Smith Optics Announces New All-Mountain Helmet

Aug 15, 2013 at 12:25
by Mike Kazimer  
Smith Optics has announced their entrance into the burgeoning all-mountain helmet market with the launch of the new Forefront. Although this is their first mountain bike helmet, Smith isn't a stranger to the helmet world, with a full line of snowsports helmets that have earned praise for their fit and ventilation. The Forefront stands out from other mountain bike helmets on the market due to the use of Koroyd, a polymer that uses thousands of tubes joined together to form a structure capable of providing impact protection without sacrificing ventilation. The Forefront's claimed weight is also impressive, coming in at over 100 grams lighter than many of the all-mountain helmets currently on the market. Smith's official press release is below. - Mike Kazimer

Smith Optics Forefront

The all-new FOREFRONT (MSRP $220) defines Smith’s innovation platform and serves as the ‘go to’ helmet for all-mountain riders. Created to provide all-mountain protection with road-race weight, the Aerocore™ construction of the FOREFRONT allows riders ventilated protection as never before seen in a bicycle helmet. With up to a 30% improvement over standard EPS impact properties, the patented tubular core structure of the Koroyd® material combines with EPS to create a system of materials designed to surpass current standards at low and high speeds. Aerocore construction allows for ventilated protection, reduced weight, and reduced volume.

Smith Forefront helmet info

Weighing in at 285g, the FOREFRONT helmet features Smith’s new VaporFit™ adjustable fit system, integrated camera and light mounting area, and an additional helmet goggle retention strap. Based off of Smith’s proven head form and dedicated investment in unique sets of tooling, three adult helmet sizes are available to accommodate a variety of fits while 10 progressive color options offer a range of style choices, all designed with the ultimate integration of sunglasses and goggles in mind.

bigquotesAs a product-driven brand, it's our goal to create innovations that improve the user's experience. In our effort to reduce volume and weight while increasing ventilation and impact protection for ski and snowboard helmets, we came across Koroyd. Through a little bit of luck and good fortune, we found the Koroyd material met all of our goals. After a full year of testing we were able to gather massive amounts of impact data and design flexibility that made an innovative Smith bike helmet project possible. We believe the new FOREFRONT all-mountain helmet showcases exactly what Smith is all about: redefining what riders should expect from their products - Eric Carlson, VP of Product and Design

Smith Optics Forefront

bigquotesThe FOREFRONT is the lightest, most comfortable helmet I've ever worn. It's been great to be able to work with Smith on the development of this helmet to assure it meets the needs of all-mountain riders and racers. - Lars Sternberg, professional mountain biker



Smith bicycle helmets will be available at North American retailers in Spring 2014.

