Smith Vantage Helmet with Aerocore Review

If you head out on the slopes these days, it’s almost impossible to not see a Smith ski and snowboard helmet.  It’s not because you’re looking for these helmets, but it’s because these helmets are super popular among both skiers and snowboarders.  It’s not because the helmets are inexpensive, but the main reason is that Smith Helmets are safe and they provide a great fit.  In 2013/2014, an updated version of the Smith Vantage Helmet was introduced.  The main update to this helmet is a change in some of the protective material called Aerocore which is a honeycomb like material that provides ventilation and reduces weight all while keeping your head safe.

Smith Aerocore

As mentioned above, the new Smith Vantage Helmet has a new technology integrated into the helmet, what Smith calls Aerocore.  In simple terms, it’s very similar if you took a bunch of drinking straws and mushed them together.  The plastic used in these straws is much stronger than your average McDonald’s Straw, but the look and concept is very similar.  The benefits to this new materials is that it provides good air flow when you have the vents open, you don’t lose any protection, and it helps keep chunks of snow from getting into your Smith Vantage Helmet vents.

Smith Vantage Helmet Ventilation

For the skier and snowboarder that’s charging it all day long, the last thing you want is a head soaked in sweat.  The Smith Vantage Helmet was designed with the all day chargers in mind.  This helmet has a total of 21 vents which keeps your head cooler on warm or super active days and for those colder days, all you need to do is flip a couple switches and you can close those vents to block out wind and retain heat. The nice thing about the Smith Vantage Helmet is that you have 2 ventilation tabs which allows you to control the ventilation in the front of the helmet and in the back of the helmet.  So if you want to vent a little, you can close the front portion of the helmet which will block on the wind on the way to down the slopes.

After skiing in the backcountry in this helmet as well as inbounds at some of my favorite resorts like Beaver Creek, Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone, and A-Basin with my Epic Pass, I have always been pleased with the ventilation of the Smith Vantage Helmet.

Helmet Fit

While having lots of features and colors in a helmet is fun and makes you look cool on the hill, we need to remember the main reason you’re wearing a helmet, safety.  Yes, SAFETY!!  One of the most important things to remember when testing out a ski and snowboard helmet, or any helmet for that matter, is the fit. If you have a helmet that fits sloppy, you’re not going to have the correct protection that was intended for the helmet.  A good test to see if you’re helmet is fitting correctly is to put the helmet on your head, connect the chin strap, and push up on the helmet brim.  If the space between you’re eyes move, the helmet is fitting correctly as long as it’s not too tight where it’s uncomfortable.  If it that space between your eyes doesn’t move, it means your helmet is too loose and you need to get a tighter fit.

BOA Technology

For an optimal fit, the Smith Vantage Helmet uses BOA technology which uses a turn dial and wiring inside the helmet that provides a customized fit for everyone’s head.  So as long as you get the in the ball park for sizing, small, medium, large, extra large, you can then adjust as needed with the BOA Dial.

Goggle Compatibility

The Smith Vantage Helmet is most compatible with newer versions of Smith Goggles.  The designers of the helmets work with the goggle designers to make sure the vents line up and the goggle shape matches up with the helmet shape.  For easy on and off with your goggles, the Vantage Helmet has a lightweight goggle lock that is easy to use with and without gloves and mittens.  Check out the full review on the Smith Vice Goggles in this picture

Final Thoughts

After testing Smith Helmets for a number of years, I am happy with this helmet for a couple reasons.  First, the updated Smith Vantage Helmet continues to provide a great fit on your head.  Second, the new Aerocore technology is a great new addition for this helmet providing good ventilation while maintaining safety standards.  For more information, please visit SmithOptics.com