Smith Method Pro Mips Review

We spent weeks testing the Smith Method Pro across several resorts and even logged some large backcountry ski days. We ultimately found this option to be a bar-setting ski helmet in the all-arounder category – this model simply does well in any ski or snowboard setting.

Performance Comparison

Impact Test

We gave this metric 30% of the total score of the Smith Method Pro, since a helmet's primary job is to offer protection. We tested this metric by sending each and every helmet to the ACT Lab, which is an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory. Each option had two drop tests performed on it: a slow impact test with a drop of 1 meter, and a fast impact test with a drop of 2.3 meters. Each round of testing occurred with a sensor inside the helmet, and a flat anvil was used. The Method Pro came in at the top of the charts.

Slow Impact Test Results

The Method Pro did very well in the slow impact test, coming in towards the front of the pack with the 1-meter drop onto a flat anvil.

Fast Impact Test Results

The Method Pro did even better with the fast impact test, nearly tying for first place.

The combined scores between the slow and fast impact tests were excellent, ultimately making the impact test metric a huge attribute for the Method Pro.

Comfort

We gave comfort 25% of the total score of the Method Pro, since any skier or rider will be wearing their helmet for lengthy periods of time. We tested this metric by logging an entire season with each helmet, getting multiple opinions on fit and overall comfort before forming a consensus. This option came in above average. Our testing team concluded, “This helmet was comfy for the whole crew, even with various head shapes, thanks to neutral dimensions and a great wheel tightening system.”

The Method Pro is generously sized, accommodating a wide variety of head shapes and under-helmet hats. The boa system in the back easily allows one to dial in the fit, and we loved the fleece wrapped chin strap, which was easy to adjust. The Method Pro was also comfortable with a variety of goggle models, accommodating various sizes and shapes of lenses. This option got a slightly reduced score in this metric due to the jumps between sizes, causing a few of our testers to land between sizes, which resulted in them needing to go up one size and tighten down the back of the helmet. Ultimately, the Method Pro is a very comfortable helmet, and most shoppers will find the right size for their head and hat combo.

Warmth

For the next 20% of the overall score, we spent the entire winter season with each helmet, taking detailed notes along the way regarding each option's warmth. Our team also deliberately headed out in inclement weather to see how well each option performed. The Method Pro came in towards the top of the review's lineup.

With limited vents, there are few opportunities for storm snow to make its way underneath the Method Pro. Our testing team all found it easy to “seal” their goggles/helmet system when the weather turned south, and on the coldest of days, the helmet allowed for a hat addition.

As a lightweight helmet, this option doesn't offer the absolute greatest insulation, with minimal fleece or fabric built inside the helmet. However, it's likely one will be able to fit a small hat underneath as needed, so consider sizing appropriately for a variety of conditions.

Ventilation

Ventilation has a varying amount of importance in a shopper's list of helmet needs. Particularly in the spring, wearing a helmet that breathes well can dramatically improve the comfort of your day, so we gave this metric 15% of the total score of the Method Pro. This wasn't the strongest attribute of this helmet.

As previously shared, the Method Pro doesn't have much in the way of vents. The six vents included are also all very narrow, making it somewhat difficult to get airflow traveling through the helmet, particularly in warmer temps or higher-output ski days. Fortunately, we found the Mips liner and the lack of built-in insulation to aid in the overall ventilation, but if breathability is a priority, we'd look elsewhere.

Usability

The Method Pro did fairly well in the usability metric, which we scored by analyzing each option's ease-of-use and overall functionality. We also looked at each ski helmet's features, from the chinstrap buckle to the rear goggle strap.

The Method Pro is a lightweight, no-frills design that makes a few sacrifices in the name of keeping weight to a minimum. At just 15 ounces, this option offers a noticeably different experience than some of the heavier models in our lineup. We even took the Method Pro on several backcountry ski tours and were happy to carry it on big days of uphill travel.

The rear goggle attachment of the Method Pro wasn't our favorite, with a rigid plastic design that doesn't fully lock one's goggle strap in place. While we never had a pair of goggles slingshot off the helmet, nearly every other option tested had a design that fully secured the goggles. On the plus side, this unique design was very durable, particularly when compared to the competition that used thinner rubber or elastic for the goggle attachment.

As shared previously, there are minimal vents on the Method Pro, and there is no option to open or close them; they're simply open the whole time. On the plus side, the chin buckle was very secure, with a side slide mechanism that held up throughout all testing. It was also easy to slide headphones into the earflaps by simply unzipping them.

Should You Buy the Smith Method Pro?

This top-scoring option was among our favorite ski helmets in the whole review, thanks to its all-around performance and low weight. While it doesn't have all the bells and whistles, this is well-deserving of your consideration if you're needing a do-it-all option.

What Other Ski Helmets Should You Consider?