In addition to the “world’s lightest carbon shell downhill helmet,” Smith also released a prototype of the Forefront 3 open face helmet. Due for release in 2025, it will replace the Forefront 2 with improved ventilation and more rear coverage. It will retail for $270 USD.
A polycarbonate shell, EPS, Koroyd, and MIPS play their respective roles in impact protection. Smith opted for the MIPS Air Node for rotational impact protection. It’s my favorite version of the MIPS liners because it doesn’t squeak when you move like some other MIPS liners do. The Koroyd is distributed across most of the helmet, but the large center vents are completely open to promote more airflow over the top of your skull, and a few of the exhaust vents are open as well.
Ventilation was a huge priority when designing this helmet. The Forefront 3 is claimed to offer a 25% improvement in breathability over the outgoing Forefront 2. Smith achieved this by switching to a roll cage that injection molds the EPS into, allowing them to add more vents that are much larger.
Smith is using a BOA dial on the fit system. Unlike the rigid plastic cradles you see on most helmets, Smith will be using a flexible cradle borrowed from one of their snowsport helmets. What else? Well, the rear cradle has a vertical height adjustment with three possible positions, and the peak has a couple of positions that it clicks into. It looks like Smith will be using a regular buckle for the chinstrap closure.
Evoc
Evoc showed off some promising new knee pads. Promising because they use a sleeved design and both the Lite and Enduro pads will be certified with Level 2 protection. Meanwhile, most other lightweight, pedal-friendly knee pads only offer Level 1 protection – notable exceptions are the Rapha Trail Knee Pads. Expect these in 2025.
The Lite version is a basic sleeve design with a removable pad, while the Enduro version is similar but with hook and loop closures around the calf and thigh for added security, and a more durable material over the top of the pad itself. Prices are competitive; the Evoc Lite Knee Pads retail for £100, while the Evoc Enduro Pads retail for £120. Both come in four sizes.
Leatt
In addition to their new, outrageously priced magnesium pedals and stems, the Leatt logo has also been branded onto a couple of more familiar items; new torso protectors and knee pads. This is the new Chest Protector 4.5 Pro Evo. It has a hard shell on the chest and back, and underneath that Leatt’s own patented impact protection material called Flex Mesh Pro. While the Chest Protector 3.5 was Level 1 certified, this new one is Level 2 certified – for the front and back protectors. It will be priced at $199 USD, available in three sizes to fit a variety of torso lengths. There will also be a women’s version that will also cost $199 USD.
In addition to the improved impact protection, Leatt wanted to make the protectors more breathable. The hard shell now has more ventilation holes in the middle and the Flex Mesh Pro material underneath has matching ventilation holes.
For the first time in seven years, Leatt has updated their soft construction knee pads, the 5.0 3DF. They’re now slightly lighter, with a more ventilated sleeve and added padding on the sides of the main pad. Unfortunately, there’s still no Level 2 protection; all of the knee pads you see here are Level 1 certified. That combined with the bulkier construction of these pads will make it tough for Leatt to compete with brands like Rapha, Ion, Evoc (see above) and the new D3O Diablo pads that Troy Lee Design and Race Face will be releasing soon. The pads you see here range in price from $99 to $139 USD.
Alps
For the first time, Alpina has an ASTM-certified full-face helmet. It is called the Pikes MIPS and is said to weigh 800 grams in size medium. The price is competitive: 150 €. Key features include a breakaway visor, cheek pads of varying thickness and the use of a D-ring buckle for the chin strap. In addition to the above colors, this helmet is also available in black.
Every few years, Alpina collaborates with an athlete to release a limited edition colorway on a selection of their helmets and goggles. This season, they’ve partnered with Max Nerurkar of the 50to01 crew for a design with a tie-dye-like finish. The process they use ensures that each helmet shell and goggle frame is completely custom. Get it on the Root MIPS 3/4 helmet, the Apax MIPS open face helmet, and the Sonic series of goggles.