The Smith Network helmet is, above anything, versatile. Thanks to its voluminous airflow, and lightweight and neat removable visor, it’ll please anyone who swaps between their cross-country mountain biking, gravel and road bikes. Downsides are few but its impressive airflow can turn to limit what could easily pass as one of the best mountain bike helmets.
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Smith Network helmet - Technical details
Smith’s Network helmet is touted as something for all kinds of riding. It takes the visorless layout usually found atop the heads of road, gravel and XC riders but it comes with a handy stick-on visor that isn’t at all dissimilar to what’s found on traditional cycling caps. However, its stick-on functionality means that riders can benefit from a small peak without compromising airflow.
As usual, Smith shows its stubborn dedication to Koroyd as the Network helmet is equipped with zonal patches of the straw-like rotational impact reduction system. These are found at either side of the helmet and are joined by a Mips cradle for even more protection. These, as well as the EPS foam construction, certify the helmet to CPSC and CE EN 1078 standards.
It features 15 vents and there’s Smith’s AirVac system which intakes air and directs it behind any eyewear to help dissipate lens fog, and even avoid it altogether. Speaking of eyewear, unsurprising of the heavily eyewear-focused brand, the helmet is built with a neat dock to store glasses when not in use.
Inside, there’s an ionic anti-microbial comfort liner that provides sweat-activated odour control. It also uses a VaporFit adjustable fit system complete with height adjustment.
Looking at weights, Smith says that a medium helmet will tip the scale at 300g – I weighed a helmet of the same size at 304g which is bang on the money
Smith Network helmet - Performance
In terms of fitment, it's not perfect and is a little tight on the temples. However, deep into a ride, this small issue goes unnoticed and it seems to be more an issue with the padding than it is with the helmet’s diameter. I sit at the top end of the sizing scale, so this makes sense.
It doesn’t take more than a few pedal strokes to realise how capable the Network is at encouraging and guiding airflow around the head. Even though there’s the Mips cradle to contend with, the Network efficiently blasts air around the head thanks to its many very large vents. While at speed, I’ve remained cool and comfy, and during chillier rides, almost too cold.
Although Smith seems hell-bent on including Koroyd on its helmets, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing, it’s very strategically placed on this lid. Koroyd’s staw-like structure is found only at the sides of the helmet, so airflow from the front to the back of the helmet isn’t impeded. But Koroyd isn’t known for being the breeziest of materials and its employment on the Network uses this to its advantage as it blocks side winds from blasting straight into the side of the head, which can get pretty uncomfortable on cooler days.
It does hinder airflow when a breeze is hard to come by, however, as it’s simply not as open as a regular vent. So when slowly cranking up climbs in higher temperatures, it tends to hold heat in rather than let cool air through.
Deep into rides, the helmet’s lightweight shows, resulting in excellent comfort. The slight tightness at the temples is well hidden, and I’ve been very happy with this lid. Smith states that the Network is built with a method of glasses storage but I’ve struggled to make it work for me. I’ve ridden in this helmet with the Melon Optics Alleycat, Kingpin, the Sweet Protection Memento and the Madison Cipher and I’ve not managed to store any of them confidently.
Smith Network helmet - Verdict
At £140, the Network’s value isn’t looking too bad but it’s not quite as cost-effective as others on the market. For example, it doesn’t compete with the Troy Lee Designs Grail at £100. It’s lighter at 295g but it looks bulkier and doesn’t come with the extra protection of Zonal Koroyd. Nor does it come with the additional sun visor. It also doesn’t cool as effectively as the Network.
Nor does it come close to the 100% Altis Gravel which will set you back £90. Matt found it to be exceptionally comfortable and that there are a bunch of very useful features for the cash but it looks like airflow doesn’t quite match up with that of the Network.
But the Network looks great value against POC’s Omne Ultra Mips. This helmet has a range of interesting storage features, allowing stowage of a rain cover and an ID patch. It also gets a Mips cradle but, feature-wise, it’s not a stone’s throw from the Network.
If you’re a rider who likes to spend as much time on the gravel bike as you do the cross-country rig, the Smith Network provides the airflow you’ll need to remain cool and comfortable during those big rides. Although it won’t suit all head shapes, it’s plenty adjustable enough to find decent comfort and while airflow is impressive, the Zonal Koryod does hinder the exhaustion of heat when there’s not much of a breeze.