Smith Optics creates sunglasses suitable for winter sports, cycling, and a variety of other activities. It is a brand that continues to evolve, constantly incorporating new technologies and innovative ideas.
Stemming from their background in winter sports, Smith has been focusing heavily on helmet development in recent years. Their cycling helmets, introduced in 2015, not only changed the concept of what a helmet could be but have also gained a large following by achieving a high level of functionality and comfort, all while sporting a unique look.
Smith helmets have won numerous design awards. Today, we are offering some of the 2016 colors at a special price. Even the navy Overtake I personally love and use will be discontinued after the 2016 model year.
【Smith Optics】 Overtake Road Helmet ¥24,000 (excl. tax)
【Smith Optics】 Forefront Mountain Helmet ¥23,000 (excl. tax)
By adopting Koroyd—a polymer material that offers over 30% more impact absorption than standard EPS materials—Smith helmets achieve an excellent total balance, hitting a high standard for essential helmet features such as weight, ventilation, impact protection, and aerodynamics.
True to their heritage as an eyewear brand, they have also focused on integration with sunglasses: ensuring a wide field of view, designing the helmet so it doesn't interfere with the fit of your eyewear, and making sure your glasses store away cleanly when not in use.
I have been using both the Overtake and Forefront since they were released. The helmets are surprisingly breathable—far more than the Koroyd structure might suggest—making them comfortable for mid-summer rides, and they have also been incredibly useful for me during cyclocross races in the winter.
On our recent Seto ride, all four of us riders were wearing Smith helmets. Nobu-san from Altra is such a fan that he even uses a Smith helmet for skiing and snowboarding. For all four of us, the decision came down to the absolute trust we place in the safety provided by a brand with roots in winter sports, combined with the fact that these helmets offer an innovative design unlike anything seen before.
For reference on sizing, they feel a bit narrower at the temples compared to Giro helmets. We have M and L sizes in stock, so please come by and try one on if you are interested.