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Smith Variant Brim Snow Helmet

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Product Description,
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Reviews

The Smith Variant Brim helmet utilizes top-of-the-line technology to maximize protection for aggressive, big-mountain descents.

Hybrid Shell Technology fuses polycarbonate and ABS plastic shells, creating superior protection and modern styling
AirEvac™ 2 design maximizes airflow to reduce performance-inhibiting goggle fogging when paired with Smith goggles
Low-profile Regulator with three-stage adjustment allows complete climate control through 16 vents; easily adjustable, even with gloves on
Helmet Fit System ensures an accurate and comfortable fit with an ergonomically designed chassis
Slim, sleek brim provides added protection against sun and weather
Snapfit ear pads are soft and comfortable; remove the pads on warm days or to wash
Compatible with Plantronics® Bluetooth® and Skullcandy™ Twin-tip audio systems, sold separately
This snow helmet complies with ASTM F 2040 and/or CE EN 1077 alpine ski and snowboard helmet safety standards; for additional information please see REI expert advice

Head circumference sizing info:

Small fits 20 to 21.6 in.
Medium fits 21.6 to 23.2 in.
Large fits 23.2 to 24.8 in.
X-Large fits 24.8 to 26.4 in.

Imported.

Item 759203

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Smith Variant Brim Snow Helmet Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

Smith Variant Brim Ski Helmet

4.5

(based on 13 reviews)

92%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Comfortable (13)
Well ventilated (13)
Easily adjustable (12)
Protective (11)
Stylish (11)

Cons

Best Uses

Skiing (10)
Downhill (9)
Snowboarding (7)
Park (4)

- Sizing:
- Feels full size too small
  
  Feels half size too small
  
  Feels true to size
  
  100%
  (11 reviews)
  Feels half size too big
  
  Feels full size too big

- Reviewer Profile:
- Advanced (4), Intermediate (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (7)

Reviewed by 13 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-10

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Dec

2007

(21 of 21 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Feels great. looks great. Simply great!

By PDXSPUR

from Portland, OR

About Me Advanced

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Easily Adjustable
Great Peripheral Vision
Headphone Compatible
Protective
Stylish
Well Ventilated

Cons

Best Uses

Park
Skiing
Snowboarding

Comments about Smith Variant Brim Ski Helmet:

I bought this helmet after giving up on my Giro G9. The G9 felt too loose, and there was a large gap between helmet and goggles. Errors on my part when making my purchase. The Variant solves both those problems. Excellent initial fit is improved with a quick squeeze on the cinch strap in the back, customizing your fit. Whether you are on a straight line down a groomer, or bouncing through powder, this helmet stays in place. The brim deflects wind(as it should), and the removable inner cap can be positioned forward so your goggles overlap creating a perfect seal against the elements. I haven't tested the impact qualities yet, but the solid construction and durable materials inspire confidence. While everyone's dome is different, if this helmet feels good in the shop, you will love it on the mountain.

Oct

2008

(12 of 12 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Overall great helmet

By kielr

from Dubuque, IA

About Me Advanced

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Easily Adjustable
Great Peripheral Vision
Protective
Stylish
Well Ventilated

Cons

Best Uses

Downhill
Skiing

Comments about Smith Variant Brim Ski Helmet:

This helmet is great. It has proven me well during last years ski season. Extreamly warm and easily vented (much better than a winter hat). Only complaint would be that the visor prevents the ability to keep goggles positioned on the helmet while in the lodge. They stay above the brim of the helmet but occasionally take off and fall off the back off the back (dangle on the goggle retainer behind you).

Feb

2008

(7 of 9 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Almost perfect

By Arctic Nate

from Anchorage, AK

About Me Advanced

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Easily Adjustable
Great Peripheral Vision
Headphone Compatible
Well Ventilated

Cons

Heavy

Best Uses

Comments about Smith Variant Brim Ski Helmet:

Generally I love this helmet. it fits my head well, is compatible with my goggles (also Smith), and has great venting options. My one complaint is that it is a bit heavy compared to similarly priced helmets. However it fit my head best, and I am not disappointed in the purchase at all.

Jan

2009

(6 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

This helmet is sweet!!

By That Guy

from Boise, Id

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Easily Adjustable
Great Peripheral Vision
Headphone Compatible
Lightweight
Protective
Stylish
Well Ventilated

Cons

Best Uses

Downhill
Park
Snowboarding

Comments about Smith Variant Brim Ski Helmet:

I am a firm believer in wearing helmets for anything because they have saved my head on more than one occasion. I looked around for a long time and tried many different models and brands. The Variant Brim is sweet, it fits great, its warm and easy to adjust ventalation. This has to be one of the best purchases I have made in a very long time. I highly, highly recommend this helmet.

Nov

2010

(5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Great helmet!

