7 Best Smith Helmets For Skiers Of 2022

The fun experienced when gliding over snow is incomparable to other fun and sports activities. Though much fun, it is also risky, since any obstruction that comes your way might result in an accident. You need to have proper skiing protection gear. Smith helmets have stood the test of time when it comes to protecting skiers.Choosing the best helmet that matches your tastes and preferences is not an easy task. You will probably get confused by the numerous ski helmets on the market and inaccurate ski helmet reviews. Fortunately, we have reviewed the 7 best Smith helmets of 2019 to save you time, money, and the stress of testing each ski helmet.

Smith Helmets FAQ

New buyers tend to have similar questions when buying ski helmets. They usually inquire about what ski helmets are, their function, price and where they can get them at affordable rates. In our FAQ, we have all these questions, and more, answered comprehensively to give you insights into the subject of ski helmets.

 

1. What Are Ski Helmets?

They are helmets designed for skiers who deal with snow and ice sports. Skiers warmed up to them recently, and their usage has been spiking due to their numerous benefits. A basic ski helmet is made of an outer layer of hard plastic, soft and thick polyester on the inside, and nylon straps to secure it to your head.

 

2. What Do Ski Helmets from Smith Do?

Smith helmets protect a skiers head while also improving their skiing experience. In the event that you come at a tree or stone while skiing, a ski helmet will protect your head from impact. It also keeps you warm.Advanced ski helmets have:goggles to protect your eyes, headphones for communication, earmuffs for the noise and cold, and camera mounts to place your camera device when recording.

 

3. How Does a Ski Helmet Work?

Elementary Smith helmets use the hard plastic on the outer layer to protect your head. In case an object lands on them, they absorb the energy to ensure little or no impact reaches your head. On the other hand, a soft inner foam retains heat from the head, hence, keeping you warm all through your adventure.

 

4. Where Can You Buy Smith Helmets?

They are found across most ski shops, sporting chain stores, and online stores. To get the best Smith helmet, you need to know your head size and any special requirements. Use Amazon for timely and convenient deliveries.

How We Reviewed

Smith helmets have taken a large portion of the ski helmets market, but not every helmet is right for you. In our review, we researched their:features, warmth, design, comfort, style, price, and pros and cons to ensure you got the perfect fit for you. All the helmets were tested and opinions from a variety of ski helmet experts were taken into consideration.

Overall Price Range of This Product

Smith helmets have a large variation in price due to the material used, performance, durability and the function it serves. An affordable ski helmet, priced between $50-150 has basic features like a medium profile, protective hard plastic, and inner foam. The more expensive helmets, that range between $180-$350, have a low profile, are durable, provide satisfactory comfort and warmth, and have mounting space for cameras, headphones, and goggles.

What We Reviewed

• SMITH Vantage MIPS Snow Helmet
• SMITH Variance Snow Helmet
• Smith Optics Unisex Adult Holt Snow Sports Helmet
• SMITH Men’s Aspect Helmet
• Smith Optics Mission-Mips Adult Ski Snowmobile Helmet
• Smith Quantum MIPS
• Smith Optics Quantum Adult Mips Ski Snowmobile Helmet

 

7 BEST SMITH HELMETS

SMITH Vantage MIPS Snow Helmet

Comfort
Warmth
Design
Quality
Style

Features

This is the best Smith helmet when looking for an all-round hardcore ski helmet. Hybrid shell construction is used to make the shell lightweight (18oz.), and hard enough to resist strong impact. Coupled with a BOA fit system, it makes it easier to fit, adjust, and secure the ski helmet in place.MIPS technology ensures a minimal impact reaches the brain in the event of an angled fall. Other notable features include a low profile with climate control, Aerocore construction to improve energy absorption in crashes, a nanosilver coating on the liner, and 21 air-vents.

PROS

• Superior performance
• Nanosilver coating prevents bacterial buildup
• Proper air circulation

CONS

• Not friendly to the pocket
• All accessories sold separately

Price

It retails on Amazon for around $260

comfort

It is very comfortable to use and easy to put on and take off. When secured with BOA fit, you will barely notice its presence.

