The morning had been bluebird, bright, and borderline hot at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area. As the day progressed, though, the weather started to turn. Big, dark storm clouds loomed to the south and seemed to be drifting in my direction.

　　My Atomic Four AMID Pro Helmet had been helping ventilate my head all morning. But I knew that if it started getting cold, this helmet and its merino-insulated liner would also keep my noggin warm.

　　Every helmet fits and feels a little different, but the Atomic Four AMID Pro has got to be one of the comfiest Ive ever worn. Not only does it regulate temperature well, but between the self-molding pads and 360-degree fit system, this helmet also felt like a near-custom fit.

　　In short: The Atomic Four AMID Pro Helmet ($220) is a mid-weight, comfortable helmet for skiing and snowboarding. Its rated above industry safety standards and designed with audio compatibility, self-molding pads, and a 360-degree fit system. It ventilates well and offers the option to remove the ear pads and goggle clip. Whether you spend your time in the park, on the bumps, or in the trees, this helmet is a solid option.

　　Compare the Atomic AMID Pro Helmet to those on GearJunkies guide to the Best Ski Helmets.

　　Atomic Four AMID Pro Ski Helmet $180 at evoCheck Price at REI

　　(Photo/Atomic) 8 How we rate products Specifications Audio-compatible: Yes Certifications: ASTM F 2040 / CE EN 1077:2007 Class B Fit adjustment: 360° dial Ventilation: Aircon Weight: 380 g (size small) Manufacturer warranty: 2 years Pros Lightweight Comfortable Audio-compatible Well-ventilated Cons Scratches somewhat easily Color descriptions seem misleading Will Brendza Atomic Four AMID Pro Helmet Review The Four AMID Pro helmet is a freeski helmet designed in collaboration with Atomics Freeride Team. It has an urban-inspired low-profile look, and was designed with numerous safety technologies, cooling and ventilation features, and an easy-to-use magnetic Fidlock Buckle.

　　As far as helmets go, this one is pretty sleek. It doesnt have adjustable vents, a mount for cameras, or any other external features. All of the bells and whistles of the Atomic Four are built into the helmet itself.

　　I tested a size Large on this helmet over numerous ski days at resorts around Colorado, in weather that ranged from warm and springy to cold and stormy. Throughout my testing, I wore several different pairs of goggles with this helmet, including the Oakley Line Miner, the REVO Carver, and the Smith 4D MAG XL.

　　The tester using the Four AMID Pro at A Basin; (photo/Sean McCoy) Safety Of course, the number one reason why anyone wears a helmet while skiing is for protection. On this front, the Four AMID Pro helmet delivers in excess. AMID technology stands for Atomic Multi-directional Impact Deflector.

　　According to Atomic, this tech offers 40% greater impact protection than industry standards require. Its a dual-density foam system that provides protection from impacts from all directions, similar to MIPS.

　　The helmet also uses Holo Core technology, which extends the helmets crumple zone in the event of a crash, maximizing shock absorption. Atomic claims this technology offers up to 30% more than industry safety standards require.

　　While I didnt test the crumple zone or impact absorption of this helmet, the fact that Atomic went above and beyond the required safety standards gives me confidence that this helmet would protect me in a fall.

　　A model rocking the four AMID Pro; (photo/Will Brendza) Comfort Fit I said it once, and Ill say it again: The Four AMID Pro is one of the most comfortable helmets Ive ever worn. My size Large fits similarly to other size Large mens helmets Ive worn before. Atomic does not list any information about the helmets circumference range. According to Atomic, a size small weighs 380 g. My kitchen scale weighed my size Large at 20.3 ounces (577 g). Its mid-weight, but it wasnt heavy or cumbersome to wear.

　　The liner is made with Merino X-Static, which not only helps regulate a persons temperature but also has antimicrobial (and anti-odor) properties. This helmets 3D-molded ear pads arent bulky and dont press into my ears. Instead, theyre almost concave, creating a space where my ear isnt being squished against my head.

　　The 360 fit system makes it easy to dial the fit and make the helmet perfectly snug. That improves comfort and prevents the helmet from shifting around when Im skiing. Even if I hit a bump at speed or land hard off a jump, I havent noticed this helmet twisting or slipping forward. It stays securely in place.

　　Atomic used its Live Fit system in the Four AMID Pro helmet, which is supposed to self-mold to your head. I cant say I felt it doing this (its not like memory foam, where you can feel it molding around you). I can say, however, that the padding felt comfortable, wasnt bulky, and insulated me well on colder days.

　　(Photo/Will Brendza) Style Im a fan of Atomics smooth, nearly featureless shell on the Four AMID Pro. Its a sleek design that isnt busy with nobs, switches, big vents, camera attachments, or anything else. Its low-profile and clean-looking.

　　If you want to go for more of a park look, the Four AMID Pro offers the option to remove the ear pads and goggle clip. I never did this because I love the protection ear pads offer, but its a stylistic option.

　　The removable goggle clip is pretty unobtrusive. Its essentially just an elastic strap that hooks to the rim of the back. It was a little hard to clip with gloves on, but not impossible. Once it was clipped, I never had an issue with it coming off.

　　(Photo/Will Brendza) Ventilation I found the Four AMID Pro helmet was warm when I needed it to be and ventilated well when I wanted to cool down. Without adjustable vents, you have to rely on Atomics built-in Aircon system, but it seemed to work well. It uses wider and more air channels through each layer of the helmet. That helps move more air through the headwear and better ventilate the wearer.

　　What Color Is That? My only real gripe with this helmet was its color. I got what Atomic refers to as brown. To me, this helmet is clearly more of a burgundy wine color. I got this helmet as a testing sample from Atomic, so I cant complain. However, if I spent $220 on a helmet that I thought was going to be brown and opened the box to discover this color, Id be disappointed.

　　(Photo/Will Brendza) Scratches Dents I havent had this helmet for very long. I only used it on a handful of ski days this season. Still, the helmet collected a surprising amount of scratches and small dents from transportation and general use. I never knocked my noggin while I was testing this helmet, but its got a few notable dings already.

　　These dont affect the helmets protection or performance at all — theyre just aesthetic issues. But Im somewhat surprised at how easily they got there.

　　(Photo/Sean McCoy) Atomic Four AMID Pro Helmet: Who Is It For? Ski helmets can be finicky. They all fit differently and use different (usually proprietary) technologies to ventilate and insulate. But when you find the one that fits, feels comfortable, and looks good, you dont want to let it go. Ive gotten attached to some of my ski helmets, and I could see myself getting attached to this one. The Four AMID Pro is a streamlined and stylish piece of ski and snowboard gear.

　　Skiers and snowboarders looking for a comfortable, well-ventilated, adaptable helmet should check out the Four AMID Pro from Atomic. The fit was great, and my temperature always felt well-regulated while I was wearing it. And, of course, it offered me peace of mind, knowing that my head was protected in excess of industry standards.

　　Dedicated backcountry skiers and ski tourers might want to seek out a helmet thats slightly lighter and offers adjustable ventilation. But this helmet will work great for most resort skiing and side-country.

　　I really enjoyed using this helmet last season, and Ill be busting it out again when snow starts flying this season.

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