Smith Announces New Helmets and Eyewear at Sea Otter 2025

Smith rolls into Sea Otter 2025 with an update to their Forefront helmet, an all-new, award-winning full face helmet and innovative new eyewear in the Defy.

Updated Forefront 3

Since launching the award-winning design in 2014 and firmly establishing themselves 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. In continuing to push the boundaries on technology and design following an update in 2019, Smith is launches the next iteration of a classic with the new Forefront 3 helmet ($270).

From flowy single track 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 new 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 additional 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, the Forefront 3 increases airflow by 25% over the previous model and maximizes consistent airflow through its AirEvac™ technology preventing 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 lights, 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®)

Award-Winning Hardline

A 2024 winner of the Eurobike Accessories Award, Smith’s new Hardline is a 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, trainings, and casual rides. The utilization of complete Koroyd® ventilated coverage provides 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 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 a 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, and the lightest weight full carbon shell DH-caliber helmet to hit the market and the recent winner of Eurobike 2024 Accessories Award. Each shell is offered in three size options and include two sets of washable cheek pads, crown liners, and neck rolls with Ionic+ antibacterial performance fabric to ensure a 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, 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®)

Defy Performance Sunglasses

Whether on a run, on two wheels, or on the snow, the new Defy sunglass from SMITH offers ample coverage and a crisp view of the terrain wherever adventure takes you. The performance-focused sunglass features a lightweight, rimless design and ChromaPop™ optics for unobstructed, high-contrast vision.

 Comprised of lightweight, flexible, and high-impact resistant TR90 nylon frame in a slight wraparound fit, the Defy offers superior protection with a rimless lens for unrestricted peripheral vision. The 5-base cylindrical shield lens is offered exclusively in SMITH’s proprietary ChromaPop™ lens technology delivering enhanced color, clarity, and definition of objects. Each durable frame comes with two interchangeable lens tints – one for bright sun and a clear option for low-light or night adventures – to accommodate variable light conditions. The addition of smudge and moisture resistant coatings provide easy cleaning and clear optics.

Auto-lock hinges hold the frames open for easy, one-hand removal of the glasses, and the inclusion of megol temple and nose pads react to perspiration to provide a non-slip grip that won’t bounce while on the move. The megol on the nose pads is also adjustable for a more customized fit, which will also regulate airflow as needed.

The Defy (MSRP $175-185 with two sets of lenses, microfiber cleaning and storage pouch, and hard case) are available now at
smithoptics.com and select specialty retailers worldwide.