Outdoor Tech

How To Choose Helmet Audio

by Outdoor Tech Yowie on Oct 21, 2026

How To Choose Helmet Audio

NEW SEASON // NEW CHIPS

How to Choose Helmet Audio

The lifts are about to spin and the only thing missing from first chair is the soundtrack. This season there are two new ways to put one in your helmet. Same goal, just two roads that lead you there. Here's how they compare, and how to pick the one that suits your style.

Why Helmet Audio, and Why Now

Earbuds fall out on the chairlift. Phones get buried under three layers. Wires catch on jacket zippers. Helmet audio puts the sound right at your ears, inside the helmet you already wear, with controls you can find with your gloves on.

In September we said the mountain was about to sound different. Now we can say how: Chips PRO and Chips ULTRA 3.0. Both drop into an audio-ready helmet and keep the controls where your mitts can find them. Where they differ is how they do it, and that difference is what this guide is about.

The Two Systems

Both new Chips share the same foundation: newly engineered 40mm dual-magnet drivers, multiport acoustic housing, and ENC microphones for calls/voice assistants. From there, one keeps things simple and the other goes all in on premium tech with true wireless, battery capabilities, and extra charging.

 

Chips PRO: For the Everyday Shredder

 

 

Chips PRO

Our most advanced drop-in helmet audio yet. $139.95.

Expertly tuned 40mm dual-magnet drivers

Multiport acoustic architecture

USB-C 45-minute quick charge

15 hours of playtime, 60 hour standby

Single ENC microphone for calls on the hill

TruTone custom EQ

outdoortechnology.com/products/chips

 

Chips PRO is the system for the rider who is out as often as the snow allows and wants their sound to just work. It drops into your helmet and stays there. A single cable that tethers the speaker pucks routes seamlessly into your helmet padding, Fifteen hours of playtime covers a lot of runs on the hill, and when it does run low, a 45-minute USB-C quick charge over lunch gets you back on the jams. And a single ENC microphone handles calls and voce assistants when you need to check in.

 

Chips ULTRA 3.0: For the Tactical Gearhead

 

 

Chips ULTRA 3.0

The Ultimate True-Wireless Helmet Audio System. $229.95.

Premium tuned 40mm dual-magnet drivers

Multiport acoustic architecture

True-wireless Bluetooth – completely independent speaker pucks

Boosted battery with 20-hour playtime and premium charging case

Dual MEMS ENC microphones for clear calls in any condition

TruTone custom EQ

outdoortechnology.com/products/chips-ultra-3

 

Chips ULTRA 3.0 is for the rider who wants the most from their gear. It boasts a completely different studio tuning profile for a more refined frequency range. A slimmer profile for a more comfortable all day wear, and a premium fit and finish that makes it stand out above its younger brother. No cable between the earpieces, a premium charging case that keeps four full recharges in your pocket, and dual MEMS ENC microphones in each independent speaker puck, make Ultra 3.0 a cut above. Made for the lift line check-in, the call home from the summit, and the plan for après. With enough charge and playtime to last the entire trip not just the entire day.

Section 2: Which One Is Yours?

Run through these four questions. Your answers will point you one way or the other.

☐  Do you want it to live in your helmet all season?  Go Chips PRO

☐  Do you like charging in a case between sessions?  Go Chips ULTRA 3.0

☐  Do you take a lot of calls on the hill?  Go Chips ULTRA 3.0 for dual MEMS mics

☐  Is budget the deciding factor?  Chips PRO is $139.95; Chips ULTRA 3.0 is $229.95

 

Either way, you get the same 40mm dual-magnet driver technology and the same extended all-day playtime. We promise you won't be disappointed whichever road you take.

 

 

Having music really amplifies skiing for me. I ride with the Chips every day and they bring the vibe up dramatically!

Jeff Ashton, Outdoor Tech Athlete

 

The Last Thing: Get Set Before First Chair

Opening week is close. Pick your system, charge it the night before, drop it in, and let the first run of the season have a stellar soundtrack.

 

Shop Helmet Audio

Chips PRO ($139.95) and Chips ULTRA 3.0 ($229.95) are available now at outdoortechnology.com.

 

#GoForthAndPlay #Chips #ChipsPRO #ChipsULTRA #OutdoorTech #SkiSeason #SnowboardSeason

Outdoor Tech is a proud member of The Conservation Alliance. A portion of every purchase at outdoortechnology.com supports conservation work across North America.

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