Full and functional feature set including a MIPS liner, 20 vents (10 of which are adjustable), and easy fit customization. There are 2 pieces of foam inside the ear pads you can take out when installing speakers. The ear pads will still feel thin with speakers in them. We did find that the zipper to get access to the speakers is a little stiff and doesn’t open and close smoothly. I’d rather have velcro for this. Appearance

The helmet is available in sizes Small, Medium, Large and X-Large. The MIPS version of the helmet sizes small. I am wearing the XL which doesn’t feel that much larger than the Large I tried on. Smith helmets have a bit more angled forehead than the Oakley Mod5. The Vantage is on the snug side on my forehead but otherwise very comfortable. I count 22 vents on the helmet. It has a lot of vent area compared to most other helmets. We haven’t found a warm ski day yet where we thought the helmet was too hot with all the vents open. AirEvac goggle anti-fog vents

Covering what counts:

There are a few final factors to keep in mind when dialing in a proper fit. For one, we strongly recommend opting for a helmet with a Boa dial (or similar technology). Some designs, like the Giro Emerge, use adjustable padding instead, but there’s simply no substitute for the wraparound cinch of a rear dial. Second, if you see a helmet that claims to be one-size-fits-most, we advise steering clear even if your head circumference falls within the listed parameters. Something so accommodating just won’t fit as well as a more fine-tuned size. Boa systems are reliable and offer easy fit adjustments Goggle Compatibility I have been a long time fan of Smith Optics ski gear. I used Smith IO7 goggles with a Variance helmet for years. They always produce innovative, safe helmets with some of the best goggle lenses available. I chose a Smith Vantage MIPS to replace my aging Variance helmet. The Vantage has so many good features it is tough to consider their top end Nexus helmet.

When you fall to the ground at an angle rotational forces are generated. A helmet integrating MIPS technology creates a sliding layer between the outer shell and the head. This allows the helmet's outer shell to slide relative to the head when hitting the ground, so the rotational force is decreased, reducing the potential to damage your brain.

While a number of ski helmets are unisex and are perfectly fine for either men or women, there is a wide selection of women’s-specific snow helmets. These models are quite similar to men’s versions, but with different colorways for the shell and liner, as well as having a smaller fit. There will often be a name change, but the technology is all the same—and so is the pricing. When applicable, we've included the link to both the men's and women's versions of the helmet. Wearing the women's variation of the Smith Vantage When to Replace Your Ski Helmet Hybrid Shell - A combination of lightweight and durable materials makes this one of the safest helmets on the market The helmet has a small brim that will cover most large profile ski goggles. It has enough character lines and vent holes to give it a dynamic appearance. It looks more styled than a plane dome skater style helmet. It doesn’t have anything that makes it look like the styling was overdone. It is just a good looking ski helmet. Smith Vantage with Smith 4D Mag Goggles Sizing Smith’s Level MIPS is one of our favorite ski helmets for its well-rounded build, full feature set, and great overall performance. One longtime competitor is Oakley’s Mod5 MIPS, which also features a hybrid in-mold construction and MIPS technology. Additionally, the Oakley sports upgrades like a rear Boa adjustment for dialing in fit and a magnetic chinstrap. The Smith wins out in comfort with more generous and plusher cushioning, along with a 5-ounce drop in weight. Neither are standouts in ventilation (and the Oakley lags behind in this regard), but they both get the job done for resort use. In the end, we think most riders will be happier saving with the plusher and airier Level, but the Mod5 is a good-looking and well-built alternative for frequent inbounds use.

The inner lining is cushy and warm, and it’s also removable for an easy wash. Although, frankly, with the antibacterial coating my sweaty head hasn’t inspired any odors to develop. The ear pads can also accommodate third-party Outdoor Products ear chips that were designed for Smith helmets, for those who like music or the ability to do hands-free calling. One issue that I did have was that the lining kept getting slightly wrinkled as I wore it, leading to creases the caused irritating pressure as the day wore on. I think that more velcro attachment tabs would have solved that. Smith's hybrid shell combines in-mould and hard shell construction to get the best of both builds. By fusing tough bombshell ABS with flyweight in-mould technology, hybrid shell construction optimises the favourable traits of each material. The result is a modern design that provides a lightweight, low profile helmet. My head measures 57 centimeters in circumference, which puts me right in the middle of the size medium range (55 to 59cm). I have a slightly rounded head shape and have found Smith helmets to be a really nice match for me in general, and the Level is no exception (it fit me similarly to the Vantage and discontinued Variance). All in all, the deep and fairly wide opening has a versatile shape, and combined with the highly adjustable fit system and four total sizes available—ranging from 51 centimeters (S) to 67 centimeters (XL)—most people should be able to get a good all-around fit. My size XL Vantage weighs in at 1 lb 2 oz. It matches the 1 lbs 2 oz weight published by Smith. 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another premium design to consider. Like the Level, the Obex utilizes MIPS’ impact-ready safety tech, boasts an in-mold build with a tough ABS shell at the top, and has a highly adjustable fit system that secures evenly around the head. The Smith wins out in ventilation with nine more vents and added adjustability (only the top vents are adjustable on the POC), and despite the Obex’s lighter 1-pound weight, we found that it felt bulkier and less streamlined than the Level. Further, the interior padding isn’t as plush as the Smith, and we prefer more cushioning along the chinstrap in particular. The differences aren't dramatic, but it's enough for us to give the edge to the Level. It’s easy to recommend the Smith Level Helmet and I/O MAG Goggles for skiers and boarders, especially someone who’s maybe looking to upgrade to an integrated system. I was totally pleased with the goggles in both high and low light conditions. The helmet is very good also, with ventilation that actually makes a difference. If you need something for your spring touring or want to get geared up for a 2021 ski season that hopefully won’t be cut short by a pandemic – take a look at Smith. But to go from a decent fit to a great fit, we recommend popping into your local ski shop to try on a variety of helmets. Helmet shape and fit can vary across the board—both between brands and between models—and it’s possible that any given design simply won't fit your head shape. We've made sure to call out the various fit discrepancies in the write-ups above, but there's no substitute to trying on each helmet for yourself. To maximize compatibility, many of Smith’s helmets come in two different fits: a standard fit and their “Round Contour Fit” that accommodates rounder head shapes with more width at the rear and a shorter length. From our list above, these include the Vantage, Level, and Nexus.