Most of us want the same thing from a helmet: something that protects properly, stays comfortable from first lift to last, and does not need a degree in engineering to fasten with cold hands. The SCOTT Element Pro MIPS ticks all three, and at £130 it does it for noticeably less than SCOTT’s own flagship lids.
As featured in InTheSnow magazine, Issue 82
A lightweight all-mountain and freeride helmet combining MIPS® protection with integrated RECCO® technology for added mountain safety. Active ventilation, anti-fog airflow and SCOTT’s 360° Pure Sound technology boost comfort, while the glove-friendly FIDLOCK® magnetic buckle is a particularly useful finishing touch.
| Key specs | |
|---|---|
| RRP | £130 |
| Sizes | S, M, L |
| Construction | PC in-mould shell, EPS liner, PC bottom wrap |
| Rotational protection | MIPS® Brain Protection System |
| Rescue | RECCO® reflector |
| Ventilation | Active Venting System with adjustable sliders, plus anti-fog goggle venting |
| Buckle | FIDLOCK® magnetic, one-handed |
| Ear pads | 360° Pure Sound |
| Certification | EN 1077:2007 Class B |
| Best for | All-mountain and freeride |
What is the SCOTT Element Pro MIPS?
It is SCOTT’s mid-priced all-mountain and freeride helmet, sitting below the Flow Pro we reviewed last season. You lose the Flow Pro’s temperature-regulating padding and integrated fit system, but you keep the safety features that matter most: MIPS and RECCO.
How safe is it?
The shell is in-mould polycarbonate fused to an EPS liner, with a polycarbonate wrap around the lower edge where helmets usually take knocks in the boot room and on the lift. Inside, the MIPS layer is designed to move slightly in an angled impact, reducing the rotational forces that reach your head. That is now the standard we would expect at this price, and it is good to see it here.
The RECCO reflector is the other headline. It lets rescue teams with RECCO detectors locate you, which is a sensible extra for anyone drifting off the side of the piste. It does not replace a transceiver, shovel and probe if you are properly off piste.
Is it comfortable?
SCOTT’s Active Venting System lets you open or close the vents with sliders, so you can button it up on a cold chair and open it on a warm afternoon. There is also dedicated anti-fog venting to pull warm air away from your goggles, which tends to make more difference day to day than people expect. The 360° Pure Sound ear pads are designed so you can still hear what is going on around you, which matters on busy pistes.
The small detail we like most
The FIDLOCK magnetic buckle. It clips together one-handed with gloves on and releases easily, and once you have used one, a standard buckle at the top of a cold lift feels like a chore.
Our InTheSnow review
Here’s the thing about helmets. The best one is the one that fits, and that you’ll happily wear from first lift to last without giving it a second thought. The Element Pro gets the important bits right: MIPS and RECCO for £130 is genuinely good value, and the FIDLOCK magnetic buckle is one of those small details you’ll appreciate every single cold morning (nobody enjoys fumbling a strap at the top of a draggy T-bar).
It’s new this season, so independent reviews are still thin on the ground. SCOTT’s track record is reassuring, though. Its bigger sibling, the Flow Pro, recorded the lowest slow-impact force OutdoorGearLab has measured, and testers singled out the 360° Pure Sound ear pads, which the Element Pro shares, for keeping you aware of what’s happening around you.
The realistic bit? Those same testers found SCOTT’s fit suits some head shapes better than others. So take your goggles to the shop and try it on properly. If it fits, it’s an easy yes.
The InTheSnow verdict
InTheSnow rating: 4.5 out of 5
A well-judged helmet that puts the money where it counts. If you want MIPS and RECCO without paying flagship prices, the Element Pro MIPS is an easy one to recommend. As always, fit is everything, so try it on with your own goggles before you buy.
What we like
- MIPS and RECCO at £130
- Adjustable venting and anti-fog airflow
- Glove-friendly magnetic buckle
Worth knowing
- No published weight from SCOTT
- Lacks the Flow Pro’s temperature-regulating padding
- Fit is head-shape dependent, so try before you buy
Who should buy it?
Resort skiers who explore the edges of the piste, and anyone upgrading from an older helmet without MIPS. If you spend long days hiking for lines, the Flow Pro’s extra temperature control may be worth the step up.
FAQs
Is the SCOTT Element Pro MIPS good for freeride?
Yes. SCOTT rates it for all-mountain and freeride use, and it pairs MIPS rotational impact protection with a RECCO reflector, which is exactly what you want once you start leaving the piste.
Does the SCOTT Element Pro MIPS have RECCO?
Yes. A RECCO reflector is built in, so rescue teams with RECCO detectors can search for you. It is not a substitute for a transceiver off piste.
How much is the SCOTT Element Pro MIPS helmet in the UK?
The RRP is £130, and it comes in sizes S, M and L.
Where to buy
Available from SCOTT Sports and specialist UK ski retailers.
Specification
Price: £130