Expert Review: Smith Code MIPS Helmet
Photos courtesy of Nathan G.
About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the helmet, which I purchased with my own money in March of 2022.
My Take
I really like the multiple features the Smith Code MIPS helmet offers for snowboarding in any conditions whether snowy and warmer or icy and sub zero temps. Safety features are one of the top aspects I look for in a helmet, and the Smith Code possesses multi-directional impact protection system technology (MIPS).
About the helmet I own
- Model: 2022 Smith Code MIPS Helmet
- Size: Medium
About me
- Height: 6’ 2”
- Weight: 195 lbs
- Head circumference: 58 cm
- Goggles: Smith 4d MAG
- Experience: 20+ years of snowboarding
Test conditions
- When I bought this helmet: March 2022
- Days tested: 10
- Where I’ve used it: Afton Alps, MN
- How I’ve used it: Resort snowboarding, day and night riding, and in a pond skim competition
How it performs
What I was looking for
I had a fairly old helmet that didn’t have MIPS, so I was looking for a reasonably priced helmet with this technology, an easy-to-latch chin strap, and decent ventilation. My previous helmet, a Bern Baker, didn’t have great ventilation or safety features which caused overheating and excess sweat and made me want to take off my helmet on the lift.
Why I chose this gear
I have been happy with Smith goggles and have used their bike helmets in the past, so I thought I would give one of their snow helmets a chance. I considered some Anon helmets, but they didn’t seem to offer the same value or features like the MIPS plus Koroyd safety features that protect your brain. This helmet is audio compatible with one handed fastening for the straps with Fidlock technology.
Smith Code MIPS In Action
What I love about it
- Protection: Thankfully, I haven’t had any serious falls. But I’m glad to know MIPS is part of my helmet technology, as well as Koroyd—Smith’s crumple technology to reduce helmet-related impact.
- Comfort: This helmet is very comfortable and offers BOA, which is a fastening system utilizing a turn dial, for easy adjustability.
- Sizing: This helmet is true to size with other medium helmets for a 58 cm circumference.
- Fit system: BOA dial is the way this adjusts, which provides a snug, true to size fit which prevents slipping or undesired adjustments..
- Liner: The liner on this helmet features sweat-wicking properties and is also removable.
- Earpads: I have not used them with speakers to judge the sound output. However, they are compatible with drop-in speakers and are comfortable.
- Goggle compatibility: The helmet fits seamlessly with my 4d MAG goggles and the entire Smith goggle line.
- Weight: This helmet feels fairly light and comfortable while wearing compared to my old Bern Baker helmet which prevents any neck or head fatigue.
- Durability: The helmet I own has a matte finish; it has never been scratched, dented, or banged up within my luggage. I haven’t had any high-impact falls.
- Quality of Materials : The helmet feels and fits like a premium quality snow helmet made with MIPS and Koroyd safety technology with a durable lightweight outer shell.
- Style: I like the lower profile of this helmet. I don’t feel like it’s too disproportionate to my head, so I don’t look like a bobblehead around the resort.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Breathability: This helmet offers only four slitted vents: two smaller ones in the front and two larger ones in the back which offers enough breathability to not overheat but if wanting more ventilation check out the Smith Survey or the Smith Vantage.
Favorite moment with this gear
Knowing my helmet possesses two safety features to protect my one brain is comforting when riding all-mountain terrain and variable conditions. This high-quality helmet feels safe, light, and stays well positioned on my head with BOA technology every time I wear it. It’s easy to get a good fit dialed in and easy to remove without taking my gloves off.
Value for the money vs. other options
Smith isn’t the cheapest brand out there, but they do offer top-of-the-line technology without gouging me on the price tag. The Code MIPS has built-in audio compatibility. Other brands like POC OBEX BC have MIPS but don’t offer Koroyd, Fidlock, and BOA are more expensive. They offer avalanche rescue reflectors but if you aren’t riding backcountry, you probably don’t need that technology anyway.
Final verdict
The Smith Code helmet is the best value for the money and offers a seamless fit with any Smith goggles. I enjoy this helmet's ease of adjustability and entry and exit along with the dual safety features.
