When it comes to the Symbol 2 Plus D, Scott left no stone unturned to make one the more protective and highest performing helmets currently on the market. Good things come in threes, and so do the features in this helmet. MIPS, D3O shock-absorbing material, and 360-degree Pure Sound all come standard in this model. Although protection is the primary concern when it comes to helmets, the Symbol 2 Plus D also scores high in comfort, warmth, ventilation, and adjustability. Whether you're a first-timer or hard charger on the slopes, the Symbol 2 provides every type of skier with exceptional performance and comfort.
REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable
Warm
Well vented
Great hearing ability
Easy to adjust
REASONS TO AVOID
Runs a bit small
Heavier than most
Editor's Note: The Scott Symbol 2 Plus D review was updated on February 25, 2022, with extra information on which helmets we would buy and details on competing products.
Earpads are challenging to remove, dial hard to use with gloves, style
Heavy, larger profile
Bottom Line
Revolutionary helmet that takes safety and style to the next level
Deemed best of the best by our testers, there isn't a better combination of performance available from any model we have tested
A lightweight, comfortable, and feature-rich skate-style helmet that is great for those who traditionally prefer not to wear one
Equally at home on the skin track as the resort, we reached for this budget-friendly helmet frequently on ski tours
Equipped with MIPS, adjustable vents, and an adjustable dial, this model has high-end features and strong performance at a stellar price
Rating Categories
Scott Symbol 2 Plus D
Smith Vantage MIPS
Anon Logan WaveCel
Smith Mission MIPS
Giro Ratio MIPS
Comfort(25%)
8.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
Warmth(25%)
8.0
8.0
6.0
7.0
7.0
Ventilation(20%)
9.0
9.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
Weight(10%)
5.0
6.0
6.0
6.0
4.0
Goggle Compatibility(10%)
8.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
Style(10%)
6.0
7.0
9.0
6.0
6.0
Specs
Scott Symbol 2 Plus D
Smith Vantage MIPS
Anon Logan WaveCel
Smith Mission MIPS
Giro Ratio MIPS
Measured Weight (in ounces)
19.8 oz
17.7 oz
17.1 oz
16.9 oz
21.7 oz
Rotational Impact Protection System
MIPS
MIPS
WaveCel
MIPS
MIPS
Adjustment System
RAS 2 system
Boa Fit System
360° Boa Fit System
Adjustable Dial Fit System
In form dial
# of Vents?
44
20
10
18
10
Number of Sizes
3
3
4
4
4
Removable Ear Covers?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Goggle Attachment?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Visor?
No
No
No
No
No
Audio Compatibility?
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Certifications
EN1077:2007, Class B, EN12492:2012
ASTM F 2040, CE EN 1077 Class B
CE 1077B & ASTM 2040
ASTM F 2040, CE EN 1077:2007 Class B
CE EN 1077
Show full specification detailsHide full specification details
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Symbol 2 Plus D leads the pack in technology and comfort. Standout protective features are MIPS, D3O, and 360-degree Pure Sound. MIPS technology is becoming standard on most new helmets, reducing rotational forces during certain impacts. However, this is the first helmet we've tested to integrate D3O inserts to increase impact protection and shock absorption. Finally, 360-degree Pure Sound dramatically improves hearing without sacrificing warmth and comfort over your ears.
Performance Comparison
MIPS, D3O inserts, and 360-degree Pure Sound help take the Symbol to the top shelf of ski helmets.
Credit: Alex Bogner
Fit and Comfort
The Symbol 2 Plus D is an incredibly comfortable helmet, and it earned a score on par with other top scorers. With its RAS 2 Fit System, this helmet makes sure your head is snug as a bug in a rug. When you put this helmet on, it is noticeably more narrow than others. Despite running a bit small, your head feels completely secure with no pressure points. The dial adjuster is simple and easy to adjust on the fly, even with gloves on. The earpads fit well with no noticeable hot spots.
This helmet is snug and comfy. It runs a little small, but incredibly cozy inside.
