Anon Merak WaveCel Ski Helmet Review
An in-depth review of the Anon Merak WaveCel Helmet for skiing and snowboarding
April 17th, 2025
Our verdict
The Anon Merak WaveCel ski helmet is a premium helmet with high-tech impact protection for folks who ride hard and are hard on their gear. We had two testers use this helmet over a couple dozen days of skiing and snowboarding in California, Nevada, and Colorado. Our verdict is that this is a top-of-the-line option with excellent durability and good overall features.
There are a few refinements that could be made with the Merak—the sizing and fit, and smaller details like the audio compatibility system left something to be desired. But overall, we think this is a well-made, high-coverage, protective helmet that will be very durable for skiers and riders whose gear withstands a lot of use.
Anon Merak WaveCel Ski Helmet
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Specs
Weight: 1lb 0.9 oz
Safety Tech: WaveCel
Ventilation: 19 vents
Fit system: BOA 360 fit
Audio: Audio compatible (audio chips or headphones can be placed inside the ear pads)
Color options: Changes every year, black, white and a few colors each season
Warranty: 1 year from date of purchase, and 2-year crash replacement policy
Comparison table
| SKI HELMET | VENTS | VISOR | AUDIO COMPATIBLE | ADJUSTABLE | REMOVABLE EAR PADS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anon Merak WaveCel | 19 | Yes | Audio compatible (audio chips or headphones can be placed inside the ear pads) | Yes | Yes |
| Smith Method | 8 | Yes | Ear pads are audio-chip compatible | Yes | Yes |
| Smith Method Pro | 9 | Yes | Ear pads are audio-chip compatible | Yes | Yes |
| Smith Vantage MIPS Men's Women's |
21 - adjustable | Yes | Compatible with Outdoor Tech audio systems | Yes - Boa 360 fit system | Yes |
| Pret Cynic X2 | 12 - fixed | No | Audio Compatible | Yes | Yes |
Who is it for?
Skiers and snowboarders looking for high-impact protection with WaveCel technology.
Riders who are hard on their gear and want a durable helmet.
Those who prioritize ventilation and fit with an adjustable BOA Fit System.
Riders who want seamless goggle compatibility and a secure magnetic buckle.
How we tested
Our Colorado tester used the Merak helmet in the notoriously windy conditions in the high alpine at Breckenridge Resort. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
We tested this helmet for a total of a couple dozen days of skiing and snowboarding between two testers, one in Tahoe (California and Nevada) and one in Breckenridge, Colorado. Both testers experienced a wide range of weather and conditions, from cold days in Breckenridge with a wind chill of -10F° to warm spring days in Tahoe in the 60s.
Our Tahoe tester typically wore her helmet over a thin merino Buff or a lightweight beanie. Our Colorado tester wore hers without a Buff or beanie underneath. Both testers found this helmet runs on the small side, and we’d recommend sizing up if you’re in between sizes.
Sara, our Tahoe tester, used the Merak helmet for both snowboarding and skiing. Photo courtesy Sara Kruglinski.
Our Tahoe tester used the Anon Merak for both skiing and snowboarding, while our Colorado tester used the helmet for skiing exclusively. Both testers skied and rode hard in this helmet—hitting jumps, bumps, catching air, riding moguls, and skiing fast in steep and chunky terrain to test for bounce and comfort. Thankfully, neither had to actually test the helmet’s impact protection, though we fully trust the construction.
What we liked
BOA 360 Fit System allows for a dialed and snug fit
Magnetic Fidlock snap helmet buckle—allows one handed operation with gloves on
WaveCel Technology for direct and oblique impact protection
2-year crash replacement warranty
What could be better
Pressure points on the sides could be an issue depending on your head shape
Velcro–audio chip integration system is not as good as zippered ones we’ve used
Features
Our Breckenridge tester skied some chunky spring powder in the Merak, and it didn’t bounce or move at all, even at high speeds. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
The Merak WaveCel helmet is a top-end helmet with lots of features in its design. Here’s the lowdown on what all of those are.
