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Scott Symbol 2 Plus D Review

Revolutionary helmet that takes safety and style to the next level.
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Price:  $220 List | $219.95 at Backcountry
Compare prices at 2 resellers
Pros:  Comfortable, warm, well vented, great hearing ability, easy to adjust
Cons:  Runs a bit small, heavier than most
Manufacturer:   Scott
By Alex Bogner ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Dec 19, 2019
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82
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#3 of 11
  • Comfort - 25% 9
  • Warmth - 25% 8
  • Ventilation - 20% 9
  • Weight - 10% 5
  • Goggle Compatibility - 10% 8
  • Style - 10% 8

Our Verdict

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, the Symbol 2 provides every type of skier with exceptional performance and comfort.


Compare to Similar Products

(change comparison)
 
This Product
Scott Symbol 2 Plus D
Awards  Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award   
Price $219.95 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers		$156.00 at Amazon
Compare at 3 sellers		$239.99 at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers		$199.95 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers		$249.95 at REI
Compare at 3 sellers
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Pros Comfortable, warm, well vented, great hearing ability, easy to adjustComfortable, warm, vents well, style points, compatible with most gogglesToasty, comfortable, really well-builtGreat interior fit, stylish look, warmGreat sound quality, well ventilated, innovative buckle, adjustable
Cons Runs a bit small, heavier than mostPriceyExpensive and a little heavyEar flaps can be noisyVents can be noisy, minimal top padding
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 at OutdoorGearLab.A top of the line helmet for the avid skier.A high-end helmet at a price that is a step down from other top models.No matter what the weather is, this helmet will help you find your perfect temperature.
Rating Categories Scott Symbol 2 Plus D Smith Vantage MIPS Smith Quantum MIPS Giro Zone MIPS Switcher MIPS
Comfort (25%)
10
0
9
10
0
9
10
0
9
10
0
9
10
0
7
Warmth (25%)
10
0
8
10
0
8
10
0
9
10
0
7
10
0
7
Ventilation (20%)
10
0
9
10
0
9
10
0
9
10
0
7
10
0
9
Weight (10%)
10
0
5
10
0
6
10
0
4
10
0
6
10
0
5
Goggle Compatibility (10%)
10
0
8
10
0
9
10
0
8
10
0
8
10
0
7
Style (10%)
10
0
8
10
0
9
10
0
8
10
0
8
10
0
9
Specs Scott Symbol 2... Smith Vantage MIPS Smith Quantum MIPS Giro Zone MIPS Switcher MIPS
Measured Weight (in ounces) 19.8 oz 17.7 oz 21.0 oz 17.9 oz 20.8 oz
Adjustment System RAS 2 system Boa Fit System Boa FS360 fit system In Form 2 Fit System, Vertical Tuning Occigrip turndial
# of Vents? 44 18 22 14 26
Number of Sizes 3 3 4 3 3
Removable Ear Covers? Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Goggle Attachment? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Visor? No No No No Yes
Audio Compatibility? No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Certifications EN1077:2007, Class B, EN12492:2012 ASTM F 2040, CE EN 1077 Class B ASTM F 2040, CE EN 1077 Class B CE EN1077 CE EN1077 class B / ASTM2040

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Symbol 2 Plus D leads the way in technology and comfort. Standout protective features included in this helmet are MIPS, D3O, and 360-degree Pure Sound. MIPS technology has almost become standard on most new helmets, reducing rotational forces during certain impacts. However, this is the first helmet 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.
MIPS, D3O inserts, and 360-degree Pure Sound help take the Symbol to the top shelf of ski helmets.

Fit and Comfort


The Symbol 2 Plus D is an incredibly comfortable helmet. With its RAS 2 Fit System, this helmet makes sure your head is snug as a glove. When you put this helmet on, it is noticeably more narrow compared to 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. The earpads fit well with no noticeable hot spots.

This helmet is snug and comfy. It runs a little small but incredibly cozy inside.
This helmet is snug and comfy. It runs a little small, but incredibly cozy inside.

Another great 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. 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 of days thanks to tons of padding and the fleece-lined ear pads. With a snug fit, the helmet padding fits directly to your head, which gives the Symbol 2 Plus D a very high warmth rating, The earpads also help to keep the heat in while still being able to hear well thanks to new technology, 360-degree Pure Sound.

This helmet is toasty. The fleece lined padding makes this one of the warmest helmets in the lineup.
This helmet is toasty. The fleece lined padding makes this one of the warmest helmets in the lineup.

Ventilation


The Symbol 2 Plus D takes a positive new twist on ventilation design. On the sides and rear of the helmet, there are six fixed open vents 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.

The Symbol's unique venting system. With two points of adjustment it's easy to find your perfect temperature and ample airflow.
The Symbol's unique venting system. With two points of adjustment, it's easy to find your perfect temperature and ample airflow.

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, as it is not designated as a light backcountry ski helmet, it can definitely do the job.

The low profile of the Symbol lends itself to a good fit in your pack.
The low profile of the Symbol lends itself to a good fit in your pack.

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 that were tested with this helmet included Scott, Smith, and Abom. The rear goggle strap 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.
Perfect seal with this goggle and helmet combo. This helmet worked well with all the brands we tried.

Style


The Symbol 2 Plus D stays up with the competition by integrating a low profile design. 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.

Value


For the highly engineered Symbol 2 Plus D, the price of this helmet is excellent for the features it comes with. If you're in the market for 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.

Conclusion


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 a helmet with top of the line safety tech and great style.

The Symbol has a myriad of vents in the rear and an easy to use goggle strap fastener.
The Symbol has a myriad of vents in the rear and an easy to use goggle strap fastener.


— Alex Bogner