Buying Guides
SMITH MTB helmets compared: Pilot, Engage and Forefront 3
Pilot, Engage or Forefront 3: what sets the three SMITH mountain bike helmets apart, and what Koroyd and Mips are good for.
Why a good helmet means more fun
Cycling is about freedom, flow and small adventures on the trail. Nobody rides looking for risk for its own sake. What you're after is the feeling of being fully in control.
That is the core of the SMITH claim "Pursue your thrill": if you can rely on your kit, you ride more relaxed, more confident and with more enjoyment. A helmet that fits well, ventilates well and doesn't pinch actually gets worn. And only a helmet you wear can protect you.
Koroyd and Mips: what modern helmets do
Koroyd is SMITH's central impact protection technology. The principle: welded plastic tubes that compress in a controlled, even way on impact. They crumple instantly, absorb impact energy and reduce the force passed on to your head and brain.
SMITH works with two concepts:
- Full Koroyd coverage: Koroyd is spread across the entire shell, the most robust protection concept. Only in the Forefront 3 Mips.
- Zonal Koroyd coverage: Koroyd sits exactly where the critical impact zones are. Used in the Engage Mips.
The Pilot Mips has no Koroyd layer. It combines a classic in-mould construction with Mips, which makes it more affordable without giving up the key rotational protection.
SMITH Pilot Mips: a smart way in for 2026
The SMITH Pilot Mips is the new model for 2026 and an ideal way into the SMITH range. The in-mould construction keeps the weight at 370 g (size M), and the Dial Fit System makes adjusting the fit quick and easy. 13 passive vents and AirEvac technology move heat and moisture upwards, which also matters if you ride with goggles.
Mips protects against rotational forces in angled impacts. A fixed visor and integrated eyewear solution make the Pilot a good fit for 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, beginners, families, and anyone who wants a modern everyday trail helmet without a premium price.
SMITH Engage Mips: best value on the trail
The SMITH Engage Mips offers the best value of the three. It combines zonal Koroyd impact protection with Mips and extended coverage at the back of the head, for more protection in the backward and sideways falls that happen a lot on the trail.
You adjust the fit with a dial (Dial Fit System). AirEvac ventilation keeps the air moving and stops goggles fogging up. At around 350 g in size M it is slightly lighter than the Pilot, with clearly more protective technology on board. Certified to CPSC and EN 1078.
Ideal for: regular trail riders, progressing beginners, and anyone who wants more than a basic helmet without spending Forefront 3 money.
SMITH Forefront 3 Mips: maximum protection for ambitious riders
The SMITH Forefront 3 Mips is the premium model, for riders who won't compromise on protection. It has full Koroyd impact protection across the entire shell, Mips Air Node (integrated directly into the padding), a fully integrated Roll Cage for extra structural stability and extended neck protection for more coverage at the back of the head.
The fit is handled by a micro-adjustable BOA Fit System, more precise and more stable than a dial and easy to use with gloves on. 20 vents and ventilation that, according to SMITH, is 25 % better keep heat from building up despite the maximum protection. AirEvac moves 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.
Our recommendation at a glance
- 1
If you (or your child from age 5) are heading onto the trail for the first time
the Pilot Mips is the right choice: an easy start, light, Mips protection and CPSC-certified from age 5.
- 2
If you regularly ride singletrack and more technical trails
the Engage Mips is worth it: zonal Koroyd, Mips and extended rear coverage, so more safety technology without a premium price.
- 3
If you ride demanding descents, enduro and technical MTB loops
the Forefront 3 Mips is the consistent choice: full Koroyd, Mips Air Node, Roll Cage and BOA Fit, SMITH's strongest protection package.
- 4
If you are switching from road or gravel to trail riding and bikepacking
the Pilot or Engage have advantages over classic road helmets: more rear coverage, a visor and a sturdier build for uneven terrain.
- 5
If you want the best value in trail protection technology
the Engage Mips is the clear recommendation: two protective technologies (Koroyd plus Mips) at a fair price.
SMITH helmets at SportFits
All SMITH bike helmets for trail, MTB and family rides.
Discover SMITH helmets ↗Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between zonal and full Koroyd protection?
Zonal Koroyd (Engage Mips) sits at the strategically critical impact zones and absorbs energy exactly there. Full Koroyd protection (Forefront 3 Mips) is spread over the entire shell and is the most robust concept. According to SMITH, both work better than classic EPS foam, which absorbs impact energy but does not compress as evenly as Koroyd.
Is Mips worth it, or is it just marketing?
Mips tackles a real problem: many crashes happen at an angle and create rotational forces on the head. Virginia Tech rates bike helmets in realistic scenarios by rotational velocity, and helmets with rotational protection often score better there. No system prevents every concussion, but Mips is a sensible extra layer of protection.
Which SMITH helmet suits children?
The Pilot Mips is the only one of the three with CPSC certification from age 5. It is also the most affordable model in the selection. What always matters most is individual fit: the helmet has to fit now, not be bought to grow into. Check regularly that it still sits correctly.
When does a cycling helmet need replacing?
Immediately after any hard impact. Even with no visible damage, the internal structure (Koroyd, EPS, shell) may be compromised. Without a crash, most manufacturers recommend replacing it after five years at the latest, because UV light, sweat and heat age the materials.
Can I wear the Pilot, Engage or Forefront 3 for gravel or road cycling?
All three are MTB and trail helmets with a visor and extended rear coverage. That makes them a sensible choice for gravel and bikepacking, where uneven terrain calls for more protection. For classic road cycling on tarmac, SMITH has more specific models with better aerodynamics and lower weight.
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