Smith Quantum MIPS Review

Compare prices at 3 resellers Pros: Toasty, comfortable, really well-built
Cons: Expensive and a little heavy
Manufacturer: Smith
Our Verdict
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Smith Quantum MIPS | |||||
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Awards | ![]() | ![]() | |||
Price | $195.00 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $156.00 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $197.52 at Backcountry | $174.95 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $187.46 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers |
Overall Score ![]() |
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Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Toasty, comfortable, really well-built | Comfortable, warm, vents well, style points, compatible with most goggles | Comfortable, warm, well vented, great hearing ability, easy to adjust | Great interior fit, stylish look, warm | Great sound quality, well ventilated, innovative buckle, adjustable |
Cons | Expensive and a little heavy | Pricey | Runs a bit small, heavier than most | Ear flaps can be noisy | Vents can be noisy, minimal top padding |
Bottom Line | Expensive but worth it | A top shelf helmet for the die-hard skier | This innovative helmet is full of new safety tech and style | A high-quality helmet at a more moderate price point | You'll never have to worry about overheating or getting brain freeze with this helmet |
Rating Categories | Smith Quantum MIPS | Smith Vantage MIPS | Scott Symbol 2 Plus D | Giro Zone MIPS | Switcher MIPS |
Comfort (25%) | |||||
Warmth (25%) | |||||
Ventilation (20%) | |||||
Weight (10%) | |||||
Goggle Compatibility (10%) | |||||
Style (10%) | |||||
Specs | Smith Quantum MIPS | Smith Vantage MIPS | Scott Symbol 2... | Giro Zone MIPS | Switcher MIPS |
Measured Weight (in ounces) | 21.0 oz | 17.7 oz | 19.8 oz | 17.9 oz | 20.8 oz |
Adjustment System | Boa FS360 fit system | Boa Fit System | RAS 2 system | In Form 2 Fit System, Vertical Tuning | Occigrip turndial |
# of Vents? | 22 | 20 | 44 | 14 | 26 |
Number of Sizes | 4 | 3 | 3 | 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? | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Certifications | ASTM F 2040, CE EN 1077 Class B | ASTM F 2040, CE EN 1077 Class B | EN1077:2007, Class B, EN12492:2012 | CE EN1077 | CE EN1077 class B / ASTM2040 |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Quantum MIPS is yet another great helmet from Smith and performed well in almost every category we tested it in.
Performance Comparison
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
If you spend enough time skiing, want one of the warmest, sexiest helmets on the market, and have the money to spend, look no further than the Smith Quantum MIPS. We recommend it as a top of the line helmet for resort skiers.
— Sam Piper and Alex Bogner