Smith Descend Mips Review

We wore the Smith Descend Mips for weeks of resort skiing, and even took it into the backcountry a few times. Ultimately, we found this to be a particularly comfy and warm helmet that costs quite a bit less than several helmets with similar scores.

Performance Comparison

Impact Test

Despite a lower price, the Smith Descend Mips did quite well overall in the impact testing done at the ACT Lab.

Slow Impact Test Results

In the slow drop test exam, the Smith Descend Mips didn't perform quite as well, falling further back in the pack.

Fast Impact Test Results

In the fast impact test, the Smith Descend Mips came in towards the front of the pack, substantially boosting its bottomline scores in the impact test metric.

The Smith Descend Mips also includes a Mips system for angled impacts, as the name implies.

Comfort

This was one of the standout metrics for the Smith Descend Mips, and it competed with helmets 30-60% more expensive. While the Descend doesn't have many bells and whistles, Smith did a very good job with shaping and use of soft fabrics to make this helmet a joy to wear for longer outings.

We immediately appreciated the fuzzy liner of the Smith Descend Mips from our very first run. It's got a great next-to-skin feel and the inviting fabric runs all the way down to the neck. The ear flaps are similarly soft, and don't put too much pressure on the ears even with a tighter chin strap.

The Smith Descend Mips has a deeper fit, coming down lower on the head. This volume allowed for a wider variety of head shapes, and the tightening system throughout the back and tops of the Descend was used to fine tune this spacious helmet.

Warmth

This was another top metric for the Smith Descend Mips, and we were very happy wearing it on the coldest days on the hill. Despite some fierce competition, this helmet came in at the very front of the pack.

If you're hunting for a model to protect you from the elements, put the Smith Descend Mips high on your list. As mentioned earlier, the Descend has a generous amount of fabric in the liner, which was substantially warmer than several other helmets we tested. It also doesn't have as many vents in the top of the helmet, most of which can be closed if breathability isn't needed on a chilly run. While not factored into scoring, we could also easily fit a buff or beanie under the voluminous Descend on days with record-setting lows.

Ventilation

The Smith Descend Mips might be one of the warmest helmets we've tested, but it isn't as breathable. If you're a fair weather spring skier, the Descend might get a bit hot, and it fell further back in scoring..

The Smith Descend Mips has 16 vents, which is a common amount, but they aren't quite as large as some of the competition. The vents do have a layout that runs air from the front to the back, but there aren't quite as many vents on the top of the helmet compared to other models. The fuzzy liner and earpads also made for a particularly sweaty head on sunny, spring days. All of our testers were still able to wear the Descend throughout the ski season, but we needed to shed more layers to stay comfy wearing it in the warmest temperatures.

Usability

There aren't many features on the Smith Descend Mips, but the no-frills design was well-liked by our whole review panel. While it didn't come in first place, the Descend was fairly competitive.

The liner of the Smith Descend Mips is anti-microbial, which is particularly handy with a helmet that can get sweaty in the spring months. It also has a simple vent closure system and rear wheel size adjuster that can be operated with gloves. Our biggest qualms were with the front dimensions of the Descend, which worked well with larger and more box-shaped goggles but left some gaps in more curled/rounded goggles.

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Should You Buy the Smith Descend Mips?

If you're needing comfort on a budget, the Smith Descend Mips might just be the right fit for you. Its liner and interior shaping are bound to keep you and your head happy for even the longest days on the slopes, especially if it's cold. While we might steer you elsewhere if you're prioritizing ventilation, the Descend is still an incredible all-arounder ski helmet that offers a lower profile than much of the competition.

What Other Ski Helmets Should You Consider?