This helmet comes with a premium price tag and has the feature set to back it up. The Giro Tor Spherical ($300) is jam-packed: It boasts MIPS Spherical construction—it places MIPS within the helmet shell itself, and is pretty uncommon—an effective dial adjust system, adjustable venting, and a magnetic buckle. We found its comfort to be well above-average (if not amazing), and the same goes for warmth. This is a heavy bucket due to all that tech, but our tester was happy to wear the Tor all day. You probably will be as well if you can pony up the cash.
Comfort
Warmth
Ventilation
Weight & Bulk
Durability
Sustainability
Weight
1 lb. 3.5 oz.
Construction
Hybrid in-mold
Vents
8 (5 adjustable)
MIPS
Yes (MIPS Spherical)
Pros
Cons
Giro Tor Spherical
For a breakdown of this season's top lids, see our guide to the Best Ski Helmets.
I was impressed with how well the Giro Tor Spherical balances plushness and security without feeling too bulky. The interior is well-padded in all the right spots, and I didn’t experience any of the usual discomfort around the temples or forehead that often plagues more overbuilt ski helmets. The standout detail here, though, is the Tor’s ear pad design—it’s easily the best I’ve experienced in a resort helmet. Instead of pressing against my ears or creating hot spots, the pads have a hollowed-out space that comfortably surrounds the ear. I usually prefer riding without ear pads, but I was more than happy to wear these.
The Tor’s fit adjustment system also contributes meaningfully to comfort. The rear dial can be operated with one hand—even when I have gloves on—and allows for micro-adjustments depending on layers or how snug I want the helmet to feel. On more technical runs, I’d crank it down for a secure fit and loosen it up again at the bottom. The system never caused pressure points, though after extended use, I did feel a slight bit of pressure at the base of my skull if the helmet was overtightened. What I never felt, though, was the MIPS Spherical system, which places the MIPS layer within the Tor’s shell, rather than on the interior of the helmet. That removes another potential source of discomfort and adds to this helmet’s well-rounded plushness factor. Compared to the Smith Code MIPS, which I normally wear, the Tor felt noticeably more secure and comfortable.
The Tor is warm even for a resort helmet, thanks to its moderate amount of padding and relatively closed vent layout. It’s not quite the coziest helmet on the block—models like the Smith Level or Smith Nexus have beat it on insulation—but I’d still call the Tor more than sufficient for cold-weather skiing. During testing, I used it in spring sun, heavy snow, and chilly night-skiing temps. With the vents closed and a thin beanie underneath, I had no complaints during cold lift rides or storm days.
Even when I’m not wearing a beanie, the ear pads provide decent wind resistance (though not total coverage), and layering with a Buff or balaclava improved overall warmth on frigid days. In mild conditions, opening the top vents helped me avoid overheating, though I’d stop short of calling this a breathable helmet (more on that in the next section). The Tor is warm enough to wear comfortably across a wide range of winter conditions, and its padding doesn’t feel oppressive or swampy once things heat up. For true freeze-proof performance, I’d still lean toward options like the Smith Level, which has thicker padding, but the Tor should get you through most of winter without too much brain freeze (read our Smith Level review).
The ventilation on the Tor is respectable but not outstanding. This helmet features eight vents, with five of them adjustable via a sliding tab on top. The mechanism is simple and glove-friendly, and being able to fine-tune airflow without taking the helmet off is always appreciated. That said, the vents themselves are relatively small and limited in number, especially compared to airier resort helmets like the Sweet Protection Switcher (22 vents) or the Glade Boundary (16 vents, 10 of them adjustable).
During resort laps on warm, sunny days, I started to feel the limits of the Tor’s airflow. My head never got uncomfortably hot, but the Tor doesn’t dump heat as quickly as models with larger or more numerous vents. Still, the adjustability offers a nice degree of control, and I never experienced goggle fogging or significant sweat buildup—even during high-output skiing or quick bootpacks. For cold-to-moderate conditions, the ventilation is fine. If you ski in the spring a lot or want maximum breathability, there are more well-ventilated models out there.
At 1 pound 3.5 ounces, the Giro Tor Spherical is one of the heaviest helmets Better Trail has tested. But while the weight is noticeable on paper, it didn’t feel out of line during real-world use. Most full-featured resort helmets hover in the same weight class—see the Sweet Protection Switcher (1 lb. 5.2 oz.) or the Oakley Mod 5 (1 lb. 6 oz.)—and the Tor’s hybrid construction and robust feature set help explain the extra ounces. It’s definitely not built for the skin track, but you’ll probably want a helmet that ventilates better for backcountry use anyway.
In terms of shape and bulk, the Tor has a relatively low-profile silhouette. It sits close to the head without the bulbous look that some older Giro and Smith models used to have. The helmet never felt awkward or clunky, and we didn’t have any trouble stashing it in a boot bag or carrying it around. Still, if you’re sensitive to weight or planning to hike often with your helmet in a pack, the Tor may not be the best fit. For the majority of resort-focused skiers, though, the heft is an easy tradeoff for durability and comfort.
