Smith Forefront 2 MIPS Bike Helmet
An evolution of an award-winning design, the Smith Forefront 2 MIPS bike helmet is a full-coverage helmet made for all-mountain riders who demand excellent protection, venting and eyewear integration.




- Rotational motion can cause brain injuries; with MIPS, a low-friction layer slides 10 to 15mm in all directions, reducing rotational motion to the brain during impact
- Lightweight Aerocore in-mold construction with ventilated protection features patented Koroyd® material and integrated skeletal structure
- For added protection, Koroyd has been extended into the back of the helmet to now fully encompass the helmet
- Internal air channels are combined with 20 optimized vents; open intake and exhaust ports maximize ventilation
- AirEvac channels promote airflow to prevent fogging of your eyewear
- 3-position visor rotates high to allow goggles or sunglasses storage
- Routed goggle strap channel at the back of the helmet helps keep goggle straps in place
- X-STATIC® lining with reactive cooling helps prevent your head from overheating; ultralight single-layer webbing
- VaporFit adjustable fit system
- Camera and light mount compatible (mounts not included)
- Certification: CPSC, CE EN 1078
Imported.
Best Use | Mountain Biking |
---|---|
Helmet Style | Mountain Bike |
Helmet Construction | In-mold |
Shell Material | Polycarbonate |
Head Circumference | S: 20.1-21.7 inches |
Vents | 20 |
Visor/Brim | Yes |
Weight | 14 ounces |
Gender | Unisex |
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The Helmut I got for
The Helmut I got for Xmas this year had a broken piece. I sent photos to the warranty Dept who sent me an email response and gave me a credit to use on their site. I used the credit to purchase a new Helmut and paid and extra 40$ to upgrade to what I was hoping Wld be a better Helmut with a stronger construction but the new helmut still looks too flimsy to hold up and I have now no recourse it seems from the fine print :(
Not impressed
I love my Smith gear and when I needed a new helmet because I crashed with my last Smith one, I didn’t even consider another brand. However, this model is NOT sleek like my last one; it’s not as well fitted to my head and it’s bulkier (less modern looking, too). The worst part, those bright yellow plastic clips - they rip my hair out! I’ve ridden with this helmet a few times and do not like it compared to my last one. Orange/green helmet in photos is this new one. I realize they’re a different style (black helmet in photos is Rover and new orange/green is Forefront), but I don’t like the Forefront style. I know it’ll protect my head if it fall.
Love it! But as always, try it on before you buy it.
The helmet looks great on the outside. Very clean, no seams or ridges. The style is awesome. It's not too big on the outside, so your head doesn't look ginormous. It comes with a nice vented bag for storage that you can throw over your shoulders too. The mips is a great safety feature. When you see it for the first time, you'll understand the benefits of it. I love how the visor is bolted on! It "clicks" into 3 positions too. The fit is super secure and it isn't going anywhere. The 3 cons that I personally have is 1- The helmet rests on the back/top of my head initially which makes it uncomfortable. But when I tighten down on the vapor fit security system, it pulls the helmet back so it doesn't actually touch that part of my head. So riding with it will be great cause the overall fit is very secure. 2- the strap could be a little longer. To get the strap around my fat head, it's pretty much maxed out. 3- When the helmet is on and you have your gloves on, it's a tight fit to adjust the ratchet on the back of the helmet. Not impossible, but it's a little tight.
Amazing Helmet: Fits like a glove!
Probably spent way to much on this helmet but after a crash 4 years ago in a pile of rocks breaking my collar bone and smashing my head I said no amount of money is worth brain surgery. This helmet has a honey comb construction and an inner frame that hugs your head perfectly. Never had anything fit so well. I'm not going to test it out but you're paying for peace of mind. I feel comfortable that if I crash again I'll have the best possible chance of walking away in one solid piece.
Great helmet for day and night MTB
Great fit for my head. I’m on my third one. First helmet aged-out. Second helmet involved in a decent crash where I hit my head. Smith offered a nice warranty discount on the replacement. I like this helmet because of the simple strap adjustment and visor positioning . If you use a NiteRider head light, their adhesive mount works great and can be further backed-up with two zip ties using the existing slots in the foam. Zero vibration.
Great company, not so great helmet for long hair
I'm a huge Smith fan. Great customer service and products. Guess this review isn't about the Forefront 2, specifically, but the MIPS liner. Say what you will about MIPS and the marketing and science claims. We returned this great-fitting helmet because my girlfriend's hair gets caught in the MIPS liner where it attaches to the foam. We've had to rip hair to get the helmet off. Frustrating and embarrassing. Ended up buying a POC with SPIN (again, more marketing claims). Fits just as perfect as Smith, but her hair doesn't get caught in the MIPS liner attachment points. Thankful for REI's return policy.
Liked the fit
Liked the fit
Hands down the best lid
Riding and racing bikes for over 30yrs, I’ve seen alotta changes and development in the industry. I have also owned alotta helmets. This is one thought out helmet, from the large and well place vents to the improved (over the original Forefront) longer visor and the rear cradle speed adjustment fit. The Kroyd and MIPS tech is great peace of mind and actually prevents hail and bees from entering my lid. The center vent cutout mates perfect with my Osprey pack that allows me to pack my lid for our long Colorado climbs. The color blends well with the desert redrock and the quality ‘eyeware ports’ are stellar for storing my Smith MTB Attack eyewear. If you want the best, look no further.
Accurate sizing guide
This helmet is impressively comfortable and fits my big head. I wear a size 7-3/4 fitted hat and often times have a difficult time finding items (hats/sunglasses/helmets/etc) that fit comfortably AND look proportional. The Forefront 2 achieves both and the adjustability gives a very comfortable and secure fitment, while being light weight and providing good air flow. This is the best helmet that I've owned.
Literally saved my life
I got this helmet on sale a few years ago to upgrade my head protection game. It’s very comfortable, fits perfectly, and breaths exceptionally well. Last year in Moab I took an OVB fall, laughed it off and kept ridding. When I got to the end of the trail, I noticed a very large dent in the helmet! I had no idea me head made any contact with the ground and didn’t suffer any repercussions (expect for needing to get a new helmet). I went with a POC for the next lid as it was a better deal, but this helmet is in my top two helmets hands down.