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Forefront 2 MIPS Helmet
Mountain biking protective gear is constantly being re-engineered to be lighter, stronger, and sleeker, seeing demanding trail and all-mountain riders want more comfortable helmets without sacrificing good looks. Following this evolution in design, the Smith Forefront 2 MIPS Helmet builds on the success of the original with increased aerodynamics, heightened protection, and airy-cool ventilation in a sleek, attractive lid for trail and all-mountain disciplines.
Smith's proprietary Aerocore In-Mold construction pairs traditional EPS foam with Koroyd tubular structures for better ventilation and a lighter overall weight, but without sacrificing impact dispersion and structural integrity. For the Forefront 2 Helmet, Smith fully encompasses the backside of the helmet with Koroyd structures for an even lighter, more airy feel than before. 20 optimized vents work with Koroyd tubular structures, allowing built-up heat to readily escape in all directions, so you're not susceptible to overheating and excessive sweating.
Of course, you're probably not surprised to see MIPS on a helmet of this pedigree, seeing the stand-out success this relatively new technology has witnessed over the past few years. MIPS technology places a low-friction liner inside the helmet, which allows the helmet to rotate independently around your head during a crash occurring at an angle. What this does is help to lessen rotational forces transmitted through the helmet, thereby giving you peace of mind when you're ripping down the trail and plunging into rocky stretches, especially when things go horribly wrong and you find yourself flying over the bars at high speeds.
- Smith's premiere helmet for trail and all-mountain
- MIPS low-friction liner disperses rotational forces
- Aerocore In-Mold design is light, breathable, rugged
- 20 large vents with Koroyd for increased breathability
- Three-position visor is compatible with enduro goggles
- VaporFit adjustable fit system for a customized fit
- X-Static anti-odor lining with Reflective Cooling
- Item #SMI00HV
- Shell Material
- Aerocore In-Mold construction
- Impact Foam
- Koroyd, EPS foam
- Ventilation
- 20 AirEvac vents
- Fit Adjustment
- VaporFit adjustable fit system
- Visor
- three-position adjustable visor
- Certifications
- CPSC, CE EN 1078
- Claimed Weight
- 340g (12oz)
- Recommended Use
- enduro, trail
- Manufacturer Warranty
- lifetime
Tech Specs
What do you think about this product?
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September 30, 2020
Very comfortable MTB helmet with MIPS
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- Medium
- Height
- 5` 11"
- Weight
- 175 lbs
I've been trying to find the right helmet for a while and had an opportunity to try on a friend's Forefront 2 in Medium. The shape works well with my head, rounder shape and 58cm circumference when measuring per Smith's guidelines. I found the Medium to be spot on for size with some room still to make adjustments or wear a thin layer in colder weather. Very comfortable - I don't really think about the helmet, which is a good sign. Stays put, set it and forget it. Was concerned the matte white would get really dirty, but it cleans up perfectly every time so far. Like it!
LK
August 26, 2020
Excellent Helmet
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- Large
Comfortable, good looking, I know what Koroyd is suppose to do. But the best thing it keeps the horse flies from dive bombing in your helmet to your head and for that it gets a 10
John
August 23, 2020
Best so far
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- large
- Height
- 5` 10"
- Weight
- 163 lbs
Best mtn bike helmet I've owned so far. Very comfortable and fit is excellent. Cant say it doesn't breathe well. Saw some other reviews questioning the breathability. Had it for over a week but gotten several long rides over the last. I found other MIPS helmets to slide, move around on my head too much, weird. Not this one. Locks in perfect. Sunglasses fit perfect. Love how the visor has 3 positions, easily pops up or down when you need it. Its super light. Took a spill yesterday and helmet did its job well, no issues. Well made product. Very happy so far. Backcountry rep was excellent as well in helping me.
Geoffrey P.
August 14, 2020
Matte Rise is NOT Red
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- M
Comfortable helmet. Returned because the matte rise which looks like it's red and medium grey online is actually more of a pinkish orange and light grey. Same goes for smith's red rock color that appears orange online, more pinkish.
Justin J.
April 16, 2020
Great helmet
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
- Fit:
- Runs large
I am quite happy with this helmet. Lots of venting, great design, very comfortable. Adjustments are easy to use.
Benjamin H.
January 30, 2020
Step backwards
- Fit:
- True to size
- Size Bought
- Large
- Height
- 6` 4"
- Weight
- 230 lbs
I have the predecessor model that in essence is the same design and fit. No complaints there. It fits great and snug, although I was drawn in by the appearance that the newer model covered lower on the back of the head. The fit and adjustment is equally as great as its predecessor, but the visor is more firmly attached and clicks through adjustments nicely. The disappointments rest with the coverage design and the accessories. There are two considerable sized holes on the top of the helmet that if you did an endo could end up with a nice short circuit from an unfortunate landing in scree or branches. This might have been done for ventilation reasons, but it was already working perfectly before so now it's just dangerous. The previous model has at least full coverage with the honeycomb and the angles to the head from the shell are not as direct. I started using goggles and the last model had clips to mount for the strap, which don't exist with the new model, and for the helmet cam crowd, there's not an adapter for one on this model compared to the last. Like I said, I was drawn to this helmet because it looked lower on the back of the head, but it's the same model with the same fit as the year earlier and less safety and gimmicks. If it wasn't such a pain, I'd return it to get a different helmet for my transalp.
