Smith Level MIPS Ski Helmet

Like a good day on the mountain, the Smith Level ski and snowboard helmet is at your service for ranging far and wide. It brings the added energy absorption of zonal Koroyd® and the advanced angled impact protection of MIPS® to let you focus on ripping high speed arcs in the alpine and chasing untracked lines in the trees.

The hybrid shell design adds durability without weighing you down for a helmet that you will actually take with you when the backcountry beckons. And because you love to ski all day, the fit and vents are adjustable on the fly, so you never need to slow down.

Features

• Hybrid shell construction blends a durable exterior with a lightweight in-molded shell for durability where you need it most while keeping the helmet light
• Zonal Koroyd® coverage for lightweight, energy-absorbing and ventilated impact protection
• MIPS® Brain Protection System reduces rotational forces caused by angled impacts to the head
• Select colorways offered without MIPS® system
• Certification: ASTM F 2040, CE EN 1077:2007 CLASS B
• Designed for ultimate integration with Smith goggles for maximum comfort and venting
• AirEvac™ ventilation system integrates with Smith goggles for fog-free lenses
• VaporFit Snow™ dial adjustment system offers 270-degree fit adjustment with the turn of a dial
• XT2® antimicrobial lining offers sweat-activated odor control
• Regulator climate control allows easy, one-handed vent adjustment
• 20 vents
• Removable Snapfit SL2 ear pads add warmth and are audio-chip compatible
• Audio systems compatible
• Weight (Size M, MIPS®): 19 oz / 550 g

Helmets are an essential part of your day to day time on the ski hill. They are crucial in keeping your head safe and warm and help your goggles fit and function perfectly. Gone are the days of struggling with a wet beanie whilst skiing here in Australia, a Helmet will help keep you much more warm and comfortable on those miserable weather days.

Sizing and Fit

In order to get your size, measure the circumference of your head just above the eyebrows. This cm measurement will translate to a size on each brands size chart. If you measure your head and the value sits in a gap between two sizes with a certain brand it will likely be hard to get either size to fit you correctly.

In addition to size, Heads also vary greatly in shape and roundness. Helmet makers recognise this and often offer different fits in each model or offer certain models in multiple fits. The current trend is to delineate these different styles as Oval fit or Round fit, though Oval Fit helmets are often not specified in name. Round Fit helmets are also widely known as Asian Fit, as it matches the predominate head shape in Asia.

As a starting point, we find that Oval shaped heads are more popular amongst the Caucasian population and Round head shapes are more common in people of Asian Descent. Though it is far from a hard and fast rule and a bit of trial and error is often necessary to dial in the right fit.

Helmets are limited in function by how they fit your head. Head knocks while skiing can be quite forceful and shouldn't be able to dislodge your helmet. Wearing a helmet that is too big can reduce its ability to protect your head. 

On the flip side, a Helmet that is too small won't sit correctly on the head in the first place. If it looks or feels like it is sitting too high on your head or if there are pressure points, its likely too small or the wrong fit for your head.

Ski Helmet Features

The main features to look for in Ski Helmets are MIPS, Ventilation, and Adjustability. 

MIPS, Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, is a technology added to helmets that aims to reduce rotational motion to the brain in a crash. Research is showing that oblique types of impacts with rotational motion are more detrimental to the brain than direct impacts. MIPS is in almost every helmet we sell, and unless you are on an extreme budget, is definitely top of the list to look out for.

Ventilation can be important here in Australia where it is often quite warm. Helmets with active, adjustable ventilation allow you to control the amount of airflow through the helmet. Fixed ventilation means there is still airflow, but you can't adjust it with the flick of a switch. 

Most Helmets have size adjustability built in, most commonly in the form of a dial. This allows you to dial in the fit of your helmet to improve comfort and safety. As well as adjust it out a little if you intend on wearing a Balaclava for a little extra warmth.

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