Smith Pilot Mips Helmet

Review by Will Trail

Initial Impressions

The Smith Pilot Mips is a new half shell helmet option in Smith’s mountain bike lineup, oriented toward XC and trail use. Right out of the box, it stands out with a sleek, modern design and a clear focus on safety and eyewear integration. With a Mips® Brain Protection System and molded outer shell, it is built with both comfort and protection in mind.

Detailed Review

The Smith Pilot sits in the middle of Smith’s trail lineup and is loaded with features aimed at riders who want a premium experience. It is well suited for trail and XC riding. While I still prefer a full face helmet for bike park days, this helmet handles everything short of lift access riding with confidence. My model featured a clean, understated colorway (Matte Flint) that fits well in both aggressive and more casual riding settings.

The protection system combines full molded outer shell coverage with the internal Mips® Brain Protection System, which uses the Evolve Core low friction layer attached to the outer shell to help reduce rotational forces during angled impacts. The integration feels seamless and does not affect overall comfort. The outer shell coverage is slightly extended around the temples and rear for added protection, aligning with Smith’s more modern helmet designs.

Fit and adjustability are handled by a rear dial system that allows you to fine tune the fit around your head. It offers a secure, even hold without creating pressure points. The inner webbing feels like a welcome hug, wrapping the head comfortably without feeling restrictive. Once dialed in, the helmet stays planted and does not shift around, even on rough sections of trail. Coverage along the sides and rear feels solid and confidence inspiring without making the helmet feel heavy or overbuilt. I barely noticed the helmet while riding, which is always a good sign.

The snap buckle is easy to use, even with gloves on, and clicks into place securely every time. It makes getting the helmet on and off quick and hassle free.

Ventilation is strong across the board, with 13 fixed openings that move air effectively. Large intake vents combined with internal channeling keep airflow steady, even during slower climbs. I rode in temps ranging from the 50s up into the 80s and never had issues with overheating or sweat buildup. My glasses stayed clear, which is not always the case on long climbs. The liner does a good job managing moisture and can be rinsed periodically for cleaning.

The fixed visor sits at a well chosen angle, providing shade without getting in the way. It works well with sunglasses, and I tested several pairs without any interference or pressure points. Smith clearly prioritized eyewear integration here, with built in front storage channels that securely hold sunglasses when not in use. This is a small but very practical feature, especially during long rides with changing light conditions.

Closing Thoughts

The Smith Pilot Mips helmet strikes a balance between lightweight comfort, solid safety features, and trail focused design. The combination of a durable outer shell and the Mips® Brain Protection System creates a secure and confidence inspiring setup for a wide range of riding styles.
The overall build quality, comfort, and well executed eyewear integration make it a worthwhile choice for riders who spend a lot of time on the trail. This is a well rounded helmet that delivers consistent performance across long rides and varied terrain.

Will Trail

Will grew up in Idaho (fifth generation!) where he enjoyed the outdoors, riding his bike, participated in multiple sports, and working on the family ranch from time to time.

During college at Montana Tech, he played football for a few years and worked as a wildland firefighter during the summers.  He met his future wife, Erin Trail, there and after graduating with a degree in Geophysical Engineering, they moved to Texas where he was involved with racing his Subaru WRX, camping and powerlifting.