
Our Verdict
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Scott Flow Pro Mips | |||||
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Awards | ![]() Top Impact Test Scores | ![]() Best Overall Helmet | ![]() Best Ventilation | ![]() Best Low Profile Design | ![]() Best Buy |
Price | $230 List | $99.00 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $162.00 at Evo Compare at 4 sellers | $100.00 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $83.95 at Evo Compare at 2 sellers |
Overall Score ![]() |
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Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | A simply designed ski helmet that particularly shines in its impact test scores | This ski helmet is a true all-arounder for a variety of skier or rider needs, offering great protection at a modest weight | This model stands out as one of the top choices we've tested, thanks to its sleek design and expertly designed adaptable ventilation system.One of the best models we have tried due to its low profile and highly engineered adjustable ventilation system | While most ski helmets are notoriously bulky, this option offers a low profile and great comfort | Equipped with Mips, adjustable vents, and an adjustable dial, this model offers high-end features and strong performance at a great price |
Rating Categories | Scott Flow Pro Mips | Smith Method Pro Mips | Smith Vantage Mips | POC Obex Mips | Giro Ratio Mips |
Impact Test (30%) | |||||
Comfort (25%) | |||||
Warmth (20%) | |||||
Ventilation (15%) | |||||
Usability (10%) | |||||
Specifications | Scott Flow Pro Mips | Smith Method Pro Mips | Smith Vantage Mips | POC Obex Mips | Giro Ratio Mips |
Measured Weight (Large) | 18.4 oz | 15 oz | 20 oz | 17.6 oz | 21.7 oz |
# of Vents | 6 | 6 | 21 | 11 | 10 |
Audio Compatibility | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Removable Ear Covers | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Goggle Attachment | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Visor | No | No | Yes | No | No |
Adjustment System | Adjustable Dial Fit System | Adjustable Dial Fit System | Boa Fit System | Adjustable Dial Fit System | In form dial |
Rotational Impact Protection System | Mips | Mips | Mips | Mips | Mips |
Certifications | CE EN 1077-B, ASTM F2040 | CE EN 1077-B, ASTM F2040 | ASTM F 2040, CE EN 1077 Class B | EN 1077-B, ASTM F2040, UKCA | CE EN 1077 |
Number of Sizes | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Our Analysis and Test Results
We grew to really enjoy the Scott Flow Pro Mips throughout an entire ski season, taking it on everything from resort laps to backcountry ski tours. When also considering its lab testing results, this helmet is worth its place on your finals list. Keep reading to learn more about the Flow Pro and whether or not it's the right option for you.
Performance Comparison
Impact Test
Anyone purchasing the Scott Flow Pro is likely prioritizing protection, so we naturally gave this metric 30% of the total score. All testing was done at the ACT Lab, which is an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory that specializes in things like helmet drop tests. This option truly topped the charts and is its most standout performance in any metric.
Slow Impact Test Results
Each helmet, including the Scott Flow Pro, was dropped from 1 meter high to determine the slow impact test score. The chart below shows the Scott Flow Pro Mips slow impact data in comparison to an average option, the POC Obex, and another high-performing option, the Smith Method Pro
With a slow impact score of 9.5, nothing even comes close to the Flow Pro, and it impressed our entire team.
Fast Impact Test Results
The Scott Flow Pro was also dropped from 2.3 meters to determine its fast impact test scores. As you might have guessed, it came in at the front of the pack. This chart shows the fast impact data of the Flow Pro Mips alongside the average-scoring POC Obex, and the Bern Hendrix Mips, which had the lowest score.
Simply put, this is among the highest performing ski helmets we've yet tested with the ACT Lab. While we can't recreate every single fall or crash scenario one might experience on the mountain, our testing process in this metric is objective and comparative.
Comfort
We logged weeks of skiing in this helmet to size up its comfort, which makes up 25% of its total score. The Scott Flow Pro came in about average, but we gathered a consensus from multiple testers before scoring this subjective metric.
