LowDown Helmet Review: Stylish Ski & Snowboard Protection

The LowDown Drifter Helmet is a full-coverage ski and snowboard helmet, designed in Colorado, and handmade in Italy. The Drifter colorway (the helmet I have) is described as an “Orange Flare” on the brand’s website, offering a steel blue base enhanced with subtle grey and orange stripes.

My first impressions centered on its retro-inspired appearance and how it aims to blend style with substance, something that’s hard to achieve in the competitive helmet market.

I feel that, because the ski and snowboard helmet market is so saturated, it’s about time that a dedicated helmet company came along to shake things up, offering a more simple buying solution, ergo, one design, one price, multiple styles.

In this LowDown helmet review I’m sharing the Drifter’s key specifications, some background on the LowDown brand, and my thoughts on this ski and snowboard helmet.

Key specifications

• Price: $298 at lowdownhelmets.com
• Safety certifications: ASTM F2040-18 (US) / EN 1077:2007 Class A (Europe)
• Shell material: Hand-layered fiberglass resin
• Liner material: Impact-absorbing EPS (Expanded Polystyrene)
• Weight: ~650 grams (22.9 oz)
• Ventilation: Plated brass eyelets for indirect airflow
• Chin strap: Adjustable with quick-release buckle
• Sustainability: 1% for the Planet membership and small-batch production

The LowDown brand

LowDown is a family-owned business that draws inspiration from old-school motorcycle helmets, which you can see in the Drifter’s silhouette – I’m looking at you, stylish Italian Vespa motorcycle riders!

They make their helmets in small batches in Italy, where each piece is hand-painted and inspected for quality.

The brand also commits 1% of its sales to environmental causes through the 1% for the Planet program. These elements give LowDown a more personal, community-focused vibe than you might expect from a larger, more typical ski brand that sells helmets.

What makes it special?

In a market where modern helmets often look similar, the Drifter’s retro-inspired exterior is hard to ignore, it’s certainly a style that I think you’ll love or hate.

One thing it for sure, it’s a timeless Italian style that has been around a long time, and is not going anywhere soon.

The fiberglass shell sets it apart from plastic-based designs and aligns with current safety standards for skiing and snowboarding.

LowDown integrates a CoolMax™ liner for temperature regulation and pairs it with indirect venting so you can wear the helmet in varied weather conditions (more on ventilation in just a moment).

LowDown’s decision to keep production small-scale, and their public commitment to environmental causes, may appeal to skiers and snowboarders who value craftsmanship and sustainability as much as safety – I know I’m one of those people.

What’s good

One major strong point for me is comfort. The plush CoolMax™ liner and padded chin strap create a stable, snug fit.

The helmet’s full-coverage design improves overall protection, particularly around the ears, and pairs nicely with goggles or sunglasses without leaving cold any spots.

The Drifter’s construction also feels very robust and you can tell how durable and well made it is, the moment you pick it up.

There’s clearly been an effort to balance style and function, so it looks different from the helmets you usually see on the mountain while still meeting modern safety certifications.

Finally, for anyone who wants to support a brand with an environmental focus, LowDown’s partnership with 1% for the Planet and use of recycled or natural materials in certain areas add a layer of accountability.

Areas for improvement

While there are some integrated vents, those who tend to overheat, prefer to ski more intensely on the slopes rather than recreationally, or ski in warmer conditions will find the Drifter’s airflow too limited.

I come from a slalom racing background, where I grew up competing in racing competitions most weekends, so I know how important ventilation is in a helmet when performing at such intense levels.

However, I also ski recreationally, and know that on easy days, I’m unlikely to overheat, even in a helmet like this one.

It doesn’t include advanced safety systems like MIPS, which some riders now prefer for extra protection against rotational impacts.

At $298, this helmet could exceed many budgets, especially if you’re only on the slopes a few times a season but a lot has gone into the manufacturing process, so I get why it may be priced higher than some alternative helmets out there.

Sizing may also be tricky; LowDown advises sizing up if you’re close to the next range, and there aren’t specific fit profiles for different head shapes. If ventilation or advanced safety tech are high priorities, you may need to look elsewhere.

My verdict

Overall, the LowDown Drifter Helmet stands out with its retro-inspired style and quality craftsmanship, and I love all the different colorways available. It’s well-suited to those who value a distinctive design, comfort, and a handmade approach in their gear.

However, the absence of advanced safety systems and limited venting options may be deal-breakers for more serious skiers or snowboarders.

But if you prioritize style, a snug, stable fit, and a brand ethos rooted in small-batch production and environmental advocacy, the Drifter is an appealing helmet worth considering.