Forefront 2

The Smith Forefront 2 is built for trail and enduro riders who want deep, confidence-inspiring coverage without the bulk of a full-face lid. Its architecture relies on an in-mold EPS foam shell lined with extensive Koroyd honeycomb structures alongside an integrated MIPS slip liner. This dual-layer strategy is engineered to absorb direct impacts through crumple zones while dissipating rotational forces, wrapping exceptionally low around the temples and occipital bone.

On the trail, the VaporFit dial system cinches evenly around the head, preventing pressure points and keeping the helmet planted over rough chatter. Eyewear integration is among the best in the category, featuring dedicated channels that lock sunglass arms in place and a three-position visor that swings up to accommodate goggles. The primary functional compromise is airflow: while open external vents channel breeze at speed, the dense Koroyd cylinders restrict ambient air transfer during slow, grinding climbs in high heat.

At roughly 380 grams for a size medium, it sits right in line with competitors like the Troy Lee Designs A3 and Giro Manifest Spherical. A fully wrapped lower polycarbonate rim protects the fragile EPS foam from baggage-compartment dings and tailgate drops, ensuring solid multi-season longevity. For riders in swampy climates, the reduced passive venting may be a dealbreaker, but for those who prioritize robust crash architecture and refined goggle storage, it remains a category benchmark.