Credit: Shawn Whisenand
Another pleasant aspect of this helmet is the large, flat fleece-lined chinstrap. Sometimes the chinstrap is an overlooked feature, but the Symbol 2 Plus D goes the extra mile to make it soft and enjoyable to wear, which can make all the difference when out on the mountain. This helmet also comes in 3 sizes, all of which are adjustable (by simply twisting a dial at the back of the helmet, like many helmets on today's market), so you shouldn't have an issue finding the right size for your dome.
Warmth
This helmet provides serious warmth even on the coldest days, thanks to tons of padding and the fleece-lined ear pads. The helmet padding fits directly to your head with a snug fit, which gives the Symbol 2 Plus D a very high warmth rating. The earpads also help preserve heat while still hearing well, thanks to new technology, 360-degree Pure Sound. You should be able to go without a beanie as long as you have a solid layering system in place.
This helmet is toasty. The fleece lined padding makes this one of the warmest helmets in the lineup.
Credit: Alex Bogner
Ventilation
The Symbol 2 Plus D takes a positive new twist on ventilation design. There are six fixed open vents on the sides and rear of the helmet to keep you from overheating. On top of the helmet, the front vent slide adjuster opens two vents in the front that can be opened or closed to allow air in and keep goggles from fogging up. This adjuster also controls the first 12 mini vents on top. The rear adjuster operates the rest of the mini vents on top to give several different effective options for venting. This level of customizable ventilation is pretty cool and not found in many other products.
The Symbol's unique venting system. With two points of adjustment, it's easy to find your perfect temperature and ample airflow.
Credit: Alex Bogner
Weight and Bulk
Coming in at a moderate weight, the Symbol 2 Plus D strives to take on any skiing you would like to do. Although this helmet is more geared towards resort and freeride skiing and is not designated as a light backcountry ski helmet, it can definitely do the job and won't weigh you down much.
The low profile of the Symbol lends itself to a good fit in your pack.
Credit: Shawn Whisenand
Goggle Compatibility
As with other brands, if you purchase one of Scott's helmets, their goggles pair excellently. In general, when you mix goggles and helmets from different brands, there is a chance they won't be compatible. However, most of the goggles we tested worked well with the Symbol 2 Plus D. Goggles tested with this helmet included Scott, Smith, and Abom. The rear goggle strap is a durable thick rubber material that is easy to open and secure.
Perfect seal with this goggle and helmet combo. This helmet worked well with all the brands we tried.
Credit: Alex Bogner
Style
The Symbol 2 Plus D stays up with the competition by integrating a low-profile design element. This low-profile design mixed with the placement of the vents gives this helmet a fresh look. The earpads are thin and professionally crafted, which adds to the sleek look of this helmet.
Should You Buy the Scott Symbol 2 Plus D?
For the highly engineered Symbol 2 Plus D, this helmet offers excellent value for its offered features. Comfort, ventilation, and goggle compatibility make it one of our favorite ski helmets out there. If you're in the market for a helmet that offers the most protection at a reasonable price, look no more. With MIPS, D3O inserts, and 360-degree Pure Sound, this is one of the most tech-laden helmets on the market that will keep you safe during those bluebird days on the mountain.
What Other Ski Helmets Should You Consider?
The Symbol 2 Plus D is an exceptionally comfortable helmet that protects all types of riders when they need it most. This product is great for anybody wanting an easy-to-use helmet with top-of-the-line safety tech and great style. The Symbol 2 is an impressive helmet, but if you want the cream of the crop, best of the best option, the Smith Vantage MIPS is our favorite helmet in this review. While both of these helmets sport prices similar to other top products, they are not affordable for every user. If you are looking for a solid helmet that will allow you to stay within your budget, the Smith Mission MIPS is a great option.
The Symbol has a myriad of vents in the rear and an easy to use goggle strap fastener.
How does one go about choosing the best helmet for snow...
Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by Testing.
GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison.
