Smith  Persist Mips Bike Helmet - 2022

I picked up one of these helmets for road/gravel use as it was on sale, and had MIPS. My previous helmet was a Bontrager Wavecel helmet and I found that on hot days (80F or higher) it was stifling to wear and offered poor ventilation. So I looked to a more traditional MIPS helmet. Ventilation on the Smith Persist is noticeably better though the helmet hair is all the same. In the 2 years since I purchased the helmet, it's held up well. No serious crashes but I travel to gravel races and fall off the bike in the woods (usually at low speed) and the helmet doesn't have much visible wear. I really like the orange color as it gives me some degree of visibility on the road and off the road (gotta worry about hunting season).

This is an excellent helmet. The fit, which is adjusted using a dial, is perfect for me, and I have a weirdly shaped head. I usually end up with hotspots from helmets, in particular, one in the middle of my forehead. I am sized to a medium and the medium fits me perfectly. I've worn this helmet several times all day and it is very comfortable. Haven't crashed in it, so I can't speak to its protective properties, but I bought it because it has the MIPS technology. Ventilation is excellent as well, I was warm on the coldest days and cool on the warmest days. I've skied in temperatures ranging from around 10 degrees F to 40 degrees F. Very happy with the helmet.

Had a crash going 20mph with this helmet on. While my arm needed stitches and the road rash stung for days, my head never felt a thing. The helmet was dented and the inner surface cracked; it did it's job. I immediately bought a replacement. Very comfortable and light. My only complaint, really more a wish, is that I hope they bring the XL in other colors besides black. While the L does fit my very large head, an XL would probably be more ideal. Overall though, no complaints whatsoever.

I first tried this helmet on in the store, but came to the website for the color I wanted. The fit of this helmet is perfect for me. I like where it sits on my forehead; not too low, and not too high. Additionally, it's very breathable and helps prevent my head from sweating.

I have a hard time getting properly fitted helmets but this one fits perfectly. I have a large head and wear a L in this helmet. There is room to spare. The ratchet adjustment in the back makes the helmet snug and comfortable. Bright color adds to visibility. I wear it on a daily 16 mile commute to work on a road bike and on weekend recreational rides on a mountain bike Remained snug even on bouncing trail ride. Materials and construction appear to be high quality. I’ve owned multiple helmets over the years and it feels like better quality than almost all of them. It’s also light weight. I’m not a racer so I’m not counting grams on my bike, but it’s light enough to notice a difference vice other helmets I’ve owned. Ventilation is good. I’m in Alaska so it’s all relative but during rides in the 60f range I notice it’s venting well. Colder mornings in the 30s it may have been too well vented without a liner.

The helmet itself is great! Light, comfortable, feels safe and solid; I definitely love mine and would recommend it. My only issue with it is how fragile some of the components are. The liners fall apart as soon as you try to wash them, however gentle you are, and one of the straps dividers fell off. Smith sadly doesn’t offer spare dividers, so they hooked me up with a new helmet, which is totally amazing, but also I insanely wasteful as they require you to destroy your old helmet in order to send you a new one, when all it needs is a tiny plastic strap divider. Great customer service, terribly wasteful way of managing repairs.

I have not yet experienced a collision or fall to test this helmet, but it is very fitting, adjustable and comfortable and I feel safe wearing it. It is sleek as can be for the protection, and I put a Light & Motion Vis Pro Bike Helmet light on it (back light and headlamp) that fits and works well on this helmet.

The only thing that keeps me from rating 5 stars is the chin strap buckle adjustment. It allows the strap to loosen too easily during a ride. Everything else is great.

Really happy with the purchase! Like some other reviewers, I'd always needed an XL, but this L size fits perfectly, cinches tight, and stays snug like you want it. Good adjustments. Very sharp-looking, great color. Wife likes that it visibly stands out. Super comfortable for the 20-30 mile road rides that are my norm now, and I'm 100% sure would feel just as comfortable and light on my century rides of old.

This is the most comfortable helmet I have ever owned. The adjustment knob snugs the fit to perfect. The weight is feather light; you barely notice you are wearing it. I could ride under this helmet all day and forget I had it on. Great air circulation keep you comfortable.