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gear of the week

Gear of the Week | Marker Phoenix Otis

The new one from Marker...

by Philip Crivelli 01/02/2016
If you think back twenty years, apart from downhill racers and children, nobody wore a ski helmet on the mountain. But back then, no skier had their cell phone with them either. Today, a man or woman without a helmet is an outsider in the ski area, at least in the German-speaking ski region. The industry has recognized the signs of the times and is constantly bringing newer, safer and better products onto the market.

First impression

I was recently given the opportunity to test the latest development from Marker. The first thing that strikes you is the weight of the helmet. The helmet feels much lighter than comparable products. Adjusting the helmet using the wheel at the back of the head is simple. It should be noted that I had the impression that the wheel was relatively far down at the back of the head. When I tightened the wheel, I felt a pressure point on the back of my neck/back of my head. Closing the chin strap is very intuitive and innovative. The fastener engages quickly and easily using a magnet. The ear pads can also be removed so that the helmet can also be worn in new school style (i.e. with goggles and a cap under the helmet). All in all, the helmet makes a good impression. Together with the matching goggles, the helmet adapts well to the contours and there is no jerry gap between the goggles and helmet (unlike the helmet in my childhood).

Short test

To confirm the good impression, the helmet had to be taken out. The conditions we encountered ranged from spring-like temperatures to -10°C. These are not exactly very cold conditions, but when they follow each other in quick succession, it still feels cold. The magnetic fastener was also easy to operate in practice, even when wearing gloves. The wheel at the back of the head was also easy to adjust. However, it was also confirmed here that there was pressure at the back of the head if it was tightened too tightly. But even if you don't pull the helmet fully closed at the back, the helmet fits well enough so that it doesn't slip on your head.

Switching the ventilation system worked perfectly. However, I didn't particularly feel the difference between open and closed. The weight mentioned at the beginning also only had a positive effect, if any. The helmet was never noticeable or felt like a foreign body. What I (fortunately) can't judge is the performance in crashes and hard impacts.

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Conclusion

With the Phoenix Otis, Marker has brought a lightweight, well thought-out helmet onto the market. Despite its light weight, this helmet makes you feel safe even on crowded slopes in the high season. Unfortunately, due to the prevailing conditions, it was not possible to carry out an extensive powder and backcountry test. The only point of criticism is the fit of the adjustment wheel at the back of the head. With my head geometry, there was uncomfortable pressure on the back of my head when I tightened it very tightly. However, I would like to point out that the helmet sits comfortably and firmly on the head even when tightened less tightly. After this first test, I can recommend the helmet with a clear conscience.

Technical details
Marker Phoenix Otis
Sizes: S 51-55 cm, M 55-59 cm, L 59-63 cm
Weight: S 470 g, M 510 g, L 540 g

Link to the manufacturer

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