#6 on this list
Obex Mips
POC
The POC Obex Mips is geared toward all-mountain resort skiers and freeriders who prioritize clean Scandinavian design, high-grade materials, and an unobtrusive, low-profile fit. POC has a strong reputation for safety engineering, and the Obex translates that heritage into an all-around helmet that avoids the oversized 'mushroom' look common in the protective gear market. Reviewers praise its solid build quality and comfort over full resort days. Construction features an in-mold EPS liner encased within an outer polycarbonate shell, augmented by an ABS top cap for puncture resistance and structural integrity against hard falls. The integrated Mips Evolve layer reduces rotational forces, while an intuitive rear dial adjustment system secures the base of the skull. Venting is manually controlled through an adjustable slider on top, complemented by front chimney vents that vent warm air from goggles to prevent lens fogging. While the Obex performs admirably across winter conditions, its ventilation system is a single-slider setup rather than a dual-zone control, meaning you cannot adjust front and rear airflow independently. Additionally, POC helmets feature a distinct interior head shape that tends toward oval; riders with rounder head shapes may feel pressure at the temples. **Highlights** - Multi-material shell pairing in-mold polycarbonate with a reinforced ABS top cap - Low-profile, sleek silhouette that sits close to the skull - Mips Evolve rotational impact protection technology - Sliding active top vents for easy temperature control on the fly - Integrated goggle chimneys prevent lens condensation - Removable ear pads compatible with audio accessories **Watch-outs** - Venting cannot be tuned separately between front and rear zones - Shell fit profile runs slightly narrow for rounder head shapes - Priced firmly in the upper-mid tier at around $260
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#7 on this list
Scout Mips
Smith
The Smith Scout Mips is designed for resort cruisers, terrain park skiers, and budget-minded snowboarders who want proven durability and multi-season utility. Engineered around an advanced ABS bombshell construction, the Scout is built to withstand rough transport, tree branch strikes, and repetitive park use without losing protective capability. It functions as an accessible, durable helmet with legitimate cross-season appeal. One of the Scout's strongest attributes is its multi-season safety certification for both snow sports and summer biking or skate parks. It features Smith's self-adjusting lifestyle fit system, which automatically expands and contracts around the wearer's head for a snug, non-restrictive hold. Inside, the Mips layer reduces rotational impact forces. Removable ear pads allow users to strip the helmet down for warm spring sessions or skate-bowl laps in the off-season. The compromises stem from its utilitarian construction. Weighing 1 pound 2 ounces, it is on the heavier side, and the thick ABS shell provides noticeable bulk. Furthermore, the eight ventilation ports are passive; without mechanical sliders, there is no way to close off the vents against freezing winds, cold chairlift rides, or wet precipitation. **Highlights** - Rugged bombshell ABS construction engineered for high impact resistance - Dual-certified for both winter snowsports and summer cycling/skate use - Mips rotational impact protection included at an entry-level price - Self-adjusting fit system flexes to head shape without dial fuss - AirEvac ventilation integrates cleanly with Smith goggle frames **Watch-outs** - Fully open passive vents allow cold air and snow to penetrate in bad weather - Noticeably heavy and bulky on smaller head frames
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Obex Mips | Scout Mips |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1 lb. 1.6 oz. (approx. 499 g) | 1 lb 2 oz |
| Shell Construction | In-mold polycarbonate with ABS top cap | — |
| Impact Liner | Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) | — |
| Rotational Protection | Mips Evolve low-friction layer | — |
| Venting System | Adjustable top sliding vents with goggle chimneys | — |
| Audio Compatibility | Compatible with POC Aid Communication ear pads | — |
| Construction | — | Injection-molded ABS Bombshell |
| Safety Tech | — | Mips rotational impact system |
| Ventilation | — | 8 fixed passive vents |
| Fit System | — | Self-adjusting Lifestyle fit system |
| Certifications | — | Multi-season snow, skate, and bike certified |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Obex Mips
- Streamlined, low-profile silhouette avoids a bulky mushroom appearance
- Hybrid ABS and polycarbonate construction balances durability and low weight
- Integrated Mips Evolve tech and front goggle chimney anti-fog vents
- Plush interior padding with audio-compatible removable ear pads
- Single-slider venting lacks separate front and rear airflow control
- Internal shape leans oval, creating potential temple pinch on rounder heads
- Firmly in the premium price bracket without dual-zone adjustability
Scout Mips
- Certified for winter snowsports as well as summer bike and skate use
- Durable ABS bombshell construction withstands rough transport and park hits
- Includes Mips rotational impact protection at an accessible price point
- Removable ear pads simplify quick transitions to warm-weather riding
- Fixed passive vents allow cold wind and wet precipitation to enter freely
- Heavier and bulkier than helmets using lightweight in-mold construction
- Elasticized self-adjusting fit provides less precision than a dial system
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.