Review: Smith Mission MIPS Helmet

Published on 07/27/2023 · 3 min readCurated Cycling Experts share their experience with using the Smith Mission MIPS Helmet. Note that experts are not sponsored by any brands; these are their honest opinions.
Randy T., Ski Expert
Lucas C, Ski Expert
By Curated Experts Randy T. and Lucas C
5 photos
Photo by Randy T. & Lucas C

The Curated Take

4.3/5

The Smith Mission MIPS Helmet is excellent for skiers or snowboarders of any ability level who value safety, comfort, and adjustability. It features a precise fit system, adjustable venting, and a MIPS protective layer for enhanced safety. Although the chin strap can be slightly challenging to adjust, the helmet offers a snug fit that accommodates a range of goggles.

Ideal for
  • Excellent protection
  • Great for cold or warm days
  • Fits a wide range of goggle brands
  • Allows the addition of headphones
Not ideal for
  • Chin strap could be easier to adjust
  • Adjustment knob occasionally comes loose
Comfort
Randy T., Curated Expert
Since day one, my Smith Mission MIPS helmet has felt great around my ears and head. I don't need to wear a beanie or add any insulation, even on super...Read more
Adjustability
Randy T., Curated Expert
I really like the incremental adjustment knob on the back of the helmet and how I can make tweaks while still wearing the helmet. I've found that the chin strap...Read more
Ventilation
Randy T., Curated Expert
I've put the Smith Mission MIPS helmet through the wringer over the last season. I've found that adjusting the vents with a quick forward/backward movement on the top of the...Read more
Durability
Randy T., Curated Expert
Over the last 10 years, I've been using several different Smith helmets. With my recent addition of the Mission MIPS helmet, I can attest to its durability in all conditions....Read more
Protection
Randy T., Curated Expert
I'm surprised how the Koroyd MIPS feature allows me to take a hit without being phased. I've had concussions through other helmet brands in the past. Still, Smith has delivered...Read more
Waterproofing
Randy T., Curated Expert
With the adjustable vents on the Smith Mission MIPS helmet, users can be sure that they will be dry if snow packs in from a fall or when the weather...Read more

Expert Reviews of the Smith Mission MIPS Helmet

Lucas C Great product. Very comfortable and breathable. MIPS technology is key. I have Smith goggles with this helmet, and it's a very flush fit. I would not change my helmet brand from this one, and I have tried other helmet brands to compare. This helmet is the best of the bunch.
 I've been using a variety of helmet brands over the years, but I've found that the Smith Mission is tried and true. Smith constantly innovates to provide industry-leading safety features while maintaining a fair price. I've found that other brands don't fit goggles well, but Smith's Mission fits several of the goggles I use without letting snow or air through gaps. I also really like the adjustable vents and how easy it is to adjust the fit via a thumb knob on the back. I sometimes wish the chin strap was a little easier to change, but once it's adjusted, I don't need to touch it afterward. Overall, I recommend the Smith Mission helmet for any skier or snowboarder, no matter their ability.

Product Specs

Age GroupAdult
GenderMen's
Model year2023
Helmet styleHalf shell
MIPSMIPS
Helmet ventingAdjustable Venting

Review Ratings

Comfort

5/5
 gave 5 of 5 stars. Since day one, my Smith Mission MIPS helmet has felt great around my ears and head. I don't need to wear a beanie or add any insulation, even on super frigid days in Big Sky. Tightening the adjustment knob on the fly makes small fitment tweaks a breeze.

Adjustability

3/5
 gave 3 of 5 stars. I really like the incremental adjustment knob on the back of the helmet and how I can make tweaks while still wearing the helmet. I've found that the chin strap can be a little tough to fine-tune while wearing the helmet, but once it's adjusted, I don't have to mess with it anymore.

Ventilation

4/5
 gave 4 of 5 stars. I've put the Smith Mission MIPS helmet through the wringer over the last season. I've found that adjusting the vents with a quick forward/backward movement on the top of the helmet helps make for a no-nonsense vent system. The only time I've felt that the helmet was too warm was while hiking a long uphill climb on a pretty warm day. Peeling my jacket fixed that issue so I could still have the safety of my helmet while hiking.

Durability

4/5
 gave 4 of 5 stars. Over the last 10 years, I've been using several different Smith helmets. With my recent addition of the Mission MIPS helmet, I can attest to its durability in all conditions. I've taken hard falls and big drops and dealt with very cold (-15°F) conditions, and the Mission has held up flawlessly. Plus, my goggles always stay on if a yard sale happens in those big backcountry bowls.

Protection

5/5
 gave 5 of 5 stars. I'm surprised how the Koroyd MIPS feature allows me to take a hit without being phased. I've had concussions through other helmet brands in the past. Still, Smith has delivered an incredibly safe helmet with the integrated MIPS feature and overall protection thickness. Even with the added protection of MIPS and the AirVac vent system, this helmet doesn't feel bulky whatsoever.

Waterproofing

5/5
 gave 5 of 5 stars. With the adjustable vents on the Smith Mission MIPS helmet, users can be sure that they will be dry if snow packs in from a fall or when the weather warms up and rains out on the slopes. Also, the insulated snap-fit ear pads keep my ears warm and from getting wet all day.

FAQs

What was your favorite moment with this gear?

My favorite moment with the Smith Mission MIPS helmet was when I clipped a tree branch that I thought would take my head right off. I heard a loud smack, but I wasn't phased at all. At the end of the day, I brushed a tiny scuff off with a Magic Eraser, and my helmet looked new again.

Why did you choose this product?

I chose the Smith Mission MIPS helmet for its extensive features at a great price point. Safety being number one, the Koroyd MIPS system ensures I'll avoid injuries. I like to have a lot of vents, but some helmets are always open, so having the sliding vent switch is super convenient on hot or cold days.

What is the value for the money versus other options?

The Smith Mission MIPS helmet lineup is a great bang for one's buck. With all the safety features skiers nowadays require, plus a few extras, the Mission helmet gives users confidence in its performance without breaking the bank. Featuring the MIPS protective layer, snap-fit ear pads, adjustable venting, and audio compatibility, the Smith Mission helmet won't hold anyone back.

What do you love about this product?

I love everything about the Smith Mission MIPS helmet. From the offered colors to the adjustable venting and audio compatibility, I've been very happy that I chose this helmet. If I ever wear out this helmet, I'll repurchase it because it has held up to some serious abuse, and the price is well below helmets with similar features.

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Randy T.
Ski Expert
Lucas C
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