Warmth

The cushioned foam and adjustable back and front vents work together to provide adequate warmth. In case it gets too hot, lower vents allow in cool air.

Design

Advanced construction technologies have been combined to design a low profile, lightweight, and hard Smith helmet.

Quality

Superior materials are used such as a hard resin outer shell, removable goggle lock, snapfit earpads, and a polyester lining.

Style

Covers all round your head (protective) and comes in a variety of colors. Good for moderate and expert skiers.

SMITH Variance Snow Helmet

Comfort
Warmth
Design
Quality
Style

Features

The Variance is a unisex ski helmet best for resort skiing. It uses Hybrid Shell construction where molded ABS and polycarbonate make the shell hard and lightweight. MIPS technology ensures a significant reduction of the impact of any rotational forces. AirEvac2 technology strategically places 18 vents on the helmet for improved air circulation and warmth.

PROS

• Satisfactory performance
• A choice of multiple colors
• Added chinstraps are comfortable
• Low profile

CONS

• Feels a little heavy
• You have to remove BOA fit in order to remove earmuffs
• It does not have Aerocore Honeycomb inserts

Price

It retails on Amazon for around $200.

comfort

It is comfortable, but not as comfortable as the Vantage.

Warmth

Air circulation is satisfactory due to the 18 vents, but they are a bit small.

Design

Hybrid SL construction hardens the shell while taking care of the weight. You can opt for MIPS technology (increases weight by 1oz.) and a permanent cushioned interior.

Quality

It has polycarbonate and in-mold construction material for the shell, nanosilver for the lining, and extra foam for ear muff and chin strap.

Style

For hardcore skiers

Smith Optics Unisex Adult Holt Snow Sports Helmet

Comfort
Warmth
Design
Quality
Style

Features

It ranks as the best Smith helmet for skiers on a budget. With most features of premium Smith helmets not included, the Holt can be used by amateur skiers. It uses Bomber construction which involves adding molded ABS into the shell to harden its surface.The foam on the inside is dense, but it lacks perforations along the ears. Other features include an Outdoor Tech Chips Audio System, removable goggle lock, and AirEvac ventilation.

PROS

• Affordable
• Adequate foam padding
• Comes in a wide range of colors
• Free audio system

CONS

• Tends to overheat
• Lack of perforations on the earflaps results to sound muffing
• The adjustment of the Smith helmet is not advanced

Price

Get it on Amazon for around $60.

comfort

Mildly comfortable, and the only drawback was the dense padding that lacked perforations.

Warmth

It is very warm, but with only 14 vents, you can bet airflow was restricted; hence, you might overheat.

Design

Bombershell construction is adequate for linear impact, but it lacks both MIPS and Hybrid shell construction appropriate for rotational impact.

Quality

An in-mold construction and ABS for the outer shell, thick foam for the interior and elastic nylon for the adjusting band.

Style

Colorful, compact, medium profile and the perfect fit for skiers who are just learning the ropes.

SMITH Men’s Aspect Helmet

Comfort
Warmth
Design
Quality
Style

Features

The Smith Helmets Aspect uses in-mold PC for a lightweight (14oz.) and strong shell. On the inside, EPS foam is used to line the entire cover of the ski helmet. It also uses the AirEvac2 for efficient ventilation.

PROS

• Affordable
• Lightweight
• Uses the adjustable dial a fit for a comfortable and secure fit

CONS

• Lacks advanced protection against rotational forces
• Fewer vents may result in overheating

Price

It retails at around $100 on Amazon

comfort

EPS foam and dial a fit provide standard comfort.

Warmth

EPS foam, removable ear flaps, and 14 vents ensure retention of heat and proper air flow.

Design

PC for a hard shell, AirEvac2 ventilation for adequate warmth and airflow, removable goggle lock, and regulator adjustable climate control make this a good choice.

