The Sweet Protection Switcher is a ski and snowboard helmet that uses both in-mold and hardshell construction alongside an elaborate, minutely adjustable venting system.

Comfort

The Switcher by Sweet Protection was not as comfortable as other helmets tested. Multiple testers had gaping near the top and sides of the head, which squandered a super secure fit. It did not, however, produce any hotspots or pressure points through the day, with the dial-fit system tightening evenly around the entire head. The earflaps offered full coverage without negatively impacting hearing, which was ideal on cold and windy days. All testers reported not feeling too cold on low temperature days, and not feeling too hot on warmer days. The inner lining wasn’t as cushioned as the Bolle or Roxy, but was slightly more puffy and soft than the K2 Virtue. The Switcher by Sweet Protection was not true to size, as it fit slightly too large for some of our testers.

Weight

This helmet is the heaviest of helmets tested this season, coming in at 550 grams, 150 more grams than the Roxy Angie helmet, which was the lightest helmet. Some of the heavier helmets tested didn’t feel too heavy, but that was not the case with the Switcher. All testers stated that this helmet was the most heavy-feeling helmet, behind the Smith Vantage. It looked and felt round and clunky, and was top heavy, though testers still reported being able to move their head around to look in all directions, without any of the sides, front, or back of the helmet getting in the way.

Breathability

The Sweet Protection Switcher has an extremely elaborate venting system that was a little overwhelming, though it did keep testers’ heads cool. In the center front, there are two non-adjustable vents; near the temples, there are two adjustable vents. There are also two vents in the back that are not adjustable. On the top, there are twenty smaller vents that are adjusted with a one-turn, large round dial system that doubles as the loop closure for the goggle strap. Even with goggles secured on the loop, the dial can still turn for a very specific opening of vents. Most testers didn’t feel the need to fine tune the venting system, and simply opened or closed the dial fully when on the go. The inner lining didn’t feel too hot or sticky on warm days with the large amounts of vents. Both the lining and ear pads are easy to remove.

Ease of Use

The dial-fit system and goggle strap were easy to use with gloves on, though the dial venting system and the chin buckle took some getting used to. The buckle is magnetic and similar to a Fidlock snap buckle, but different enough that it did give testers trouble the first few times when they were connecting the parts together. Releasing the buckle, however, was really easy — testers simply had to grab the pull tab, which they were able to do with gloves and mittens on, and one-handed. The chin strap was extremely easy to tighten or loosen on the go. A variety of goggles fit well with no gaper gap. The helmet has a two-tone, matte colorway that did not scuff easily.

Features

The Switcher by Sweet Protection has a goggle strap, venting system, dial-fit system, and is audio-insert compatible. It uses a hybrid construction of in-mold and hardshell construction to protect your head. The helmet is also available with MIPS technology.