Expert Comparison: Smith Mission MIPS Helmet vs POC Obex MIPS Helmet

Published on 02/14/2024 · 6 min readCompare Smith Mission MIPS Helmet and POC Obex MIPS Helmet. Get expert insight below!
Leonid Cha, Snowboarding Expert
Eli H, Snowboarding Expert
Clint Hobbs, Snowboarding Expert
Contributed By Snowboarding Expert Leonid Cha, Eli H, Clint Hobbs, Sarah Caldwell, Kyle Strachan and others

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Side by side comparison

Out of stock
Smith Mission MIPS Helmet
Final sale
POC Obex MIPS Helmet
Price
$140.00
$99.98
50% off
Color options
+ 1
User rating
5(6)
4.78(100)
The Curated Take

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

Best for those prioritizing safety and comfort in various weather conditions.

Helmet style
Half shell
Half shell
MIPS
MIPS
MIPS

In the world of winter 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 POC Obex MIPS Helmet. Both helmets are packed with features designed to keep you safe and comfortable on the slopes. The Smith Mission MIPS Helmet stands out for its lightweight in-mold construction, adjustable fit, and excellent durability. The POC Obex MIPS Helmet, on the other hand, impresses with its sleek design, superior ventilation, and comfortable fit. Both helmets feature MIPS technology for added protection against rotational impacts. However, they differ in their ventilation systems and fit. The Smith Mission MIPS Helmet could use better ventilation, while the POC Obex MIPS Helmet runs small, so it's important to measure before purchasing. In the end, both helmets are excellent choices, but the right 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, with the ability to open and close the ones on the top, providing excellent ventilation. The helmet is equipped with MIPS technology, which helps reduce trauma from rotational impacts, a common type of fall on the slopes.

One of the standout features of the Smith Mission MIPS Helmet 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 of the helmet to the exterior for a one-piece design that's super lightweight.

The Smith Mission MIPS Helmet also has removable ear pads and an Air Evac system in the front, which helps prevent your goggles from fogging. It's compatible with Smith goggles for a seamless integration, eliminating the gap that you get from 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 POC Obex MIPS Helmet is another top-tier helmet that combines safety, comfort, and style. It's lightweight and comfortable, with a sleek design that's sure to turn heads on the slopes. Like the Smith Mission MIPS Helmet, the POC Obex MIPS Helmet also features MIPS technology for added protection against rotational impacts.

One of the standout features of the POC Obex MIPS Helmet is its superior ventilation system. It's designed to keep you cool and comfortable, even on those intense runs or warmer days. The helmet also features a 360 Fit System and sliding vent covers for a comfortable and secure fit that can be easily adjusted on the go.

The POC Obex MIPS Helmet is also headset compatible, allowing you to stay connected with your crew while you're riding. However, it's worth noting that this helmet runs small, so it's important to measure before purchasing.

The POC Obex Mips is an incredible helmet. From protection and fit to functionality and overall appearance, it hits all the marks. While protection is important, I really wanted a comfortable helmet that offered good airflow and didn't make me look like I had a bowling ball on my head.

Eli H
Snowboarding Expert

Similarities

Both the Smith Mission MIPS Helmet and the POC Obex 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. This is a crucial feature as rotational impacts are a common type of fall on the slopes.

Both helmets also have adjustable fit systems, allowing you to customize the fit for maximum comfort and security. They're both lightweight, ensuring that they won't weigh you down or cause discomfort during long days on the slopes.

In terms of aesthetics, both helmets have a sleek and stylish design, with a variety of color options to choose from. They're both compatible with certain types of goggles, allowing for a seamless integration that eliminates the gap you get from non-compatible goggles.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While the Smith Mission MIPS Helmet and the POC Obex MIPS Helmet have many similarities, they also have some key differences. The Smith Mission MIPS Helmet stands out for its Co roid protection, which acts like a crumple zone to absorb impact. It also has a unique Air Evac system that helps prevent your goggles from fogging. However, some users have noted that the ventilation could be better, especially during intense runs or warmer days. This helmet is ideal for snowboarders and skiers who prioritize safety and comfort, and who don't mind a bit less ventilation.

The POC Obex MIPS Helmet, on the other hand, excels in its ventilation system. It's designed to keep you cool and comfortable, even on those intense runs or warmer days. It also features a 360 Fit System and sliding vent covers for a comfortable and secure fit that can be easily adjusted on the go. However, it runs small, so it's important to measure before purchasing. This helmet is ideal for those who prioritize style and functionality, and who want superior ventilation and a snug fit.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to safety, both helmets are winners. They both feature MIPS technology, which provides added protection against rotational impacts. However, the Smith Mission MIPS Helmet has the added advantage of Co roid protection, which acts like a crumple zone to absorb impact.

In terms of comfort, the POC Obex MIPS Helmet takes the lead. It's lightweight and comfortable, with a 360 Fit System and sliding vent covers for a comfortable and secure fit that can be easily adjusted on the go.

For ventilation, the POC Obex MIPS Helmet is the clear winner. It's designed to keep you cool and comfortable, even on those intense runs or warmer days.

Finally, in terms of style, it's a tie. Both helmets have a sleek and stylish design, with a variety of color options to choose from.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Smith Mission MIPS Helmet and the POC Obex MIPS Helmet are excellent choices for any snowboarder or skier. They both offer top-tier safety features, including MIPS technology, and are designed with comfort and style in mind.

The Smith Mission MIPS Helmet stands out for its Co roid protection and Air Evac system, but could use better ventilation. It's ideal for those who prioritize safety and comfort, and who don't mind a bit less ventilation.

The POC Obex MIPS Helmet, on the other hand, excels in its ventilation system and comfortable fit. However, it runs small, so it's important to measure before purchasing. It's ideal for those who prioritize style and functionality, and who want superior ventilation and a snug fit.

In the end, the right helmet for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. So whether you're hitting the slopes for the first time or are a seasoned pro, both of these helmets are sure to keep you safe and comfortable on your winter adventures.

Curated experts can help

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