Sweet Protection is a skiing protective equipment company from Trysil, Norway and has been changing the way people protect themselves since 1988. Truth be told, the roots of this company originate from the skate arena. The founders of Sweet Protection answered an inner calling, requiring them to advance equipment technology in the sport of skateboarding as Bushmade Skateboards.
Illegal at the time, skateboarding in 1986 was the single place in the world where it was prohibited by law nationally. Naturally, in boundary-breaking pioneer style, the founders took influences from smuggled American Western skate publications.
As the years would go on, the projects would add up, and the founders would develop clothing, packs and other outdoors gear they needed. Producing their own equipment allowed them to innovate and exact their independent standards depending on their needs or activity.
In 1997 the company known as Sweet Protection would begin to bud. One of the founders completely changed the game by developing a Kevlar kayak for freestyle kayaking. From here there would come a carbon fiber helmet used for global stage competition.
What we know as Sweet Protection would be born in 2000. Three years later the company would reach industry acclaim by winning the Brand New Award for the best newcomer in ISPO.
Today, this brand is a globally recognized name in the ski industry with equipment designed and used by top professionals and everyday people alike to go further and harder.
Our experience with this fantastic company was excellent. We really appreciate the quality and attention to detail Sweet Protection offers. Take a look below for more and detailed reviews of our experience with the Switcher MIPS helmet and Grimnir II TE MIPS helmet.
Quick Highlights:
Switcher MIPS Helmet
- Available in black, grey, white and navy color variations
- 22 adjustable vents controlled by a one-turn dial system
- Newly updated interior offers easier adjustments
- Lightweight design thanks to Advanced Hybrid construction (in-mold and hard shell technology)
- MIPS equipped to reduce rotational forces on the brain
- Audio Ready and Audio Chips compatible
- Fidlock Magnetic chin buckle
- Molded shock absorbing EPS liner with Impact Shield inserts
- Moisture wicking, removable and washable 3D shaped venting liner
Grimnir II TE MIPS Helmet
- Terje Haakonsen’s Pro model
- Available in black and white models
- Carbon fiber reinforced polymer shell (CRP) for incredible strength to weight ratio
- Superlight design
- Impact tested, includes Impact Shields
- Moisture wicking, removable and washable 3D shaped venting liner
- Certified for select POV camera
- MIPS technology to reduce rotational forces on the brain
- Updated performance interior for easier fastening and adjustments
- Audio Ready system and Audio Chips compatible
- Adjustable wide split divider
Sweet Protection Switcher MIPS Helmet Review
If you want a hybrid helmet with Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS), the Switcher helmet provides versatility as an all-mountain helmet. You can remain as cold or hot as you like by opening or closing its 22 adjustable vents. Their convenient construction requires only one hand to operate. It combines hard shell technology and in-mold technology to deliver extra reinforcement without a heavy weight.
The MIPS “reduces rotational forces on the brain” the manufacturer states. Switcher realizes people ride in all weather, so it uses a magnetic chin buckle so riders can fasten it with no trouble while wearing gloves or mittens.
Change the adjustment span with the user friendly dial adjustment. While it does not come with an audio chip, it is an audio ready helmet. You can buy an audio chip separately and install it which allows you to listen to your favorite music while riding. Another advantage of this helmet is its ease of cleaning. You only need mild soap like dishwashing detergent and water. Dry it naturally. This helmet provides the most advanced features of any Switcher helmet and withstand temperatures of up to 150°F. Use it for all-mountain, freeride or race rides.
It comes in five adult sizes, based on the circumference of the riders’ head just above the ears – XS/S (19.68” to 20.85″), S/M (20.85” to 22″), M/L (22” to 23.20″), L/XL (23.20” to 24″) and XL/XXL (24” to 24.80″). It comes in two juniors sizes – S/M (20.85” to 22″) and M/L (22” to 23.20”).
Sweet Protection Grimnir II TE MIPS Helmet Review
Terje Haakonsen’s Pro model Grimnir Helmet offers the most advanced features of any freeride helmet sold. This helmet works equally well if you wear it for skiing or snowboarding.
This Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) helmet of pre-preg carbon is impact tested. The MIPS “reduces rotational forces on the brain” the manufacturer states. Its intelligent design follows the curves of the human head which translates to less drag while skiing or snowboarding. It’s easy to adjust and fasten the chin buckle in the newly designed Performance interior. While it does not come with an audio chip, it is an audio ready helmet. You can buy an audio chip separately and install it which allows you to listen to your favorite music while riding.
If you want to record video of your rides, you can install one of the many point-of-view cameras available for this helmet. Another advantage of this helmet is its ease of cleaning. You only need mild soap like dishwashing detergent and water.
Dry it naturally. Use it for all-mountain, freeride, race or touring rides.
It comes in five adult sizes, based on the circumference of the riders’ head just above the ears – XS/S (19.68” to 20.85″), S/M (20.85” to 22″), M/L (22” to 23.20″), L/XL (23.20” to 24″) and XL/XXL (24” to 24.80″). It comes in two juniors sizes – S/M (20.85” to 22″) and M/L (22” to 23.20”).
