REASONS TO BUY
Incredible ventilation system
Low profile
Comfortable
Warm
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Brimmed style may not be for everyone
Earpads apply pressure to earbuds
Smith Vantage Mips Review
One of the best models we have tried due to its low profile and highly engineered adjustable ventilation system
Credit: Isaac Laredo
By Isaac Laredo ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ November 13, 2024
Our Verdict
The Smith Vantage Mips is one of the most well-reviewed helmets ever, and it's no surprise that it excels in nearly every performance metric we test. Ventilation is key for a helmet, and the Vantage provides it in spades with 20 vents and 12 fully adjustable across two zones. The system effectively dumps excess heat or keeps it in on storm days. It has a hybrid shell construction, Mips technology, and an easy BOA adjustment wheel that leads to the perfect fit without compromising on weight or bulk. Holding this premium ski helmet, you can tell its construction is excellent and durable. The fit is comfortable, and we found that it worked with various head shapes and sizes. This helmet landed middle-of-the-road in terms of our rather intensive impact protection tests when compared to the top-scoring models, but still surpasses international impact certification requirements.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Vantage is Smith's top-of-the-line snowsports helmet. In our test, it performed well in most aspects but excelled in terms of ventilation.
The Vantage scored right around the middle of the pack in our impact test analysis.
Credit: GearLab/ACT Lab
Impact Test
The Vantage showed decent overall impact test performance when both the fast and slow results were taken into account, landing right about in the middle of the pack.
Slow Impact Test Results
The Smith Vantage Mips produced commendable results in the first half of the impact assessment. While the accelerometer data didn't quite put it on par with the top-scoring model, its data was better than most of the competition.
Fast Impact Test Results
In terms of the higher drop data, the Vantage fell behind. In this assessment, the data gathered for the Smith was below the average result and significantly lessened the score.
Although all helmets must adhere to baseline standards for downhill skiing certification, the level of protection they provide can largely vary between models. Our data shows that the Vantgage goes well beyond the standards. Upon examining the helmet after crash testing, we found that this model held up exceptionally well.
The interior of the helmet after its drop test shows the crumpling of the inner material to dissipate forces.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Comfort
The comfort of a ski helmet goes a long way in influencing the quality of your day out. The Smith Vantage is among the best-scoring ski helmets in this review.
As with most Smith helmets, the Vantage fits a wide range of head shapes depending on how one sizes it. The easy-to-adjust BOA adjust system makes it easy to customize the fit and is glove-friendly. The earpieces are plush and comfortable next to the skin. We did notice that the earpads applied more pressure to our ears when we were wearing earbuds. The liner has a light fleece around the contact zones of your head, which has a smooth and soft next-to-skin feel. The shape, liner, and BOA system make this a stand-out performer in the realm of comfort.
The classic boa adjuster offers excellent fit customization.
Credit: Zach Lovell
The hybrid shell exhibits qualities of an in-mold construction lid. It has a sleek, low-profile, lightweight, and intricate ventilation system, making this helmet easy to forget while riding.
It is also offered in a “Round Contour” fit that Smith claims to better match rounder head shapes.
The adjustment system and light weight of this helmet ensure that there's no moment on your head for an easy-to-forget-about ride.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
Warmth
There can be some cold but incredible ski days throughout the winter, and having warm gear can help you make the most of them. The Vantage is one of the warmer helmets in our review based on its ability to close the vents and warm earpads.
While most helmets have vents that can't be closed, the Vantage allows one to really batten down the hatches in cold and/or stormy days. Whether using a thin beanie or a buff, we could fit additional insulation underneath, and in milder temperatures, we even stayed warm without an under-hat. We did notice a slight draft behind the ears in windy weather, but it was a very minor complaint in an otherwise toasty ski helmet.
It's easy to batten down the hatches on windy days above treeline by simply closing all of the vents.
Credit: Syd Knadler
Ventilation
When you put your heart and soul into your run, you are bound to build up some heat; ideally, an effective ventilation system can prevent you from sweating. This is truly the most standout metric for the Vantage and clearly emerged at the front of the pack.
The Vantage offers one of our best ventilation systems. The helmet offers 20 medium-sized vents, 12 of which are fully adjustable. The adjustability allows you to trap in heat, shed out the precip when your favorite run has free refills, and release excess heat when riding slush in the sun. There are two separate toggles to operate the adjustable vents for even more temperature control. The toggles are easy to use with gloves and slide smoothly, especially compared to other models. The placement of the vents is ideal, optimally creating airflow through the helmet and exhausting the warm air from your goggles.
The Smith Vantage has our favorite adjustable vent system for its efficiency and toggle action.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
When riding/skiing downhill, the airflow throughout the helmet was very noticeable, with a draftiness that was welcome on hot days. While the earpads are somewhat on the thicker side, a slightly looser strap fit can keep the earpads off the ears a bit more. While this option doesn't offer as much cooling as a climbing or bike helmet, it's an undeniably breathable option in the world of ski helmets.
We love the fit and ventilation system of the Vantage.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
Usability
The design and overall quality of the Vantage make this an easy-to-use and enjoyable helmet with plenty of bells and whistles, though it is on the heavier side.
With an effective boa harness system and a plethora of adjustable vents, the Vantage is an incredibly user-friendly option. With zippable ear flaps, one can also insert helmet-specific Bluetooth headphones inside. The goggle strap holder was effective, though it can stretch out over time. If this does happen, tying knots or adding twists worked for our testing team and ultimately was a minor setback. At 20 oz for a size large, this is among the heavier options in our review, and needs to be a part of your consideration if weight is a priority.
The bungie goggle strap is secure and easy to use, adding to the valuable feature set of the Vantage.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Should You Buy the Smith Vantage Mips?
If you spend a ton of time skiing and can afford it, you'll probably feel that throwing down for one of the nicest helmets out there is worth it. It's well-built and has a variety of bells and whistles. It's a perfect lid for free-riders looking for a low-profile lid with a top-tier ventilation system.
The Vantage is a great helmet, especially for those looking for plenty of ventilation and features.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
What Other Ski Helmets Should You Consider?
If the brimmed freeride style isn't your cup of tea, but you're still looking for premium features, then consider the Scott Flow Pro Mips, which features a minimalistic style, adjustable vents, and best-in-class impact protection. If you're looking for a lighter helmet that can do it all, check out the Smith Method Pro Mips.
Helmets are getting better and better. With the innovation of materials and construction techniques, helmets are a stylish and protective essential for snow sports.
Credit: laredo
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Smith Vantage Mips versus top competing products:
—Isaac Laredo
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