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Smith Overtake MIPS helmet (Image credit: David Caudery/Immediate Media)
Smith pioneered an alternative to EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam called Aerocore. It's a patented honeycomb-like design, which uses a material called Koroyd. Smith claims, in the event of a crash, the material dissipates pressure more evenly than EPS foam, allowing the shock to spread. Add into that a MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) liner, which is designed to offer more protection from lateral and rotational impacts by engineering in a degree of slip into the construction, to allow for a more natural head movement should the worst happen.
The Overtake's shape is wind-tunnel-optimised and the 21 vents are uniquely shaped, from the straight, horizontal leading edges to the huge squared-off vents on the crown. These vents leave plenty of the tube-like honeycomb-core exposed, and the helmet does feel airy when the wind is drawn through it.
If you dip your head forward when riding you can get a quick blast of air to the top, but in normal riding conditions the Smith feels a little clammy compared to the best vented helmets around.
The fit is great. The adjustability of the VaporFit dial system is excellent, as are the soft-touch but thin, lightweight straps. The internal X-Static pads wick sweat and moisture away well, but the shape of the pads does obscure the slim front-facing vent on the brow of the helmet.
At 295g (size L) the Overtake is reasonably light for an aero-road helmet, and I was impressed with the fit and quality, if not the venting for warm days. The main problem is the price. At £220 it's twice the price of our benchmark, the MET Rivale HES. Even with the added MIPS protection, I would still opt for the Rivale every time.
BikeRadar verdict - 2.5/5
"A tough, well-put-together helmet, but a bit too hot for warm days"