Weight
The stated weight of the Merak is 1 pound 0.9 ounces. This is on the heavy side, though still lighter than similar options like the Smith Vantage. For a hybrid construction helmet, we think the weight is about average. Single-mold construction helmets will typically be lighter. Overall, we found the Merak to be a reasonable weight for the features it offers, and it was comfortable for both our testers.
Material
The Merak is made with a hybrid shell construction, which means it has both an Endura shell and in-mold construction to balance weight and durability. Neither of our testers had any durability issues with the shell material of this helmet throughout testing.
Safety features
The WaveCel impact protection technology (bright green) can be easily seen inside the Merak helmet. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
The Merak has a hybrid shell and foam for its primary blunt impact protection. Additionally, this helmet features WaveCel impact protection, which helps to prevent both direct and rotational (or oblique) blows to the head. The WaveCel, which can be clearly seen inside the helmet, crumples and shifts upon impact, which helps to reduce impact on the brain.
Goggle compatibility
The Merak helmet has a simple clip on the back to slide your goggle strap into. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
This helmet has a pretty standard fit overall and works with most goggles. We tested it with models from Smith, Zeal, Oakley, and, of course, Anon. We found the most seamless fit with the Anon M5S, since brands design their helmets and goggles to integrate together, but this helmet worked well with other models and shapes, too.
The Merak helmet integrates seamlessly with Anon goggles, like the M5S, pictured here. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
WaveCel impact protection
WaveCel is an impact protection system that helps limit injury to the head and brain by absorbing the impacts from a crash. While Mips has been prolific in sports helmets for a long time now, WaveCel is a little newer. It was first used in bike helmets, and Anon is one of the first to incorporate this into a snowsports helmet.
The green wave-like structure of WaveCel helps to prevent brain injuries from direct and rotational impacts to the head. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
The WaveCel tech is easy to see on the inside of the helmet. The advanced cellular structure absorbs impact forces, distributes and dissipates energy, and reduces rotational energy—which basically means it helps reduce damage to your brain if you crash.
You’ll often see, in many Smith helmets for example, a combination of two technologies: Mips and Koroyd. The Mips reduces rotational impact while the Koroyd absorbs energy from direct impacts. WaveCel essentially does both of these things at once. WaveCel is not necessarily better than Mips and Koroyd, according to independent tests. But all of these technologies, no matter which one your helmet has, add protection and increase safety.
WaveCel is a little bulkier than Mips and Koroyd, but both provide good protection from impacts. Here, the green WaveCel can be seen in the Merak helmet on the right. MIPS (the gray and yellow lining) and Koroyd (the bright blue) can be seen inside the Smith Method Pro on the right. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
Overall, for everyday ski wear, we think WaveCel is a little bulkier and heavier than most Mips helmet technology, though in the Merak it’s not terribly noticeable.
50/50 hybrid shell construction
The Merak has a durable hybrid construction but maintains a low-profile design and look. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
Ski helmets are typically designed one of two ways: with an in-mold construction or hybrid construction. With in-mold construction, the shell is all one piece. Hybrids typically have two pieces—one denser, harder plastic shell and one lighter one. In-mold helmets are usually lighter and slimmer but ding and dent more easily, while hybrid designs are often a little heavier but more durable. Both can be equally protective in a crash, depending on other factors like impact protection tech.
The Merak uses a 50/50 hybrid design, which means that the upper part of the helmet is made with a beefier plastic, while the lower section saves weight with a lighter and thinner plastic. This is one of the biggest reasons we think this helmet excels at durability without being excessively heavy. Because of this construction, the Merak holds up well to regular use, like being tossed around in the back of a car or stashed inside a travel or boot bag.
360° BOA Fit System
The BOA 360 fit system on the Merak is easy to use with one hand and helps to dial in the fit of the helmet. Photo courtesy Sara Kruglinski.
The BOA fit system on the Merak allows for a pretty dialed fit. Turning the dial allows you to make minute adjustments and snug the helmet to your exact needs.
Fidlock magnetic buckle
The Merak has premium features, including a Fidlock magnetic buckle that’s easy to use even with gloves on. Photo courtesy Sara Kruglinski.