The Giro Tor Spherical features hybrid in-mold construction, which combines a tough ABS top shell with lighter in-mold material on the lower portion of the helmet. That’s standard fare for premium resort helmets, and in my testing, it delivered a nice mix of durability and weight balance. The helmet feels solid in hand, and every component—from the magnetic buckle to the adjustable vents—operated cleanly and with a satisfying click.
After five days of use, the helmet showed almost no signs of wear. The outer shell shrugged off branches and chairlift bumps with only minimal cosmetic scuffs, and the interior padding retained its structure and support. The MIPS Spherical system, which sits between the helmet’s outer layers instead of against your scalp, feels slick and reassuring. For a premium model, the Tor’s build quality and materials seem up to par with expectations—and likely to last multiple seasons of regular use.
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Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
MIPS Spherical
Unlike traditional MIPS liners that sit against the interior of the helmet, the Tor’s MIPS Spherical design places the liner within the helmet’s shell. Its ball-and-socket structure allows for subtle movement during an impact and reduces rotational forces, all without interfering with the interior comfort.
Fit Adjustment System
The dial-based adjustment system works well with gloves and allows for precise on-the-fly tuning. I found myself tightening it a few extra clicks on steep descents and loosening it afterward for relaxed cruising. It’s not Boa-branded, but the functionality is just as good.
Magnetic Buckle
The magnetic chinstrap clasp is a nice touch that adds polish to the experience. It’s intuitive, fast, and much easier to operate than traditional buckles, especially with gloves or mittens on. We think this is a must-have for ski helmets that cost more than $200, but not all of them do.
The Giro Tor Spherical comes in three sizes from small to large. I tested it in my go-to medium and it was right in the sweet spot. Adjustment is handled by a simple dial at the back that’s easy to operate with one hand, even while wearing ski gloves or mittens. Giro states that the dial offers 6 centimeters of adjustment, and this felt about right to me. On steeper, spicier runs, I’d give the wheel a few extra clicks for a locked-in feel, then loosen it back up on the chair ride down.
I never messed with it, but the Tor Spherical also features Giro’s Vertical Tuning, which allows you to rotate the helmet forward or backward on the head—just another helpful adjustment to avoid gaper gaps and achieve the perfect fit.
Smith Nexus MIPS ($330): The Grandaddy of Feature-Rich Lids
If you’re considering the Tor for its feature set, the Nexus MIPS takes everything one step further. You get even more premium padding, a Boa adjustment system, MIPS (the regular version), and Smith’s proprietary Koroyd material, which provides additional crumple-zone protection. The Nexus also has a staggering 24 vents, 18 of which are adjustable. It’s warmer and slightly more comfortable than the Tor, and roughly the same weight. However, it’s also significantly more expensive—this is the most expensive bucket we tested. Unless you’re chasing the absolute top tier in comfort and customization, the Tor gets you most of the way there for less. For a deeper dive, read the Smith Nexus review.
Smith Level MIPS ($225): A Good All-Around Alternative
The Level is our top pick for resort-focused comfort and warmth. It’s heavily padded, has hybrid in-mold construction, and uses both Koroyd and MIPS for strong impact protection. The ventilation system includes 20 vents, 10 of them adjustable, and it matches the Tor’s resort-ready weight. What it lacks is a magnetic buckle and the Spherical MIPS system, but it costs less and feels just as cozy on cold days. Unless you really prefer the look and design of the Tor, the Level is the better value buy. For more, read our review of the Smith Level.
Built for serious freeriders, the premium Tor is jam-packed with features. It's heavy as a result, but most skiers will love the high-end combination of MIPS protection, warmth, and comfort. A tough ABS hardshell adds significant durability.
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Ventilation
Weight & Bulk
Durability
Sustainability
Smith’s top-flight lid delivers across the board: comfort, safety, durability, features, and style. But it comes with a double-take-worthy price tag.
Comfort
Warmth
Ventilation
Weight & Bulk
Durability
Sustainability
The ultimate resort helmet, Smith’s Level (women's Liberty) mixes a high-end, plush interior with a durable shell and adjustable ventilation system for everyday alpine performance. It’s too heavy and insulated for the backcountry but otherwise a standout in quality, warmth, and comfort.
Comfort
Warmth
Ventilation
Weight & Bulk
Durability
Sustainability
If you’re looking for a full-featured resort helmet with premium construction and dialed-in comfort, the Giro Tor Spherical should be on your radar. It’s not the lightest option out there, and it doesn’t come cheap, but the combination of plush ear pads, smart adjustability, and MIPS Spherical protection makes it a compelling package. Skiers who want something lighter for uphill travel or who don’t care about features like magnetic buckles may want to save money elsewhere. But if you want solid warmth, subtle safety tech, and a ski helmet you can wear all day without issue, the Tor delivers.
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