Tom M.
December 30, 2019
Best helmet I have owned
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
I just upgraded from a Fox Flight to a Smith Forefront 2 in matte moss/vapor and it is the best helmet I have owned to date. It is extremely comfortable due to micro adjustments and the venting kept my head cool throughout my entire ride. Not once did I ha e to readjust the helmet during the ride and I honestly forgot I even had it on. Smith nailed it with this helmet for sure. Plus, getting it for 50% off was an even better bonus!
Guy N.
December 28, 2019
Great Fitting Helmet
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
Couldn't believe how comfortable this helmet was right out of the box!. Didn't need to make any adjustments, as if the helmet were made for just my head! Wish there was a way to mount a tail light on the back of the helmet though.
Shu H.
October 24, 2019
Good fit
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
I wore this helmet mountain biking and I never once felt like it was coming loose or sinking over my brows. The straps are easy to adjust and it was really comfortable, I felt like it was hugging my head in a good way. Definitely recommend.
Shannon Suehr
September 17, 2019
Great Helmet
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
I have this helmet after various recommendations from people who took a header wearing it. You don't find a better vouch then that. I can't really add anything to the conversation but I can say, the only annoying thing is the open whole in the upper forehead area. I literally had a bee get stuck in there and sting me on Holy Roller at Dear valley. Other than the Bee Hole, it's amazing.
Kyle
Kyle
November 17, 2019
Sorry, I have not tried it with any of the lumina series.
August 6, 2019
Forgot i was wearing it
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
I got to use this helmet on a decent length ride the other day and thoroughly enjoyed the feel and overall comfort of the helmet. The ventilation was superb, the adjust-ability made for a great fit and over all i was happy with my choice of helmet.
Austin Allen
July 17, 2019
Light and Breezy
- Familiarity:
- I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
This thing is super easy to adjust, very light weight, and breathes quite well. Honestly you forget it's on until you get back to the car and bump it against the headrest.
Matt Hazelgren
July 11, 2019
Light Lid
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
I love this helmet. It's light, super comfy and breathes even with the MIPS liner.. The visor sits nicely as to not move down over the eyes as I have noticed with some helmets. Indigo/peony/iceberg color i chose, and love. Size M fits me good with adjustments which are easy and precise to make. Yay Smith helmets!
Marla Bailey Gearhead
July 2, 2019
Light, breathable, comfortable
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
This is hands down the most comfortable bike helmet I have ever worn! I tend to sweat a bunch from my head but this helmet helped minimize the problem. There's so much air running through it that the sweat evaporated much quicker than normal and it was much easier to keep it from getting in my eyes. It's also very comfortable and light, it almost gets to the mythical "forget that it's there" status. There are other half shel helmet out there that offer better coverage that could be more appropriate for enduro riding but for xc, trail and light-duty enduro it's hard to top this!
Jesse Gus Allen
June 13, 2019
Breathable Helmet
I thought I liked my current helmet until I demo'd this one for a Moab trip. The breathability was a night and day difference thanks to the Koroyd honeycomb construction. I loved that I could stash my sunglasses in the visor when I wasn't needing them. Only downside is now I want to buy a new helmet...
Aaron Bytendorp
June 12, 2019
Awesome Helmet
- Familiarity:
- I've put it through the wringer
I have tried many MTB helmets and there is always something that doesn't fit right on my head. I tried one of these and on and knew I had to buy it immediately (bought it as soon as we got back to service!). The fit is perfect for me, and the dial tightener in back moves in very small increments to help with a perfect fit for all. Not to mention the improved ventilation and the lightness of the helmet!
Travis Bivins
June 3, 2019
Awesome helmet!
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
I love Smith's helmets, and this one is no exception. Extremely light, super breathable (thanks to it's Koroyd honeycomb construction) and it looks good too! (Helmet is pictured in the middle)
Trevor Livingston
June 1, 2019
Smith Helmet
Love this helmet!
JD Frew
May 8, 2019
Great Helmet
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
Super breathable and a really comfortable fit on these things. Trustworthy and safe as usual for Smith, and durable. It's not perfect, and the fit isn't spot on for my head, but for what it is, it's gotten the job done.
taylor
May 2, 2019
Perfect and everything I need
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
Super stoked on this helmet. I agree with the review below me, it is hard to find a helmet where you don't want to be seen in but Smith did a killer job with the design on this helmet. It is very breathable too and I like the adjustable fit system in it too. The first day I wore it I took a pretty hefty fall and my noggin was kept safe and sound. Definitely would recommend this helmet!
Jules Semotuk
Brian H.
November 13, 2019
Hey Kyle, any idea if this helmet is compatible with strap mounted night lights, such as the Nite Rider Lumina series? Looks like the Koroyd layer may prevent that, or at least make it difficult. Thanks -Brian