Smith Variant Helmet

Love this helmet. I'd never worn a helmet before, but after making my daughter wear one, I thought I should too! I was really impressed with the quality and fit of the helmet and loved the vent system for those warmer days here in Australia. Fit really well with my I/O goggles and can't fault it at all!

The outer shell of this helmet separated from the base after one awkward fall. Once the plastic pins holding the outer shell at the front pull out, the rest of the shell will eventually detach. Cheaply constructed.

By far the best helmet I've owned. The vents and BOA adjustabitliy are supreme!

I wore this for four days straight. At least six hours a day. Very comfortable. Three days had temps in the low 40's. With the vents open I did not get hot and sweaty. The one cold and windy day my head stayed nice and warm. My Smith Phenom goggles worked great with this helmet. And it looks cool.

I avoided a helmet for years. the standard reasons of didn't think it was necessary, didn't want the exra weight on backcountry tours etc... Finally settled on the Smith Variant . It is comfortable, warm, light and adjustable vents to keep you just warm enough. I did not expect to like it and I love it. I would recommend for inbounds, out of bounds and multi-day treks.

There's a reason why I see so many people wearing this helmet (including me!)...because it's simply the best. Most comfortable, best looking, and really, really works well with Smith goggles. The only helmet I will be replacing my current one with is the newer, yet identical version.

i got a helmet because i fell on my back and hit my head on the icey snow we have here and after watching other people hit there head on the ground. this helmet fits and feels better then the cheap helmets i tried on at couple of stores. the Boa was confusing at first because only one side was adjusting but with the help of DogFunk service and calling Smith it was meant to be that way. the manual doesnt explain the Boa so if you have question on it i suggest calling Smith. i wanted the brim but im happy with out it. after coming down from the hill you get hot so when you ride the lift open the vents and it seriously cools your head. i gave a 4 star because it doesnt feel like a sold built helmet. its plastic and sort of cheap feel to it, but i guess thats what makes it so light. as long as it protects my head im happy.

It's pretty amazing to ski at Park City and see how many people are wearing the Variant with a set of I/O goggles. This fits flawlessly, doesn't mind at the rear retention or under the chin, and it's plenty warm. Not too tall on top of your head, so you don't feel like a robot when you put this on. You couldn't ask for anything more out of a helmet.

I've had a Giro 9 helmet for the past 5 years and decided it was time for an upgrade. Since I just got Smith googles last season, I figured they would fit better with a Smith helmet. They fit great with the Variant helmet and the whole package looks good too! The fit of the helmet and the 3 postion head venting sold me.

The Good:
Vents easy to open/close with gloves on.
Good (and very adjustable) fit.
Vented enough to tour on colder days.

The Bad:
Kinda heavy.

Conclusion:
This helmet is perfect for in-bounds skiing. Since I'm mostly a b/c guy, I wish it was a little lighter weight. Other than that, this thing is as good as it gets. I didn't bother with the brim because you're just paying a little extra for a fashion feature.

I don't think I am cool enough to wear the one with the brim but I love this helmet. This is perfect for me. Incredible adjustable ventilation and now Smith helmets have the BOA fit system for that perfect and secure fit. Smith I/O Goggles fit perfect in this helmet too. Gotta get both!!