Smith Vantage MIPS Helmet Review (Most In-Depth)

If you are looking for a ski helmet that combines comfort, style, and protection, you might want to consider the Smith Vantage MIPS snow helmet.

This helmet is one of the most popular and highly rated models on the market, and for good reasons.

In this review, we will explore the features, benefits, and drawbacks of the Smith Vantage MIPS snow helmet, and help you decide if it is the right choice for you.

Want to see my top favorite ski helmets? Click here to see my top 10.

Safety Certifications

The Smith Vantage MIPS snow helmet is certified to the following safety standards:

• ASTM F2040: This is the standard for snow sports helmets in the United States. It tests helmets for impact resistance, rotational force reduction, and energy absorption.
• CE EN 1077:2007 CLASS B: This is the standard for snow sports helmets in Europe. It has similar requirements to ASTM F2040, but it also tests helmets for penetration resistance.
• CPSC 1203: This is the standard for snow sports helmets in the United States for children under the age of 12. It has similar requirements to ASTM F2040, but it also has additional requirements for durability and fit.
• CE EN1078: This is the standard for bicycle helmets in Europe. It does not specifically test helmets for snow sports, but it is a good indicator of overall helmet safety.

In addition to these safety certifications, the Smith Vantage MIPS helmet also features the MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) technology. MIPS is a system that helps to reduce rotational forces to the brain in the event of a crash.

The Smith Vantage MIPS snow helmet is a safe and well-rounded helmet that is suitable for a variety of snow sports activities. It is certified to meet the highest safety standards and features the latest technology to protect your head in the event of a crash.

The main difference between the Smith Vantage and other MIPS helmets is the use of Koroyd in the Vantage. Koroyd is a lightweight, energy-absorbing material that is made up of tiny tubes heat-welded together. It is used in the Vantage to provide better impact protection and ventilation than traditional EPS foam.

Fit And Comfort

The Smith Vantage MIPS helmet is designed to fit a wide range of head shapes and sizes. It uses the BOA Fit System, which is a dial-based adjustment system that allows you to fine-tune the fit of the helmet without having to remove your gloves. The BOA system is located at the back of the helmet and it allows you to adjust the fit evenly all the way around your head.

The helmet also has a soft, comfortable liner that helps to wick away moisture and prevent helmet hair. The ear pads are also soft and comfortable and they can be removed for washing.

Overall, the Smith Vantage MIPS helmet is a comfortable and well-fitting helmet that is suitable for a variety of head shapes and sizes. The BOA Fit System makes it easy to adjust the fit and the soft, comfortable liner helps to keep you cool and comfortable all day long.

Here are some reviews of the fit and comfort of the Smith Vantage MIPS helmet:

• "The fit of the helmet is excellent. The BOA system makes it easy to get a snug, comfortable fit without any hot spots." - Switchback Travel
• "The helmet is very comfortable to wear, even for long days on the slopes. The ear pads are soft and don't press too tightly against my ears." - GearJunkie
• "The helmet is well-ventilated and I didn't get too hot or sweaty even on warm days." - OutdoorGearLab

If you are looking for a comfortable and well-fitting snow helmet that meets the highest safety standards, the Smith Vantage MIPS is a great option.

Ventilation

The Smith Vantage MIPS helmet has 21 vents that are designed to provide maximum ventilation. The vents are strategically placed to allow airflow to circulate throughout the helmet, keeping you cool and comfortable even on the warmest days.

The vents are divided into two zones: the front zone and the rear zone. The front zone has four vents that can be opened and closed independently, while the rear zone has eight vents that are always open. This allows you to customize the ventilation to your liking and to the conditions.

The vents are also covered with a mesh that helps to keep out debris and insects. The mesh is also water-resistant, so you don't have to worry about it getting wet in the snow.

Overall, the ventilation on the Smith Vantage MIPS helmet is excellent. It is one of the most ventilated helmets on the market, and it will help you stay cool and comfortable all day long.

Weight

The weight of the Smith Vantage MIPS helmet depends on the size. The men's size medium weighs 1 pound 1.5 ounces (500 grams), while the women's size medium weighs 1 pound 1.6 ounces (510 grams).

As you can see, the weight of the Smith Vantage MIPS helmet is relatively average for a snow helmet. It is not the lightest helmet on the market, but it is not the heaviest either. The weight of the helmet will also depend on the materials used and the features included.

If you are looking for a lightweight helmet, there are a few options available. However, keep in mind that lighter helmets are often less durable and may not offer the same level of protection as heavier helmets.

