REASONS TO BUY
Low profile
Great comfort around ears
Secure goggle strap
REASONS TO AVOID
Ear flaps easy to detach
Helmet fit won’t work for some
POC Obex Mips Review
This option offers excellent comfort and a modest profile, boasting a nice aesthetic and great packability rarely found in a ski helmet
Credit: Zach Lovell
By Zach Lovell ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ May 14, 2025
Our Verdict
The POC Obex Mips is among the smallest profile ski helmets we've tested here at GearLab. While a helmet made for skiing is typically bulky, we were pleasantly surprised with the Obex, with dimensions more common in the backcountry ski or climbing world. After several weeks of field testing, our review team concluded that this model was comfortable, even on days spent in bumpy and jarring terrain, and the rear goggle strap was effective for securing our expensive eyewear. Despite having a limited number of vents, the Obex also offers fairly decent breathability, and our goggles rarely fogged up. The detachable ear flaps are uniquely shaped to truly hug your ears, and while we loved them, it is a specific fit that won't work for everyone.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
POC Obex Mips | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Low Profile Design |  Best Overall Helmet | Most Comforatble |  Best Budget Model for Comfort | Best Value |
| Price | $250 List Check Price at Backcountry | $185 List Check Price at REI | $295 List Check Backcountry (on sale!) | $160 List Check Backcountry (on sale!) | $145 List Check Price at Backcountry |
Overall Score  |
|||||
| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | While most ski helmets are notoriously bulky, this option offers a low profile and great comfort | This ski helmet is a true all-arounder for a variety of skier or rider needs, offering great protection at a modest weight | A high-end helmet offering exceptional comfort and ease of use for skiers and riders willing to invest in quality | If comfort is a priority and you’re shopping on a skinnier wallet, this is a ski helmet worth looking into | Equipped with Mips, adjustable vents, and an adjustable dial, this model offers high-end features and strong performance at a great price |
| Rating Categories | POC Obex Mips | Smith Method Pro Mips | Smith Vantage 2 Mips | Smith Descend Mips | Giro Ratio Mips |
| Impact Test (30%) | |||||
| Comfort (25%) | |||||
| Warmth (20%) | |||||
| Ventilation (15%) | |||||
| Usability (10%) | |||||
| Specifications | POC Obex Mips | Smith Method Pro Mips | Smith Vantage 2 Mips | Smith Descend Mips | Giro Ratio Mips |
| Measured Weight (Large) | 17.6 oz | 15 oz | 22.4 oz | 19.2 oz | 21.7 oz |
| # of Vents | 11 | 6 | 40 | 16 | 10 |
| Audio Compatibility | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Removable Ear Covers | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Goggle Attachment | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Visor | No | No | No | No | No |
| Adjustment System | Adjustable Dial Fit System | Adjustable Dial Fit System | BOA 360 Fit System | Adjustable Dial Fit System | In form dial |
| Rotational Impact Protection System | Mips | Mips | Mips | Mips | Mips |
| Certifications | EN 1077-B, ASTM F2040, UKCA | CE EN 1077-B, ASTM F2040 | ASTM F 2040/CE EN 1077:2007 | ASTM F 2040/CE EN 1077:2007 CLASS B/CPSC/CE EN1078 | CE EN 1077 |
| Number of Sizes | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Unlike so much of the competition, the POC Obex offers a much more modest profile, which we appreciated whether wearing it or carrying it around in our backpacks. Our testing process included weeks of real-world testing to ensure our results were as accurate as possible.
We loved our time testing the POC Obex Mips, from casual resort outings to ski mountaineering missions. Credit: Chris Cassara
Impact Test
Although the POC Obex Mips exceeds all ski industry safety standards, we conducted our own run of crash tests to determine the performance differences between the helmets in our review. When compared to the others, this model put up numbers that were right around average.
Slow Impact Test Results
When it comes to slower crash simulations, the Obex scored lower than average
Fast Impact Test Results
Interestingly, this helmet had notable results at higher speeds, greatly aiding its overall performance in the impact test metric.
Comfort
The Obex Mips was a comfortable helmet for multiple testers, striking a great balance of being form-fitting but not too tight.
The headspace itself was friendly for various people, but what really stood out were the ear flaps, which cozily cupped the ears. We absolutely loved this design, though it may not work for everyone due to the tighter fit.
POC thoughtfully designed their ear flaps, with a thicker padding hugging the space outside of the ear.
Warmth
The Obex Mips offers decent protection from the cold, with relatively minimal venting and an easy-to-operate vent closure system when the temperatures plummet. The closer fit of the Obex may make it challenging to fit an under-helmet hat or buff, depending on how this model fits you, which will make this a much chillier helmet.
The aforementioned ear flaps also added some warmth, though they weren't the most insulating in the lineup.
On the coldest of days you might get chilly in the Obex, but you'll likely stay warm for most of the season. Credit: Chris Cassara
Ventilation
The Obex Mips, despite having fewer vents than some of the competition, offers decent airflow initiated from the four front vents to the four rear vents. The 3 vents on top, which can be easily opened or closed, did aid in breathability, but their modest size kept them from really cooling things off.
With less insulating ear flaps, we could keep from overheating, and on really warm days, we could take the ear flaps off entirely.
While the vents aren't the largest, the Obex offers effective airflow for warmer days or higher output missions.
Usability
The Obex Mips boasts a simple construction, with an intuitive vent closure system and a no-frills chin strap wrapped in fleece, as previously mentioned. Our primary complaint, which slightly decreased the overall score of the Obex in this metric, was its ear flaps. While these were very comfortable, they were sometimes prone to detaching from the helmet when putting it on.
We concluded this detachment was due in part to the fact that the Obex is a more snug fit, and some might find this to be enough of a nuisance to move on to another model. Our testing team got used to the occasional unclicking of the ear flaps, easily re-attaching them with some practice, and still ended up loving this helmet.
While we appreciated the comfort of the ear flaps, we wish they were harder to detach. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Obex Mips truly stands out in our review lineup due to its low profile, especially when considering so many ski helmets are bulky. This ultimately makes for a fantastic experience for the wearer, also only weighing 17.6 ounces. We are also big fans of the rear goggle strap, which was easy to use even with gloves on.
We loved the rubber goggle attachment of the Obex, which was easy to use. Credit: Zach Lovell
Should You Buy the POC Obex Mips?
This helmet is worthy of your consideration if you're tired of the large, clunky ski helmets that are more commonly found in this category of helmets. The Obex Mips also boasts excellent comfort and a snug, yet not too tight, fit. If you're seeking the absolute highest impact test scores or need something more spacious, we'd look elsewhere, but many shoppers will be very happy with the Obex.
What Other Ski Helmets Should You Consider?
If you want more inspiring impact test results, consider the Scott Flow Pro Mips, though it's substantially more bulky than the Obex Mips. If you're looking for an even lighter option that boasts great all-around scores, consider the Smith Method Pro.
—Zach Lovell
You Might Also Like
