Helmet Reviewed: Winter Watts with Mips
MSRP: $129.99
Color: Matte Black
Size: Large (59-62cm)
Specs from Bern:
- Bern’s versatile helmet outfitted for skiing
- MIPS technology uses a slip-plane liner to combat angular impacts
- EPS multi-impact foam certified for both skiing and biking
- Boa system offers a quick-and-easy adjustment for a secure fit
- Drop-in ear pads with audio-ready compatibility
Intended Use:
Snowboarding, all snow sports, anyone looking for a visor style helmet that is lightweight and provides superior protection for your brain. The Watts helmet can be used for biking, skating and more.
Review Date and Location: November 2018 – May 2019 in Wyoming
Review:
The Bern Watts with Mips helmet is a lightweight brim style helmet with ventilation for multi-condition and multi-sport use. The Watts is basically Bern’s Baker helmet but with ventilation. I have a large head and sometimes find it difficult to find a helmet that fits properly. The Watts helmet had ample room even with my facemask underneath. I did have to wear my goggle strap over the helmet but have had that issue with most helmets. The Watts helmet features a Boa system that is easily adjustable for a snug/proper fit.
We have some really frigid days in the Tetons, so I rode with the ear pads in for the majority of the season. They added just enough warmth and protection to keep my ears warm. The earpads are audio compatible but I did not add speakers. The earpads are easily removed on really warm days and I removed them while hiking to earn those last few turns this spring. The Watts helmet without the ear pads can be used for biking, skating and more. You can purchase a warm-weather liner if you plan to use it in the summer.
The Watts uses a thin ABS shell lined with EPS Foam to create a lightweight lid that meets certifications for both bike and snow.
You can purchase the Watts with or without MIPS, with the MIPS helmet costing about $30 more. MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System, which is a leading slip-plane technology inside the helmet designed to reduce rotational forces that can result from certain impacts. The MIPS technology does not add any additional weight, so for the added protection, its worth the extra money. Fortunately, I did not test the helmet protection or MIPS technology but nice to have that added protection.
I used the Bern Watts helmet with several pairs of goggles. The goggle/helmet gap was pretty minimal with most goggles. The Bern Watts comes in several colorways and three sizes.
I really liked the fit, style, and protection this helmet offers. If you are looking for a lightweight, stylish helmet that offers superior protection, consider the Bern Watts with MIPS.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Great Ventilation (11 vents)
- EarPads provide good warmth
- BOA adjustment
- MIPS
Cons
- minor goggle/helmet gap with some goggles
| Price: |  (4.3 / 5) |
| Performance: |  (4.5 / 5) |
| Design: | (4.5 / 5) |
| Overall: |  (4.4 / 5) |