ABOUT THE SMITH ENGAGE HELMET
If we think about the spectrum of the Smith half-shell helmet lineup — the Convoy up to the Forefront 3 — the Smith Engage Mips sits somewhere in the middle, balancing value and features. The Engage jumps up from Smith’s entry-level Convoy, with features like Koroyd zonal protection, Mips, and a multiple-position visor.
Like all Smith trail helmets, the Engage features a Mips Brain Protection System to help with rotational forces from angled impacts. Koroyd is found in zones covering either side of the head, wrapping to the side of the forehead from the temples. Koroyd’s honeycomb structure crumples under impact to absorb energy sustained during a crash, while still allowing for good ventilation. Smith’s dial fit system ensures the Engage is sitting comfortably and securely on your head.
The Engage features 21 vents to allow maximum airflow through the helmet as you ride. Four more air vents are located at the forehead, making up the Engage’s AirEvac ventilation system. AirEvac allows air to flow more freely over glasses and goggles, helping prevent them from fogging up.
Smith built the Engage to easily incorporate glasses into the helmet. Glasses can easily be stored on the rear or front of the helmet, under the three-position visor.
The Engage is offered in S–XL, fitting head sizes 48–65cm, and has seven colorways (at the time of review, two additional 2024 colorways were still available and on sale). Standard retail price is $130, sitting in that mid-tier price point. The size M we had on test weighed 350 grams.
THE DIRT
Fit is likely one of the most critical factors in choosing a helmet. A helmet can be packed with excellent safety features and have safety tech incorporated, yet those features may be compromised if they don’t fit right.
Smith helmets fit my head very well, and I have found myself returning to them as my daily drivers between testing different helmets — first, the Forefront 2, and more recently the Payroll. And from the first try-on, the Engage lived up to the comfort and fit expectations I’ve begun to associate with Smith.
While the Engage fit well on my head, the straps did bother my ears. The Engage, Convoy, and the Session don’t feature the Y-strap around the ears. This means the straps don’t lay flat; and regardless of how much I adjust them, they rub my ears. However, I imagine going without this feature helps keep the price low.
Along with fitting well, the Engage’s 21 vents allowed the helmet to breathe well also. I’m a big fan of Smith’s AirEvac system, which helps keep glasses and goggles fog-free. While it can seem a bit gimmicky, the proof is in the pudding when I wear other helmets, as I find my glasses fogging up much more often. Just a few vents above your brow do quite a bit to keep glasses clear.
Fortunately, my head didn’t meet the ground during my testing time with the Engage. I appreciate Smith’s addition of Koroyd to the helmet, something the first iteration of the Engage lacked. Koroyd offers good impact absorption while still allowing the helmet to breathe. It is also good for keeping bees out of your helmet.
That said, I’m always game for more protection. While I appreciate Smith incorporating safety tech like Mips and Koroyd into their helmets, I would have appreciated more than Zonal Koroyd coverage. While I understand that Zonal Koroyd covers the most common impact spots, behind the temple and the entire back of the head have no Koroyd. Yes, you’re less likely to have impacts there, but there’s always a possibility. That’s not to say that the standard EPS foam won’t protect you, but it’s safe to assume the Koroyd would do even better.
For that reason, I will reach for one of Smith’s helmets with a bit more Koroyd coverage while riding bigger trails. The Payroll offers the same Koroyd coverage but is e-bike certified, and the Forefront has complete Koroyd coverage.
The Wolf’s Last Word
While the Smith Engage may not be the helmet for black and double black descents, it was a great performer overall. With Mips, Koroyd protection, and other features, this is an obvious helmet to reach for on those intermediate trail rides — especially considering the price. Act fast; you may be able to catch it on sale! 
Price: $78–$130
Website: Smithoptics.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
The local boy — Travis was born and raised in Bend, OR. Skateboarding consumed his life until his high school years (yes, he can still kickflip), but was replaced by mountain biking…then rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and finally back to mountain biking. After a stint in the big city, Travis returned home, trading a teaching career to be an okay mountain biker and above-average journalist. He is an outspoken 90s grunge fan, cornering poor souls in conversations about the meaning behind the lyrics of Alice In Chains’ “Would.” Most days, Travis hopes to be outside, whether that is on an early morning ride or a hike with his family (the best days include both).
Rank: Contributing Writer
Size: 5’8” / 172cm | 195lbs / 88kg
Social: @travis_reill_writes
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