Smith Rodeo MIPS Ski Helmet Review
Updated:
Nov 11, 2025
Comfort
Warmth
Ventilation
Weight & Bulk
Durability
Sustainability
Weight
1 lb. 3 oz.
Construction
ABS
Vents
10 (fixed)
MIPS
Yes
Pros
Cons
Smith Rodeo MIPS
For this season's top lids, see our guide to the Best Ski Helmets.
For a budget helmet, the Rodeo’s relatively high comfort level surprised me. Rather than echo the minimalist approach taken by Oakley with its affordable MIPS model, the Mod 1 ($135), Smith designed the Rodeo with thick foam around the back of the neck and ears. The foam is a clear step down in plushness from the company’s premium helmet models, such as the Level MIPS ($220), but it's comparable in feel to the mid-range Smith Mission ($140). The Rodeo’s foam has a pleasantly squishy feel that mostly isolates you from the helmet’s plastic fit system, which wraps around the back half of the head. This ski helmet also offers a cushy chin strap, which is wrapped with the same soft material as the rest of the lining.
My chief complaint about the Smith Rodeo MIPS is that the foam along the forehead is thin, and I felt a slight pressure in that area from the MIPS liner. I also found a corresponding line on my forehand when removing the helmet at the end of each day. Additionally, the helmet’s ABS plastic material gives it a heavy and bulky feel (more on this below).
A big contributor to helmet comfort is getting the right fit, and it’s notable that the Rodeo has a micro-adjustment fit dial. Most helmets in the sub-$100 category don’t include a dial—Smith’s Holt, for example, uses stretchy strips of fabric to mold the liner to your head. While the Holt’s system does the trick, the Rodeo’s is far more customizable and you can snug it down more effectively. The fit system cinches from roughly your ears to the back of your head, so it’s not a full 270- or even 360-degree design that premium designs offer. But it’s a noteworthy upgrade for a ski helmet at this price, offering more security and customization than usual.
With its 10 vents fixed in a permanently open position and corresponding gaps in the MIPS liner, the Rodeo requires extra insulation on frigid days or in snowy conditions. For lapping groomers, I’d want to add a balaclava if the temps dipped into the low 20s to protect the front and top of my head, where wind and cold air come through unimpeded. (The openings at the forehead in particular are a recipe for brain freeze.) The passive front vents on the Oakley Mod 1, which direct air around the sides to the back vents, are a far better solution by comparison.
In better news, your ears and back of the head should stay plenty warm due to the Rodeo’s thick padding. In warm weather, you can also remove the ear pads and back of the lining completely. (The lining is one piece, so everything comes off).
The flip side to the Rodeo’s below-average warmth is that the helmet ventilates well. The 10 permanently open vents generate lots of airflow, and the ability to remove the padding (without having to remove the fit system) means you can wear the helmet when temps soar above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
I wore the Smith Rodeo MIPS on the last day of the ski season, with the weather downright spring-like in the 50s by the final laps. I removed the Rodeo’s liner and, unlike some of my fellow skiers, who had ditched their lids due to excessive warmth, the helmet’s venting kept perfectly happy (albeit with slightly compromised comfort due to lack of padding without the liner). The Rodeo’s gaping vents allow air to make its way through the shell and interior lining with no solid fabric or plastic linings to block it. It’s certainly not a versatile design—adding adjustable vents that open and close would be a huge boon—but this helmet is extremely effective from a pure ventilation standpoint.
The Rodeo has an old-school ABS construction—meaning the plastic shell and foam liner are two pieces rather than one in-mold design—and so this helmet is comparatively heavy and bulky. My size medium tips the scales at 1 pound 3.4 ounces (Smith lists the weight at 1 lb. 3 oz.), which is three to five ounces heavier than a similarly equipped in-mold ski helmet. (For example, the Oakley Mod 1 is only 14.4 oz. in a medium). Whereas a higher-priced helmet may weigh about the same—Smith’s Level MIPS is roughly the same overall weight—the bulkier shape of the Rodeo, a fit system that doesn’t fully wrap the head, and squishier padding all contribute to its heftier and less snug feel. From a looks perspective in the budget space, the Rodeo lands between the large, bulbous Anon Raider 3 and the low-profile Mod 1.
The Smith Rodeo’s ABS plastic shell makes this helmet a durable workhorse. Its burly material is highly resistant to damage from light branch strikes or knocks from rolling around in a vehicle. This resilience makes the Rodeo a sensible option for park riders or folks who are rough on their gear. My brightly colored helmet did pick up scuff marks from being stored in a garage and around ski gear, but it still looks nearly like new after a couple months of use. On the inside, the Smith Rodeo MIPS’s lining is thick and should have a long life, although the squishy foam will be more prone to packing out with extended use compared with premium, more supportive designs. Time will tell if the fit system will hold up, but I’ve had zero issues with it getting stuck or failing to tighten or loosen so far.
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Longevity
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Recycled Materials
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Responsible Manufacturing
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Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
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Carbon Footprint Tracking
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Annual Impact Report
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MIPS Liner
There are very few ski helmets that feature MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) and cost less than $100. That the Rodeo contains this safety feature—which consists of a plastic liner along the interior of the helmet that moves separately from your head to guard against glancing impacts—is a win for budget-conscious, safety-first skiers and riders. The Rodeo is also available in a non-MIPS version for $20 less, but at this helmet’s already attractive price point we think the model with MIPS is worth the upgrade.
