Shred Totality NoShock Review

The Totality NoShock uses a hardshell construction and a deep fit to create a helmet that looks like a retro skate helmet. It also incorporates Slytech and Shred's Rotational energy system to help protect against rotational impacts. Slytech is a structured honeycomb foam integrated into the EPS foam at the likely impact zones. Shred claims it spreads out the impact energy in multiple directions, which in turn means less force directed to your noggin.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

The Totality NoShock has a snug and cozy fit. The mold is the closest to an intermediate oval and fits a variety of head shapes well. Our testing team didn't experience any pressure points, and everyone was happy to wear this helmet for a full day of skiing.

The Shred has an excellent deep fit that perfectly cups the occipital bun. This snug and cozy fit give the helmet excellent positional stability even before attaching the chin strap or fiddling with the adjustable dial. The dial system has a medium resistance and is in a spacious and accessible zone. The dial is easy to use with gloves on to make micro-adjustments. Since the positional stability is quite good, the harness can have less tension than other models. We welcomed this because the harness puts the most pressure in the middle of the contact zone. We did get one headache from this being too tight. We would like to see this ergonomically curve to cup the back of the head and apply even pressure. Fortunately, not much tension is needed. The earpads have space for our ears to fit into without creating a draft. They use a soft foam that shouldn't hurt the ears, and a brushed fabric has a microfleece feel. This helmet has a good fit and is comfortable while riding or on the chair.

Warmth

The Shred is a warm helmet suitable to wear without a beanie underneath in near-freezing temperatures. The helmet has a soft and comfortable anti-microbial liner that is thickest around the circumference of your forehead. It adds a good amount of warmth. This helmet is limited by its fixed vents. However, Shred has found a reasonable compromise by fixing a metal mesh-like material over the vent holes. It seemed to reduce incoming air and heat loss in our testing—a unique solution to create some additional warmth. Unfortunately, there is no control over your temperature regulation.

Ventalation

The mesh over the vents helps with warmth but hinders ventilation as they are opposite functions. It is challenging to find a measurable way to test this. Anecdotally, it generally took us longer to cool down after hot laps when wearing this helmet.

The Totality NoShock has 12 small vents covered with this metal mesh. The small covered vents didn't seem to dissipate heat as fast as other models. If it's a warm day out, you can increase the ventilation potential by taking off the ear pads and storing them in your jacket pocket for a quick fix. The removal process is relatively quick and easy. The plastic insert that connects the earpads is quite burly compared to many other models. During our draft and speed testing, we noticed a medium-volume wind noise that presented itself as the sound of a dirt bike. One tester had to start and stop four different times to confirm. He comically thought a motorized bike was riding next to him the first time he heard it. The sound was harder to pick up on a routine run but was noted when we were focused on observing wind noise.

Weight and Bulk

The Shred is on the heavier end of the spectrum within our review. This weight is on par with the hardshell construction method. A size Large weighs in at 22.9 ounces, the heaviest model we tested. We found it to be a bit bulky and heavier when riding when compared to lighter-weight models. That said, it aesthetically looks pretty sleek, and the impact is likely only noticeable to those most sensitive to helmet weight and bulk.

Goggle Compatablity

The Shred paired well with each pair of goggles we used. We avoided any gaper gaps or downward pressure. The helmet has a standard plastic goggle retainer and two vents in the front to minimize fogging. Shred will send you a replacement free of charge if you happen to break the goggle clip. All you need to do is provide your shipping address.

Style

In our opinion, this helmet looks sweet. We asked our friends what they thought to get a more diverse opinion. Both skiers and snowboarders consistently ranked this as one of the best-looking models. It has a retro skate, racer, and freeride look at the same time. Pretty cool and hard to do if you ask us. The one thing that reduces its style slightly is the prominent Shred logo on the sides.

Should You Buy the Shred Totality NoShock?

The Totality NoShock is a good value based on its build quality and protective features. You get a solid helmet with a rotational impact system and enhanced energy dispersal for middle-of-the-road pricing. It is a snazzy-looking ski accessory, and if aesthetics on the mountain are important to you, this could be a good choice. However, there are lower-cost, higher-performing models in our review.

What Other Ski Helmets Should You Consider?

The Shred Totality NoShock is a quality hardshell helmet with enhanced protection, functional features, and good styling from a transparent small business. But it scored in the middle of the pack compared to other ski helmets, earning no unique distinction for either price or performance. If you want a helmet with MIPS protection, the Sweet Protection Switcher MIPS is just as stylish and has better ventilation. The Anon Logan WaveCel is one of our favorite helmets and has a similar skate-style design, and scored much higher overall.