The Forefront 2 is the a redesign of the original Smith Forefront helmet that brought the Koroyd technology to mountain biking helmets. While we liked the helmet overall, it did lack some venting and the overall design was…well…interesting looking. The Forefront 2 looks to change that while also adding some really useful additional features.
Smith Forefront 2 Helmet Specs
- Complete KOROYD® coverage for lightweight, energy-absorbing and ventilated impact protection
- Mips® Brain Protection System reduces rotational forces caused by angled impacts to the head
- Integrated skeletal structure creates a roll cage for added strength and impact protection
- CPSC and CE EN 1078 certified
- Designed for ultimate integration with Smith performance eyewear and goggles for maximum comfort, venting and storage convenience
- AirEvac ventilation system integrates with Smith goggles and eyewear for fog-free lenses
- VaporFit dial adjustment system offers 270-degree fit adjustment with the turn of a dial
- 20 fixed vents for consistent airflow
- Three-position adjustable visor
- Ionic+® antimicrobial lining offers sweat-activated odor control
- Lightweight, low-bulk single-layer webbing
- Front and rear eyewear storage channels
- Camera and light mount compatible
- 15 Colors Available
- Weight (Size M, Mips®): 14 oz / 380 g
- MSRP $250
Forefront 2 – The Fit and Finish
The Forefront 2 features Smith’s VaporFit dial adjustment that allows for 270 degree fit adjustment through the dial on the back. The connection points are at your temples and not all the way around. I found the helmet very easy to adjust and the stock location of the height adjust of the VaporFit worked out perfectly directly in the middle. You can move it up or down one notch if necessary.
While the padding in this helmet also seems pretty minimal in comparison with cushier options out there…it was still comfortable on the head. The visor also has a three level adjustment which I mainly just left in the center.
The overall build quality, color options and design are a BIG upgrade over the previous generation. I really didn’t like the overall look of the original Forefront. It almost looked like a turtle shell on the top of your head. This design is much sleeker and more appealing. It is something I wouldn’t mind being seen in out on the trail.
Forefront 2 – Safety Features
Where the Forefront 2 really excels is on the safety end. Not only does this feature the MIPS system but it also has Koroyd. We have reviewed two helmets with this now (the original Forefront and the Smith Mainline) and while I can’t say I have fully tested my head hitting something hard enough where it really mattered…it is a great additional impact safety feature to have to go along with the rotational safety benefit of MIPS.
Forefront 2 – Glasses and Goggles Storage Integration
Since Smith is also a MAJOR glasses and goggle manufacturer…they took this opportunity to integrate this storage into the helmet for a really seamless setup.
Now…that said…it does work the best with their products. That is to be expected.
When you use the MTB glasses with the Forefront 2, you are able to store them in the front or the rear of the helmet in a very secure way that is easy to use and out of the way. I found that I usually use the back storage option as it doesn’t block air from the front of my head. While expensive, this has to be the most secure and easy to use option when I don’t want to have my glasses on at the time. It was especially great while climbing.
Forefront 2 – Out on the Trail
When I am out riding with the Forefront, I find it to be really comfortable. In an idea situation, you want products like this to almost disappear completely while riding. If I am noticing my helmet, it is normally doing something wrong.
The ventilation was adequate for most rides even with some of the blazing hot, humid heat we get in Georgia. The Koroyd piping structure does limit some of the inward airflow but Smith was smarter this time with the distribution leaving wide open vents for that inward air. The Koroyd tubes do allow for heat dissipation so you are good there. I would put this helmet on par with most enduro styled helmets that offer more protection in favor of XC style venting.
At 380 grams claimed (xxx grams tested), the helmet is also light enough for longer rides. I tend to sweat a lot so the thinner pads actually worked in my favor as they soaked up less of that sweat that I have to drain at every stop. If you are someone that is used to a lot of padding…you might want to try something that is thicker in those spots.
The only downside I can really see outside some of the venting is that this helmet does feature the same MIPS system that is in their Mainline full face helmet. In that review, I noted that you get a lot of noise from the helmet moving at a different rate than the MIPS liner. It is not nearly as bad on a lighter, non full face helmet like this…but it is still there sometimes.
Overall Thoughts on the Smith Forefront 2
The redesign on the Forefront 2 is much better in a lot of ways. It is a better looking helmet, it vents better and it has an awesome way to store your glasses and goggles built straight into the design.
I really enjoyed this helmet out on the trail with the added safety features and overall comfort. I have found that I grab this one over a lot of others due to that and the glasses. However, it is a pricey combination with $250 for the helmet and $279 for the Attack MTB glasses.
Depending on your size though…you can get the Forefront 2 for 50% off right now!
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