, this is light!” Secondly, “Wow. this is comfortable.” The padding in the helmet is minimal, but just enough to be comfy. The inner shell is adjustable via a dial located in the back of the helmet, so you can customize the fit to your head. The ear flaps are soft and are compatible with drop-in audio systems. Perhaps I’m a sucker for details, but I really liked the chin strap which cinches any extra strap and prevents neck chaffing. The google snap ensures your goggles aren’t lost to Mother Nature. The ventilation system features two front intake vents, and four in the back, and internal channels that feed the fresh air and remove excess heat for optimal temperature control. For sunny, warm Colorado having a constant supply of cooling air is key, especially if you’re hiking or skinning. In colder climates these non-closeable feeds could create an issue, but luckily Pret makes a helmet, the Facet, with vents that fully close.

Rating
4 (out of 5)

Style: If the colors don’t get you, the minimal look will. Less helmet, more you. +1
Design: As the lowest profile helmet on the market, the sleek, ergonomic look says it all. +1
Durability: After continued use, I’ve noticed some small dings and dents, but aesthetic scratches are hard to see. -.5
Performance: As the lightest helmet out there, I award top marks, but I have reservations that the Lyric will perform well in extremely cold and blizzard-like conditions due to six vents (two in front and four in back) that do not have a closure. -.5
Comfort: Soft, minimal padding, an adjustable inner shell to fit your dome just right and lightweight materials to increase enjoyment…yes, I’d say it nails the comfort department. +1

Find the nearest Pret retailer.