Smith Session Bike Helmet $115 w/ coupon (Forefront 2 $166, Convoy $54, Trace $180 & More)

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06-17-2020 at 02:32 PM #2

I was just looking at these helmets last night and said I'd wait for a sale, but they don't have the mystic green I want for Smith Network😭

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06-17-2020 at 02:43 PM #3

Not trying to Troll, honest question. How do these compare to comparable priced Giro MIPS? I get a great fit with Giro, not so much with Bell (even though they're the same company). Is there something unique about the Smith Optics?

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06-17-2020 at 03:00 PM #4

I got the Trace a couple of weeks ago from Sierra Trading Post ($119, I think) and I think it's great. Pretty much my first higher end helmet so I can't compare to Giro, for example, but it's light, comfortable and looks pretty damn cool.

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06-17-2020 at 03:18 PM #5

Why is this helmet so expensive compared to a Bern or Fox?

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06-17-2020 at 03:20 PM #6

Do expensive helmets offer any better protection that something like a ~$50 helmet? Or is it generally just for style/weight/aerodynamics/etc...

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06-17-2020 at 03:37 PM #7

Quote from redjericho :

Do expensive helmets offer any better protection that something like a ~$50 helmet? Or is it generally just for style/weight/aerodynamics/etc...

The overwhelming majority opinion is CPSC rated cheap helmets protect just as well.

Unless you ask Virginia tech
https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/bi...tings.html

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06-17-2020 at 03:39 PM #8

Quote from intence01 :

Not trying to Troll, honest question. How do these compare to comparable priced Giro MIPS? I get a great fit with Giro, not so much with Bell (even though they're the same company). Is there something unique about the Smith Optics?

Depending on models both smith and bell (giro) make xxl (64-67cm). Their boa like system lets users adjust to fix. If your is more round, Giro or bell is better than smith. However on some models, smith also makes xxl 64-67cm, 25-26.5"

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06-17-2020 at 03:39 PM #9

Not a good sale

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06-17-2020 at 03:44 PM #10

Quote from intence01 :

Not trying to Troll, honest question. How do these compare to comparable priced Giro MIPS? I get a great fit with Giro, not so much with Bell (even though they're the same company). Is there something unique about the Smith Optics?

My previous helmets have been Giro. I don't think you can go wrong with any reputable brand, but in this case I chose Smith for availability, price and ventilation. My last Giro MTB helmet (Hex) was hotter than my Giro Atmos, so got something with more ventilation this time around.

Quote from redjericho :

Do expensive helmets offer any better protection that something like a ~$50 helmet? Or is it generally just for style/weight/aerodynamics/etc...

MIPS provides protection against rotational forces, and many low-end helmets (and some high-end) don't have that. Not all crashes would benefit from MIPS protection, so take that at face value. As you creep higher, manufacturers talk about different materials for lower speed vs. higher speed crashes. For me, as long as the brand is reputable and it breathes well anything in my price range will do. If you crash your bike and land on your head, you'll probably not regret spending any amount on that investment.

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06-17-2020 at 04:28 PM #11

These look really nice, but I'm off 1/2 shells unless on the road. Went full-face a few weeks back after a pretty bad crash. iXS Trigger. Super light and does a pretty good job of ventilation. I'm sure Smith will have something similar soon as they make great helmets. I ski in one and really love it.
Solid price here for 1/2 shell.

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06-17-2020 at 07:01 PM #12

Quote from batpot :

The overwhelming majority opinion is CPSC rated cheap helmets protect just as well.

Unless you ask Virginia tech
https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/bi...tings.html

They're cooler and look cooler. Any CPSC rated helmet will protect, MIPS is supposed to protect better in real life scenarios. High dollar helmets are a bit of a status thing, but also fit better and provide better cooling/venting and are lighter weight (easier to wear for long rides). Most budget helmets come in one-size-fits-some while the better ones are sized for a better fit.

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06-17-2020 at 07:02 PM #13

Quote from zcmack :

My previous helmets have been Giro. I don't think you can go wrong with any reputable brand, but in this case I chose Smith for availability, price and ventilation. My last Giro MTB helmet (Hex) was hotter than my Giro Atmos, so got something with more ventilation this time around.

MIPS provides protection against rotational forces, and many low-end helmets (and some high-end) don't have that. Not all crashes would benefit from MIPS protection, so take that at face value. As you creep higher, manufacturers talk about different materials for lower speed vs. higher speed crashes. For me, as long as the brand is reputable and it breathes well anything in my price range will do. If you crash your bike and land on your head, you'll probably not regret spending any amount on that investment.

Thanks was just curious. Giro fits my head well and last time I ordered a helmet online without trying it on (which wasn't Giro) the fit was off. Will try a Smith next time I see one in a store.

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06-17-2020 at 07:22 PM #14

Bike helmets are like bike saddles. You never really know about the fit until you try it out.

I've found Giro helmets fit my noggin better than Bells, but that's not always the case. Not sure about this merchant's return policy in case you need to send it back.

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06-17-2020 at 09:06 PM #15

I have a Schwinn Breeze Adult Bike Helmet, which is really tight on my head. I believe I have a small head as a male adult though.

How about these Smith helmets? Could anybody recommend a good helmet that is a little bit bigger?

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