www.smithoptics.com/forefront

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165 Comments
  • 198 7
 The only problem with this helmet will be trying to see through the small holes in the paper bag your friend make u wear over ur head
  • 32 3
 And the price. Good luck getting me to pay that for an open face helmet.
  • 34 1
 I honestly thought that he had it on backwards in the second photo for a couple of seconds lol
  • 14 6
 At first, I thought Battlestar Galactica. Then, I thought Starship Troopers. No, wait, it's Star Wars rebels on Endor. I think. Or, it could just simply be any of those cheesy, you-know-you-love-them 80's post-apocalyptic films that had a $5,000 budget.
  • 11 0
 didn't Lars just do the product launch for tld's A1 lid just a few months ago?
  • 73 1
 Perfect for 29er tandem riding!
  • 1 0
 Thanks for that fitzy Smile
  • 42 0
 Notice that in all the pictures he is hanging his head in shame.
  • 2 1
 @TomBasic, dont dis starship troopers, that film was and is still f*cking awesome,......the next 2 were shit tho haha
  • 1 0
 that was funny shyte, goatryder!
  • 3 2
 Even dude wearing the helmet looks ashamed. Turd...
  • 5 0
 Be nice to Lars now he's a good dude!
  • 11 0
 Go home Smith. You're drunk.
  • 3 0
 I have never liked the quality for smith moto goggles, Scott is way better!
  • 2 0
 Fubar
  • 9 0
 I've got a joke for you: Open face helmet, $200!
  • 2 1
 Stick to sunglasses...
  • 2 0
 I'll keep my POC that I got on clearance for 60 bucks! Or you could wait till this ones on clearance cuz no one's paying 200 for an OPEN FACE HELMET!!!!!
  • 2 0
 Is a mustache required when wearing this helmet?
  • 3 0
 It looks like it was made for racing light-cycles in TRON.
  • 1 3
 Now make brandon semenuk wears it.
  • 1 0
 Hey Elanto, I loved Starship Troopers. I agree with you about Parts 2 and 3, too.
  • 74 7
 I quote Warner : "Uglier than E.T with skin cancer"
  • 5 0
 Lord Warner sums it up perfectly!
  • 27 3
 To continue the theme "That's going to be as popular as a ginger haired step child"
  • 19 0
 They designed it for Redalp riders.
  • 2 0
 The plans probably are in the same room ! www.pinkbike.com/photo/9455957
  • 49 0
 Just what Ive been looking for ! A helmet with a thousand tiny holes to clean mud and shit out of....
  • 3 0
 Glad I'm not the only who noticed that. Can you imagine having to spend hours after every muddy ride with a pipe-cleaner trying to extract the crap that will undoubtedly find its way deep inside those tubes? Answer: You don't. So much for the increased airflow concept.
  • 4 0
 Plus these enormous front holes looks like branches gatherers to me when rinding in the bushes !
  • 40 9
 i actually like it ...
  • 5 3
 me too!
  • 55 6
 your drunk ireland take off your beer googles
  • 27 2
 I think you meant to say Goggles.
  • 31 0
 Dam i must be drunk too!
  • 4 1
 You'd be getting heaps of clunge rocking that bitch no doubt....
  • 4 1
 Said no one ever
  • 4 0
 What are you smoking? That helmet is uuugly
  • 1 1
 different, but your all so close minded, ugly to you is not ugly to me, not a big deal
  • 5 0
 Stupid question, but how does one keep those forward-facing tiny tubes clean from the accumulation of suicidal bugs and mud?
  • 5 0
 And I gotta laugh at the "eco-friendly" sales pitch, like any recycling center is going to know what to do with it. Sure....
  • 1 0
 ya it is just horrible
  • 37 11
 If youre going fast enough to need goggles, youre going fast enough for a fullface. Stupidest trend ever..and im the only one who sees it, apparently
  • 4 2
 I'm with you on that one.
  • 18 2
 And why do you care what other people wear? Full face is great if all your is going down. But if one has a number of climbs to get to the DH, then full face sux. Googles are better than glasses: narrows the vision, less fogging, better wind protection, don't fall off, don' shatter, and are safer in a crash. All good things.
  • 9 0
 Where I live it is humid and gets flippin' hot climbing to trailheads. I sweat into my eyes.. In the spring, pollen is so bad (and I'm so allergic) that I have to wear goggles to protect and keep my eyes from swelling. Its pairing with an all-mountain helmet makes total sense for me.
  • 3 0
 That, and roost from bombing the dh I climbed for, too.
  • 7 0
 Ride XC with a WC rider.... 90% of riders dont need a Dh helmet if speed is the only think you base things on!!