Overall, most skiers or riders are likely to be comfy in the Flow Pro and there will likely be space for you to fit a hat underneath, with a rear wheel tighener also allowing one to dial in the fit. We never experienced any pressure points or had any areas getting rubbed, even on lengthy days skiing from first to last chair. We did find this option to be slightly top-heavy and tilted either forward or back on our heads throughout a day of riding, though it was a very subtle shift. With heads of other shapes and sizes, this option fit better, but there was a consensus among the team that the ear flaps were underbuilt, with minimal shaping to cup the ears. The ear flaps are designed to allow the rider to hear better, but in the comfort metric, it wasn't a favorite. Our review team shared, “The Flow Pro is pleasant to wear, but some of our testing crew reported some helmet shift, especially for smaller heads.”
Warmth
Since snow sports inherently occur in the colder months of the year, we gave warmth 20% of the total score of the Flow Pro. With minimal vents and a fairly robust construction, this helmet came in towards the top of the charts, though it wasn't the absolute warmest option.
With a decent amount of insulation and space to fit a hat underneath, the Flow Pro is a fairly warm ski helmet. We braved the coldest of winter days during testing and found this to hold up to arctic temperatures, though it does get a bit drafty around the back of the ears. We attribute this to some unavoidable space between the back of the earpads and the rest of the helmet. With more generous head layering, we didn't feel the draft, and most will find this to be a dependable helmet in chilly temperatures.
Ventilation
We all know how hot spring skiing and riding can get, so 15% of the total score of the Scott Flow Pro Mips was given to ventilation. This option came in about average in the lineup.
To test the Flow Pro in this metric, we deliberately hit the slopes on the warmest days of the season and even headed uphill in a skintrack and bootpacked. The liner offers some cooling, thanks to a slightly suspended liner construction, which gives some space between the liner and the rest of the helmet. This allows airflow to easily travel from the front through the back of the helmet.
Unfortunately, this option is lacking in the vent department, with only four narrow vents in the front and four equally small vents in the back. However, the two goggle vents in the front, uniquely, offer adjustable/closeable vents, which were well-loved by our entire team. When considering its impact test results, many will likely be ok sacrificing some breathability for protection.
Usability
We sized up the ease-of-use and features of the Flow Pro to score the usability metric, which makes up 10% of the total score. As a relatively no-frills design, it came in about average in the lineup.
The Scott Flow Pro Mips offers a standard wheel tightening system in the back to adjust fit, which was simple and effective to use. Uniquely, this option includes Scott's 360° Pure Sound Technology, which essentially ensures the wearer can hear their surroundings and was noticeable throughout testing. Some of the ski helmets available today have particularly thick ear pads, which can offer warmth but can really muffle the sound, so some might greatly appreciate this feature. We also loved the adjustable goggle vents, which were our favorite feature of the Flow Pro. Our biggest complaint with this option was the goggle strap holder, which was trickier to put on correctly with gloves. While this might seem like a minor complaint, this is one of the components of any ski helmet you'll be messing with every single day on the mountain, and if the retainer strap comes undone, it can be a real pain mid-ski run.
Should You Buy the Scott Flow Pro Mips?
If you're looking for a top-notch option for protection, the Scott Flow Pro Mips is worthy of your consideration, with unparalleled scores in drop testing. With a design favoring free riding, this helmet still offers a relatively low weight, though in a bulkier package. As long as this option fits your head, you'll also likely find it to be both comfortable and warm. This isn't the cheapest helmet out there, so if you are looking for an option that's easier on the wallet, keep reading through our other options.
What Other Ski Helmets Should You Consider?
If you're looking for a lighter helmet, consider the Smith Method Pro Mips, which offers excellent scores across the board at a cheaper price than the Flow Pro. If you're needing a lower profile model, take a look at the POC Obex Mips, which is also better at venting.