Smith helmet size chart
SMALL | 51 - 55 |
MEDIUM | 55 - 59 |
LARGE | 59 - 63 |
X LARGE | 63 - 67 |
My head measures 59/60, which is between a medium and large size, and the large fits much tighter than I had expected compared to any helmet before in that size (as if the Large was a Medium). I not only thought it felt small, my fiancé said it looked small on me compared to the Smith Level. And it's not in the head circumference so much, as I can use the boa to tighten a little, but the width of the helmet with the super thick ear pads, makes it feel pretty narrow.
The same Large size in the Smith Level MIPs model fits loosely and requires a decent amount of tightening with the boa like adjustment and still leaves a gap between the ears and ear pads, so the Vantage MIPs just has a narrow construction for some reason.
I tried the Vantage in an XL and I could have used that also (fit more like my old Large Giro), but was concerned after some break in it could get too sloppy given it's far from my head size, so I stuck with the large at this point. I've skied with the large a few times now with a thin head cover and had no major issues so I think it's breaking in a little.
My advice, if you measured correctly and are between sizes or close to the top of the range, I would
definitely go with the larger of the two. Also, I think this helmet is designed to fit very close for maximum protection and warmth, where as some helmets are kind of sloppy, so it takes some break in and getting use to it I guess (think of it fitting like a motor cycle helmet vs a traditional ski/bike helmet).
I found the features of the helmet to be top notch, especially the venting and ability to keep you warm or to dump heat. And with vents open, I didn't have any major wind whistling noises, unlike the Level which I found to be noisy. You just have to get the right size. Try before you buy.