Expert Comparison: Smith Mission MIPS Helmet vs Giro Ledge MIPS Helmet

Published on 02/10/2024 · 5 min readCompare Smith Mission MIPS Helmet and Giro Ledge MIPS Helmet. Get expert insight below!
Leonid Cha, Snowboarding Expert
Rich Marulli, Snowboarding Expert
Clint Hobbs, Snowboarding Expert
Contributed By Snowboarding Expert Leonid Cha, Rich Marulli, Clint Hobbs, Avery Wilson, Kyle Strachan and others

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Side by side comparison

Out of stock
Smith Mission MIPS Helmet
Most recommended
Giro Ledge MIPS Helmet
Price
$140.00
$104.95
Color options
+ 1
User rating
5(6)
5(1)
The Curated Take

Best for snowboarders seeking safety, comfort and durability in a helmet.

Best for skiers and riders seeking safety and comfort at an affordable price.

Helmet style
Half shell
Half shell
MIPS
MIPS
MIPS

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: the Smith Mission MIPS Helmet and the Giro Ledge MIPS Helmet. Both helmets are equipped with MIPS technology, which provides an extra layer of protection against rotational impacts. They are also lightweight, comfortable, and durable. However, the Smith Mission MIPS Helmet stands out with its adjustable vents and compatibility with Smith goggles, while the Giro Ledge MIPS Helmet impresses with its minimalist design and affordability. Both helmets are excellent choices, but the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

The Smith Mission MIPS Helmet is a feature-packed helmet designed to keep you safe and comfortable on the slopes. It boasts 14 vents, some of which can be opened and closed for optimal temperature control. The helmet is equipped with MIPS technology, which helps to reduce trauma from rotational impacts - a common type of fall in snow sports.

One of the standout features of the Smith Mission MIPS Helmet is its Co roid protection. This technology wraps around the entire helmet and acts like a crumple zone in a car, absorbing impact and preventing it from reaching your head. The helmet also features a lightweight in-mold construction that fuses the interior and exterior of the helmet into a single piece, resulting in a super lightweight design.

The Smith Mission MIPS Helmet also comes with removable ear pads and an Air Evac system in the front, which helps to prevent your goggles from fogging up. This helmet is compatible with Smith goggles, providing a seamless integration that eliminates the gap that can occur with non-compatible goggles.

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.

Leonid Cha
Snowboarding Expert

The Giro Ledge MIPS Helmet is a no-frills, user-friendly helmet that doesn't skimp on safety. Like the Smith Mission MIPS Helmet, it also features MIPS technology, which provides an extra layer of protection against rotational impacts.

The Giro Ledge MIPS Helmet has a minimalist design, with a hard shell construction that can handle serious impacts. It features stack ventilation, which helps to keep your head cool and prevent your goggles from fogging up.

While the Giro Ledge MIPS Helmet doesn't have adjustable vents, it does have a simple sizing adjustment system that stays locked in place well. This helmet fits well with a variety of goggles, providing great venting to reduce fogging.

Despite its affordable price point, the Giro Ledge MIPS Helmet doesn't compromise on style, protection, or comfort. It's a lightweight, good-looking helmet that offers excellent value for money.

This is a no-frills, very user-friendly MIPS helmet that won't break the bank. The helmet fits well with a variety of goggles and provides great venting to reduce fogging of your goggles. The helmet overall is lightweight, has good style, good protection, and a great price point, you can't go wrong with this helmet in any one of the great colors.

Rich Marulli
Snowboarding Expert

Similarities

Both the Smith Mission MIPS Helmet and the Giro Ledge MIPS Helmet are designed with safety and comfort in mind. They both feature MIPS technology, which provides an extra layer of protection against rotational impacts. This is a crucial feature for snow sports, where falls often involve rotational forces.

Both helmets are also lightweight and comfortable, making them suitable for extended wear on the slopes. They are designed to fit well with a variety of goggles and have ventilation systems to reduce fogging and keep your head cool.

In terms of durability, both helmets are built to withstand wear and tear, making them reliable choices for multiple seasons. They are also both praised for their stylish designs and are available in a variety of colors.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both helmets share many similarities, they also have distinct differences that make them suitable for different types of riders.

The Smith Mission MIPS Helmet stands out with its adjustable vents, which allow for optimal temperature control. It also features Co roid protection, which absorbs impact and prevents it from reaching your head. This helmet is compatible with Smith goggles, providing a seamless integration that eliminates the gap that can occur with non-compatible goggles. This helmet is ideal for riders who value adjustability and are loyal to the Smith brand.

On the other hand, the Giro Ledge MIPS Helmet is a no-frills, user-friendly helmet that offers excellent value for money. It has a minimalist design and a simple sizing adjustment system. While it doesn't have adjustable vents, it does have stack ventilation, which helps to keep your head cool and prevent your goggles from fogging up. This helmet is perfect for riders who prefer a minimalist design and are looking for a budget-friendly option.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to safety, both helmets are winners. They both feature MIPS technology, which provides an extra layer of protection against rotational impacts. However, the Smith Mission MIPS Helmet has the added advantage of Co roid protection, which absorbs impact and prevents it from reaching your head.

In terms of comfort, both helmets are lightweight and comfortable for extended wear. However, the Smith Mission MIPS Helmet has adjustable vents, which allow for optimal temperature control, giving it a slight edge in this category.

For style, it's a matter of personal preference. Both helmets have sleek designs and are available in a variety of colors. However, the Giro Ledge MIPS Helmet's minimalist design may appeal to riders who prefer a more understated look.

Finally, in terms of value for money, the Giro Ledge MIPS Helmet comes out on top. It offers excellent safety features and comfort at a more affordable price point.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Smith Mission MIPS Helmet and the Giro Ledge MIPS Helmet are excellent choices for snow sports enthusiasts. They both offer top-notch safety features, comfort, and style. The best helmet for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

If you value adjustability and are a fan of the Smith brand, the Smith Mission MIPS Helmet is a great choice. Its adjustable vents and Co roid protection set it apart from other helmets on the market.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a minimalist design, the Giro Ledge MIPS Helmet is a fantastic option. It offers excellent safety features and comfort at a more affordable price point.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a helmet that fits well and makes you feel safe and comfortable on the slopes. Happy riding!

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