
LAUNCH & RIDING IMPRESSIONS
Smith Mainline Full Face Helmet
I used to ride a full face helmet for all the gnarly riding I was into years back. The helmets were heavy, hot, usually uncomfortable and probably offered worse protection than modern half shell lids. When I got used to riding a half shell I never wanted to go back to a full face. More recently, after a few rides in a convertible Bell Super 3R, I liked the confidence that facial protection was giving me, but found it a hassle to convert it between half- and full-face and ended up just keeping it on open-faced mode for that feeling of freedom I just couldn't get from the full face.
Lately the trails in my 'hood seem to be getting steeper and faster and the stories of crashes and face/dental work keep piling up, bringing me full circle to wanting to ride with a full face again. Many of my riding crew have started using full face options from other brands, so I was keen to review the new Smith Mainline, thinking I should avoid making my face look worse than it already does.

Photographer Deniz Merdano taking product pics to new heights.

Lots of space for air to flow through.

The D-ring chin strap fastener and an interchangeable cheek pad.

Adjustable visor, and a slot for a light or GoPro mount.
Smith Mainline Details & comments
- Lightweight – size Medium weight claim is 770g but my size Large weighs 891 grams on the NSMB scale, which still feels light for its size.
- Aerocore construction featuring Koroyd. I found their thermally welded polymer tube tech to be really interesting: https://koroyd.com/technology.
- MIPS – the video below (0:21 mark) does a good job of showing how the little rubber tabs allow for the MIPS system's rotation
- Standard certifications: CSPC/CE, EN 107.8, ASTM, F1952 (DH).
- Face port goggle integration including a strap channel to hold goggles in place.
- 21 Vents including 5 on the chin bar with a large opening for your pie hole.
- AirEvac™ channels promote airflow to prevent fogging when worn with goggles and glasses.
- Internal channels for intake (cool air in) and exhaust (to let your sweaty hothead air out).
- Three (3) available sizes - S, M, and L.
- Each helmet comes with three sets of uniquely sized cheek pads, two sets of uniquely sized crown liners, and two unique neck rolls. My 59 cm head is at the far end of the medium range (55-59 cm), so I tried the Medium with the smallest pads but it was too tight. Thankfully Smith released the Mainline to retailers several weeks ago, so I was able to swap my Medium for a Large (59-63 cm). I have been testing it with the fattest neck roll and internal pads along with the small cheek pads. I tried the medium cheeks to tighten it up a bit but it felt too tight.
- The pads are comprised of anti-bacterial materials and can be easily removed for cleaning.
- D-ring strap fastener which I don't love. Fumbling around with gloves on is a slight first world pain compared to a quick and efficient Fidlock Fastener. Is the D-ring really that much better than clasps? I couldn't find any definitive research. It gets easier every time I use it, but the Fidlock clasp on my Bontrager Rally is always easy and quick in use.
- 3 colours: Matte Black, Rocky Mountain Enduro and Matte Sage Red.
- Adjustable visor and a camera/light mount.

The Matte Black showing face port goggle integration for fit for Smith goggles but works with others I tried (Ryders and adidas).

Matte Sage Red.

Rocky Mountain Enduro colours.
I have had three rides on the Mainline in the hottest weather of the year (up to 30º Celsius) with most of the climbing done with the helmet hanging on my handlebars. When wearing it while riding I liked how light and airy it felt and found that most times I did not notice I had it on. The short sections of climbing with it on my head were easy to deal with as the chin bar has large vents to aid in breathing and heat reduction. I have worn it with Smith Squad XL goggles and Smith Wildcat glasses (a new favorite with NSMB's crew) and both options worked very well. The anti-fog venting must have worked because I did not experience any of the usual fogging my sweaty self usually provides. We'll see how well it works in different conditions and with more climbing as the heat calms down a bit.
I am looking forward to getting to know this helmet and the confidence it provides in all riding seasons. It is now available for $300 US or $399 CAD on Smith's site and at Smith retailers, so check your local shop for fit or look for it at Competitive Cyclist.

Photo: Ryan Walters
Comments
dave_f
4 years, 6 months ago
Double D-ring is about as foolproof as it gets. Years ago, a motorcycle race I was participating in was stopped after someone left the track at high speed. They found him eventually, no longer alive, helmet off. At the time, many approved helmets had a click type chin strap. Subsequently, the marshals checked everyone individually at the start for awhile to make sure their helmets were on properly. The safety instructor for the climbing equipment we use at work says SOP is you have your partner check your harness to make sure everything is closed properly and you haven't snagged your t-shirt in a latch or mistakenly don't have it completely latched, because it happens. My halfshell has one of those plastic buckles and I'm OK with that, but if your life depends on positive closure and fit of your downhill helmet's chinstrap, double D is a plus I think.
Reply
Trevor Hansen
4 years, 6 months ago
Ya I totally agree - I'm just being lazy about spending the time to learn it with gloves on when I am not hot and bothered. That's a scary story - was his helmet a snap on buckle?
Reply
dave_f
4 years, 6 months ago
I can't say for sure, I didn't read a firsthand report and it was a long time ago. I remember thinking it was strange the Marshals were checking helmet closure, like who would be stupid enough to not fasten their chinstrap? This was what was circulating amongst the riders.
Shoei seems to have discontinued the snap type buckle which consisted of a pronged plate released by squeezing both sides of the buckle (similar to the Skylotec buckle).
Evidently there is a Fidlock version approved for motorcycle use. If it turns out to be 100% foolproof, maybe we will all be using them eventually. In the meantime, it's hard to beat double D for safety.
Reply
danimaniac
4 years, 6 months ago
Double D is a must as soon as you enter a race, right?
I always had those on my motorcycling helmets (shoei mostly) and it was always easy to handle, especially open, even with thick wintergloves.
You never fully open it up anyway? I kept mine "wide" and pulled the helmet up and above my head, hoooking under the chinguard AND the straps with both thumbs... so closing was just pulling and done.
Reply
Pete Roggeman
4 years, 6 months ago
There's always a workaround ;)
I always found I got used to it pretty quick - you either get fast at doing it up at the top of the lift, or you drop in 15 seconds behind your buddies...
Reply
mike
4 years, 6 months ago
I think this is the 1st Mips design. I would try, no dials or adjusting bands. Slip fit pads that are sizable . Might have to check one out.
Reply
Pete Roggeman
4 years, 6 months ago
That's right - it's the original MIPS design. Andrew Major is another who doesn't get along well with dial-adjustable fit helmets, he's all about the pad fit.
Reply
mike
4 years, 6 months ago
The pad fit designs are limited today. Urge is a brand that uses it as well. They just dropped a new design. Sad part is they don,t ship to North America. Not sure when this started as I have own one of their helmets. MEC used to carry them.
Reply
Tjaard Breeuwer
4 years, 6 months ago
I actually find the double D closure easier with gloves. I don’t have a big head thoough, so I can normally keep the strap through the buckles, and just loosen and tighten it.
Reply
cedrico
4 years, 6 months ago
How does the Smith Mainline's ventilation compare with that of the TLD Stage?
Reply
Please log in to leave a comment.