I have been wearing Sandbox helmets for snowboarding for over 10 years and every time I needed a new helmet, I came back to this brand. I now wear them for dual slalom and fat biking. This is when Sandbox asked me to test their latest Icon snow mips helmet.
About Sandbox
On a snowy night in 2003, Kevin Sansalone and a group of riders looked out the window of their lodge to see a driveway full of pickup trucks, snowmobiles, and snowboards all lightly dusted with fresh snow. They laughed, thinking the scene looked like a big kids Sandbox.
A few years later, Whistler/Blackcomb implemented mandatory helmets in the highest level park. In 2007, wearing a helmet was Not the norm. To abide by the rules while considering his image conscious riders, Kevin developed the classic helmet – the first helmet with a brim that didn’t compromise style for function. What began as purely making products so the guys could ride the park became the most sought after and recognizable snowboard helmet brand in the world.
The Icon snow mips
The Icon MIPS combines a sleek, and timeless silhouette with our superior patented venting and airflow system and the MIPS Protection System. The best of both worlds, the Icon provides style and protection, a low and comfortable profile and a cooler ride.
Features
MIPS
MIPS™ Safety System
Fit System
Dial fit system for micro adjustments
Airflow
Patented Airflow system allows cool air to enter and heat to expel through the vents
Comfort Liner
Technical grid fleece for heat management
Audio Pocket
Removable ear pads with audio pockets
Trip Clip
Three position clips to work around your goggle strap buckle
What is MIPS? Mips is a company where we manufacture a safety system designed for helmets. This system is developed with the intention of reducing rotational motion to the brain in the event of a crash. Research indicates that rotational motion poses a higher risk of brain damage compared to direct impacts. We refer to it as the Mips® safety system, and its purpose is to enhance safety in such accidents.
Testing
The testing occurred last winter during my fat biking and ski hok season. I was curious if there was a difference in terms of fit between my older Icon non MIPS helmet and the fit is the same and the weight looks the same. The Icon snow is comfortable and really warm in cold weather which is awesome because you don’t need to wear a beanie under it. For temperatures over -10 I wear my Icon street helmet while fat biking.
Luckily, I did not have to see if the helmet was doing the proper protection but if I rely on past experiences, it really does and much more now since it has MIPS.
In conclusion
I was sold as a client before and still am today. Sandbox has increased the safety of their helmet and once again hit it out of the park with the Icon snow MIPS. For a price of 209.00$ cad you are sure to have a great helmet that will last a long time.
You can have more information about Sandbox here:
