[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Recently purchased my second Smith helmet... upgrading from a Smith Level MIPS XL to a Smith Quantum MIPS XL. In XL size, there are limited color options (usually just black, white, or some grayscale). I purchased both on sale from the prior model year, so if both were equally discounted the Level was maybe sixty percent as expensive as the Quantum. So what do you get for the extra cash? Supposedly more protection, which is the reason I purchased the more expensive helmet. The Quantum feels more substantial, but also heavier. I do not think the Boa tightening device is superior to the Smith version on the cheaper helmets, but that is part of the reason this helmet costs more. I understand why reviews cite the Smith Vantage as the best overall helmet... it is in between cost/protection of the Level and Quantum, but much lighter. I only ski resort (no backcountry) and do not mind the extra weight in exchange for the additional protection. I also did not feel the Vantage was sufficiently different from the Level to justify the purchase of a second helmet. However, if I were purchasing a single helmet today, I would purchase the Smith Vantage MIPS. The Level has been fine over the past few seasons though, so whatever your budget permits...
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