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.

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 :(

My head is about 21” or 153cm and the small is still big on me. I wish you made XS. Otherwise great helmet.

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!

This helmet looks sick and fits like a dream. The new MIPS Air Node system is very neat, hopefully I don’t test that out any time soon, and the Boa system for adjusting fit works very smoothly, and drops back into the helmet for transport and placing on tables. Over all this matches the Smith gold standard to a T.

Bought the helmet online. Super comfortable, hardly can tell it’s there when wearing it. Helmet itself is a 5 star. Package was incomplete though missing the advertised draw-string bag. For $300 that’s unacceptable to get an incomplete product. Unsure if that’s a flaw from Smith or REI

Very comfortable for a brain bucket. The clasp never pinches, the interior is quite flexible in shape due to the tightening knob at the back which forms the internals to you. I love the finish, it holds up to all the scrapes from low branches. Very high quality helmet.

The fit is great; the ventilation helps keep my head cool and I feel more comfortable knowing that the helmet has both MIPS and Koroyd. Easy to adjust and straps aren’t annoying. I picked up the Smith Vert sunglasses and they fit great with this helmet.

As always, fits great. Good thick moisture absorbing foam inside seems a little beefier than last gen. The boa style adjustment on the back is the best. Comfy on long rides and stays put on gnarly decents. Sunglasses store under the visor no problem.