Goggle Compatibility

The Smith Vantage MIPS helmet is compatible with most goggles. It has a wide brim that helps to keep the snow out of your goggles and it also has a goggle retention system that helps to keep your goggles in place.

Here are some of the goggles that are compatible with the Smith Vantage MIPS helmet:

• Smith I/O
• Smith Squad XL
• Smith 4D Mag
• Oakley Airbrake XL
• Anon M4

If you are not sure if your goggles are compatible with the Smith Vantage MIPS helmet, you can always check with the manufacturer.

Here are some tips for ensuring good goggle compatibility:

• Make sure the goggles fit snugly over your face.
• The goggles should not fog up when you wear them.
• The goggles should not move around when you are skiing or snowboarding.

If you are having trouble getting your goggles to fit properly, you can try adjusting the goggle retention system on the helmet. You can also try different brands of goggles until you find a pair that fits well.

Material And Construction

The Smith Vantage MIPS helmet is made of a hybrid construction that combines ABS plastic and EPS foam. The ABS plastic outer shell is strong and durable, while the EPS foam inner liner is lightweight and energy-absorbing.

The helmet also features a Zonal Koroyd honeycomb construction in the top of the helmet. Koroyd is a lightweight, energy-absorbing material that is made up of tiny tubes heat-welded together. It is used in the Vantage to provide better impact protection and ventilation than traditional EPS foam.

The helmet also has a BOA Fit System, which is a dial-based adjustment system that allows you to fine-tune the fit of the helmet without having to remove your gloves. The BOA system is located at the back of the helmet and it allows you to adjust the fit evenly all the way around your head.

The helmet also has a soft, comfortable liner that helps to wick away moisture and prevent helmet hair. The ear pads are also soft and comfortable and they can be removed for washing.

Overall, the Smith Vantage MIPS helmet is a well-made helmet that is made of durable materials and features the latest safety technology. It is a good choice for skiers and snowboarders who are looking for a high-quality helmet that offers excellent protection.

Here are some of the benefits of the materials and construction of the Smith Vantage MIPS helmet:

• ABS plastic outer shell: The ABS plastic outer shell is strong and durable, making it resistant to impact and abrasion.
• EPS foam inner liner: The EPS foam inner liner is lightweight and energy-absorbing, helping to reduce the risk of head injury in the event of a crash.
• Zonal Koroyd honeycomb construction: The Zonal Koroyd honeycomb construction in the top of the helmet provides additional impact protection and ventilation.
• BOA Fit System: The BOA Fit System allows you to easily and precisely adjust the fit of the helmet for a comfortable and secure fit.
• Soft, comfortable liner: The soft, comfortable liner helps to wick away moisture and prevent helmet hair.
• Removable ear pads: The removable ear pads make it easy to clean the helmet and keep it fresh.

If you are looking for a high-quality, well-made snow helmet that offers excellent protection, the Smith Vantage MIPS helmet is a good option.

Visor

The Smith Vantage MIPS helmet comes with a fixed visor that is made of Lexan. Lexan is a strong, shatter-resistant material that is also lightweight. The visor is adjustable to provide a customized fit and to block out sunlight.

The visor on the Smith Vantage MIPS helmet is not removable. However, it is possible to replace the visor if it is damaged.

Here are some of the benefits of the visor on the Smith Vantage MIPS helmet:

• Fixed visor: The fixed visor is less likely to come loose or break in the event of a crash.
• Lexan construction: The Lexan construction makes the visor strong and shatter-resistant.
• Adjustable: The visor is adjustable to provide a customized fit.
• Blocks out sunlight: The visor blocks out sunlight to help prevent snow blindness.

If you are looking for a helmet with a durable, fixed visor, the Smith Vantage MIPS helmet is a good option.

Here are some additional information about the visor:

• The visor is made of Lexan, which is a strong, shatter-resistant material that is also lightweight.
• The visor is adjustable to provide a customized fit and to block out sunlight.
• The visor is not removable.
• The visor can be replaced if it is damaged.

Audio Intergration

The Smith Vantage MIPS helmet is compatible with the Smith Aleck 006 audio system. The Aleck 006 is a wireless audio system that can be integrated into any Smith helmet. It features high-quality sound and hands-free group communication.

The Aleck 006 system consists of two parts: a receiver that mounts on the helmet and a transmitter that attaches to your smartphone or music player. The receiver has a built-in microphone so you can take calls or talk to your friends without having to remove your helmet.

