There was no shortage of cool new bikes, components, and other gear to see at Sea Otter, but brand-new mountain bike helmets were few and far between. While there weren’t lots of MTB helmet treasures to find, I still came across a small handful of helmets that are just hitting the market. Smith’s new Pilot MTB helmet is a new budget-friendly offering, blending modern styling with a $95 price tag. For the little rippers, Smith’s new Sidekick Jr. Mips brings updated style and protective features to a kids’ helmet for under $100, too.
Additionally, Bell had the new lightweight full-face Full Air Mips as well as the extra-coverage 3QTR Air Mips on hand to check out. Of course, Specialized had the brand new Ambush 3 out on display in its booth, but we already wrote about that new model when it launched last week, just before the show. And we did get a few sneak peeks at other helmets we can’t talk about quite yet, but that are coming soon…
Smith Pilot MTB: $95
Smith quietly snuck the new Pilot MTB helmet onto its website a few weeks ago, but it didn’t officially launch until Sea Otter. The Pilot is the brand’s new entry-level mountain bike half shell, and a significant step up in coverage, features, and, most importantly, aesthetics, from the old Convoy model.
Smith did a good job of styling the Pilot’s shell to be more consistent with the design language of some of its more expensive models. In fact, it looks like a bit of a cross between the Forefront 3 and the Payroll. They also increased the coverage of the in-mold shell over the temples and occipital lobe to better align with modern standards.
Inside, Smith included a Mips Evolve Core rotational impact protection system and a “performance comfort liner”, while the adjustable fit system provides a personalized fit. While the visor is not adjustable, Smith did add eyewear storage channels on the front of the helmet to stash glasses when not in use. And there are 13 vents to promote airflow while riding.
The Pilot MTB comes in five sizes, claimed to fit heads between 48 and 65cm. The claimed weight of a size medium is just 370 grams. It is currently offered in five colors: Matte Black, Matte White, Matte Gravy, Matte Flint, and Matte Aura. It is available now at Smith retailers and through the brand’s website.
Smith Sidekick Jr. Mips: $95
Smith also had its new Sidekick Jr. kids’ bike helmet on display. This new model brings the styling and protective features similar to the adult models to a lid made for the youngest riders. In fact, it looks kinda like the Pilot MTB helmet above, just in a smaller package for kids’ heads. Now, the kids can look a little more like mommy and/or daddy while out on rides.
The Sidekick Jr. has an in-mold EPS and polycarbonate shell construction with extended coverage for the back of the head, like most of our modern adult half-shell helmets. Smith included a MIPS liner for rotational impact protection, and it has an adjustable fit system to ensure that it’s snug on the head. It has an integrated, non-adjustable visor, and the center rear vent is compatible with the rechargeable Transit Light (sold separately).
The Sidekick Jr. Mips is available in two sizes: Youth XS (48-52cm, age range: 4-8) and Youth S (51-55cm, age range: 8-12). It comes in Matte Blaze (orange), Matte Lollipop Fade (pink), Matte Black, and Matte Forest. It has a claimed weight of 310 grams.
Bell Full Air Mips: $330
We haven’t seen a ton of new stuff from Bell in recent years, so it was refreshing to see the brand debut two new models at Sea Otter. The Full Air Mips is a new lightweight dedicated full face model. It’s the brand’s solution for riders seeking big ventilation with a permanently attached chin bar. It carries all of the usual certifications, plus it’s DH, BMX, and E-bike certified. It has a claimed weight of 730 grams in size medium, which is quite lightweight for a DH-certified full-face helmet.
With the Full Air, it seems Bell was trying to blend the protection of a full-face helmet with the comfort of a half-shell. It has a lightweight in-mold, dual-density EPS foam and polycarbonate shell construction with lots of vents and channels to keep air moving around the head. They refer to it as a modular system, but the temple and cheek pads are removable, so you can opt for more airflow or more security/stability, depending on your needs.
Inside, the MIPS Evolve liner aims to reduce the rotational forces from impacts. The antimicrobial liner/padding is removable and washable, and Bell included its unique Sweat Guide system that draws sweat away from your eyewear rather than letting it drip right onto it. A Fidlock magnetic buckle quickly and easily secures the strap under your chin.
The Full Air Mips has a 2-position Flying Bridge visor to stash goggles when not in use. The front, center vent also has an integrated quick-release camera mount with a breakaway feature so you can easily and safely capture the action. It comes in four sizes, S-XL, and is currently offered in eight color options.
Bell 3QTR Air Mips: $280
With the 3QTR Air Mips, Bell essentially took the Full Air and removed the chin bar. Otherwise, it looks nearly identical in its design, tech, and features to its full face sibling. This helmet fills the gap between a half-shell and a full-face helmet for riders who want or need extra head protection but don’t want to ride with a chin bar.
Other than the lack of the chin bar, the helmet’s construction appears to be the same, as are all of the features. It employs the same in-mold dual-density EPS and polycarbonate shell construction, the Mips Evolve rotational impact protection system, a removable, washable, antimicrobial liner, and removable temple pads. It also has a 2-position adjustable visor, an integrated quick-release/breakaway action camera mount, and a Fidlock magnetic buckle.
Without the chinbar, the 3QTR Air Mips loses the DH and BMX certifications, but it still carries the NTA 8776 E-Bike certification plus all of the standard issue certs as well. Ditching the chinbar also reduces the weight, and the 3QTR Air weighs a claimed 650 grams in a size medium. It comes in four sizes, S-XL, and is claimed to fit heads between 51 and 63 cm.
