Smith Forefront 2 MIPS Mountain Biking Helmet Review

Smith has certainly created a name for itself over the years.  Crafting snow goggles since 1965 has created a heritage that runs deep.  Their foray into the bike helmet market has furthered that reputation in my view.  When you think of smith, you think of the benchmark for quality!

Who’s The Smith Forefront 2 For?

The Smith Forefront 2 Helmet is built to be the everyday driver.  From mellow rides to school with the kids to heart pumping gravity laps at the bike park, it’s capable of it all!  The Forefront II offers the greatest amount of protection in an open face helmet coming from Smith. 

The key feature of the helmet is the full Koroyd coverage layer which is utilized to increase the reliability and safety of the helmet’s response and compression upon impact. The deep rear section that covers the greatest amount of the head as possible is a vital feature as well.

Helmet Impact Technology

Koroyd performs superiorly to traditional expanded Polystyrene in a multitude of ways, It is significantly more puncture resistant to single point abrasions and unlike EPS (expanded polystyrene) where the force experienced to the wearer increases as it functions in an impact, Koroyd reacts in a much more progressive way retaining the peak forces on the head lower in a large blow up.  Koroyd unlike EPS which springs back effectively making the seriousness of head movement more drastic it stays crumpled after impact thus lessening the energy of a big wreck. 

The Forefront II also features MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) which allows the head to move ever so slightly through the low friction liner of the helmet thus eliminating much of the rotational force transferred to the head and brain which helps reduce the risk of concussion and neck injuries. 

Having Rocked the Troy Lee Designs, A1, A2 and A3 helmets over the past decade I can say I am very much into Smiths technology and its superior performance achieved thru the Koroyd technology present.  What you slightly sacrifice in breathability, you gain so much more in safety which is clearly the priority when it comes to riding.

How’s this Smith Helmet Fit?

When it comes to fit, the Forefront II has you more than covered.  Its level of adjustability is truly spectacular and superior to any other helmet on the market in its class.  It allows adjustment over three positions vertically which allows one to decide where the helmet makes contact with the back of one’s head, thus changing the fit and feel noticeably. The helmet uses a dial on the rear cradle to dial in fit. If you want to adjust even further, the capability exists via the cradle having four additional positions to pick from which is quite useful over multiple different disciplines of riding styles. 

True to its minimalist design the Forefront II is very streamlined when it comes to its padding featuring one large front mounted pad covering the forehead round to the temple, and a second smaller pad on the crown of the head. 

It provides a glove like fit due to eliminating soft foam which tends to jostle on trail thus eliminating that factor.  However, due to that, one may need to play with the fit a bit in order to eventually dial in the cradle adjustments to the greatest success in fit.  A wide ban at the rear of the helmet was thoughtfully installed to ensure secure and safe goggle storage during climbing and sufficient space under the visor easily accommodates strap.

Sunglass Friendly

If you thought that was nifty then the intelligent design of a recessed channel spanning from under the visor to the back of the helmet accommodates two mounting positions for sunglasses.  When the visor is up, just flip glasses upside down and push the arms into the Chanel between the visor and the helmet.  This option for the front is simple and easy to accomplish even with one hand during climbs once practiced and perfected. 

Another option is to flip your glasses just like they were but mount them rear facing at the back of the helmet, repeating the process of placing the arms into the channel.  By placing them in the channel it keeps them completely out of your sightline and is arguably the most secure way to mount them on helmet.  For the POV or night riding folks, Smith has included an option to mount on top of the helmet which creates a solid and removable mount point.  With 20 vents scattered over the shell this allows for solid ventilation when on longer jaunts.  What you sacrifice in breathability you are more than compensated in a higher degree of safety which in my view is priority!

When on trail the most important piece in dialing in this helmet was the fit.  Messing with the cradle positions will allow one to truly tailor the fit to their own unique head.  The adjustment dial is simple to use and stays in place, tight throughout the entirety of use. This is evident when traveling over rough terrain evidenced by not having to ratchet it down so tight that is causes pressure spots on head. 

The Koroyd membrane functions well when it comes to temperature regulations across all seasons.  It prevents wind and rain from moving through the vents which is a nice factor when riding in winter but has not been an issue in summer when it coms to dumping heat in order for the helmet to still breath effectively,  I couldn’t be more happier on the ability to stow MTB glasses or goggles with such ease.  You never know when you may or may not need eye protection and with the Forefront II the option to have them is always there which equates to a greater level of choice ultimately allowing one to dial themselves in to a greater degree, love that!

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Superior Safety Technology: Features full Koroyd coverage and MIPS, offering advanced impact protection that is more puncture-resistant and progressive in force absorption compared to traditional EPS. The deep rear section also covers a greater amount of the head.

• Excellent and Customizable Fit: Offers spectacular adjustability with three vertical positions and four additional cradle positions, allowing for a highly tailored, “glove-like” fit that stays secure without creating pressure spots.

Cons:

• Potentially Reduced Breathability: While the text emphasizes that safety is prioritized, it does mention sacrificing “slightly in breathability” and that “What you sacrifice in breathability you are more than compensated in a higher degree of safety.” This implies it might not be as airy as some other helmets, especially in warmer conditions.

Overall Impression

In summary, the Smith Forefront II Mountain Bike Helmet ($250.00) stands up to any helmet in its class.  Having ridden it for most of the summer riding season, it is still performing just as well as it did on day 1 which is saying quite a lot as some competitors namely the TLD A line in my opinion over time degrades and does not fit to the same degree as it does out of the gate. Its clear that this helmet is of very high quality just like every other product smith produces. I would highly recommend this helmet to anyone looking for a jack of all trades up for any style of riding on any given day.  Thanks Smith for continuing to produce high quality life saving products with the utmost care and expertise!

Additional Bike Helmets to Consider We Tested in the Tetons

1. Scott Argo Plus MIPS Helmet
2. Smith Payroll MIPS Helmet
3. Giant Women’s LIV Rail MIPS Helmet