Smith Optics has been a long time player in sunglasses and goggles, and a few years back the Sun Valley, Idaho based company released its range of road and MTB helmets with the unique Aerocore Koroyd construction.
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Now, Smith has quietly lifted the veil on a few previously unseen road and MTB lids. Notably there are some budget-friendly models sans Koroyd and the brand appears to have put an emphasis on internal channelling in an effort to improve airflow.
At this time, there is no pricing information available.
MTB
Forefront 2
Smith’s Forefront has been a very popular full coverage trail/all mountain lid for the past few years, and for 2018 it’s getting an update.
The new version sees the Koroyd extended into the back of the shell to fully encompass the helmet for max protection. To keep your melon as safe as possible, in addition to the Koroyd, the Forefront 2 will be available in MIPS and standard versions.
With 20 vents the Forefront 2 loses a vent over its predecessor, but the vents themselves have increased drastically in size. Smith also says the AirEvac channelling has been upgraded to promote airflow through the helmet.
Claimed to weigh 320g, the new lid drops 13g over the original and the Forefront 2 also sees channels on the front and rear of the shell for eyewear storage and a three position visor that rotates extra high to make room for goggles.
The new lid also gets Smith’s VaporFit retention system, X-Static padding and integrated camera and light mounts.
Session
Sitting just below the Forefront 2 is the Session, likely to be a bit more budget friendly the helmet sees a less rear coverage and only features Koroyd in "strategic, zonal impact areas." The new lid will be available in six colours only with a MIPS liner.
With 15 vents on offer, the Smith Session combines large ports and internal channelling to aid airflow, and similar to the Forefront 2, sees provisions for easy eyewear storeage and a three-position visor.
The Session also gets the brand's VaportFit retention system, X-static padding and is claimed to tip the scales at 340g.
Venture
Last year Smith launched the Route and Rover helmets, slightly more budget-friendly lids than the Forefront and Overtake, which only featured Koroyd along the sides of the helmet, similar to the Session.
The new Venture appears to be the MTB focused Rover without the Koroyd. It’s got 20 vents, Smith’s VaporFit retention system and an integrated visor. Claimed to weigh 330g, the Venture comes in four colours, all of which are available with or without a MIPS liner.
Road
Network
On the road side of things, the Network comes in just below Smith's flagship Overtake helmet. This lid features 20 vents, Koroyd in strategic impact areas and the 'pass through' channels on the side of the helmet are said to allow eyewear to be stored securely.
Claimed to weigh 270g, the Network features an integrated camera and light mount, Smith's Vaporfit retention system and allows for a removable visor, all but eliminating the need for a cycling cap. Available in seven colours, including a special edition Smith x Cinelli version, each comes with a MIPS liner.
Portal
Similarly to the Rover and Venture, the Portal appears to be identical to the Route road helmet, minus the Koroyd inserts.
Claimed to weigh 300g, its available in four colours with or without a MIPS liner and features 18 vents as well as the brand's Vapor Fit retention system.