Article by Jeff Valliere
Smith Forefront 3 Mips Helmet ($300)
Sizes S-M-L
14.1oz /400 grams (size Med)
Pros: Protective, well vented, comfortable, easy to adjust secure BOA Fit System, Koroyd, Mips, eyewear integration, versatility
Cons: Weight, price ($300 is on the high end of the range, but you are certainly getting the best technology, safety and versatility
Introduction/Fit/Style: The Forefront 3 Mips is Smith’s newest top end mountain bike helmet, offering full coverage protection. It features zonal Koroyd protection, Mips impact technology and BOA Fit System.
The Forefront 3 Mips is not particularly lightweight, but considering all of the features and protection that it offers (at 14.1 ounces in my size medium), it is overall a fair trade off and a reasonable weight for all but the most hardcore racing. The Forefront 3 is stylish, well ventilated and has an exceptionally safe/secure feel to it.
I always wear a size medium in all brands/types of helmets and that is the case here with the Forefront 3, with the BOA Fit System dial really snugging up the helmet, while still allowing plenty of room underneath if I want to add a beanie or cycling cap.
The design is modern and the Matte Chalk colorway is really sharp in person. The visor is adjustable to 3 different positions to adjust as needed depending on the sun and also to accommodate space for your goggles. There are also mounting slots (or eyewear integration as it is called) for sunglasses in the front and back/top of the helmet.
Features:
The Forefront 3 Mips is very well thought out and loaded with the latest technology to provide a very functional, stylish and has a high level of protection if the worst should happen.
With 20 fixed vents, the helmet is exceptionally well ventilated and has an airy feeling.
The BOA Fit System dial is very easy to adjust and snugs the helmet securely, which is super easy to adjust with micro increments.
On the inside, the BOA Fit System integrates with the fit cradle and the thin cables anchoring towards the front of the helmet.
The cable and BOA fit system is minimal in design, but is very comfortable and durable. I have owned a lot of helmets with adjustment dials, but the BOA is by far the best, offering the smoothest, most micro precise and comfortable fit.
The MIPS system consists of an inner plastic liner which rides independently from the rest of the helmet, with the intention being to reduce the rotational forces caused by angled impacts to the head. I have not yet tested this out (and hope not to), but it makes sense and now insist upon it with any helmet for myself or my family. It almost goes without saying that all helmets now should have MIPS and the Forefront 3 delivers.
The Koroyd layer is a honeycomb-like material that is designed to further absorb additional compression upon impact, while maintaining a high level of air flow and breathability.
An added bonus is that it helps keep bugs out, which for me can be very bothersome, especially if it happens to be a bee (which has happened to me on numerous occasions).
Koroyd is one of my favorite helmet technologies of all time in my opinion and I wish every helmet had a similar solution for greater safety and to keep the bugs out! I also have found that it helps deflect the sun, or at least dissipate the directness of it vs. a wide open vent which helps keep things cool and less chance of burning if you have short hair or no hair.
The 20 vents provide ample ventilation and a refreshing, breezy feel even on hot days.
The 3 position visor is easy to operate and great for keeping the sun out of your eyes, or move out of the way for better visibility when the sun is not a factor.
Performance/Conclusions/Recommendations:
The Forefront 3 MIPS is Smith’s most technologically advanced and perhaps safest mountain bike helmet, utilizing Koroyd, MIPS and generous coverage around the sides and back for a high level of protection on trail or road. It is not the lightest helmet out there, but given all the protection, I find it to be a fair trade off and it does not feel heavy on the head.
The 3 position adjustable visor and eyewear integration are nice touches, with the BOA Fit System providing an incredible fit that is very secure and easily adjustable. The ventilation is very good on hot days.
I find the helmet to be quite versatile, ideal for mountain biking, but also good for gravel riding and commuting as well.
Jeff Valliere has been around bikes his entire life, as a toddler following his dad to bike races and bike shops, BMX racing as a kid, working in bike shops as a mechanic for 14+ years (10 at U-Bikes in Boulder where he met John) and racing as a professional road cyclist for several years. Jeff no longer races, but still loves to ride as he introduces his daughters to the joys of cycling. In addition to being obsessed with cycling, he runs mountains daily and has been reviewing running shoes/gear/tech for RoadTrailRun since 2015 and for other publications/companies since 2005.
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