Price: $170 MSRP
Colors: Matte Poppy, Matte Amethyst, Matte Slate, Matte White, Matte Black
Sizes: S (51-55), M (55-59), L (59-62)
Vents: 8 fixed vents
Additional Safety Features: MIPS, Koroyd, removable and rechargeable rear light
Weight (size medium): 453g
Availability: Online and retail
Obtained by: Company sample
RBR advertiser: No
Stay Visible and Safe on a Daily Commute or E-bike
Whether you are riding your daily commuter bike to work or an E-bike on the trails, Smith’s Dispatch helmet has you protected. The company’s new helmet is E-bike certified, has zonal Koroyd® with MIPS®, and more rear coverage for enhanced impact protection. MIPS reduces rotational forces caused by an angled impact to the head, while the Zonal Koroyd coverage is for energy-absorbing protection.
Smith has added a rear detachable and rechargeable red light to assist with visibility in traffic or on the trail. The LED bar light has three settings: solid, rapid flash, and flash. My only complaint regarding the LED light is you can’t charge it on the helmet. I’m concerned that the brackets might break over time from taking the light on and off the helmet.
Comfort, Style, and Sanitary
The Dispatch helmet is both comfortable and stylish. The Fidlock® magnetic buckle allows for one-handed fastening and unfastening of the chin strap. Also, you only need one hand for the 270o fit adjustment using the VaporFit™ dial at the back of the helmet. This system provides letting you dial in the fit.
For airflow and cooling, there are eight vents and an AirEvac™ system. When combined with Smith sunglasses, it prevents lenses from fogging. And when you sweat, the Ionic+ antimicrobial pads use positively charged silver ions permanently embedded into the fabric to fight microbes and eliminate odors that cause bacteria.
Available in small, medium, and large sizes and five colors, enabling you to find the fit and style that’s right for you. View all the great features in this company video here.
What’s in the Box
Smith provides a storage bag, rechargeable and detachable rear light, and a micro USB charging cable as standard with this helmet.
Bottom Line
For commuters and E-bike riders alike, you’ll find the Dispatch helmet to be comfortable, stylish, and lightweight, plus it provides added protection in the event of a crash. Its certifications include NTA-8776, CPSC, CE EN 1078, and AS/NZS263. Combined with MIPS and Koroyd, it gives you true peace of mind. At $170, the Smith Dispatch is one piece of gear you won’t want to head out for a ride without.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
Just curious what a ebike has to do with a helmet certification? You’re not going any faster on an ebike than a regular bike. I guess the ebike being heavier and lands on your head would give more protection? I looked on their web site and didn’t see anything about it.
There are E-bikes that can go as fast as 28mph, that is what this helmet is certified for.
Some day helmet makers will take bald riders into account – there must be a sizeable percentage of us?! My 4 year old Smith helmet has Koroyd throughout, which lets air through while blocking suns rays from hitting my skull (mostly). Few helmets combine good venting with sun protection.
Just wear a skull cap – grip grab UPF50+ is my favourite. Also I’m sure I’m not the only person who checks Virginiatech before buying any helmet. Personally want a high 5 star rating before I buy, the Smith Dispatch is not listed and only 1 Smith model has a 5 star rating.
I’m bald and on a >100 mile ride my head was burned so that I looked like Warf on Star Trek. Ever since then I’ve worn a Head Sweats on every ride. Head Sweats are thin, make the helmet feel better, protect you from the sun and absorb sweat so that it doesn’t run down your forehead and get in your eyes.
Yes a skull cap to protect the head is just as important at sun screen or sun block is on you other exposed skin. I use a breathable skull cap under my helmet, arm coolers on my arms and Zealios sun barrier on my face and other exposed skin. Most younger people don’t pay close enough attention to skin sun damage but when they start cutting skin cancers off you’ll start paying attention.
Mr. V, I will wear a headsweat on the hottest most humid days. Otherwise I love the breeze coming through the vents onto my head. I foiund Goop sunscreen is pretty non-greasy so I put that on too.
They look like they would have less airflow than other helmets.. How would you compare them on that?
Reminds me of my very first helmet, a Bailen.