SMITH SESSION

£145

SPECIFICATION Weight: 398g • Sizes: S, M, L • Contact: smithoptics.com

Like Bontrager, Smith employs a structured honeycomb for part of the construction of the Session helmet. This unique Koroyd lattice reinforces two zonal areas just back from the temples but also allows Smith to run bigger vents to improve the ventilation. There are 15 fixed vents in total and we’d easily rate the Session as up there with the Montaro II in terms of how cool it runs.

Inside this helmet is the ubiquitous MIPS Brain Protection System, which helps lessen the damaging effect of rotational forces caused by angled impacts to the head. It’s pretty low profile in this helmet, which helps improve the fit and sizing. The Forefront 2 we tested previously had an oval shape and tended to pinch at the back, but the Session is more rounded and, as such, is a little roomier. Also on the inside is a Ionic+ lining, which gets an antimicrobial treatment and a simple dial-adjusted retention device.

We like that the dial has small increments, as you can be really precise with the fit.

The visor on the Session is also multiadjustable - you can flip it to one of three positions or right up out of the way if you want to park your goggles between runs or race stages. There’s a shallow channel for the strap but it’s not as pronounced as some here and the strap did occasionally slip down.

With the shell extending down at the rear the Session does offer plenty of protection and we really like the changes made to the sizing and fit. However, the overall aesthetic is a bit generic and also this Cinder Haze colourway with the black visor doesn’t showcase the helmet that well. Smith does offer some great colours, this just isn’t one of them.

A solid helmet with impressive breathability and good value for money for the technology on offer – just make sure you get one of the nicer colours.