#9 on this list
Summit Mips Helmet
Smith
The Smith Summit Mips is a premium helmet built from the ground up for big-mountain ski mountaineering and high-alpine exploration. Fully dual-certified for both alpine climbing and international alpine skiing standards, the Summit Mips packs comprehensive safety engineering into a streamlined package for athletes tackling high-risk, multi-discipline terrain. The protective structure combines an in-mold hybrid shell with Zonal Koroyd—a honeycomb-like polymer structure that crushes consistently upon impact to absorb energy—alongside EPS foam and a integrated MIPS rotational liner. Beyond protection, the features are thoroughly considered: a custom BOA 360 fit system provides micro-adjustable tension around the entire skull and packs flat into the shell, while integrated headlamp routing keeps lighting locked in place without shifting. The barrier for most climbers will be the premium price tag, hovering around $260. Furthermore, while the BOA system and Koroyd construction make it remarkably light for a fully ski-rated helmet, it remains bulkier and heavier than single-purpose ultralight rock climbing lids, making it overkill for casual sport cragging. **Highlights** - Dual-certified for alpine climbing (EN 12492) and downhill skiing (EN 1077 Class B) - MIPS slip-plane layer reduces rotational forces - Zonal Koroyd technology for enhanced, consistent energy absorption - BOA 360 Fit System for precise tensioning and compact packing - Integrated, low-profile headlamp routing channels **Watch-outs** - Expensive investment at roughly $260 - Overbuilt for dedicated summer rock climbing
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#10 on this list
Wall Rider 2.0
Mammut
The Mammut Wall Rider 2.0 is an ultralight minimalist helmet designed for alpinists and climbers who want maximum weight savings without moving entirely away from a hard top cap. Weighing roughly 6.3 ounces in the smaller size, it relies on a sculpted expanded polypropylene (EPP) chassis reinforced across the crown with a hardened shell plate to ward off falling rock and ice debris. Real-world performance mirrors its fast-and-light pedigree. The EPP foam base acts as an elastic, shock-dampening shell that absorbs glancing blows and easily survives tight packing in mountaineering rucksacks. The helmet features generous ventilation channels across the profile, keeping the climber cool during lung-busting alpine approaches. The suspension utilizes minimalist webbing straps that reduce bulk and fold neatly inside the shell. The trade-offs stem directly from its lightweight design. While the hard crown plate provides security from above, the exposed EPP foam flanks remain unprotected against scrapes, sharp metal gear, and abrasive rock surfaces. The webbing adjusters also take more manual fiddling to dial in compared to simple ratcheting dial wheels. **Highlights** - Exceptionally light at approximately 6.3 ounces - Shock-absorbing EPP body with rugged hard-shell crown cover - Large ventilation ports for superior airflow on hot routes - Minimalist webbing harness folds flat for packability - Dependable headlamp attachment clips **Watch-outs** - Exposed side foam susceptible to surface gouges and abrasions - Webbing harness requires two hands to fine-tune fit
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Summit Mips Helmet | Wall Rider 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | EN 12492 (Climbing), EN 1077 Class B (Ski) | — |
| Impact Tech | Zonal Koroyd, EPS foam, Mips liner | — |
| Fit Adjustment | BOA 360 cable fit system | — |
| Shell Type | Hybrid in-mold construction | — |
| Lighting Support | Integrated headlamp routing and clips | — |
| Approximate MSRP | $260 | — |
| Weight | — | 6.3 oz (Size 52-57 cm) |
| Core Material | — | Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) |
| Top Shell | — | Hard polymer crown plate |
| Suspension | — | Low-profile webbing harness |
| MSRP | — | Around $120 |
| Headlamp Clips | — | Two front clips, rear elastic cord |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Summit Mips Helmet
- Dual-certified for both alpine climbing and downhill skiing
- BOA 360 harness packs flat inside the shell to save pack space
- Zonal Koroyd and Mips provide advanced impact mitigation
- Seamless integration with technical headlamps and ski goggles
- Steep investment at approximately $260
- Warmer and bulkier than single-purpose summer rock lids
- Internal Koroyd structures cannot recover from impacts
Wall Rider 2.0
- Ultralight 6.3-ounce weight eliminates neck strain during long days
- Generous ventilation keeps climbers cool during high-output movement
- EPP foam body resists structural cracking when squeezed in backpacks
- Reinforced crown plate shields against direct overhead stone fall
- Exposed side foam is prone to cosmetic dents and scrapes
- Webbing harness lacks the quick one-handed adjustment of dial systems
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.