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

Published on 02/13/2024 · 5 min readCompare Smith Mission MIPS Helmet and Giro Neo MIPS Helmet. Get expert insight below!
Leonid Cha, Snowboarding Expert
Mari Malin, Ski Expert
Clint Hobbs, Snowboarding Expert
Contributed By Snowboarding Expert Leonid Cha, Mari Malin, Clint Hobbs, Jed Daltorio, Kyle Strachan and others

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Side by side comparison

Out of stock
Smith Mission MIPS Helmet
Out of stock
Giro Neo MIPS Helmet
Price
$140.00
from:$77.96
46% off
Color options
User rating
5(6)
5(3)
The Curated Take

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

Best for riders of all levels seeking superior protection and comfort.

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 Neo MIPS Helmet. Both helmets are packed with advanced safety features, including MIPS technology for added protection against rotational impacts. They also offer adjustable venting and a comfortable fit. However, the Smith Mission stands out for its lightweight in-mold construction and AirEvac ventilation system, while the Giro Neo is praised for its stylish design and high-quality construction. 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 top-tier helmet designed with safety and comfort in mind. It features 14 vents, including adjustable ones on the top, providing excellent ventilation. The helmet is equipped with MIPS technology, which offers added protection against rotational impacts - a common type of fall on the slopes.

One of the standout features of the Smith Mission is its Co roid protection, which acts like a crumple zone in a car, absorbing impact and preventing it from reaching your head. This helmet also boasts a lightweight in-mold construction that fuses the interior and exterior for a one-piece design that's super lightweight.

The Smith Mission also has removable ear pads and an Air Evac system in the front, which helps prevent your goggles from fogging up. This helmet is compatible with Smith goggles, providing a seamless integration that eliminates the gap you might get 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 Neo MIPS Helmet is another top-tier helmet that offers a balance of safety, comfort, and style. Like the Smith Mission, the Giro Neo also features MIPS technology for added protection against rotational impacts.

One of the key features of the Giro Neo is its lightweight design, which is comparable to the Smith Mission's lightweight in-mold construction. This helmet is also praised for its adjustable venting, which allows for customized climate control.

The Giro Neo MIPS Helmet is also known for its stylish design and high-quality construction. It's a top seller, indicating its popularity among snow sports enthusiasts.

I got the Giro Neo MIPS helmet today and I just want to talk a little bit about who it might be good for and I guess how it compares to other brands out there on the market. So I'm going to take Smith for example... Giro really really hit this one on the head in terms of lightweight and comfort and they really compared to Smith in that way even without their own like choroid system.

Mari Malin
Ski Expert

Similarities

Both the Smith Mission MIPS Helmet and the Giro Neo MIPS Helmet are top-tier helmets designed with safety, comfort, and style in mind. They both feature MIPS technology, which provides added protection against rotational impacts.

Both helmets also offer adjustable venting, allowing for customized climate control based on the conditions. They also both have a lightweight design, thanks to their in-mold construction, which fuses the interior and exterior of the helmet into a single piece.

Both helmets are also compatible with audio systems, allowing for easy communication on the slopes.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both helmets are similar in many ways, there are a few key differences that might make one a better fit for you than the other.

The Smith Mission MIPS Helmet stands out for its Co roid protection, which acts like a crumple zone to absorb impact. It also features an Air Evac system that helps prevent your goggles from fogging up. This helmet is a great choice for those who prioritize safety and comfort, and who want a helmet that's compatible with Smith goggles.

On the other hand, the Giro Neo MIPS Helmet is known for its stylish design and high-quality construction. It's a top seller, indicating its popularity among snow sports enthusiasts. This helmet is a great choice for those who want a balance of safety, comfort, and style, and who appreciate the lightweight design.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to safety, both helmets are winners as they both feature MIPS technology. However, the Smith Mission MIPS Helmet has the added advantage of Co roid protection, giving it a slight edge in this category.

In terms of comfort, both helmets offer adjustable venting and a lightweight design. However, the Smith Mission MIPS Helmet also features removable ear pads and an Air Evac system, making it the winner in this category.

In terms of style, the Giro Neo MIPS Helmet is the clear winner. It's known for its stylish design and is a top seller among snow sports enthusiasts.

Finally, in terms of durability, both helmets are praised for their high-quality construction. However, the Smith Mission MIPS Helmet is noted for its ability to withstand wear and tear, making it the winner in this category.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Smith Mission MIPS Helmet and the Giro Neo MIPS Helmet are excellent choices for snow sports enthusiasts. They both offer advanced safety features, adjustable venting, and a comfortable fit. However, the best helmet for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

If you prioritize safety and comfort, and want a helmet that's compatible with Smith goggles, the Smith Mission MIPS Helmet is a great choice. On the other hand, if you want a balance of safety, comfort, and style, and appreciate a lightweight design, the Giro Neo MIPS Helmet might be the better fit for you.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose a helmet that fits well and feels comfortable. After all, a helmet can only protect you if you're actually wearing it! So, whether you choose the Smith Mission or the Giro Neo, you'll be making a smart choice for your safety on the slopes.

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