Adjustable Fit System
The Rodeo’s dial adjustment system is also a noteworthy feature given the sub-$100 price tag. You can adjust the helmet’s fit in small increments by turning a dial located at the back of the head. The system is intuitive to use: Turn right to tighten, and left to loosen. While it’s simple and efficient, the Rodeo’s fit system is not a premium setup. It only cinches from the back of the head to just behind the ears, less than the 270- and 360-degree systems on premium designs. While wearing gloves, I found that the dial takes a little work to pinch and turn—it’s not as effortless as Boa systems we’ve tested—but that’s a small complaint.
My head circumference measures 58 centimeters, my head shape is slightly rounded, and I consistently fit into size medium Smith helmets. That trend applies to the Rodeo, which fit me well in a medium (size range: 55-59 cm) with no sizing issues. The helmet slides on easily and requires only a small turn of the fit dial to secure an even fit. (Overall, we’ve found that Smith helmets fit true to size.)
Smith offers the Rodeo in both oval contour and round contour shapes. The oval version is designed for most common head shapes, while the round variation is made for folks with (you guessed it) rounder crown profiles. I tested the oval contour version of this helmet, and my only fit-related issue was a slight but persistent pressure along my forehead.
Accessories-wise, the flat and brimless front of the Rodeo makes it fairly easy to pair with ski goggles. I tested the Rodeo with the Smith Frontier goggle in a medium and achieved a fit that was more or less seamless, with only space along the sides of the forehead. As long as the goggle’s frame isn’t overly rounded at the top, most models should integrate fairly well with the Rodeo.
Oakley Mod 1 MIPS ($135): More Money, Less Padding
Smith is dominant in the world of snow helmets, but Oakley is a top competitor, and the Mod 1 MIPS is its leading budget offering. For $35 more than the Rodeo MIPS—a notable price difference in this budget zone—the Mod 1 comes with a Boa adjustment system, which is a nice touch (Smith has an in-house adjustment dial that is good but not quite Boa). On the flipside, Oakley went more minimal with padding and particularly around the back of the neck and ears, resulting in a less comfortable fit overall. In terms of ventilation, the Mod1 has limited venting on the top and brim of the helmet, which can be an issue on warmer days, while the Rodeo MIPS has 10 vents that are permanently open (the opposite problem). Both helmets have removable ear pads, a MIPS liner, and are sold in non-MIPS versions for $20 less. All in all, both helmets should get the job done at a reasonable price, but we favor the value proposition and comfort of the Smith.
Giro Ratio MIPS ($120): You Want Adjustable Vents?
For another $25, Giro’s long-standing Ratio tacks on one valuable feature: adjustable vents. Compared with the fixed openings on the Rodeo, this makes the Giro far friendlier for everything from chilly days (you can seal out the cold better) to storm riding. We also found the Giro to have a softer and warmer interior, with a fleece-like lining that’s surprisingly cozy for the price. Otherwise, the two ski helmets share a lot in common, including adjustable fit dials and durable (read: heavy) constructions.
Smith Method MIPS ($145): Light and Low-Profile
Sticking in-house, Smith’s Method represents an upgrade in price and performance from the Rodeo. The most significant change is the Method’s in-mold construction, which saves significant weight (nearly 5 oz.) and bulk compared to the ABS-built Rodeo. Park riders and those who prioritize durability will still be better off with the burly Rodeo, but all-mountain skiers will likely appreciate the lower-profile setup. It’s worth pointing out the Method lacks a micro-adjustable fit system—something the cheaper Rodeo does include. For more, read our review of the Method MIPS.
The Smith Rodeo is a modern take on the classic hardshell lid, sporting ABS plastic that meets the Global Recycling Standard. It's classically bulky and not as refined or comfy as pricier alternatives, but we appreciate the value.
Comfort
Warmth
Ventilation
Weight & Bulk
Durability
Sustainability
With a soft, warm interior and adjustable ventilation, the Giro Ratio is a great resort lid at a value price. It’s bulkier and won’t have as long of a lifespan as premium alternatives, but it’s among the most versatile budget designs we’ve tested.
Comfort
Warmth
Ventilation
Weight & Bulk
Durability
Sustainability
Light and low profile, the Smith Method bucks the trend of large and bulky entry-level lids. You also get Smith’s premium energy-absorbing Koroyd and a cozy interior, but we missed having a micro-adjustable fit system.
Comfort
Warmth
Ventilation
Weight & Bulk
Durability
Sustainability
Is the Smith Rodeo for You?
Spending less than $100 for any ski- or snowboard-related gear is a win for the consumer. And when it’s a product as essential as the Smith Rodeo MIPS—head protection is important, folks—we’re even more inclined to recommend it. The Rodeo’s feature set, from its MIPS liner to its dial-based fit adjustment system and comfy liner, makes this ski helmet perform and protect much better than its price tag would suggest. You do make some concessions to comfort and warmth with the Rodeo, but your wallet and head probably won’t mind much at all.
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