Quality

In-mold plastic and EPS foam

Style

It is cool with little extravagance. For women, use the Smith Arrival, which is more colorful and has a more cushy liner.

Smith Optics Mission-Mips Adult Ski Snowmobile Helmet

Comfort
Warmth
Design
Quality
Style

Features

This is one of the best Smith helmets for moderate skiers. The shell uses in-mold construction that makes it lightweight (16oz.) and offers adequate protection. It also uses MIPS technology to reduce angle impacts.

PROS

• Lightweight
• Looks coolInterior foam is cushy

CONS

• Not very durable
• Cannot handle heavy impacts

Price

It retails at around $130 on Amazon

comfort

Optimum comfort from the interior foam and Aerocore construction.

Warmth

It provides satisfactory warmth which is promoted by a dense foam and AirEvac2 ventilation.

Design

In-mold construction, Aerocore construction and AirEvac2 ventilation

Quality

Polycarbonate for the shell, polyester for the foam and nylon for the straps.

Style

Sharp, intense color and hardcore for moderate skiers

Smith Quantum MIPS

Comfort
Warmth
Design
Quality
Style

Features

Smith helmets in the Quantum line are loved for their construction, durability, and performance. The Quantum MIPS introduces an exoskeleton made from very hard ABS, and an in-mold PC using Hybrid SL Technology. This results in a lightweight shell that can withstand very heavy impact on the rear and the sides.WayFinder Fidlock system is used on the straps and buckles to ease their operations. You can strap and buckle your helmet with one hand all while donning gloves. Magnets attract straps to the buckle while the adjustment system ensures there are no leftover straps after tightening.

PROS

• Superior performance unseen elsewhere
• Can stand very heavy impacts
• Stylish
• Easy to use due to multiple technologies integrated

CONS

• Very pricey

Price

It retails at around $300 on Amazon

comfort

This provides top-notch comfort from the soft EPS, Aerocore construction and easily adjustable straps.

Warmth

Air circulation and heat retention are enabled by AirEvac2 ventilation and Koroyd construction.

Design

7 technologies have been used, namely:Hybrid SL construction, AirEvac2 ventilation, Open-cell Koroyd, WayFinder tech, Fidlock System, Aerocore construction and BoaFit FS360.

Quality

EPS foam, ABS shell, and magnets

Style

Rugged and confident, these are best Smith helmets for advanced/expert skiers.

Smith Optics Quantum Adult MIPS Ski Snowmobile Helmet

Comfort
Warmth
Design
Quality
Style

Features

A heavy duty ski helmet designed for serious snow-sports enthusiasts. It features an exoskeleton zonal impact protection which protects the head against side impact while hybrid shell construction forms a hard and strong shell.The inner lining features dense foam integrated with XT2 for bacterial protection and odor prevention. The best in hygiene among Smith helmets.

PROS

• Tough dual-shell
• Durable
• High performance
• Very low profile

CONS

• Expensive
• Feels a tad bit heavy

Price

It retails on Amazon for around $200

comfort

They are very comfortable due to a soft and cushy EPS foam and an adjustable dial a fit system.

Warmth

They provide optimum warmth.

Design

Tough hybrid shell construction, soft inner EPS foam lining, and Quickbuckle Fidlock system

Quality

EPS foam, ABS and PC shell, magnetic buckles and nylon straps

Style

Safe and cautious shell, compact and tight strapping and buckle system for heavy duty snow and ice-sports fans

The Verdict

Smith helmets work differently on different individuals. If you have a dome-shaped head, a round shaped Smith helmet, like the Holt, will not work for you. Before purchasing a ski helmet, understand its use and where it will be used, your skiing skills, and head measurements. This is assurance you will choose a fit-to-size and efficient ski helmet for you.

The Smith Vantage was the best Smith helmet for skiers of 2019. It was made of quality material, was very comfortable, safe and warm. Its performance was also unmatched by even more expensive models of Smith helmets. The only snag was the helmet’s not so friendly price tag.