Salomon Impact Custom Air

The basics

The helmet with a built-in air cushion that pumps up to ensure the perfect custom fit every time you wear it. Not only does it sit snug, a closer hold provides better protection for your head.

The good

Everyone’s head shape and size is different. To compensate, helmet manufacturers have come up with numerous methods to lock your lid securely to your head. Many of them work well, but none as well as the new innovation from Salomon.
Instead of straps or cradles, this helmet uses air. Once on your head a series of pockets can be filled with air using a small built-in, thumb-sized blister pump. These pockets mould to your unique head shape and grip securely yet comfortably.
Seven adjustable vents and two more mesh-backed fixed vents ensure good temperature control. The earpads can also be removed in warmer weather and quickly reattached if the temperature tumbles. A fluffy neck strap makes it even more comfortable by stopping any nasty chaffing.
Despite all those lovely comfort benefits, the Custom Air is not just about the feel-good factor; a securely fastened helmet is far more efficient at dissipating the force from an impact effectively and protecting you from serious head injury.

The bad

It isn’t the cheapest helmet but apart from that there’s really not many bad points. If the bubble bursts then the custom fit goes with it, but unless a sharp object punctures it when you pack it in your board bag, the chance of it bursting in normal use seems remote.

The bottom line

For anyone who has difficulty finding a helmet that fits comfortably then this is the answer. For anyone else who cares enough about their head to give it the ultimate protection, then it’s a pretty good choice for them too.