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Expert Comparison: Smith Method MIPS Helmet vs Giro Ledge FS MIPS Helmet

Published on 02/10/2024 · 6 min readCompare Smith Method MIPS Helmet and Giro Ledge FS MIPS Helmet. Get expert insight below!
Clint Hobbs, Snowboarding Expert
Jack Wu, Snowboarding Expert
Eli Gemma, Snowboarding Expert
Contributed By Snowboarding Expert Clint Hobbs, Jack Wu, Eli Gemma, Lucia L, Luke H. and others

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Side by side comparison

Out of stock
Smith Method MIPS Helmet
Out of stock
Giro Ledge FS MIPS Helmet
Price
from:$77.00
45% off
from:$59.99
48% off
Color options
+ 4
+ 1
The Curated Take

Best for riders seeking affordable, stylish MIPS protection with good ventilation.

Best for terrain park riders seeking style, versatility, and safety.

Helmet style
Half shell
Half shell
MIPS
MIPS
MIPS
Helmet venting
Fixed Venting
Fixed Venting

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 Method MIPS Helmet and the Giro Ledge FS MIPS Helmet. Both helmets are packed with features and technology designed to keep you safe on the slopes. The Smith Method MIPS Helmet stands out for its front vents that prevent goggle fogging, its MIPS protection, and its Smith Polaroid protection. The Giro Ledge FS MIPS Helmet, on the other hand, is known for its hard-shell construction, MIPS technology, and removable ear pads. Both helmets are excellent choices, but depending on your specific needs and preferences, one may be a better fit for you than the other.

The Smith Method MIPS Helmet is a helmet that doesn't compromise on safety or style. One of its standout features is its front vents, which are designed to prevent goggles from fogging up. This is a crucial feature for those who enjoy high-intensity snow sports, as it ensures clear vision at all times.

The helmet also features MIPS protection, which is becoming an industry standard. MIPS, or Multi-directional Impact Protection System, is designed to reduce the rotational forces that can result from certain impacts. This helmet also includes Smith Polaroid protection, which acts like a crumple zone in a car, absorbing impact and mitigating head trauma.

The Smith Method MIPS Helmet also has a removable goggle retention strap, which is a nice feature for those who prefer to wear their goggles underneath their helmet. Additionally, it has zippers around the earpieces that allow for easy audio insertion.

Overall, the Smith Method MIPS Helmet is a feature-packed helmet that offers excellent protection and comfort at a great price point.

The Smith Method MIPS helmet is an awesome buy for the money! It has great goggle integration and defogging vents located in the front of the helmet that promote good goggle airflow. The helmet comes with MIPS technology which reduces rotational forces caused by angled impacts to the head.

Clint Hobbs
Snowboarding Expert

The Giro Ledge FS MIPS Helmet is another top-tier helmet that offers excellent protection and comfort. The helmet features a hard-shell construction and an EPS foam liner, providing a high level of impact protection. It also includes MIPS technology, which is designed to reduce the rotational forces that can result from certain impacts.

One of the standout features of the Giro Ledge FS MIPS Helmet is its venting system. The helmet has vents along the front that circulate air through your goggles and push it out from the top and rear of the helmet. This helps to keep your head cool and prevent goggle fogging.

The helmet also features a self-adjusting fit system, which allows you to easily adjust the fit of the helmet, even with gloves on. The ear pads and goggle clip are also removable, allowing for a more minimalist look if desired.

Overall, the Giro Ledge FS MIPS Helmet is a versatile and stylish helmet that offers high-end protection and comfort.

This product is great for everybody, but especially the avid terrain park rider. This helmet has a stylish design and great versatility when it comes to rider preference. This helmet will accommodate whether you like wearing goggles under, over, or sideways.

Jack Wu
Snowboarding Expert

Similarities

Both the Smith Method MIPS Helmet and the Giro Ledge FS MIPS Helmet are designed with the safety and comfort of the rider in mind. They both feature MIPS technology, which is designed to reduce the rotational forces that can result from certain impacts. This is a crucial feature for any helmet, as it can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury in the event of a fall.

Both helmets also feature venting systems designed to prevent goggle fogging and keep the rider's head cool. This is particularly important for high-intensity snow sports, where overheating can be a real concern.

Additionally, both helmets have removable features - the Smith Method MIPS Helmet has a removable goggle retention strap, while the Giro Ledge FS MIPS Helmet has removable ear pads and a goggle clip. This allows riders to customize their helmet to their personal preferences and needs.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both helmets are packed with features, there are some key differences that may make one a better fit for certain riders. The Smith Method MIPS Helmet, for example, has fewer vents, which can make it a better choice for those who often find themselves riding in snowy conditions where vents can become clogged. It also features Smith Polaroid protection, which is designed to absorb impact and mitigate head trauma.

The Giro Ledge FS MIPS Helmet, on the other hand, has a hard-shell construction and an EPS foam liner, which provide a high level of impact protection. It also features a self-adjusting fit system, which allows for easy adjustments even with gloves on. This could make it a better choice for those who value convenience and ease of use.

In terms of persona, the Smith Method MIPS Helmet could be a great fit for the safety-conscious rider who values features like MIPS and Smith Polaroid protection. The Giro Ledge FS MIPS Helmet, on the other hand, could be a great fit for the stylish, versatile rider who values the ability to customize their helmet to their personal preferences.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to safety, both helmets are winners. They both feature MIPS technology, which is designed to reduce the rotational forces that can result from certain impacts. However, the Smith Method MIPS Helmet also features Smith Polaroid protection, which gives it a slight edge in this category.

In terms of comfort, the Giro Ledge FS MIPS Helmet comes out on top. Its self-adjusting fit system allows for easy adjustments, even with gloves on, and its venting system is designed to keep the rider's head cool.

When it comes to style, the Giro Ledge FS MIPS Helmet is the clear winner. Its sleek, minimalist design and the ability to remove the ear pads and goggle clip allow for a high level of customization.

Finally, in terms of value for money, the Smith Method MIPS Helmet is the winner. It offers a high level of protection and comfort at a great price point.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Smith Method MIPS Helmet and the Giro Ledge FS MIPS Helmet are excellent choices for any rider. They both offer a high level of protection and comfort, and have features designed to enhance the riding experience.

The Smith Method MIPS Helmet stands out for its Smith Polaroid protection and its front vents that prevent goggle fogging. It's a great choice for those who value safety and want a helmet that can handle snowy conditions.

The Giro Ledge FS MIPS Helmet, on the other hand, stands out for its sleek design and self-adjusting fit system. It's a great choice for those who value style and convenience.

Ultimately, the best helmet for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs. But whether you choose the Smith Method MIPS Helmet or the Giro Ledge FS MIPS Helmet, you can be confident that you're getting a high-quality helmet that will keep you safe on the slopes.

Curated experts can help

Have a question about the article you just read or want personal recommendations? Connect with a Curated expert and get personalized recommendations for whatever you’re looking for!

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