Hot
- Dual safety features – MIPS and zonal Koroyd
- Extremely lightweight, you forget you have it on
- Aero sleek design for less drag at higher speeds
- Easily accommodates oversized shield style sunglasses
- Integrated sunglass storage on top of the helmet
- Performance padding for added comfort
- Variety of colors to satisfy every gender and style
- Ventilated cloth storage bag included
Not
- Typical of most aero helmets, it can get a little warm
- Side straps are not adjustable
- Not available in XL
Price: $250
Sizes: S (51-55cm), M (55-59cm), and L (59-62cm)
# of Vents: 8
Safety/Protection Features: MIPS liner and zonal Koroyd
Colors: Matte White, Black/Matte Cement, Matte Cinder Haze, Matte Mystic Green/Black, Matte Rise/Mediterranean
Weight: (Size M): 11oz / 310g
How obtained: Company sample
Available: Online, retail
RBR advertiser: No
For Race Day or a Fast Group Ride
Are you looking to eliminate a little drag and increase aerodynamics for your next race? Or want a slight edge for that spirited group ride with the club? Smith recently introduced the Ignite Aero helmet. The sleek low profile, lightweight design, comfortable fit, and MIPS and Koroyd protection features combine for an excellent choice when buying an aero helmet.
You don’t want to think about anything except the task at hand on race day. With the Ignite, at only 10.5 oz (296g) for a small size helmet, I forgot it was sitting on top of my head. Even the side straps are designed with a low-profile Y-strap divider that reduces wind noise and aerodynamic drag.
Note the Y-strap divider does not allow for adjustment. It fit my face perfectly and was positioned under my ear correctly, but this may not be true for everyone.
For a proper and secure fit, the VaporFit system offers 270-degree adjustments with a one-handed turn of the dial. Having a helmet that fits appropriately is just one part of the equation for keeping your head safe. Smith incorporates zonal Koroyd coverage, which is lightweight, energy-absorbing, and ventilated impact protection. You can read all about Koroyd on the Smith website here. The company also uses MIPS Brain Protection System, which reduces rotational forces caused by angled impacts to the head.
Additional Features
The Ignite helmet’s integrated sunglass storage lets you store sunglasses on top of the helmet, making them available to grab quickly at the start of your ride. I tested the Ignite with both standard and oversized shield sunglasses. The shape and fit of the helmet accommodate both styles of sunglasses just fine.
Included with the Ignite helmet is a ventilated cloth storage bag to keep it safe when transported in a car or suitcase.
The helmet is available in five color combinations and sizes small, medium, and large. Unfortunately, this model isn’t offered in XL. I found the fit to be true to size, as I wear a small, and it fits my head perfectly.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for an aero road helmet that’s lightweight, stylish, and has superior safety features, the Smith Ignite is definitely worth checking out. The helmet is so light I wasn’t aware I was wearing it during test rides. Just strap it on and go for a fast ride.
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.
I have a Smith Network helmet which I really like. It was a replacement for another Smith where the strap malfunctioned after a few years – and Smith warranteed it! I really like the ‘straws’ (Koroyd head protection) as they allow air flow through the vents and straws but block the sun from hitting my older-hair-challenged skull, which is a problem on most helmets.