Brand new for 2018, the Smith Session MIPS is an all-mountain lid offering Koroyd technology for a cheaper price than its flagship Smith Forefront helmet.

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The shell blends traditional EPS with the (claimed) class-leading impact absorption of Koroyd in strategic zones on the front edges, rather than using a complete honeycomb skeleton.

This allows the Session to place huge, effective vents on top of the forehead, which feed into internal air channels and really pump cooling air over the scalp; something the original Forefront was less effective at according to some riders. The interior has a MIPS slip-plane liner that’s well integrated into the padding, and a lightweight rear webbing design that locks down firmly and comfortably through three height positions. The liner pads are perfectly placed for isolating the shell and really good at absorbing sweat.

The Session fits better and runs cooler than Smith’s previous mid-range Rover helmet, and has also addressed niggles like a visor that got in the way looking down the trail with a new three-position peak that tips up so you can stash goggles underneath. Smith helmets also have a clever eyewear ‘slot’ to store glasses in while climbing that works great too.

My experience is that Smith helmets are extremely comfortable and the Session backs this up by really cradling the skull with no pressure points and a sense the weight is well spread over the head. It’s also stable, cool and feels light when riding. With sorted finish quality, performance and Koroyd protection technology, that means the price being at the top end of the spectrum is just about the only concern here.