#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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#8 on this list
Ratio Mips
Giro
The Giro Ratio Mips is targeted at recreational resort skiers and occasional riders who demand proven safety credentials and reliable fit without crossing the $150 threshold. Positioned squarely in the value segment, the Ratio adopts many design cues from Giro's top-tier helmets but trims away luxury materials and complex vent systems to deliver practical, unpretentious head protection. The helmet utilizes a robust hard-shell construction featuring an injection-molded ABS outer cap bonded to an EPS foam core. Protection is enhanced by an integrated Mips liner, providing peace of mind against rotational forces during angled falls. Giro's Form Fit dial system is one of the best in this price bracket, offering 6 centimeters of circumference adjustment and vertical tuning to minimize goggle gap and cradle the back of the head comfortably. Thermal management is handled by Giro's Thermostat Control system, which lets you manually slide the top vents open or closed. However, at this price tier, the sliders feel slightly plasticky compared to premium models, and the interior fleece lining is basic. Overall weight is also noticeable, making this helmet best suited for lift-assisted skiing rather than backcountry hiking. **Highlights** - Reliable injection-molded ABS hard shell paired with an EPS foam liner - Mips technology included at an accessible price around $145 - Thermostat Control adjustable venting with external sliding switch - In Form Fit system provides vertical and horizontal dial adjustments - Stack Vent technology channels warm air away from goggle lenses **Watch-outs** - Heavier overall profile best suited strictly for resort riding - Interior padding and sliding vent hardware feel utilitarian compared to higher-end models
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Scout Mips | Ratio Mips |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1 lb 2 oz | — |
| Construction | Injection-molded ABS Bombshell | — |
| Safety Tech | Mips rotational impact system | — |
| Ventilation | 8 fixed passive vents | Thermostat Control adjustable sliding vents |
| Fit System | Self-adjusting Lifestyle fit system | — |
| Certifications | Multi-season snow, skate, and bike certified | — |
| Shell Type | — | Injection-molded ABS hard shell |
| Impact Foam | — | Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) |
| Rotational Safety | — | Integrated Mips liner |
| Adjustment System | — | In Form Fit System with vertical tuning |
| Goggle Integration | — | Stack Vent front-channel alignment |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
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
Ratio Mips
- Certified Mips rotational impact protection at a budget-friendly price point
- Durable injection-molded ABS hard shell resists cosmetic drops and dings
- In Form dial system provides circumference and vertical angle adjustment
- Thermostat Control slider lets riders close vents on cold lift rides
- Noticeably heavier than in-mold helmets, limiting uphill utility
- Interior fleece padding and ear covers feel basic and utilitarian
- Vent slider switch feels stiff and plasticky under cold conditions
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.