Recently, I had to replace my old bike helmet. Because I bike in a variety of terrain—from road to dirt to gravel, easy trails to steep ascents and descents—I needed a versatile helmet with a great ventilation system and solid head protection.
After a while cycling with my new Smith Trace MIPS Helmet, I’m not looking any further.
The helmet uses Multi-directional Impact Protection (MIPS), a brain protection system found inside the helmet, can reduce harmful forces transmitted to the brain for certain impacts. It’s designed to add protection against rotational motion that can increase the risk for minor and severe brain injuries.
If this is the first you’ve heard of MIPS, check out this Outside magazine article[https://www.outsideonline.com/health/training-performance/is-mips-worth-it-a-craniofacial-trauma-surgeon-weighs-in-on-bike-helmets/] by a craniofacial trauma surgeon for his assessment.
The helmet also has Koroyd cylinders, developed in the aerospace industry to absorb more energy on impact, offer better design flexibility, and guarantee more efficient ventilation compared to materials traditionally used in helmet construction.
The Trace is lightweight and not as bulky as some helmets. Its integrated skeletal structure acts like a roll cage for added strength and impact protection. There are 18 fixed vents for consistent airflow, a VaporFit dial adjustment system with 270-degree fit adjustment, and an AirEvac ventilation system that integrates with Smith eyewear for fog-free lenses. I’ve tested this with my Smith cycling sunglasses, and I haven’t yet had a problem with fogging.
To top it off, the Ionic+ antimicrobial lining offers sweat-activated odor control.
The Trace MIPS Helmet comes in small, medium, and large sizes, and a variety of colors: poppy/terra/storm (pictured), matte stone/moss, matte dew/aurora/bone, matte bone gradient, matte neon yellow viz, matte blackout, white/matte white, black/matte cement. Prices on the Smith site range from $250 to $260, depending on color choice.