Forefront 3 Mips®

I've had several Smith Session & Forefront helmets over the years and really like them. The fit for my noggin is the best I found. The Forefront 2 is a great helmet, however I normally keep it for winter use, as it is heavier and much hotter than the Session. I have to say, I've been really impressed with the upates on the 3. The new liner and Boa system make this incredibly comfortable. It feels like it has more coverage, but at the same time is lighter and cooler. It has much better airflow than it's predecessor and I've been happily wearing in this in higher temps. It's not cheap, but as with anything, you get what you pay for and I think this helmet is worth the money. Thoughtful improvements making it even better, highly recommend!

So after 10 years my old helmet from another brand had padding falling apart. Not only that, but you're supposed to replace helmets more frequently for them to properly do there job. I was lazy. Then I finally bought this helmet after much contemplation on the price. . and reading someone else post a review saying it saved them. Well, fast forward a few months and here I am, buying this helmet again - with zero hesitation. As an long time BMX rider and mountain bike rider, I get after it - but I have gotten mostly lucky. After a unfortunate incident off a large jump left me going over the handlebars to land on my head and shoulder - the helmet did its job and kept me from life changing injury. The impact was enough to break the helmet clean through, but I never lost consciousness, and managed to walk away with only a bruise and a minor concussion. All 7 other riders with me were just as amazed as I was - one even said "I thought the mips was just marketing. . . but this is proof it works" Anyways - buying this helmet might have been one of the best decisions I made vs buying a cheaper one. My head is worth the extra money. Aside from that, I love that it's light, airy, the color is awesome, and it holds my sunglasses snug enough that I can still ride down black singletrack without them falling off. I'm writing this review as I'm purchasing this helmet again, without hesitation this time, but hoping it won't ever be needed again.

Incredible helmet that held up well in a hugie. Only had a mild concussion! This is the second Smith helmet that’s saved my life. Thank you Mark and all the Smith crew!

During my trial run, it sat too low in front, causing the helmet to put pressure on my glasses which of course put pressure on my nose. However Smith’s terrific customer service (Terrific!) explained how to adjust the soft head cage in the back so the helmet would sit up higher in the front. That did the trick! The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is because the chin strap didn’t adjust easily. Or I should say, not as easily as the Trace Mips Gravel which I also just bought. I can adjust the tension on the Trace Mips on the fly but not the Forefront 3. (However once you get it set, how many times would you really need to adjust it while you’re in the saddle? Ok. 5 stars. )

The helmet is a great fit, super comfy. But the visor tabs broke causing the visor to be very flimsy, and won’t stay in place. This is very disappointing as I just got the helmet in July.

I love the newest version of the forefront. I've used every version since its inception. It's always been great and the newest version is no exception!

Cool helmet. Comfortable for all day ride. Fits great. The sunglass holder only works with some sunglasses

My POC was getting uncomfortable and the Radavist wrote an amazing review on this helmet. I picked this one up and it is super comfortable. Comically we had picked up a forefront 2 a couple of months ago for my daughter at sierra trading post for $90. So I had something to compare it to. It fits me, I have a more round/oblong head, size 59, and the L is perfect. Gives me enough room for a skull cap in the winter. The bands of the boa aren’t anywhere near my ears. The boa does feel excessive, not sure why it is needed. It doesn’t provide structure so the rear of the helmet where it sits falls into the helmet when it sits. The visor is awesome since you can adjust it up and down when needed. Protection looks good. For the price, as others have stated, it should have come with a fidlock snap. The price is excessive for this helmet. Daughters helmet is orange/blue.

I recently bought this helmet to replace a convertible mtb helmet (removable chin bar). I immediately saved 1/2 lb and the comfort is excellent. The protection level gives me high confidence on my rides as well.

I knew that if I was going to go all in on mountain biking, I would need a new , MIPS rated helmet.

So light, so much air passing through on hot days. Great helmet!

I’ve had several versions of the Forefront and so far this one fits the best and has some cool, subtle design update updates.

I purchase a new helmet every year. I ride 12 months a year between Florida and Utah, so I get a variety of weather and terrain. My helmets get put through the paces. So far this helmet has met all expectations. The look is great! I have the off white color. It’s perfect for me. The new BOA is awesome. This helmet fits my bald head better than any helmet I’ve tried in the past. Nice and secure but feels super light and airy. Much better fit and air flow than previous version. A bit pricey, but cheaper than a new head I guess. And the rides are more enjoyable. I will get another next year. After all, a helmet is the most important piece of gear I have.

Just got mine yesterday. Great fit and very comfortable. I have a rounder head and it fits nicely. BOA adjuster is a great upgrade imo. Matches my Shift Mag glasses too, only setback is the buckle, at this price point, Smith could’ve opted with a fidlock system. Not a big deal though.

Great ventilation, fit and color. Love the adjustable visor. Comfortable!

very nice helmet in looks and functionality.

Like it all Kept me alive

Great helmet. I have a bit more of an oval shaped crown and not all helmets fit great. This one’s fantastic. It is super light, and all of the features tailored down to just exactly what you need. .

Lightweight, comfortable, and breathable. I forget that I am wearing a helmet. I saw complaints about the boa system. Not sure why. The boa has worked well. Nice feature. No complaints at all about this product.

All my Smith helmets have been top notch. Had a bad crash 2 years ago at an enduro that fractured my neck, never lost consciousness wearing my Mainline. Knew right then Smith helmets skiing and mountain biking would be my choice forever!

It is easily the most comfortable helmet I have worn. The BOA integration is perfect. I have a small head, but I don't find myself wrenching down to get a good fit, and there are no pinch points.

Great helmet , I’ve worn a forefront from the first generation to the present and just had to replace my Payroll thru crash replacement . Love the improvements , leave it to Smith to never stop improving their products !!!

The helmet not only fits perfect it looks good. Worth the money to save the head.

Looking at purchasing a Forefront 3 helmet. Does the Forefront 3 come with a light mount? The light mount sold separately indicates it is only for a Forefront 2 and will not fit the 3.

I purchased the new Forefront 3 to replace an existing Forefrnet and am pleasantly surprised by improvements in fit, in the boa adjustment, and in airflow/venting. Even if your older helmet seems fine, upgrading to the new Forefront 3 makes sense!

Great, the new boa ensures a perfect fit.

The helmet is realllllly slick. I love the retention system. Huge jump up from traditional. Great air flow, and feels really light on the head. I do wish the advertised go pro mount was available (that’s part of why I bought it). Solid helmet.

Just had a nasty crash on the snotch in Moab landing head first. Helmet was amazing. landed on rock and no ringing or any issues to my head. Broken collarbone however. WILL be purchasing this helmet again. Thank you guys for keeping me safe!

I've owned every generator the Forefront. This is the best one yet. No MIPS creak, very comfortable for me, and better ventilation than the Forefront 2. Very excited to have it!

This helmet is light, sturdy and breathable. The BOA system makes it the most secure, and comfortably fitting bike helmet I've had the pleasure of owning. The fit and finish of the overall product speaks volumes about the build quality, and I have no doubts it will keep me as safe as possible when I inevitably send it just a little to hard.