Magnetic buckles aren’t exactly the most important piece of tech in a helmet, but they are very nice to have. The Fidlock buckle slides in and out of place easily and locks in with a magnet. Rather than a typical clip, these are easier to clip in and out with gloves or mittens on, as well as one-handed.
19 ventilation channels
With 19 different vents and the option to have them open, closed, or somewhere in between makes the Merak pretty great at temperature regulation. Between testing on below-zero and above-60-degree days, we were able to remain comfortable in this helmet.
There are 19 different vents on the Merak helmet. Even though the WaveCel covers the entire inside of the helmet, our testers didn’t have any issues with ventilation. Photo courtesy Sara Kruglinski.
Snow Stopper fabric lining
The Merak is lined with a soft fabric and light padding for comfort. It wraps around the ears and the back of the helmet, which helps prevent chilly gusts of cold air or blowing snow from getting in.
We found the padding to be a bit on the minimal side, and our Colorado tester felt it could have been more plush, especially given how close the WaveCel sits to the head.
Audio compatibility
The Merak is compatible with audio systems, like speakers that install inside the ear pads of a helmet. There are pockets that open up on the inside of either ear and allow you to insert the speakers, and this Velcro goes around the back of the helmet to hide any cords.
We found this system to be less than ideal. Our Colorado tester used the Merak with Aleck Nunchucks. The Velcro is tricky to get placed just right after inserting the speakers, making for a tedious process to avoid any weird folds in the helmet liner. Other helmets we’ve tested use zippers for this, and we have found that to work much better. For a helmet as premium as the Merak, we think this would be a worthy place to upgrade.
Performance in the field
The Merak is low-profile enough to fit comfortably under a hood. However, this helmet almost always kept our testers warm enough without a hood. Photo courtesy Sara Kruglinski.
Two different testers used this helmet over a couple dozen days in resorts in California and Colorado. Both testers had experience in the helmet in a variety of conditions, including frigid days and very warm spring ones.
First, both testers found the Merak to run a bit on the small side. So, if you’re between sizes, we’d recommend sizing up.
Our California tester loved the fit and comfort of the Merak. She found that when she was wearing it she, well, basically forgot she had a helmet on—which says a lot about the comfort for her. She often skied or snowboarded in it with the pads removed and a light beanie underneath (a common comfort or style choice for many skiers and riders).
On cold days, she rarely needed to put her hood up since closing the vents sealed in plenty of warmth. On warm days, opening the vents allowed for plenty of airflow. She skied and rode through trees, on long open runs, and down usually-not-on-purpose moguls and did not find the helmet to bounce or rattle at all.
The Merak has a lever that closes the vents on the helmet, which is nice for cold and windy days. Photo courtesy Sara Kruglinski.
Our Colorado tester had a trickier time dialing in the fit of the Merak—perhaps due to different head shapes. She noticed pressure points on either side of the helmet above the ears, especially when cinching down the BOA dial. When skiing, it was fairly easy to forget about this discomfort, but occasionally when it was noticeable, it was pretty annoying—it definitely felt like she was wearing a helmet. But, like our California tester, she did find the Merak to do well with temperature regulation on both cold and warm days. She skied powder in large open bowls, hit small airs, and often intentionally skied mogul runs, and this helmet didn’t bounce or rattle.
While we haven’t had the chance to test for super long term durability yet, both testers agree that this helmet—barring a crash—should remain plenty durable for its lifespan. It feels like a very high quality helmet—the shell in particular.
Gear testing life can be hard…Here Stasia is enjoying a few inches of fresh spring powder while testing the Merak helmet in Breck’s high alpine terrain. Rough day on the job! Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
Sustainability
We like that this helmet is made to be durable and withstand frequent use, which means you should have to replace your gear less often. (But remember, helmets don’t last forever, and it’s still a good idea to replace yours after 3–5 years of use, or whatever the manufacturer recommends, for optimal safety.)
