Smith  Forefront 3 Mips Bike Helmet

After damaging my previous helmet, I was set on upgrading to a better quality helmet. After my first ride, I knew right away it was the right decision. It’s very comfortable and ergonomic. Fits my large head very comfortably. The boa string adjustment makes for a much better fit with its micro adjustment system. I’ve also noticed more breathability with the increase amount of vents - very desirable in the Texas heat. Overall, I’m very impressed and happy with the purchase. I will absolutely buy a Smith helmet next time as well.

Been wearing a Forefront for about 10 years. This new 3 is the best-fitting one yet! It also feels like the ventilation has improved. Love it!

Bought the Forefront 3 after loving the 2 for years - my favourite feature and main reason for repurchase specifically was the glasses storage on top of the helmet. The new Forefront 3 however is stretching out my riding glasses when placed on top and now they slide down my face while descending. Something must have changed in the shape of the glasses storage on top. Helmet size is small, so this might be specific to small sized faces/glasses. Super incredibly bummed by this. Not interested in the front of helmet storage as I find you can see the frame and it's distracting. Helmet is comfy but cannot recommend this helmet anymore. Especially given the price :(

This is my third Firefront 3 Mips. I love the durability of the koroyd as well as the breathability. Fit is fully and easily adjustable. Stays where you place it, even with a camera or light mounted to the optional action camera mount. In addition to riding trails in this helmet, I night ride as well as ride trials. A great helmet for all activities.

Der Helm sieht gut aus uns sitzt perfekt. Die Verarbeitung ist auch ansehnlich. Aber wie kann man einen so schönen Helm mit einem gelben MIPS- und grünen KOROYD Aufkleber verschandeln, die sich nicht rückstandslos entfernen lassen. Die sind wohl mit lackiert worden. Es ist wirklich eine Unverschämtheit und nimmt einem die Freude am neuen Helm!!! Bitte in Zukunft leicht abziehende Aufkleber verwenden.

Der Helm sieht gut aus uns sitzt perfekt. Die Verarbeitung ist auch ansehnlich. Aber wie kann man einen so schönen Helm mit einem gelben MIPS- und grünen KOROYD Aufkleber verschandeln, die sich nicht rückstandslos entfernen lassen. Die sind wohl mit lackiert worden. Es ist wirklich eine Unverschämtheit und nimmt einem die Freude am neuen Helm!!! Bitte in Zukunft leicht abziehende Aufklebr verwenden.

I've had several Smith Session & Forefront helmets over the years and really like them. The fit for my noggin is the best I found. The Forefront 2 is a great helmet, however I normally keep it for winter use, as it is heavier and much hotter than the Session. I have to say, I've been really impressed with the upates on the 3. The new liner and Boa system make this incredibly comfortable. It feels like it has more coverage, but at the same time is lighter and cooler. It has much better airflow than it's predecessor and I've been happily wearing in this in higher temps. It's not cheap, but as with anything, you get what you pay for and I think this helmet is worth the money. Thoughtful improvements making it even better, highly recommend!

If you mountain bike in humid places in 90+ temperatures (real mountain biking, not e-biking) then sweat buildup in helmet pads is a thing. Vs the Forefront 2, which I had 3 of over the years, the Forefront 3 improves ventilation and pad design such that sweat buildup is noticeably minimized. The Boa system fit works great, though there’s a very small learning curve with the more flexible rear head cradle being held out of the way with the new, more comfortable design. The straps have a new equal length, fixed “yoke” design below the ears that means one less set of fiddly adjustments and unwelcome strap movements during/between rides. The only thing that is sub-optimal, aside from typical Smith admission for a premium helmet is the fact that the GoPro/helmet mount piece is on intergalactic back order, like replacement pads for the Forefront 2 were for me for many months in the past. FWIW I replaced 2/3 of my Forefront 2 MIPS helmets in the past when I deformed them moderately/more thoroughly in accidents I had aggressively trail riding. The safety is great. One of the accidents involved 26 stitches to my face from being clotheslined off of my bike by a 8” tree that was half-down leaning at head height just around a sharp bend, but the back of the helmet did its job and I had great clarity of mind with no MRI brain scan issues after I drove myself to the ER. If you ride aggressively but aren’t riding bike park or DH and aren’t looking for a full face helmet, the Forefront 3 fits the bill well. XC helmets don’t have the back of head coverage that did its job for me before.

The boa system makes the fit extremely comfortable and i couldn’t feel any pressure point on my skull. I only had the chance to use this helmet on 2 rides, I crashed and the helmet did its job: koroyd shell crumbled, MIPS liner engaged and the shell cracked. I broke my collarbone but I had no head injury despite the impact. I’ll be ordering the same helmet once I am cleared for biking again!