Smith Mainline Review – A great full-face helmet with one big issue
The Smith Mainline is the debut full-face helmet from Smith, and it’s a very cool looking helmet indeed. Smith have long been linked to Koryod and so it’s no surprise to see the impact absorbing tubes used in the Mainline. The helmet features 21 air vents and uses their AirEvac ventilation system, by which they mean the narrow vents above the google interface line that draw hot air from the goggles up and over the head. For maximum adjustability, the helmet comes with three sets of antibacterial coated pads of different thicknesses. The helmet is finished with an adjustable visor and is fully ASTM F1952 Downhill certified.
There is a lot to love about the Smith Mainline on the trail. To start with, the build quality is exceptional, the materials used all look expensive and the finish is second to none. We were especially impressed with the pads and straps that are all soft and extremely comfortable. There is no adjustable cradle, so fit is all-important, but sliding your head into the Smith Mainline is like pulling on a pair of new socks and everyone loves new socks day. A simple D-ring closure keeps the helmet secure and we experienced no wobbling or rotation. Like on the Endura MT500 which we already tested, the Koyrod does cut down on venting over the head a little and combined with the soft straps, it’s quite a warm helmet. It did get a little stuffy on long pushes but the face is quite open, so it’s not claustrophobic. Diving through turns, the helmet is extremely comfortable and light enough to be hardly noticeable. But, it is really noisy. The interface between the MIPS liner and the EPS foam inner is very creaky. Everything feels louder inside the helmet and the creaks from the liner become a little annoying on DH terrain.
Tops
- amazing build quality and material
- looks amazing
- great safety features
Flops
- creaks loudly
- expensive
The Smith Mainline looks amazing, has an outstanding finish and materials that look a million dollars. Bristling with safety features, the Smith Mainline is an impressive full-face debut. However, with a very creaky interface on the MIPS lining, it’s not one for those who look for a quiet ride. With no cradle, you should double check the fit.
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