Hot
- Priced affordably
- Safety features include MIPS and VaporFit™
- VaporFit™ customizes fit with 5cm of rotary adjustment
- AirEvac™ system relieves hot air build-up that can fog lenses
- 21 vents keep you cool
- Light weight and comfortable
- Lifetime warranty
Not
- Storage bag not included with helmet
https://www.smithoptics.com/us/
Price: $75 MSRP
Colors: Black, White, Neon Yellow, Rise (red), Cloudgrey, Pool (teal)
Source: Smith website, online, retail
How Obtained: Sample from company
RBR Sponsor: No
Sizing: Small (51-55cm), Medium (55-59cm) , Large (59-62cm)
# of vents: 21
Weight: 9oz/256g (size S w/MIPS) using personal scale
Smith Quality and Comfort at an Affordable Price
Recently Smith release the Signal helmet with MIPS at a very affordable price of $75 MSRP. They’re able to offer it at this low price point because while still having MIPS, it does not include their zonal protection called Koroyd®. (See “What is MIPS?” covered in a previous review.)
The Signal has the same high quality and comfort you expect from a Smith helmet, using VaporFit technology to provide a custom fit. Like on their higher end models, VaporFit uses a rotary dial adjustment system at the back of the helmet to dial in the fit. There’s 5cm of rotary adjustability which provides a comfortable and a secure fit whether you’re wearing a winter skull cap, headband or nothing at all. Additional adjustments can be made on the straps using the adjustable chin strap and side straps with pivot locks.
Adding to the comfort, the Signal incorporates AirEvac™ and 21 vents to provide ample ventilation. The AirEvac system allows sunglasses/goggles and helmet to function as one system, venting warm moist air away from the lenses, through the helmet climate control system and ultimately out the back of the helmet away from your head.
The relatively low weight of this helmet also adds to the comfort. At 9oz/256g for a small (used my gram scale to weigh) and according to the company’s web site the medium weighs in at 11oz/300g. Basically you put it on and forget about it.
With six colors to pick from, you can find one that matches your gear. I tested the Signal in neon yellow and appreciated the added visibility it provided.
If you are someone who like to remove your sunglasses at a rest stop or on a long climb, since the Signal doesn’t use Koroyd, sunglasses store easily on top of the helmet.
The only negative I could find with the Signal helmet is at this price point, Smith does not include a storage bag. This is minor since some people don’t store their helmets in a bag or have an extra one laying around.
Bottom Line
In the market for a new MIPS helmet but your budget is tight? Check out the new Smith Signal helmet. The high quality, light weight and comfort you’ve come to know from Smith, but at a $75 price point. Can’t beat that!
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