Expert Comparison: Smith Mission MIPS Helmet vs Smith Maze Helmet
VS
Side by side comparison |  Out of stock | Out of stock |
|---|---|---|
Price | $140.00 | from:$81.25 35% off |
Color options |  |    |
User rating | 5(6) | 5(2) |
The Curated Take | Best for snowboarders seeking safety, comfort and durability in a helmet. | Best for skiers and snowboarders seeking top-of-the-line protection and comfort in various weather conditions. |
Helmet style | Half shell | Half shell |
MIPS | MIPS | No |
In the world of snow sports, safety is paramount, and a good helmet is a non-negotiable. Today, we're comparing two top-tier helmets from Smith: the Smith Mission MIPS Helmet and the Smith Maze Helmet. Both helmets are lauded for their safety features, comfort, and style. However, they cater to different needs and preferences. The Smith Mission MIPS Helmet is a feature-packed, high-tech helmet that offers superior protection with its MIPS technology and Smith's zonal choroid system. It's also adjustable, durable, and comes in a variety of colors. On the other hand, the Smith Maze Helmet is a minimalist, lightweight helmet that offers a sleek design and basic protection. It's perfect for those who prefer simplicity and a no-frills approach to their gear. While both helmets are excellent choices, your final decision will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.
Smith Mission MIPS Helmet summary
The Smith Mission MIPS Helmet is a top-of-the-line helmet that offers a blend of safety, comfort, and style. It's a feature-packed helmet that doesn't skimp on protection. The helmet is equipped with MIPS technology, an industry-standard safety feature that reduces rotational forces on impact. But Smith takes it a step further with their zonal choroid system, a honeycomb-like feature that provides energy-absorbing, lightweight, ventilated impact protection. This system takes head protection to the next level.
The Mission MIPS Helmet is not just about safety; it's also about comfort and convenience. It features a system of 14 air vents that can be opened or closed using a slider on the back, allowing you to adjust the ventilation to your liking. The helmet also has a dial at the back that you can use to adjust the tightness of the fit. The earpads are audio compatible and removable, and the helmet is compatible with Smith goggles to reduce fogging.
The helmet's design is sleek and stylish, with a matte black finish that also comes in other colors. It's labeled as a men's helmet, but there's also a female version called the Mirage, which has the same features and tech but different colorways and sizes.
The MIPS technology, which is all about reducing the shock from rotational impacts, gave me a real sense of security, especially when tackling the more challenging trails. It’s reassuring to have that level of protection without feeling like you're wearing bulky equipment.
The MIPS technology, which is all about reducing the shock from rotational impacts, gave me a real sense of security, especially when tackling the more challenging trails. It’s reassuring to have that level of protection without feeling like you're wearing bulky equipment.
Smith Maze Helmet summary
The Smith Maze Helmet is a minimalist's dream. It's a straightforward, no-frills helmet that still offers premium style and performance. The Maze is Smith's lightest-weight design, making it perfect for those who prefer a featherweight helmet. Despite its minimalist look, the Maze still offers strong impact protection and a self-adjusting fit system.
The Maze Helmet features a sleek design with no extra vents on top, keeping it looking clean and classic. However, it does have vents located at the back of the helmet to prevent overheating on warm spring days. The helmet also has good padding on the back and the ears to keep you warm and comfortable.
While the Maze Helmet doesn't have the MIPS technology found in the Mission MIPS Helmet, it still offers top-of-the-line protection. It's a great helmet for those who prioritize simplicity over features.
The maze is a good starter helmet, especially for those who have or are planning to get smith goggles. It's also a great helmet for terrain park laps, being lightweight and stylish. It's easy to forget its there after a while.
The maze is a good starter helmet, especially for those who have or are planning to get smith goggles. It's also a great helmet for terrain park laps, being lightweight and stylish. It's easy to forget its there after a while.
Smith Maze Helmet
- We price match
- Returnable
Similarities
Both the Smith Mission MIPS Helmet and the Smith Maze Helmet are designed with the safety and comfort of the wearer in mind. They both offer strong impact protection, ensuring that your head is well-protected while you're out on the slopes. Both helmets also prioritize comfort, with features like adjustable fit systems and padding for warmth and comfort.
In terms of style, both helmets sport a sleek and stylish design that will complement any outfit or gear setup. They're both available in a variety of colors, allowing you to choose one that best suits your personal style.
Both helmets are also compatible with Smith goggles, ensuring a seamless fit and reducing the chances of fogging. They're also both equipped with audio-compatible ear pads, allowing you to listen to your favorite tunes while you ride.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While both helmets share some similarities, they cater to different needs and preferences. The Smith Mission MIPS Helmet is packed with high-tech features and offers superior protection. It's equipped with MIPS technology and Smith's zonal choroid system, taking head protection to the next level. This helmet is perfect for those who prioritize safety and don't mind spending a bit more for advanced features.
On the other hand, the Smith Maze Helmet is a minimalist, lightweight helmet that offers a sleek design and basic protection. It's a straightforward, no-frills helmet that's perfect for those who prefer simplicity and a featherweight helmet. It's also a more affordable option, making it a great choice for beginners or those on a budget.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When it comes to safety, the Smith Mission MIPS Helmet takes the crown. Its MIPS technology and zonal choroid system offer superior protection, reducing rotational forces on impact and providing energy-absorbing, lightweight, ventilated impact protection.
In terms of comfort, it's a tie. Both helmets offer adjustable fit systems and padding for warmth and comfort. They're also both compatible with Smith goggles and have audio-compatible ear pads.
For style, it's a matter of personal preference. Both helmets sport a sleek and stylish design and are available in a variety of colors. However, the Smith Maze Helmet's minimalist design might appeal more to those who prefer a clean and classic look.
Finally, for value for money, the Smith Maze Helmet wins. It's a more affordable option that still offers strong impact protection and a sleek design. It's a great choice for beginners or those on a budget.
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the Smith Mission MIPS Helmet and the Smith Maze Helmet are excellent choices, each with their own strengths. The Smith Mission MIPS Helmet is a feature-packed, high-tech helmet that offers superior protection, making it a great choice for those who prioritize safety and don't mind spending a bit more for advanced features. On the other hand, the Smith Maze Helmet is a minimalist, lightweight helmet that offers a sleek design and basic protection. It's a straightforward, no-frills helmet that's perfect for those who prefer simplicity and a featherweight helmet. It's also a more affordable option, making it a great choice for beginners or those on a budget. Ultimately, the best helmet for you will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.
