Smith Releases All-New Forefront 3 and Award-Winning Hardline MTB Helmets

(SMITH PRESS RELEASE)

Since launching the award-winning design in 2014 and firmly establishing Smith as a market disruptor across the bike industry, the Forefront helmet has been a leading product innovation and fan favorite among professional athletes and MTB enthusiasts since its debut. In continuing to push the boundaries on technology and design following an update in 2019, Smith is excited to launch the next iteration of a classic with the new Forefront 3 helmet.

From flowy singletrack to technical descents, the Forefront 3 boasts several new technology upgrades within a redesigned shell, paying homage to the original but built for modern riding on diverse and technical terrain. The lightweight in-mold construction with a further extended back continues to incorporate complete Koroyd® coverage for lightweight, energy-absorbing, and ventilated impact protection. The addition of a new complete internal injected roll cage, integrated throughout the helmet, additionally helps distribute impact forces for a maximum level of protection. The updated Mips® Safety System, designed to reduce rotational forces caused by angled impacts to the head, is also now integrated directly into the helmet padding for increased comfort while riding.

Air channels for venting, combined with 20 optimized vents, increase airflow by 25% over the previous model, maximizing consistent ventilation through AirEvac™ technology, which prevents fogging when worn with performance eyewear and goggles. For ultimate eyewear compatibility, the Forefront 3 also features channels on the front and rear of the helmet for sunglass storage and a three-position visor that pivots upward for complete goggle storage under the brim.

The new Smith Flexible Fit System, featuring BOA®, provides micro-adjustable precision fit and customization, engineered for maximum performance, plus lightweight, low-bulk single-layer webbing. When capturing adventures or riding in low light, the Forefront 3 is also camera and light mount compatible.

The Forefront 3 (MSRP $270 USD / $320 CDN / $395 AUS / €270 – Weight: 14 oz / 400 grams – Size M Mips®) is available now at select specialty bike retailers worldwide and online at smithoptics.com.

Drop into rowdy downhill runs with full-speed-ahead confidence in Smith’s new Hardline, a new feature-packed full-face helmet built for athletes and enthusiasts looking to push the boundaries of riding. Whether dropping into huge step-downs or hitting heavy gaps, the pinnacle Hardline helmet expands Smith’s collection of progressive protection for elite-level riders.

Designed in collaboration with world-class freeride & slopestyle mountain biker and Smith athlete, Hannah Bergemann, the Hardline is constructed to be ultralight, lightweight, and breathable without compromising protection to meet and exceed her needs in competitions, training, and casual rides. The utilization of complete Koroyd® ventilated coverage provides an integrated skeletal structure that crumples, absorbs, and protects upon impact, while the addition of the Mips® Safety System reduces rotational forces for maximum protection. Smith also integrated a patent-pending collarbone impact protection zone along the bottom of the helmet to disperse impact force to mitigate the risk of collarbone injuries from the edge of the helmet. Finally, the quick-release cheek pad system, accessible via pull tabs on the underside of the helmet, allows safe removal by emergency responders in case of an emergency.

“It’s been a pleasure to be a part of the Smith DH helmet project. I’ve been wearing the Hardline for the better part of six months and am honored to be trusted to put it to the test,” said Bergemann. “Immediately, I felt at home in the new lid, and with the highest safety ratings, I trust it to take on anything I want to ride—from casual bike park laps to Hardline DH tracks and Fest Series jumps. It feels really secure, solid, and comfy when riding. Additionally, I simply wanted it to look cool, and I think Smith knocked it out of the park!” she continued.

The Hardline is available in two shell models: a fiberglass composite version available in three color options and a full carbon weave version offered exclusively in matte black. The full carbon shell is the lightest-weight DH-caliber helmet to hit the market and the recent winner of the Eurobike 2024 Accessories Award. Each shell is offered in three size options and includes two sets of washable cheek pads, crown liners, and neck rolls with Ionic+ antibacterial performance fabric to ensure proper customization and fine-tune the best possible fit.

Additional features include an adjustable breakaway visor that can be locked into place for under-visor POV camera mounting, a D-ring chinstrap fastener for a snug fit, and ultimate integration with Smith performance goggles for maximum comfort, ventilation, and storage.

 

The Hardline Composite (MSRP $390 USD / $480 CDN / $595 AUS / €520 – Weight: 35 oz / 990 grams – Size M Mips®) and Hardline Carbon (MSRP $520 USD / $750 CDN / $795 AUS / €520 – Weight: 32 oz / 910 grams – Size M Mips®) are available now at select specialty bike retailers worldwide and online at smithoptics.com.