Maybe probability of crashing is more important...
  • 4 1
 Archie enduro: full face, doesnt get too hot, you can breathe easily and it looks fine with goggles. Nuff said
  • 5 0
 climbing up the likes of Torridon for 1 hour is super hot on a cool day with a normal helmet on, with a FF it would be a no danger climb for 99.99999% of riders
  • 4 0
 I have an Archi Enduro and it gets freaking HOT. Not so bad in the winter, but sux in spring and summer. Maybe fine in the British isles, but not so much in the western US or Austrailia. Not worth it.
  • 3 9
flag hevi FL (Aug 15, 2013 at 20:17) (Below Threshold)
 Who wears a helmet while climbing?
  • 7 0
 Sensible people do.
  • 3 0
 People that peddle
  • 1 9
flag jaame (Aug 16, 2013 at 5:49) (Below Threshold)
 If you're going fast enough to need a helmet, you're going fast enough to need a full face. I don't own an open face helmet for the same reason I never wear a seat belt to drive to the shops. If you're going slowly, or uphill, what's the point? Pinning it? Then you need a full face, or a seat belt, if you're pinning a car.
  • 2 0
 You should race some xc, you would look fab in you full face... lol
  • 2 1
 @bliss501 I really don't care what other people wear but if I saw some dude out mountain biking with diaper on his head I would say that he looks like a fool...goggles and half helmet is the same thing but to a different degree. wear what you want, I still think it looks silly.
  • 27 2
 im just glad they didnt call it an 'enduro' helmet.. im getting sick of that word already..
  • 1 4
 Me too , so bancal it s open face helmet at 220$...oh nice
  • 4 0
 Me too so basically it s a open face helmet at 220$...oh nice
  • 1 0
 they could have called it the most "epic" helmet ever! ugh
  • 16 1
 I think we should be thankful for the influx of AM helmet options nowadays. Im not sure if I like this yet, but i know we all thought POC were weird the first time we saw them and I still think about bass fishing when i see a TLD AM helmet. However, this one from Smith may grow on me, as long as the price is adjusted. Thank you industry, for options other than roadie aero lids!
  • 13 2
 If it starts growing on you, seek medical attention immediately, growths are never healthy.
  • 1 0
 I'm with JDFF on this. I'm glad to see Smith getting into MTB. They have a slightly different fit than the rest of the industry and their snow lids fit me perfectly. Though I don't love this design they will get there.
  • 21 3
 Kill it with fire!
  • 16 1
 I think it's very cool, fits my Transformer collection perfectly! Smile
  • 15 0
 Tron legacy is here
  • 8 0
 to quote mr warner again its uglier then a bag of mashed up arse holes.

If people must have dare I say it a "enduro" lid surly the old giro switchblade would be a better and less but still ugly option
  • 1 0
 im with you on that, way ahead of its time im some respects. Lids like the archie are just nicely refined versions
  • 3 0
 Bring back the Switchblade!
  • 11 2
 I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.
  • 7 0
 To quote a wise person.... the Hindenburg meets Chernobyl meets Three Mile Island meets Tron 2
  • 8 3
 Someone must of actually said " fair play that looks good , we should put that in to production" . That person should be fired on the spot, right now.
  • 3 9
flag Sir-Dirty-BIker (Aug 15, 2013 at 12:42) (Below Threshold)
 And shot at point blank range!
  • 8 1
 220$ for this playmobil helmet ?
  • 5 0
 First of all: The dudes in the video shouldn't be wearing another helmet company's clothing.
Secondly: If they want to sell these, they should show Ken Smith wearing it.
  • 1 0
 Who would also be wearing the gear of competitor helmet manufacturer?
  • 2 0
 The riders are in Tld gear
  • 3 0
 Radical innovation can only be a good thing. If it proves to do as well as Smith says it does, then we will all have much better helmets in the future. If it fails, who really gives a shit because there are already tons of great helmets.
  • 4 0
 Is it some sort of by law that all mountain bike helmets must be high profile mushroom caps that bobble around on top of our head? When is someone going to make a nice breathable low profile AM helmet?
  • 4 0
 Piss pot with a visor and some better vents than the standard bowling ball setup is all we really need i agree
  • 6 0
 jaydmf You basically just described the Bell Super
  • 1 0
 it is almost spot on to what im talking about, only very niggly thing about that lid is the brow (dunno if thats the correct term) sits on a slant rather than flat like a standard piss pot. The TSG recon with a proper adjustable visor and better vents would be spot on Big Grin
  • 1 0
 skid lid that breathes is all I want, too.
  • 1 0
 Giro feature ticks those boxes with a few vents. Not a bad lid.
  • 2 0
 Agreed with the Feature, it's a good helmet but the key is its price. I'm not convinced it provides the same impact resistance as some but having not compared figures it's impossible to say for sure. What's worth mentioning is that the girls version, the Feather, is a slightly narrower fit and can be a better option of you've got a narrower head. I've actually been thinking of swapping my Feature for the Feather, the fit is that much better suited to me. Yup, I've got a girls head, but I can't be the only one!
  • 1 0
 Yeah I looked at those too but my fat head just fit the regular shape.

