Overview
Smith Optics Maze is an ultra-light snow helmet with a sleek, minimalist design that maintains the durability, comfort and protection expected from its manufacturer. In the patent-pending design, Smith produced the world's lightest certified helmet with an in-mold construction shell for comfort and warmth. The shell has 9 vents (with waterproof plugs) and uses AirEvac 2 ventilation to maintain airflow, which reduces fogging and controls temperature.
You can purchase the Maze helmet online at www.smithoptics.com for $100.
Product Report Card Grade
We give the Smith Optics Maze helmet an A- because it is an exceptionally lightweight and durable helmet that will keep you safe while skiing or snowboarding. It offers good visibility and features 9 vents with removable plugs for improved temperature control. We had to deduct a few points because there were some complaints about inadequate insulation, so it may not be a great helmet in extremely cold weather. Additionally, some customers didn’t like that the vents weren’t adjustable for more precise temperature control.
Date Reviewed
January 2012
January 2012
January 2012
Pros
Lightweight and comfortable fit; great protection; great peripheral vision; goggle fog reduction; multiple colors; lifetime warranty; built-in audio kit available
Excellent protection; adjustable ventilation; audio system included; SHREDry lining; goggle fog reduction
Great protection; affordable; pony-tail compatible; built-in audio kit available; faux fur lining is cozy and removable for easy cleaning; cute, customizable design
Cons
Some customers reported issues with goggle lock; some customers felt the helmet lacked insulation; can't adjust vents (have to be fully opened or closed)
Expensive with short warranty; limited information online; limited sizes available
" Can't adjust ventilation "
Warranty
Limited lifetime warranty
1-year limited warranty
2-year limited warranty
Sizes
XSmall (52-54cm) / Small (54-56cm) / Medium (56-58cm) / Large (58-60cm) / XLarge (60-62cm)
Medium (54-58cm) / Large (60-64cm)
XXSmall (53-54cm) / XSmall (54-55cm) / Small (55-56cm) / Medium (57-58cm) / Large (58-59cm)
Weight
11.5 oz (330 g)
Unknown
17.63 oz (500 g )
Shell
Half shell with lightweight in-mold polyurethane construction and EPS liner
Half shell with lightweight in-mold polycarbonate construction and an impact-absorbing foam liner
Half shell design with injected ABS and high impact EPS liner
Lining
Unknown
Features a SHREDry liner, which is a breathable material that controls temperature, odor and static.
Beanie convertible lining that is removable for easy cleaning
Ventilation
Features AirEvac 2 Ventilation technology to offer temperature control and to reduce goggle fogging. The system is made up of 9 total vents in the shell with removable waterproof vent plugs.
Features the SHREDVent system (6 adjustable air vents) to offer temperature control and reduce goggle fogging.
Creates airflow through the helmet using 8 small vents.
Earflaps
Yes, it has cozy Snapfit SL Ear Pads that are removable for easy cleaning.
Yes, it has padded earflaps.
Yes, it has faux fur earflaps that are removable for easy cleaning.
Goggle Lock
Yes, it has a removable goggle lock.
Yes, it has an interchangeable goggle lock.
Yes, it has a goggle lock.
Adjustability
Not adjustable
Yes, it features Shred's Soft Fit System, which is a device that uses Velcro to fit the helmet to your head size.
The convertible liner can be adjusted slightly for beanies and ponytails.
Audio Capabilities
Optional - Skullcandy Bluetooth and Twin-Tip Link Phone/Audio Systems Available are sold separately.
Yes, it has the Shred Audio System, which includes standard audio jack and adjustable volume control.
Optional - Wired, removable ear pad head phones with great sound are sold separately
Product Design
It comes in multiple colors/styles (typically available in a solid color with a small logo on the side).
It has an edgy, racer-inspired design and is available in green, black or white.
It is available in solid colors with a matte finish, and you can customize it with badges.
Certifications
ASTM F 2040, CE EN 1077:2007 CLASS B
CE EN1077 and ASTMF2040
CE-EN1077 and ASTM F-2040
ProductReportCard Editors' In-Depth Review
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable fit
- Great protection
- Great peripheral vision
- Goggle fog reduction
- Multiple colors
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Some customers reported issues with goggle lock
- Some customers felt the helmet lacked insulation
- Earflaps can muffle sounds of other skiers and snowboarders around you
- Can't adjust vents (have to be fully opened or closed)
Key Features
Sizes
5 different sizes for perfect fit
- XSmall (52-54cm) / Small (54-56cm) / Medium (56-58cm) / Large (58-60cm) / XLarge (60-62cm)
Weight
11.5 oz / 330 grams (lightest certified helmet)
Shell
Half shell with lightweight in-mold polyurethane construction and EPS liner
Product Design
The helmets come in multiple colors and are typically a solid color with a small logo on the side. The red helmet has "SMITH OPTICS" written in large print on the side and there is also a brown helmet with a motorcycle.
Ventilation
AirEvac 2 Ventilation technology reduces fogging by maximizing goggle and helmet airflow. There are 9 total vents in the shell and the helmet comes with removable waterproof vent plugs to control temperature.
Earflaps
Snapfit SL Ear Pads are designed to fit comfortably and snugly. They can be removed for easy cleaning.
Goggles
Removable goggle lock to secure goggle strap to helmet
Audio Capability
Optional - Skullcandy Bluetooth and Twin-Tip Link Phone/Audio Systems Available are sold separately.
Certifications
ASTM F 2040, CE EN 1077:2007 CLASS B
Reputation
There aren't many customer reviews online, but the few that I did find were very positive. Users found the Maze to be a great overall helmet for the price and liked the fact that it was really light, had good visibility and great ventilation. There were some who felt there wasn't enough insulation and would be a better helmet in warmer areas.
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