Smith Vantage MIPS Helmet

We’ve read the reviews across the web for the Smith Vantage MIPS Helmet and summarize the results below:

Universal Ranking

PeakScore: 91 (out of 100)
User Rating: 4.7 stars 
Expert Rating: 4.1 stars

Number of Ratings Reviewed: 539

Pros & Cons

Reasons to buy:

User Reviews

  • Soft interior and comfortable fit.
  • BOA wheel for easy sizing adjustment.
  • Warm and soft material on inside of earpieces.
  • Low profile and stylish.
  • Brimmed helmet gives protection against elements.
  • Extra protection on the seam between the helmet and the goggles.
  • Can wear with or without hat/beanie underneath.
  • Smith IOX Goggles integrate well without a gap.
  • Designed in such a way that blunt force trauma to the helmet will be dispersed throughout the helmet, minimizing the impact.
  • Ventilation on underside is decent for temperature regulation.
  • Vents can be closed if needed.
  • Vent adjustments are easily operated with gloves on.
  • Goggles don’t fog up when using this helmet.

Expert Reviews

  • Construction is top-of-the-line and durable.
  • Easy-to-operate ventilation switches.
  • Fits wide range of head shapes, even though oval-shaped is most difficult to fit.
  • Antimicrobial lining.
  • 21 vents open and close to adjust to temperature.
  • Easy-to-operate chin strap.

Reasons NOT to buy:

User Reviews

  • BOA wheel may not lock in place if your collar rubs against the wheel.
  • Some reports of true-to-size ordering being too small.
  • Unnecessary to put anti-microbial treatment inside of helmets. Bad for the environment and possibly bad for your health.

Expert Reviews

  • Air passes underneath earpieces which can let cold air in.
  • Middle-of-the-road in terms of weight.
  • Shell on the top part of the helmet can feel a bit separate from the shock absorption material inside.

Summary:

The Smith Vantage MIPS Helmet is durable, has plenty of ventilation, is low profile, and looks good. The helmet is a nice combination of performance and affordability which is why it’s so ubiquitous on the ski slopes.

Multimedia:

Note: User and expert rankings were reviewed across the web, including here: 1, 2, 3, 4.