Interesting point re: price. I haven't compared safety figures either, and its far from the focus of most helmet reviews I've read online and in mags. Would be interesting to see an actual scientific investigation conducted alongside those of the ISO lab boffins. Smashing helmets in the name of science might be quite fun too...
  • 1 0
 I've seen quite a few people complain that the shell on the Feature is super thin, and dents easily. Not exactly what I'd call durable.
  • 6 3
 Dear somebody important at smith, The troy lee designs A-1 is about the same price and half as ugly as your piece of junk. The Bell Super is 80$ cheaper and looks way better. so you will probably sell about 6 of these.
  • 4 0
 Who the hell pays full retail for anything from Smith?
  • 1 0
 turimullett, A1 helmet is $165, hardly the same price.
  • 3 1
 Believe me now and hear me later...these things will be on blowout closeout at 85% off within 6 months...and they still won't sell. Epic Fail. Hey Smith, ever hear of a little something called focus group testing? You couldn't pay me to wear this butt ugly POS.
  • 6 1
 Completely agreed, so ugly, looks even worse with the sunglasses.
  • 5 0
 Everyone's going to call it the "foreskin" right?
  • 2 1
 bit of plastic here....some polystyrene there, some nice colors, oh I think we could charge a fortune for this item which costs next to nothing in materials to manufacture, just throw in some fancy talk about how its the best helmet out there and the mtb world will snap them up!
  • 1 0
 This helmet is UGLY.
I have an Urge, it works great for a short time.
Then as the pads wear or you wear a buff it then starts to rattle.
Not to mention the heat!!!!

So 99% of the time my lovely fox flux is what I rider for XC, sorry AM, sorry Enduro.... mountain biking (not Dh as I seem to crash more on the big bike, whilst going faster so the D2 comes out).
  • 1 0
 I had a similar negative experience with the Urge helmet and had a similar positive experience when I replaced it with the Flux. Regardless of the pad wear, the Urge helmet overall fit was never as snug or comfortable.
  • 5 0
 I got excited, until I saw it...
  • 3 0
 Not much need to chime in as I'm with 98% of people, but I don't even know how much it cost...I wouldn't wear it if it was FREE!!!
  • 1 0
 I have a more technical observation concerning the angle of the tubes in relation to the direction of airflow over the helmet. While I can see the very forward tubes catching the air, I don't see the remaining tubes actually being any more efficient then traditional holes such as those found in the POC Trebac or similar helmets. Without putting them side-by-side in an airflow test chamber my observations are purely conjecture, yet....

Oh, and I'll bet TLD just loved having their logo-jersey in the same video ad as Smith's new helmet. ;-)
  • 2 0
 lars rides for troy lee and wears a A1 helmet
  • 4 0
 It's so ugly, it shouldn't be called Forefront, but Foreskin.
  • 2 0
 April fools is a long ways away, they must have not been looking at the calendar. Horrible marketing video as well....... garbage doesn't sell garbage.
  • 2 0
 Think someones been watching a lil too much tron for their own good. Reminds me of this:

cdn.stitchkingdom.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/tron-compare-b.jpg
  • 4 1
 Eeeek it's Different! Kill It! Fear! Hate! I'd wear it. Kudos to Smith for making something different.
  • 2 0
 It would be nice if they had a few more photos of the helmet. I would like to see how far it comes down on the back of the head.
  • 3 3
 However ugly it might be, the teenage posters on here seem to be missing the point that it is designed to be safer. Move out of your parents basement and their financial support and you might notice that keeping your brain safe is more important than looks.
  • 2 0
 For some reason this helmet reminds me of a helmet in star wars episode VI, the one the rebels wear when they land on Endor to take out the shield generators....haha
  • 1 0
 I forgot my full face on the way to the shore and bought a ccm am helmet from Canadian tire that looks better and covers more than this thing and only paid 30 bucks. They will sell a lot of these to guys way faster than me.
  • 2 0
 Looks less shit in a decent picture.

