Pursue your thrill
Koroyd, Mips and smart fit systems explained. Which SMITH helmet suits kids, newcomers and ambitious trail riders?
Pursue your thrill
Koroyd, Mips and smart fit systems explained. Which SMITH helmet suits kids, newcomers and ambitious trail riders?
Why a good helmet means more funInhalt
Cycling is about freedom, flow and small adventures on the trail. Nobody heads out chasing risk for its own sake. What riders want is the feeling of being fully in control.
That is the heart of the SMITH claim „Pursue your thrill“: when you can rely on your kit, you ride more calmly and with more enjoyment. A helmet that fits well, breathes well and never pinches actually gets worn. And only a helmet you wear can protect you.
Koroyd and Mips: what modern helmets doInhalt
Koroyd is SMITH's core impact protection technology. The principle: welded plastic tubes that crush in a controlled, even way on impact. They collapse instantly, absorb impact energy and reduce the force passed on to head and brain.
SMITH uses two approaches:
- Full Koroyd coverage: Koroyd is spread across the entire helmet shell, the most robust protection concept. Found only in the Forefront 3 Mips.
- Zonal Koroyd coverage: Koroyd sits precisely at the critical impact zones. Found in the Engage Mips.
The Pilot Mips does without a Koroyd layer. It uses a classic in-mould construction combined with Mips, which makes it lighter and cheaper while keeping the important rotational protection.
SMITH Pilot Mips: a smart entry point for 2026Inhalt
The SMITH Pilot Mips is the new model for 2026 and the easiest way into the SMITH range. The in-mould construction keeps weight at 370 g (size M), and the Dial Fit System handles quick fit adjustment. 13 passive vents and AirEvac technology channel heat and moisture upwards, which matters if you ride with goggles.
Mips protects against rotational forces in angled impacts. A fixed visor and an integrated eyewear solution make the Pilot workable on trail rides with changing light. The Pilot meets the CPSC (ages 5 and up), EN 1078 and AS/NZS 2063 standards.
Ideal for: children and teenagers from age 5, newcomers, families and anyone after a modern everyday trail helmet without the premium price tag.
SMITH Engage Mips: best value on the trailInhalt
The SMITH Engage Mips is the value champion of the three. It pairs zonal Koroyd impact protection with Mips and extended rear-head coverage, so more protection in the rearward and sideways crashes that come up often on the trail.
Fit is dialled in with an adjustable wheel (Dial Fit System). AirEvac ventilation keeps air moving and stops goggles fogging. At roughly 350 g in size M it is a touch lighter than the Pilot, with noticeably more protective technology on board. Certified to CPSC and EN 1078.
Ideal for: regular trail riders, advancing beginners and anyone who wants more than a basic helmet without spending Forefront 3 money.
SMITH Forefront 3 Mips: maximum safety for ambitious ridersInhalt
The SMITH Forefront 3 Mips is the premium model, built for riders who will not compromise on protection. It offers full Koroyd impact protection across the whole shell, Mips Air Node integrated directly into the padding, a fully integrated Roll Cage for extra structural stability and extended neck coverage for more rear-head protection.
Fit runs through a micro-adjustable BOA Fit System, more precise and more stable than a dial and usable with gloves on. 20 vents and ventilation that SMITH rates as 25 % improved keep heat from building up despite the maximum protection. AirEvac channels warmth upwards.
Certified to CPSC, EN 1078 and AS/NZS 2063. The strongest protection package of the three.
Ideal for: technical trails, enduro, demanding MTB descents and anyone who wants SMITH's most complete safety system.
Your recommendation at a glance
SMITH helmets at SportFits
All SMITH cycling helmets for trail, MTB and family riding.