The Aleck 006 system is easy to install and use. The receiver mounts on the helmet with a sticker, and the transmitter attaches to your smartphone or music player with a cable. The system is powered by a rechargeable battery that lasts for up to 8 hours.

The Aleck 006 system is a great way to add audio integration to your Smith Vantage MIPS helmet. It features high-quality sound and hands-free group communication, and it is easy to install and use.

Here are some of the benefits of the audio integration on the Smith Vantage MIPS helmet:

• Ability to listen to music or podcasts: The Aleck 006 system allows you to listen to music or podcasts while you are skiing or snowboarding.
• Ability to take calls: The Aleck 006 system also allows you to take calls while you are skiing or snowboarding.
• Ability to communicate with friends: The Aleck 006 system also allows you to communicate with friends while you are skiing or snowboarding.
• Hands-free operation: The Aleck 006 system is hands-free, so you don't have to remove your helmet to take a call or change the song.

If you are looking for a way to add audio integration to your Smith Vantage MIPS helmet, the Aleck 006 system is a good option.

Here are some additional information about the audio integration:

• The Aleck 006 system is compatible with any Smith helmet that has the Audio Integration Kit installed.
• The Aleck 006 system is easy to install and use.
• The Aleck 006 system features high-quality sound and hands-free group communication.
• The Aleck 006 system is powered by a rechargeable battery that lasts for up to 8 hours.

Brand Reputation

Smith is a well-respected brand in the snow sports industry. They have been making helmets for over 30 years and their products are known for their high quality and innovation.

The Smith Vantage MIPS helmet is one of the most popular helmets on the market. It has been praised by skiers and snowboarders for its comfortable fit, excellent ventilation, and state-of-the-art safety features.

Overall, the Smith Vantage MIPS helmet is a high-quality helmet that offers excellent protection and comfort. It is a good choice for skiers and snowboarders who are looking for a top-of-the-line helmet.

Here are some of the factors that contribute to the brand reputation of Smith helmets:

• Quality materials: Smith helmets are made from high-quality materials, such as ABS plastic and EPS foam. These materials are strong, durable, and lightweight.
• Innovative safety features: Smith helmets feature the latest safety technology, such as MIPS. MIPS is a system that helps to reduce rotational forces to the brain in the event of a crash.
• Comfortable fit: Smith helmets are designed to fit comfortably and securely. They have a variety of adjustment features to ensure a perfect fit.
• Ventilation: Smith helmets are well-ventilated to keep you cool and comfortable. They have a variety of vents to allow airflow throughout the helmet.
• Style: Smith helmets are stylish and come in a variety of colors and designs.

If you are looking for a high-quality, safe, and comfortable snow helmet, Smith is a good brand to consider.

Warranty

Smith helmets are covered by a three-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. This means that if your helmet develops a defect within three years of purchase, Smith will repair or replace it free of charge.

The warranty does not cover damage caused by accidents, abuse, or neglect. It also does not cover replacement lenses or other accessories.

To make a warranty claim, you will need to provide proof of purchase and a description of the defect. You can do this by contacting Smith's customer service department.

Here are the steps on how to make a warranty claim for a Smith helmet:

1. Go to the Smith website and click on the "Contact Us" link.
2. Select the "Warranty Claim" option from the menu.
3. Fill out the online form and provide the following information:
   • Your name
   • Your email address
   • Your phone number
   • Your mailing address
   • The date of purchase
   • The serial number of the helmet
   • A description of the defect
4. Click on the "Submit" button.

Smith will review your claim and contact you within 10 business days.

Here are some additional information about the warranty:

• The warranty is valid for three years from the date of purchase.
• The warranty does not cover damage caused by accidents, abuse, or neglect.
• The warranty does not cover replacement lenses or other accessories.
• To make a warranty claim, you will need to provide proof of purchase and a description of the defect.

Wrapping Things Up

To conclude this review, the Smith Vantage MIPS snow helmet is a high-quality, high-performance, and high-priced ski helmet that offers comfort, style, and protection.

It has many features that make it stand out from other ski helmets, such as the MIPS technology, the hybrid shell construction, the 21 adjustable vents, the BOA fit system, and the compatibility with most accessories.

It is one of the most popular and highly rated ski helmets on the market, and it is suitable for advanced and professional skiers who value safety and performance.

If you are looking for a ski helmet that combines all these aspects, you might want to consider the Smith Vantage MIPS snow helmet.

However, if you are on a tight budget or prefer a simpler design, you might want to look for other alternatives.