About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the helmet, which I purchased with my own money in November of 2022.

My Take

Considering the Smith Scout helmet uses MIPS protection, this is an amazing helmet for its price range, where similar helmets will cost several hundred dollars. It is lightweight to prevent neck fatigue from long days on the slopes, and the ventilation works with my Smith goggles to prevent goggle fog.

About the gear

• Model: 2022 Smith Scout Helmet
• Size: Large

About me

• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 180lbs
• Head circumference: 62cm
• Goggles: Smith Squad Goggles
• Experience: 5 years of snowboarding/skiing

Test conditions

• When I bought this helmet: November 2022
• Days tested: 20 days on the mountain
• Where I’ve used it: Whistler, BC; Snowbowl, AZ; Park City, UT; and Heavenly, CA
• How I’ve used it: Resort snowboarding

How it performs

What I was looking for

I was in the market for my first snowboarding helmet. I wanted to invest in a helmet that would keep me safe for seasons to come. Ideally, I didn’t want a helmet that would blow a chunk in my wallet, and I wanted something that offered a good amount of adjustability so that it would still fit me as I added on or shed layers with varying weather conditions.

Why I chose this gear

I wanted a helmet that would work with my Smith Squad goggles so that they wouldn’t fog up, so I decided on the Smith Scout helmet. It offers great protection and warmth and flexible fit adjustments at an amazing price. I also considered the Smith Holt helmet. I decided to pick the Smith Scout helmet because it offers MIPS protection, which the Holt does not.

What I love about it

• Protection: This helmet has helped me walk away scathe-free from some nasty wipeouts. It offers top-notch protection thanks to Smith's MIPS system in its higher-end helmets.
• Comfort: This helmet is very comfortable thanks to the lining inside of the helmet (this can be removed if one wants).
• Sizing: The sizing that Smith provided worked well for me when I was picking a size. The adjustable lining allows for minor adjustments to make it fit perfectly every time.
• Liner: As mentioned, the liner is really comfy and can be removed.
• Breathability: The vents on the helmet help dump a lot of extra heat from my head so that I don’t end up soaking wet from sweat after a leg-burning run. That being said, the helmet also keeps me warm with the help of the included ear guards.
• Earpads: The ear pads are a nice option to have as they are removable. When I’m not wearing a beanie on the hill, I like to put the earpads on to help keep my AirPods in place.
• Goggle compatibility: I currently use Smith Squad goggles, and these work perfectly with this helmet. The venting lines up perfectly, and I haven’t experienced any fogging with my goggles.
• Weight: This helmet weighs 450g. To be honest, I’m not sure if this is heavy when compared to other helmets, but when I wear it, it doesn’t cause any strain on my neck, even after a long dill of hitting the slopes.
• Durability: Even after a couple of nasty spills, this helmet still looks brand new (and so does my head, lol).
• Quality of Materials: This helmet is definitely created with top-notch materials, which I can expect Smith to deliver with every one of their products.
• Style: Half-shell helmet covers basically everything except for the face. I think this helmet fits me pretty well, and it definitely fits well for protection purposes.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Fit system: The only adjustments I can make on this helmet are on the chin straps, and I can move the inside liner a little bit as well. Compared to top-tier Smith helmets that offer BOA dials for adjustments, this helmet has the bare minimum but does it well.

Favorite moment with this gear

My favorite memory of wearing this helmet was the first time I decided to try to hit some features in the park. Before I purchased this helmet, I stayed clear of the terrain park to avoid a drastic injury. However, after purchasing this helmet, I am confidently shredding the park and trying to progress my skills.

Value for the money vs. other options

I think this helmet is very much worth the money. It is a helmet that offers Smith’s MIPS protection system at a very affordable price (especially compared to Smith’s higher-end helmets like the Nexus or Vantage, which can easily cost over $200).

Final verdict

As my first snowboard helmet purchase, I couldn’t be happier with the Smith Scout helmet. It has top-notch protection, works great with my goggles to prevent fog and overheating, and fits perfectly.