Smith Method Mips Snow Helmet - Review 2025

Current Style with Current Safety Tech

We love the clean lines and soft matte finish of the Smith Method Mips snow helmet. We feel it is a great upgrade in style from the Smith Mission helmet.

The inner padding for warmth is soft with a nice balance of fur finish on the inside of the helmet for comfort to a nice un-frilly felt finish on the outside.

At a reasonable price, Smith has made sure to integrate essential safety features like Mips brain protection and zonal KOROYD® – Smith’s proprietary material for impact absorption so that energy from force does not reach your head.

Since this helmet does verge on the more affordable end of the priceline there were some noticeable cuts. The chin strap is a simple buckle closure which can be difficult to operate with gloves. The internal adjustment system is not as easy to adjust or long lasting as a BOA fit system. And the included bag is not very durable.

But overall, the Smith Method Mips helmet had us wanting to just put it on.

Durable Materials

The Method helmet uses a Polycarbonate (PC) exterior shell. PC is lightweight and robust, often used for snow and bike helmets. The interior liner is expanded polystyrene (EPS), which is also light and durable.

Most helmets on the market consist of PC, EPS, or both materials combined. This Smith helmet uses a hybrid approach to maximize protection and keep it as light and strong as possible.

The Smith Method Mips clocks in at 400 grams, about .88 lbs. It will feel like nothing is on your head, but thank goodness it is, as this helmet may save your life.

Superior Fit

Smith helmets are known for their excellent fit. Whether you are wearing a beanie or not, the Method Mips helmet will fit your head comfortably and securely. The sizing chart online is true to size.

It is common to be between helmet sizes, so thankfully, Smith offers a round contour or an oval fit to suit your needs. This particular helmet is made for an oval head shape, the most common head shape. Smith also makes a round contour fit option in the Method style.

The Method helmet has a padded interior liner that feels good to the touch. Smith adds the Self-Adjusting Lifestyle Fit System to this Method helmet to better the fit. This is a strap located in the back that can be either loosened or tightened by the user; it stays at the desired tension.

The Lifestyle Fit system is a little tricky to adjust. It also depends on Velcro fasteners for adjustments. This is definitely not as durable or easy as a BOA fit adjust system.

The Smith Method helmet has a traditional buckle chin strap to keep it affordable. Still, it works just as well as the fancy buckle systems. It is essential to use a chin strap to ensure a proper fit to protect your head. The guideline is about one finger width between the strap and your chin.

Great Integration (Goggles+Helmet)

Smith makes their Method Mips helmet have ultimate integration with Smith goggles for maximum comfort and ventilation. There is the option to wear your goggles over or under the Method helmet.

You will receive the best fit, ventilation, and anti-fog performance by matching your Smith helmet with Smith goggles. The vents in the Smith goggles align perfectly with the vents in the Smith Method Mips helmet. With vent alignment, the anti-fog technology thrives.

Smith goggles will fit like a puzzle piece with the Smith Method helmet. The combination looks great and feels even better.

Successful Ventilation

The Smith Method Mips helmet features the AirEvac system. This helmet has 8 fixed vents for consistent airflow while ripping down the slopes or sitting on the chair lift.  And the vent system helps goggles stay fog-free.

Staying warm or cool with the AirEvac system is no problem in the Method helmet. The vents help keep your head dry, which keeps you warm. But, simultaneously, the ventilation system keeps you cool on warmer days due to superior airflow.

Features

The Smith Method helmet comes with removable Snapfit SL2 ear pads for added warmth and sun protection. The ear pads are fuzzy and soft, making the Method helmet that much more comfortable.

Smith includes a removable goggle strap lock to keep your goggles in place. The option to remove it is for those who want to maintain a steezy look while wearing the ski goggles under the helmet. The Method helmet is also beanie-compatible for those extra cold days.

The Method helmet is compatible with Smith’s Aleck audio system. Adding this feature allows you to jam all day long without being blocked from external noise. So, you stay safe while enjoying tunes.

The Smith Method helmet comes in an abundance of colors. So, if you’re worried about not finding your mom on the slopes, check out the bright-colored options. If you choose this for yourself and want to maintain your steeze image, there are color and design options for you – including a specialist Japanese Oyuki design.

Protection Information

Smith helmets have top-of-the-line protection systems, especially the Smith Method Mips. This ski helmet is designed with Zonal KOROYD®  and Mips® Brain Protection System. It should be noted that all helmets, including this one, are only intended to take one crash.

KOROYD® is an advanced, breathable, ultralight material used in the Method helmets. This honeycomb-like revolutionary material protects the brain by crumpling instantly on impact while absorbing the maximum force to minimize energy transferred to the head. Most Smith helmets are engineered with the outstanding KOROYD® material.

Multi-directional Impact Protection (Mips) is an extensive brain-protecting layer added to some Smith helmets. The Method Mips features the Mips protection layer.

Mips protects the brain against rotational forces, as most crashes happen at an angle and not straight on. This is accomplished by mimicking the cerebrospinal fluid sliding around to protect the brain; Mips slides 10-15mm to create a slipping shield for the head.

Other helmets without Mips are designed to take linear impacts, disregarding the frequency of rotational forces that cause brain injuries. Choosing a Smith helmet with Mips should be high on your list, and the additional cost, around $25, is minimal compared to the protection it offers.

The Smith Method Mips helmet receives a Class B protection rating from the European Standard. Class B helmets usually consist of snow helmets that do not cover the ears, are not used for motorized sports, and withstand a drop of 37.5cm. American Society of Testing Materials has also approved this helmet’s safety after putting it through a series of impact and strength retention tests.

Value for Price

For $140, you can be assured you are walking away with your money’s worth. Helmets range up to $300, so getting this Mips Smith helmet is a bargain. And other budget-priced helmets, like the Giro Emerge, don’t give you the extra KOROYD® protection or great integration with your goggles (if you also have Smith goggles, that is).

If you are still not sold, renting a helmet can rack up in price, and you will not be guaranteed the same quality as the Smith Method Mips helmet. It is best to own a helmet and track how many slams it takes because helmets can only take one big hit. Rental helmets risk expiration due to customers falling and not reporting a helmet crash.

We Recommend It!

Overall, we highly recommend the Smith Method Mips helmet. This helmet is for anyone who shreds the mountain and wants to stay in an affordable price range. The hybrid construction promotes a lightweight product, while the KOROYD® and Mips® Brain Protection System keep you safe.

This is a snowboard helmet or a ski helmet. This helmet has removable ear muffs and a goggle strap, making it customizable for different style preferences. Also, the Method Mips has many graphic and color options.