Anon Merak WaveCel vs. similar ski helmets
Mips and Koroyd, (pictured here in a Smith helmet), when combined together, offer similar impact protection to WaveCel. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
The Anon Merak WaveCel is most comparable to other high-end hybrid construction helmets, like the Smith Vantage Mips, our Best Overall pick in our best ski helmets guide. Helmets like this often have a similar feature set, durability, and impact protection systems. In-mold construction helmets, like the Smith Method Pro Mips, are usually a little lighter and sleeker than hybrid designs. While both hybrid and in-mold designs can be equally protective, given that they use tech like Mips or WaveCel, hybrid helmets are almost always more durable and more resistant to dings and dents.
Choosing between these types of helmets often comes down to things like personal preference and budget. If you prioritize lightweight comfort and a low-profile look, and don’t mind being a little more careful with storing your helmet when you’re not wearing it, an in-mold helmet may be ideal for you. But if you’re hard on gear and prioritize durability and top-end features over weight and style, then a hybrid helmet is likely the better choice.
Should I buy the Anon Merak WaveCel Ski Helmet?
Stasia, our Breckenridge tester, almost always wears a size small helmet, and usually cranks them as tight as possible. But the Merak WaveCel, which we found to run small, was a little snug even without tightening the BOA. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
Buy if: You want excellent protection, great ventilation, high-end features, and durability.
The Merak WaveCel helmet is a great option for skiers and riders who want a durable and feature-rich premium helmet for frequent use. While this helmet is expensive, it does have a lot of nice features, like a magnetic buckle, BOA fit system, and audio compatibility. The hybrid shell construction makes this helmet very durable and able to withstand hard use, and the WaveCel technology helps to keep your brain protected in the event of a crash. If you prioritize all of that over a lightweight and slimmer helmet, then the Merak is a good choice.
Skip if: You need a lighter, more budget-friendly helmet.
If you prefer a lighter and overall slimmer helmet, the Merak may feel overly heavy and cumbersome. While this helmet is very durable, it isn’t light. And with ski and snowboard helmets, that’s a common trade-off. A lighter helmet may be more comfortable for some, but it won’t stand up to getting tossed around in the back of your car or ski luggage as well as a beefier, heavier option like the Merak. It’s important to note that both lighter and heavier helmets will offer similar protection in a crash (given that they both have rotational impact protection), but heavier, hybrid models will simply hold up to daily wear better.
It’s also worth noting that this helmet can create mild pressure points on the sides, depending on your head shape. While our Tahoe tester found this helmet to be extremely comfortable, our Colorado tester noticed these pressure points. It wasn’t enough to cause real pain or a headache, but it was enough to be noticeable and a little annoying. We’re chalking this up primarily to different head shapes, and if you’re super particular about this sort of thing, it may be worth trying on the Merak (or any helmet) before you buy it.
While our Breckenridge tester noticed some minor pressure points with the Merak WaveCel helmet, it wasn’t enough to stop her from smiling. After all, it’s hard not to smile on a spring powder day. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
Lastly, the Merak is not an inexpensive helmet. You can find equally safe and protective helmets, like the Smith Method MIPS, for much less money. What you get for the price of this helmet is added durability, more venting, and a dialed fit system with Boa.
Either way, it’s important to remember that the best helmet for skiing or snowboarding is one you’ll actually wear. While it’s important to consider impact protection systems like WaveCel, Mips, and Koroyd, it’s equally critical that you find a helmet that you actually like. So make sure, whether it’s budget or features that matter most, that you prioritize the right helmet for you.
Where to buy the Anon Merak WaveCel Ski Helmet
The Anon Merak WaveCel Ski Helmet is a popular gear item, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
Amazon
Pros: Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime membership
Backcountry
Pros: Frequent sales for Expedition Perks members (free to join), fast shipping, Gearhead chat customer service is excellent
Similar products
Smith Vantage
Impact Protection: Yes, Mips
Visor: Yes
Removable Ear Pads: Yes
Vents: 21
Adjustable: Yes, Boa 360 fit system
Audio Compatible: Yes, Outdoor Tech audio systems
The Smith Vantage Mips is probably one of the most comparable helmets to the Anon Merak WaveCel. Both of these helmets have a durable hybrid design, top-end feature set, and therefore a relatively high price, too. The Merak uses WaveCel for impact protection while the Vantage uses a combo of Mips and Koroyd. Both of these impact protection systems are great and both will help to reduce force on the head and brain in the event of a crash.
