Mips and Koroyd

The Trace helmet has the, by now well known, MIPS system. This is a system whereby the inner shell can move separately from the shell of the helmet. This reduces the risk of brain damage in case of a fall because the system reduces head and neck rotation. In Smith's case, the MIPS system is clearly visible and is a thin layer of plastic that covers the entire inside of the helmet. Another aspect of safety with this helmet is the Koroyd system. This system acts as a kind of crumple zone inside the helmet. On the inside, the helmet is almost completely equipped with Koroyd. Only in the middle it is not present, but there is a line of three large openings for good ventilation. In total, the helmet has 18 openings, of which 11 are 'covered' with Koroyd on the inside. The Koroyd structure cools a little less than the places where no Koroyd is used. But that combination in this helmet ensures that the helmet cools well.

Trace and Ignite

The helmet is comfortable when I put it on and when I compare it to the Ignite I hardly notice any difference in fit. The biggest difference is in the Trace's weight, which according to our scale is 282 grams. That's about 45 grams lighter than the Ignite, in the same size. It's not surprising that the fit is almost identical, because the interior is also almost identical. The biggest difference of the helmet is in the shell and the openings, on the outside of the helmet. The difference in weight is therefore logically explained by the fact that less material is needed for the open shell of the Trace helmet.

Comfortable helmet

What I like about the helmet is that the MIPS system, combined with the easy-to-adjust girth, fits nicely to your head. The 'thick' padding makes it even more comfortable and catches the sweat from my forehead well. Ventilation is good and especially the large holes in the middle of the helmet provide a nice air flow. Even in warmer temperatures, the wind is able to pass through, and the heat can easily escape via the Koroyd.

The Trace helmet has a space between the Koroyd and the shell at the sides, so that you can just about fit your glasses into the helmet. This space is quite narrow, so that glasses with fairly thin temples fit perfectly in it. You also have to search a bit, because the other openings have no space through the Koroyd. If you have glasses, such as an Oakley Jawbreaker, where the arms are a bit bigger, they will not stay in place because you cannot insert them far enough into the opening. You can insert the glasses into the helmet from the front or the back. This makes no difference in terms of fit.

Conclusion

To be honest, I find it strange that Smith helmets are so rarely seen 'in the wild'. I already like the Ignite, but I like the Trace even more. Of course, it is also a matter of taste, but that's fine as far as I am concerned. The large openings provide sufficient cooling and ventilation. In terms of weight, it is not one of the lightest helmets, but that does not bother me. A point of improvement for me would be the space for your sunglasses. This is limited if you do not have Smith glasses. In terms of price, it is a helmet that falls in the top segment and in terms of performance, this is also where it can be placed.

Accountability:

This review was prepared by the editors of Racefietsblog and all rights are therefore vested in them. 

https://racefietsblog.nl/review-smith-trace-fietshelm-met-mips-en-koroyd/