Smith Optics Forefront Mips Helmet

Smith Optics Forefront Mips Helmet Info

With the 2015 Forefront Mips helmets, Smith Optics takes an already fantastic, feature-packed helmet and makes it even safer. Like the Forefront, the Mips version offers a stylish design, excellent heat dissipation characteristics, and all-mountain-worthy protection in a package light enough for a roadie. With the addition of the Mips layer in this version of the helmet, rider safety reaches new heights.

The Forefront Mips is a full coverage helmet, providing protection from more types of falls—exactly what you want from an all mountain lid. But it's the Koroyd technology—the honeycomb-like lattice beneath the helmet's external shell—that's the game changer, as Smith claims that when the material is combined with the industry-standard EPS, the helmet will dissipate 30% more energy from a crash before it reaches your head.

Add Mips (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) technology to the equation and the safety story gets even better. The Mips “low friction layer,” which separates the helmet's shell from the liner, will allow the shell to slide independently upon impact, reducing rotational forces—and thereby the likelihood of injury—to the brain. That extra protection comes at a scant weight penalty, as the Forefront Mips still comes in at an impressive 310 grams (medium size, claimed weight).

All that protection doesn't translate to a hot noggin. Thanks to Smith's proprietary Aerocore technology, the helmet channels cool air into the front of the helmet and over the rider's head; then warm air flows out the back. That increased airflow isn't just beneficial for body temperature regulation: the Forefront's AirEvac ventilation system also keeps warm air away from your sunglasses or goggles, reducing fogging.

The best helmet in the world won't do you much good if it doesn't fit. VaporFit, Smith's turn-dial fit system, offers a full five centimeters of adjustability. The whole VaporFit system can move up and down or rotate forwards and backwards for perfect engagement.

And although Smith may be relatively new to the bike helmet market, the snow sports giant with a pedigree in goggles, skiing/snowboarding helmets and shades for all sports is no stranger to product integration. Nifty slots allow you to slide your sunglasses onto the front or back of your helmet on long, hot climbs, and an integrated elastic loop will secure your goggles on aggressive descents. The removable visor can rotate a full 15 degrees, integrates with goggles, and won't bounce around on the trail. And Smith offers dedicated mounts for solid support for GoPro cameras and Light in Motion lights.

Better protection, better ventilation, light weight, good looks: Smith has you covered with the Forefront Mips.