The Vantage Mips is the best overall winner in our Best Ski Helmets review, and for good reason. We think that overall this helmet is more universally comfortable, the features are more thoughtful, and it is a better value overall (at $45 cheaper). But, the Merak is lighter and does have a bit of a more low profile look than the Vantage. It is, however, more expensive, too. If you like the look of the Merak better, it’s still a great choice. But we think the Vantage offers a better value overall.
Smith Vantage
Men's
Women's
Weight: 14 oz. (for size medium)
Safety: Mips and Koroyd
Ventilation: 8 fixed vents
Fit: Low-profile fit with self-adjusting internal harness
Audio: Compatible with Aleck audio systems (not included)
Color options: Slate, cosmos, sunrise, sage brush (tested), black, white, navy
Unlike the hybrid Merak, the Method Mips has an in-mold construction. This makes it notably lighter and more low profile than the Merak. But it also makes it less durable. The lightweight shell of the Method is easier to scratch, dent, and ding than the beefier shell on the Merak. Like the Smith Vantage above, the Method uses both Mips and Koroyd instead of WaveCel for impact protection.
While the regular Method Mips does not boast nearly as many features as the Merak (no BOA or Fidlock), the Method Pro Mips is nominally more expensive and includes both of these, along with an audio integration system that we prefer to the Merak. Both the Method Mips and Method Pro Mips are significantly less expensive than the Merak, so if budget is a top priority, the Method Mips may be a good choice. But if you need a helmet with a more durable shell and don’t mind the price, the Merak will be a better choice.
Smith Method MIPS
Impact Protection: Mips
Visor: No
Removable Ear Pads: N/A
Vents: 108
Adjustable: Yes
Audio Compatible: No
The Sweet Protection Ascender Mips is a helmet designed more for backcountry skiing and touring than the Merak, which we’d recommend strictly for resort skiing. The Ascender does not have the same warmth and padding as the Merak, and instead prioritizes lower weight and airflow for long days in the backcountry. The Ascender is also certified for more than just downhill skiing—it can also be used for ski mountaineering and climbing. If you’re an avid backcountry skier, the Ascender MIPS may be a good fit. But for resort skiers and snowboarders, something like the Merak makes a lot more sense.
Sweet Protection Ascender
About the authors / Why you should trust us
Stasia Stockwell has been testing and writing about ski gear for a decade and is working on becoming an avalanche education instructor.
A true mountain dweller, Stasia feels far more at home on a high alpine ridge than on a busy city street. She’s worked as a backpacking guide in Southeast Alaska, has held WFR, AIARE 1, AIARE 2, and Avalanche Rescue Certifications and is working to become an avalanche education instructor (see her avalanche safety gear list guide for more on this). She’s now a full time writer and editor in the outdoor space and has been testing and writing about gear for over a decade.
Stasia grew up in northern Utah where she learned to ski not long after she learned to walk. She’s since spent every winter on snow, skiing in places from Alaska to Japan, with plenty of turns taken around her home in Summit County, Colorado. She gets out to ski multiple times a week throughout the season, no matter the weather and conditions. That means she’s used her gear in everything from bluebird days to full-on storms and whiteouts, and along with anyone else who skis in the Tenmile Range, plenty of wind.
She’s been testing ski gear for over a decade and has been covering ski gear for Treeline Review for four years, including helmets. Stasia is very pro helmet, and never heads to the resort without one on her head. But she’s also pretty particular about the fit, features, and style of ski helmets, which makes her a lot more critical with her reviews. You can read all of Stasia’s stories on her author page.
Treeline Review writer Sara Kruglinski is a former professional ski patroller and SAR team member as well as a competitive snowboarder.
Sara Kruglinski also tested the Merak helmet alongside Stasia. Based in the Tahoe area, Sara is both a skier and snowboarder, and former Professional Ski Patroller and SAR Team Member. She understands that safety is a priority and knows how important it is to wear a good, protective helmet when on the slopes. You can read all her stories on her author page.
