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Smith 2008 Variant Helmet - 2008

Smith 2008 Variant Helmet - 2008 BCS

Item # SMI0479

Want a helmet that does everything but make your coffee in the morning? The Smith Men's Variant Helmet offers all the latest and greatest in helmet technology, at least until the fine day when your ski helmet asks if you want cream and sugar in the morning. A tough polycarbonate shell makes rocks and trees quiver with fright and jump out of your way. (Well, almost.) The Variant's Adjustable Regulator ventilation lets you decide just how much airflow your cranium requires, and the high-performance X-Static lining eliminates odor, regulates temperature, and minimizes static. The removable goggle clip holds your frames just where you want ‘em, and removable snap-fit ear pads can swap out for audio pads if you want to rock out to Stevie Wonder while you shred.

Bottom Line:

The Smith Variant Snow Helmet knows that when onlookers think you're crazy, you're doing something cool.

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Cracked Helmet not Skull

Cracked Helmet not Skull

By:
May 2, 2009

Took a nasty tumble through some cliffs. Scratched and cracked the lid with no damage to the noggin.

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Rating for this product: 4

Crash Test Dummy

By:
March 4, 2009

This helmet has all the great features like vents, fit, style, but they are all secondary to the main purpose, keeping your melon intact. And I've often wondered how these lightweight lids would really hold up to impact with a rock or tree. Managed to tumble through some cliffs head first the other day and I'm gladly here to say the helmet held up really well. Cracked, scratched and dented I think it will make it through the season unlike my skis.

The only negative for me was that before head butting the mountain I managed to break off one of the vent sliders. This was really annoying, but it may just have been operator misuse?

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WHAT IS THE PROS AND CONS OF THE BRIM VS. THE BRIMLESS.

WHAT IS THE PROS AND CONS OF THE BRIM VS. THE BRIMLESS.

By:
December 21, 2009

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I think its easier to put your goggles up w/out the brim.

By:
December 22, 2009

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Purely aesthetic. There's really no technical difference, though I've found that the brim is nice if your goggles don't fit the helmet especially well.

By:
December 21, 2009

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The Y-not Couloir

The Y-not Couloir

By:
March 2, 2009

Variant helmet in action

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Rating for this product: 5

Do headhunters pass on you? Smith built this for the weird headed too!

By:
November 13, 2008

Got a shrunken head? then this is the helmet for you! I have a hard time finding helmets, hats, and even beanies that look good on me. My face is kind of long oval-shaped and I have a small head circumference, about 53 cm. The HFS system solved that dilemma right away. Tried on my size, adjusted the HFS in the back and my head finally knew what it was like to cuddle. I loved it. Extremely lightweight, comfortable padding, cool looking, and they fit perfectly with my POC lobe goggles! A little more expensive than most, but worth it. get last years model on sale if you can.

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Comment on Raul Martinez-Sanchez's review >

Does Smith offer the ability to retrofit the visor-less version

Does Smith offer the ability to retrofit the visor-less version with a visor? I got this helmet last spring as a gift (I assume it was discounted) and would have preferred the model with a visor. Thanks!

By:
December 19, 2008

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I don't think so, i have never seen any aftermarket kits. you might try calling smith.

By:
December 20, 2008

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Preference

Preference

By:
November 29, 2009

I prefer to wear this helmet while skiing dangerous lines, I feel really safe in this helmet, but sometimes I wear the Variant when the snow is deeeep! I like the white one.

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Rating for this product: 4

Smith - making helmets cool again

By: Departmentofgoods.com Employee
September 16, 2008

Well, I can't really say that. Most helmet companies are doing a great job of this, but this Variant helmet is a great overall entry into the industry. This helmet is very light and very versatile because of its venting system. The ability to partially open vents really does help in this case. The fit is pretty much dead even to what Smith is saying and the music ear pads that can be put in as an after market piece work very well. Downsides? Well, if it gets too warm, that ventilation system won't help anymore and it will fit with most goggles except some Oakley frames. Overall, a great helmet that no one will be ashamed to get noticed in.

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Comment on Wally Phillips's review >

Change me.

Tech Specs:

Material:
Hybrid shell (polycarbonate & ABS) 
Ventilation:
3-Stage adjustable 
Adjustability:
HFS, adjustable chin strap with plastic clip 
Weight:
18oz (520g) 
Recommended Use:
Skiing, snowboarding 
Manufacturer Warranty:
Lifetime 
Country of Origin:
China