brimages.bikeboardmedia.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Smith-Aircore-Helmet-pair.jpg
  • 1 0
 You are right! Still strange though.
  • 1 0
 I don't know about you, but I always look for eco-friendliness when shopping for a safety device that is designed to keep me from concussions and other brain injury. How about you?
  • 2 0
 Like my smith goggles...but you can definitely keep that helmet.....me NO like!
  • 2 0
 wow did they work on making that helmet so butt ugly cannot see that making product of the year lol
  • 4 1
 You fucked up time to go back to the drawing board
  • 1 1
 Yea!
  • 1 0
 Love my Smith Snow Helmet! Sorry this entry for bike is such a disaster. C'mon Smith Scratch this abomination and move on quick!
  • 2 0
 I can't unsee that! It looks like a 30 year old helmet. I like their goggles, but not this.
  • 2 0
 Are the green vents meant to look like a smiley face? I'd have nothing to smile about wearing that!
  • 2 0
 Get an orange one with a black liner... Jack-O-Lantern skid lid.
  • 3 0
 LEGO BOY da da dadaaaaaaa
  • 3 0
 just stick with the optics smith.
  • 1 0
 It's a great helmet for bald people, that way their heads don't get sunburned and it doesn't look weird while it's on their heads.
  • 2 0
 why are the back and sides so high! thats where i want more protection like the POCS. Fugly!
  • 3 0
 stick to sunglasses and googles guys please
  • 3 0
 This is uglier than homemade soup
  • 1 0
 I didn't think it was possible for me to look any dumber in a helmet.....Smith has proven me wrong. I hope they sell 5 of these and eat it. Their customer service blows.
  • 2 0
 That was the worst product video I've ever seen!! Guess they're not trying to sell many?
  • 1 0
 I'll pay no more than 80 for that. There high if there gonna try to sell helmets that look like the same ones for 80 at the bik shop
  • 1 1
 It's the camera angles, especially on that 2nd pic, it just made the helmet look really fugly. But try to do a Google Image search and you can see the helmet sideways...It ain't that bad. Really...
  • 2 0
 Thank christ that thing is not going to be released till spring 2014, that gives them enough time to cancel production.
  • 3 0
 T is for Tragic
  • 2 0
 ....... or just buy a TLD A1
  • 2 0
 Did April fools come late this year?
  • 1 0
 Imagine gee atherton with one of those? He woukd just look like a really fast snot whizzing pastt!
  • 2 0
 only good thing I could see is that it's recyclable
  • 1 0
 I like it. I would pay $100 for it. 30% more protection rates a 30% price premium... 220$?! I'll wait for a sale.
  • 1 0
 is there a way to put the goggles up on this helmet when climbing? doesn't look like it...
  • 2 0
 this has been up for all of 20 mins, and these comments...claaasic stuff
  • 2 0
 doesn't lars sternberg wear a tld a-1?
  • 1 0
 Did I read too fast or did this company had the descence NOT to talk about an enduro helmet? What a change!
  • 2 1
 I like it and I'd like to try it. Anything to help beat the heat around here.
  • 2 0
 But its got the trendy green color!
  • 1 0
 Only kinda their first bike helmet. I've got a Smith DH helmet that's actually a TLD D2 Carbon with Smith branding.
  • 2 0
 two hundred and twenty....
  • 2 0
 How fast will this helmet make its way to chainlove?....
  • 2 0
 bit early for april the 1st/
  • 1 0
 220 bucks for that! You ll still get a sore face if you come off! I d want a RedBull full face for that!
  • 1 0
 this helmet has been done before here is a photo of the matching body www.pinkbike.com/photo/9973738
  • 1 0
 The tld a1 has laid eggs kill them all with fire
  • 1 0
 Just wait till TLD do a 'special edition' of this one Wink
  • 1 0
 probably won't happen.
  • 2 0
 Fugly!
  • 2 0
 Nope.com
  • 1 0
 Go home Smith, you're drunk. Stick to making goggles.
  • 1 0
 Looks like the Star Ship Enterprise
  • 1 0
 Is it 100g lighter because they removed a large section of it?
  • 1 0
 at least you can produce honey from the bees nest padding
  • 1 0
 I'm good....I have aTLD A1!
  • 1 0
 The Great Gazoo Helmet!!! Nice!!!
  • 1 0
 EGG HEAD!!
  • 1 0
 the smith foreskin?
  • 2 1
 Looks hurt.
  • 2 1
 lego star wars
  • 3 2
 cool helmet







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