[Review] The Forefront 2 MTB Helmet by Smith

It’s been a while since we’ve upgraded our mountain biking helmets and it’s arguably the most important piece of gear for the sport. Not only was I excited to go with a Smith helmet for the comfort, fit, and amazing venting, but they’re using the best in impact protection technology. The Forefront 2 Helmet has both Koroyd© and MIPS© built in to protect your head. 

Most importantly, this helmet is giving you ultimate protection where and how you need it most. MIPS and Koroyd alike are the top protection technologies being used in helmets (not just mtb helmets but moto and more) and for good reason. Koroyd is beneficial for several reasons, including the fact that it offers superior impact protection but it’s lightweight and breathable. Thanks to the honeycomb-like design, Koroyd offers ample airflow. Koroyd works to absorb protection so your head doesn’t. MIPS on the other hand works to reduce rotational forces that would be caused by a side or angled impact. MIPS is also a very lightweight system and you’ll hardly know it’s there. Together, the two work to provide ultimate head protection. 

What’s great about the Forefront 2, and would explain why it’s an industry favorite, is that all the while it’s offering your head the most protection, it’s doing so in a lightweight and well-ventilated package. The Forefront 2 has a total of 20 vents so you know you’ll stay cool in even the hottest of temps. Again, with the design of Koroyd, you’re not compromising breathability or ventilation, you’re getting the best of both worlds. 

The Forefront 2 works really well with my Smith Wildcat sunglasses. The AirEvac™ ventilation system ensures airflow through your sunglasses (or goggles) and then allows it to escape through the venting to keep your sunglasses clear of fogging.

There are also channels so you can throw your sunglasses on your helmet when it starts to get a little bit dark on you. I’ve never had this option and always had to put my sunglasses in my pack which isn’t ideal, especially if I don’t have a case on me. 

The visor is another cool feature I like about the Forefront 2. Some of these features may be standard on helmets these days, but since I haven’t upgraded in years, they’re all new and cool to me. Anyways, the visor is adjustable to 3 positions. I didn’t think I’d ever move the visor out of the most down position, but if it’s not sunny or it’s starting to get dark, I like to throw the visor into the highest position and get it out of my peripheral. It’s a nice option. 

Lastly, I’ll touch on sizing. I’m wearing a size medium and I have a 59cm head circumference. The size chart was spot on for me. There are a few ways to adjust the helmet to get a super dialed fit. Smith has dubbed their system the VaporFit™ system which offers 270º fit adjustment – all by turning a dial. Cally especially likes this system because she tells me that some days her hair is a lot more bunched in an area than other days? I don’t know… my hair is always the same thickness. 

If you’re looking for the top of the top protection for your head, you should seriously consider the Forefront 2. Not only does it give you MIPS and Koroyd protection, but it’s also comfortable, allows for a perfect fit every time you throw it on, and offers ample venting. It’s also a good-looking helmet, which I do feel silly for mentioning because that’s just not the point at all, but maybe it is worth mentioning that it looks good on. If you want the ultimate, pick up a pair of Wildcat Sunglasses too. If you’re interested in purchasing Smith gear, doing so using our provided link supports us as we get a small kickback from your purchase. We appreciate the support!

*We received this gear for free in exchange for a review, however, it’s important to know that all thoughts are our own.