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Price

$102.00 - $170.00

CR's Expert Take

How did it perform in our expert lab testing?

Overall Score

The Overall Score for this model is derived from our expert lab test results.
Current Range of Tested Bike Helmets
What goes into the Overall Score?

EXPERT LAB TESTS

Impact absorption
5  /  5
Ventilation
2  /  5
Fit adjustments
3  /  5
Ease of use
4  /  5

Pros

  • 2 year warranty
  • Rotational mitigation technology - MIPS
  • Pinch prevention buckle design
  • Reflective features to increase visibility at night
  • Built in LED light
  • Occipital stabilizer to support occiptial band
  • Ratchet-style dial to easily adjust fit of occipital band

Cons

  • Retention strap length is fixed
  • Retention strap length is difficult to adjust

CR's Take

This relatively expensive Adult road bike helmet from Smith is rated excellent for impact absorption, very good for ease of use and fair for ventilation. The adequate adjustment features translate to a good rating for fit adjustment. The length of the strap for the retention system can not be adjusted. This helmet comes in 3 sizes. The weight is relatively moderate and among those we've tested is considered good. This helmet has the following notable features: reflective aspects for greater visibility in low light, technology to limit the effects of rotational impacts, a convenient magnetic buckle, an LED light and carrying bag.

Detailed Test Results

MIPS rotational mitigation. LED light. Reflective features for visibility. Carrying bag.

About

The Smith Dispatch MIPS is part of the Bike Helmets test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Bike Helmet models like the Dispatch MIPS are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Impact absorption: The ability of a helmet to absorb impact forces in a crash, which reduces the rate of deceleration experienced by the head. Based on laboratory impact testing.

Ventilation: The evaluation of how well air flowing through the helmet provides cooling during rides. Based on actual usage and expert judgement.

Fit adjustments: The evaluation of the features and versatility of the retention system when adjusting the fit of the helmet. Based on expert judgment.

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