Article by Jeff Valliere
Smith Forefront 3 Mips Helmet ($300)
Sizes S-M-L
14.1oz /400 grams (measurement Med)
Professionals: Protecting, nicely vented, comfy, simple to regulate safe BOA Match System, Koroyd, Mips, eyewear integration, versatility
Cons: Weight, value ($300 is on the excessive finish of the vary, however you’re definitely getting the most effective know-how, security and flexibility
Introduction/Match/Model: The Forefront 3 Mips is Smith’s latest high finish mountain bike helmet, providing full protection safety. It options zonal Koroyd safety, Mips influence know-how and BOA Match System.
The Forefront 3 Mips will not be notably light-weight, however contemplating the entire options and safety that it affords (at 14.1 ounces in my measurement medium), it’s general a good commerce off and an inexpensive weight for all however essentially the most hardcore racing. The Forefront 3 is fashionable, nicely ventilated and has an exceptionally protected/safe really feel to it.
I at all times put on a measurement medium in all manufacturers/forms of helmets and that’s the case right here with the Forefront 3, with the BOA Match System dial actually snugging up the helmet, whereas nonetheless permitting loads of room beneath if I wish to add a beanie or biking cap.
The design is fashionable and the Matte Chalk colorway is actually sharp in particular person. The visor is adjustable to three completely different positions to regulate as wanted relying on the solar and likewise to accommodate area to your goggles. There are additionally mounting slots (or eyewear integration as it’s known as) for sun shades in the back and front/high of the helmet.
Options:
The Forefront 3 Mips may be very nicely thought out and loaded with the most recent know-how to supply a really useful, fashionable and has a excessive degree of safety if the worst ought to occur.
With 20 mounted vents, the helmet is exceptionally nicely ventilated and has an ethereal feeling.
The BOA Match System dial may be very simple to regulate and snugs the helmet securely, which is tremendous simple to regulate with micro increments.
On the within, the BOA Match System integrates with the match cradle and the skinny cables anchoring in the direction of the entrance of the helmet.
The cable and BOA match system is minimal in design, however may be very comfy and sturdy. I’ve owned a whole lot of helmets with adjustment dials, however the BOA is by far the most effective, providing the smoothest, most micro exact and cozy match.
The MIPS system consists of an internal plastic liner which rides independently from the remainder of the helmet, with the intention being to cut back the rotational forces attributable to angled impacts to the top. I’ve not but examined this out (and hope to not), but it surely is smart and now insist upon it with any helmet for myself or my household. It virtually goes with out saying that every one helmets now ought to have MIPS and the Forefront 3 delivers.
The Koroyd layer is a honeycomb-like materials that’s designed to additional take up further compression upon influence, whereas sustaining a excessive degree of air stream and breathability.
An added bonus is that it helps hold bugs out, which for me could be very bothersome, particularly if it occurs to be a bee (which has occurred to me on quite a few events).
Koroyd is one in every of my favourite helmet applied sciences of all time in my view and I want each helmet had the same resolution for higher security and to maintain the bugs out! I even have discovered that it helps deflect the solar, or no less than dissipate the directness of it vs. a large open vent which helps hold issues cool and fewer likelihood of burning in case you have brief hair or no hair.
The 20 vents present ample air flow and a refreshing, breezy really feel even on scorching days.
The three place visor is simple to function and nice for holding the solar out of your eyes, or transfer out of the best way for higher visibility when the solar will not be an element.
Efficiency/Conclusions/Suggestions:
The Forefront 3 MIPS is Smith’s most technologically superior and maybe most secure mountain bike helmet, using Koroyd, MIPS and beneficiant protection across the sides and again for a excessive degree of safety on path or street. It isn’t the lightest helmet on the market, however given all of the safety, I discover it to be a good commerce off and it doesn’t really feel heavy on the top.
The three place adjustable visor and eyewear integration are good touches, with the BOA Match System offering an unbelievable match that may be very safe and simply adjustable. The air flow is superb on scorching days.
I discover the helmet to be fairly versatile, very best for mountain biking, but additionally good for gravel driving and commuting as nicely.
Thanks for studying our overview!
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Jeff Valliere has been round bikes his whole life, as a toddler following his dad to bike races and bike outlets, BMX racing as a child, working in bike outlets as a mechanic for 14+ years (10 at U-Bikes in Boulder the place he met John) and racing as an expert street bicycle owner for a number of years. Jeff not races, however nonetheless likes to journey as he introduces his daughters to the thrill of biking. Along with being obsessive about biking, he runs mountains each day and has been reviewing trainers/gear/tech for RoadTrailRun since 2015 and for different publications/corporations since 2005.
Samples had been supplied at no cost for overview functions. No compensation was supplied by manufacturers for writing this text. RoadTrail Run does have affiliate partnerships and will earn fee on merchandise bought through buying hyperlinks on this article. These partnerships don’t affect our editorial content material. The opinions herein are totally the authors’.
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