Test MTB helmets: Smith Forefront 3 - high-end helmet with honeycomb structure

Smith is now offering the Forefront in its third evolutionary stage and the Americans continue to rely on the characteristic Koroyd honeycombs for impact protection. These are also intended to improve ventilation. However, the construction also increases the weight to almost exactly 400 grams in size M due to the additional material - not exactly low for a rather moderate trail helmet.

At 270 euros, the Smith Forefront together with the Poc Kortal Race by far the most expensive helmet in our comparison test. What do you get for your money? In line with the price, the Forefront has a very high-quality finish. The one-piece helmet shell, which also runs along the underside, is particularly striking and elaborate. The visor can be adjusted easily and smoothly and the Boa system allows the helmet to be finely adjusted to the head. Otherwise, however, the features do not hold any positive surprises: The buckle is standard, the ear dividers are fixed and cannot be adjusted and the height adjustment of the neck section is only possible inconveniently via press studs.

>> You can find an overview of the 15 bike helmets tested here: 15 MTB helmets tested: how safe these MIPS helmets for trail and enduro are

Slight weaknesses in customisation

We were not entirely convinced by the handling of the Smith. We would have expected a little more from a helmet in this price range - such as a magnetic buckle or automatic height adjustment. We also had the problem that the helmet with the Boa system was difficult to fix sufficiently to the head. As with the Fox Speedframe RS it takes a lot of pulling on the dial to tighten the helmet. Nevertheless, the Smith then sits slightly wobbly on bumpy descents. Also annoying: the neck support, which is actually comfortable, folds forwards into the helmet and always has to be held backwards when putting it on.

The area around the visor, on the other hand, is cleverly designed. If you push it to the top position, you can fit more than just a pair of goggles underneath it during the uphill. Despite the Koroyd honeycombs, sunglasses can also be stowed under the visor.

MTB helmet Smith Forefront 3 in the lab

On our test bench, the Smith Forefront delivers almost the same values as the Scott Tago Plus - which is almost half the price. The Koroyd honeycombs do not appear to improve impact protection. The MIPS Air Node installed here, on the other hand, delivers a solid value with a residual risk of concussion of 20 per cent. Overall, the Smith offers quite acceptable ventilation, the Koryod honeycombs tend to prevent a strong airflow, but allow a continuous light wind.

The values of all tested helmets at a glance

Info & Price - Smith Forefront 3

• Price270 Euro >> e.g. available here
• Weight: 401 gram
• Sizes: S 51-55; M 55-59; L 59-62
• Made inChina
• Colours: 6 colours
• Rotation systemMIPS Air Node
• EquipmentMIPS; transport bag; visor adjustable; Koryod impact protection; Boa adjustment system

Measured values

• Residual force on linear impact: 107,0 g
• Risk of concussion: 20 %

Evaluation and conclusion

Despite the elaborate Koroyd integration, the Smith only achieved moderate values in the laboratory. The honeycomb structure puts pressure on the scales and restricts the air supply somewhat. The flat neck support ensures a high level of comfort, the Boa fastener can be finely adjusted but doesn't provide much tension. As a result, the rather wide-cut Smith sits a little wobbly in the terrain. Successful sunglasses mount and excellent workmanship, but heavy and very expensive.