Smith Forefront 3 MIPS

You can read the specs on the helmet on the Smith website so this is a purchaser’s and early use experience: firstly Varuste is a genuine bike shop/internet seller! They offered excellent pricing on a newly released item; reasonable shipping rates (to Australia); provided accurate supply and delivery information and were, overall, completely transparent in their supply of the helmet. Great to deal with and I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase from them again. As to the Smith helmet itself: I measured my head circumference at 55cm so was exactly on the border between Small and Medium. I ordered the size Medium as I was worried that I measured this with very short hair and if it were a little longer the Small was at its uppermost limit and wouldn’t fit. I ordered the size Medium. I have the adjustment screwed in as tight as it goes. The helmet fits snugly and doesn’t suffer any slippage over rocky terrain but it does feel a little bit as though it’s relying heavily on the adjustable band to keep it snug rather than an overall snug fit. I think I would buy the size Small in retrospect but have only ridden twice with it so will reserve final judgement but that’s my initial feeling. The adjustable visor is very handy in our hot climate as it can be quickly and easily ratcheted down one handed to keep the sun at bay or adjusted up for steep descents to improve visibility down the trail. The ventilation is outstanding. I do wonder why Smith don’t fit a magnetic clasp as they do on their full face and ski helmets. The quality seems very high. Early days but I would recommend this helmet.