Smith Quantum MIPS Review

The Quantum MIPS is yet another great helmet from Smith and performed well in almost every category we tested it in.

Performance Comparison

Shawn enjoying the feel of the Quantum.

Photo: Alex Bogner

Comfort

The Quantum MIPS is super well made and comfortable. The sweat-wicking lining is comfy and does a great job keeping your head dry on the warmer days. Smith's adjustment system, the BOA wheel, located at the back of the helmet, is easy to use with gloves on and does a great job of quickly adjusting the size of the helmet. One of our testers had a much smaller head but was still able to make the size large we were testing work for him.

Our testers have also been loving the Fidlock magnetic buckle and comfortable chin strap. It is incredibly easy to use. Just putting the buckle near the other piece will make it snap into place, ready to rock and roll. Taking it off is simple as well. Just slide the pieces apart, and you're ready for après.

Smith helmets are traditionally shaped for rounder heads, so consider looking elsewhere if you've had trouble with the Smith helmet fit in the past. There isn't any helmet on the market that will fit every single head shape, but this one fit all our testers fine and felt great.

Shawn tearing up the slopes with the comfy Quantum MIPS.

Photo: Alex Bogner

Warmth

For us, how warm a helmet is depends largely on two things: Whether you can close the vents and how well the ear cups hug your ears.

The Quantum MIPS excels at both of these things. The 22 vents are manipulated using two slider mechanisms, allowing the user to lock the helmet down on the coldest, stormy days. The Quantum also does a great job keeping the ears warm with its ear cups, creating a snug fit without pressing too hard and causing any pain after hours on the slope. All that being said, we've also come to the conclusion that on the coldest days, it's crucial for some people to be able to wear a thin beanie or buff under their helmet. With the easily adjustable BOA system, most testers were able to wear something underneath the helmet and adjust the size to fit on the fly.

The Quantum is about as warm as a helmet can get. We didn't feel the need for a beanie during testing, but you still might if you run cold. And no helmet protects your face from exposure, so consider adding a balaclava or buff.

Photo: Alex Bogner

Ventilation

The Quantum MIPS excels in the ventilation. Its 22 vents open and close by two slider mechanisms located on the top of the helmet.

For our reviewers, the option to open or close the vents is crucial in a helmet. Temperature regulation is important to utilize, and we find it exceedingly hard without ventilation control. The only gripe our testers had about the ventilation of this helmet is that the Koroyd construction underneath the vents makes for a slightly interrupted airflow, but we didn't find it to be a deal-breaker by any means.

All kinds of vents on the Quantum, with a sliding toggle to open and close them.

Photo: Laura Casner

Weight

This category is one where the Quantum MIPS did not excel. This helmet clocks in as one of the heavier models we tested. That being said, our testers could not tell the difference between a couple of ounces while wearing these different helmets. Additionally, the Quantum is stacked with protective features and mechanisms for adjustment, all of which add weight. So it's up to you to decide what you want in a helmet. Simple and light, or would you like to add a few ounces and some bells and whistles?

For its weight, the Quantum did not feel very bulky to us; it feels sleek and fit easily under the hoods of our jackets on storm days. The weight of the helmet is mostly a non-issue for resort skiers, but those venturing into the backcountry will likely prefer a more lightweight model.

Coming in at one of the heavier options in our lineup, the Quantum still felt great while skiing, but would not be the best in the backcountry.

Photo: Alex Bogner

Goggle Compatibility

Smith helmets are well-known for providing an excellent seal between lid and goggles, especially when paired with the goggles they make, and the Quantum MIPS is no exception.

With Smith's rear bungee goggle retainer, it is easier than ever to fasten your goggles and take them off in record time. In the rear, there is a decently sized pull tab which makes it easy for goggle adjustments, even on the hill.

The goggle fastener on the Quantum is very intuitive to use. The pull tab is large, making it simple to attach and remove your goggles. The BOA dial seen below, is also well placed, and perfectly sized to easily operate.

Photo: Alex Bogner

The trick becomes a genuine bonus when a helmet can also create a tight fit with a different brand of goggles. We tested the Quantum with Smith, Scott, Abom, Oakley, and POC goggles. We found that although the tightest fit was with the I/O goggle by Smith, the other goggles created a great seal. We also recommend that when you're purchasing a new helmet and already own goggles, bring them with you, and try them on when you're trying on new helmets to ensure a good seal.

Although these are not Smith goggles, they still manage to do a decent job with being compatible to the Quantum.

Photo: Alex Bogner

Style

You'd be hard-pressed to find a Smith helmet that isn't at least a little bit stylish, and the Quantum is no exception. Its small visor and rugged lines make this a really good-looking helmet, in our opinion. It comes in a small variety of color schemes, mostly subtle and two-toned, that are understated and sophisticated.

Value

Although the Quantum MIPS is the most expensive helmet in our review, we believe you get what you pay for. The Quantum has all the bells and whistles you'd expect out of a helmet at this price point. The ventilation, BOA size adjustment, Fidlock magnetic buckle, and multiple protective features make it one of the nicest helmets we've ever laid hands on, and if you're up for spending the big bucks, you won't go wrong with the Quantum.

Conclusion