Anon Windham Wavecel Helmet Reviewed in 2025

Anon WaveCel: Flex, Crumple, Glide

Contrary to popular belief, not all helmets are created equal. While some meet the standards necessary to prevent a cracked skull when your noggin makes direct contact with the ground, falls like this are rare and generally not applicable to gravity sports such as skiing or snowboarding.

Even though the vast majority of helmets will protect you from linear impact (direct impact), it does not mean that they are equipped to protect you from angular or oblique falls, which are more common and generally lead to traumatic brain injuries. Having caught on to this key piece of information, most companies predominantly pedal helmets that offer technology to protect from angled impacts.

The big three technologies that are widespread throughout the outdoor industry are Mips, Koroyd, and WaveCel, but for the purposes of this article, we’re going to focus on the latter.

Rotational suspension is the magic sauce that allows WaveCel to out-compete its competitors. Similar to Mips, WaveCel glides along the interior of the helmet, providing the movement necessary to dissipate the force generated from an angled fall and saving your brain from a lot of trouble.

Additionally, the gridded material is designed with creases, flexing, and then crumpling under impact, lessening the force experienced during direct or angled falls.

Endura Ski & Snowboard Helmet Shell Exterior

Endura shell construction uses an injection-molded ABS exterior as the Windham’s first line of defense to protect your head and provide lasting durability. ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a thermoplastic polymer that is lightweight, ding-resistant, and can absorb and distribute impact energy.

Fidlock Closure System

The Fidlock Snap Helmet Buckle is a feature that you never knew you needed. While there is something to be said about the tried and true snap closure system, the traditional buckle hails in comparison to the ease of use that comes with the Fidlock Snap Helmet Buckle.

Once you get the hang of it, this simple fastening system can be used easily with one hand, and in gloved hands. Just as secure as a traditional ‘pinch’ buckle, the Fidlock SNAP helmet buckle easily slides open and closed and is secured by means of a magnet and a very clever slide-and-snap design.

BOA Ski & Snowboard Helmet Fit System

More common in the snowsports industry, BOA is yet another feature included in the Windham Wavecel Helmet. The BOA Fit System works by use of a dial that is integrated in the rear of the helmet, allowing you to easily dial in the fit of your helmet, adjusting to accommodate for balaclavas,  neck gaiters, or other headwear.

The BOA adjuster creates a more secure, confidence inspiring fit, allowing you to rip around the mountain with comfort and peace of mind. We have to say the Windham comes in above our other budget ski & snowboard helmet, the Smith Method, because of the BOA adjuster and the Fidlock Snap Buckle.

Ventilation of the Anon Windham Ski & Snowboard Helmet

Ventilation is a crucial factor that most skiers/snowboarders forget to take into consideration when shopping for a new helmet. Easily overlooked, this key component creates a more comfortable user experience and reduces the likelihood/severity of goggle fogging, encouraging you to hopefully wear your helmet more.

Vents on the Windham WaveCel Helmet are placed in the front and rear of the helmet. These strategic locations not only add a more appealing aesthetic but create passive ventilation that draws fresh air through the front and out the back, reducing moisture and enhancing breathability.

Simple ventilation systems like the Windham’s is one of the key differences between this lower priced model and more expensive ski and snowboard helmets like the Smith Vantage.

Ski & Snowboard Helmet Insulation

Moving down the list, insulation is indeed a factor that most skiers and snowboarders tend to take into consideration when searching for helmets, and with good reason. Helmet insulation is no different than insulation found in other outerwear, too much of it is cumbersome and often leads to overheating, whereas too little leaves you questioning why bother at all?

To line the helmet and add insulation, Anon has used Expedition Polartec Power Grid Fleece on the interior as well as the earpads, adding just enough insulation to keep you warm while leaving room for you to wear additional headwear underneath. This pill resistant material is both plush and durable, as well as warm and breathable, creating a cozy environment for your head.

Thoughts, Comments, Coupons and Complaints

All things considered, Anon has done a stellar job with the Windham WaveCel Helmet. In a time when prices are flying through the roof, it is nice to see a quality helmet with innovative technology under the $200 mark. That said, the competitive price does come with a couple of sacrifices:

• It’s slightly heavier than some of the premiere Anon Helmets, like the Merak
• It is not audio compatible, like the Sweet Protection Switcher, MIPS
• You cannot remove the ear pads

If you are looking to buy a helmet solely for skiing or snowboarding in-bounds, then look no further. The Windham feels solid, the ear pads provide excellent warmth, and it is undeniably durable. However, if you plan on doing a lot of touring, the weight is less than ideal, and the fixed earpads create bulk, preventing seamless integration with a backpack’s helmet carry.

On the flip side of that argument, the heft is confidence inspiring compared to some of the more “ultra-light” options available, and I have no doubt that this helmet will keep my brain in tip-top condition.