By North Cascades Tom

from Bellingham, WA

About Me On The Mountain

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Easily Adjustable
Protective
Stylish
Well Ventilated

Cons

Best Uses

Downhill
Skiing

Comments about Smith Variant Brim Ski Helmet:

Skied many years without a helmet but am now teaching grand kids to ski and make them wear helmets so I shopped for one October of 09. Tried on many brands/models at several different retailers but liked the Variant Brim the best. Skied the whole 09/10 season (50 days) and had no issues at all with the helmet. I thought that it was going to be heavy and cumbersome but found the first day I wore it that I quickly forgot I had it on. It adds to overall warmth on cold days but has plenty of venting for milder weather. Worked well with sunglasses or with my Smith, Zeal, or Julbo goggles.

Feb

2011

(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Comfortable, warm snow helmet

By duc510

from Alameda, CA

About Me Intermediate

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Easily Adjustable
Great Peripheral Vision
Headphone Compatible
Lightweight
Protective
Stylish
Well Ventilated

Cons

Best Uses

Downhill
Skiing
Snowboarding

Comments about Smith Variant Brim Ski Helmet:

The helmet is packed full of features. The fit adjustment in the back, dual adjustable vents, headphone compatible ear pads are all great to have. I bought a wired headphone kit from Smith for the helmet and plugged in my own wireless bluetooth receiver for a wireless audio/phone setup for half the cost of Smith's bluetooth kit. I have no issues maintaining a comfortable temperature level while wearing the helmet, not to mention it fits great on my head. Not all heads are shaped the same so this helmet might not be a great fit for everyone

I did have an issue where the plastic shell of the helmet became unglued from the protective crush foam material after a year of regular use. I shipped the defective helmet back to Smith and they called me back the same day they received it to let me know a replacement was being shipped out.

This helmet is still a 5 star product based on comfort, features, and the lifetime warranty that was honored by Smith.

Dec

2010

(3 of 13 customers found this review helpful)

1.0

Beware,stylish but comes apart in a fall

By skier19

from ski country, USA

About Me Intermediate

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Headphone Compatible
Lightweight
Stylish
Well Ventilated

Cons

Won't hold up in a fall

Best Uses

Great if you don't crash

Comments about Smith Variant Brim Ski Helmet:

Bought this helmet last year, Dec. 2009 , it has a "lifetime warranty" which means that if it cracks or comes apart, SMITH will warranty it. But, if you fall & it comes apart at the seam, it is NOT warrantied!

It my 15 years of skiing and numerous falls, have NEVER had a helmet crack, or break! I just change them up when I am looking for a more stylish one every couple of years. Because of the way this helmet is manufactured, it has a weak spot around the ENTIRE midsection, where the two parts are seamed together. Bummer! Disappointed in the quality of the manufacturing, but felt it was a comfortable, cool looking helmet. If you are going to spend money on a helmet and are an intermediate skier, purchase a single mold helmet.

Sep

2010

(2 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Great product!

By Razvan

from Vancouver, Canada

About Me Anytime

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Easily Adjustable
Great Peripheral Vision
Headphone Compatible
Lightweight
Protective
Stylish
Well Ventilated

Cons

Best Uses

Downhill
Skiing
Snowboarding

Comments about Smith Variant Brim Ski Helmet:

I bought the standard helmet (one without audio) and purchased the audio kit separately. It is very easy to install it.

After that I bought a second helmet for my wife, this time I found the one with audio integrated.

The difference between the two is that the helmet with integrate audio has the "ear pads" - neck part - different. It is more thicker and protect your neck from the elements (i.e. wind).

If you want audio on it, definitely go for the helmet having audio integrated by default.

Also, because the helmet surface is smooth, it is very easy to install a POV camera mount kit on it (you can take it down easily as well)

p.s. I bought the matte black version

May

2011

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

As Good As It Gets!

By ski4me

from Bexley, OH

About Me Expert

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Easily Adjustable
Great Peripheral Vision
Headphone Compatible
Lightweight
Protective
Stylish
Well Ventilated

Cons

Best Uses

Downhill
Half Pipe
Park
Skiing
Snowboarding

Comments about Smith Variant Brim Ski Helmet:

There is a review here by skier19 complaining that it comes apart in a fall....EXACTLY what these type of helmets are designed to do......at an impact, the foam liner absorbs the blow and cracks.....meaning you have to replace the helmet as they ARE DESIGNED to do!!! He should have read the manual....explains this point. GREAT HELMET!!!

Mar

2011

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Very Well Made Helmet

By bkc1

from The Great Lakes State of Michigan

About Me Intermediate

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Easily Adjustable
Great Peripheral Vision
Headphone Compatible
Lightweight
Protective
Stylish
Well Ventilated

Cons

Best Uses

Downhill
Half Pipe
Park
Racing
Skiing
Snowboarding

Comments about Smith Variant Brim Ski Helmet:

Great helmet. I chose this helmet over all the others brands. I was sold on one brand until I tried it on, it did not fit properly, it was like my head was between a size Medium and a Large, neither fit with my googles. This helemt is very light and super cool looking. I have not crashed but feel confident wearing this Variant Brim.Also while on the slopes I see other people with the same helmet in different models, they all look cool. Great designs by Smith Optics. [...] It has a Lifetime Warranty.You can't do batter than that.