SMITH OPTICS / SESSION

　
It’s getting quite warm during the day, and it really feels like spring is just around the corner. Yesterday, I did my usual patrol of the hills I frequent.
　
　
With the daytime temperature forecast to reach 12 degrees, I struggled with what to wear, but I settled on a merino base layer, a hoodie, and a packable wind vest to block the wind. It was a casual outfit that I could wear out into town after the ride, while still being able to move around comfortably while on the bike.
　
　
Vest: 【RINGTAIL】 Breezer Vest
Hoodie: 【SEARCH AND STATE】Hooded Riding Sweatshirt
Base Layer: 【SEARCH AND STATE】S3-B Base Layer
Bottoms: 【DEEPER’S WEAR】Fast Pass Baker
Shoes: 【LAKE】MXZ200
　
I wear padded tights under my pants, so distance isn't a problem. I actually ride in this style quite a bit for winter snow rides. Of course, a jersey is easier to move in and more suitable for an active ride, but it's not bad to enjoy things in a more laid-back style once in a while.
　
There is actually another reason why I rode in this style: to try out the new SMITH helmet, which is the highlight of the POP UP starting tomorrow.
　
　
Of the new releases, the SESSION is designed for off-road riding. While it’s perfect for actively tearing through trails on a mountain bike, I thought it would also be great for the gravel rides I often do. Actually, there are surprisingly many people who wear MTB helmets for cyclocross races and touring, and usually, those people have a really solid personal style. (According to my research at Shige.)
　
This model reduces the surface area of Koroyd—Smith’s proprietary polymer material that provides over 30% better impact absorption, also used in their flagship model—to the sides, leaving large vents on the top of the head. This significantly increases ventilation, and as someone who has been using the existing FOREFRONT model, I find this new one to be much more comfortable for those who tend to run hot.
　
　
Although the surface area of the Koroyd is smaller, the density is higher, so you can rest assured about its strength. Another common feature in all these new models is that MIPS comes standard. Simply put, it's like a seismic isolation system that dissipates shock, designed to mitigate impact to the brain in the event of a fall. This is being actively incorporated into many modern helmets, and Smith is eagerly adopting it for both on and off-road models.
　
While it might be slightly heavier than the flagship model, it still achieves a high level of balance between strength, lightness, and comfort. They’ve also refined the gimmick for storing sunglasses—something you'd expect from an eyewear brand—which really showed me how serious they are. I won't reveal the details here (laughs). Please come and try it out for yourself during the event. Above all, choosing the right size is the most important thing for a helmet! We look forward to seeing you!