Smith Payroll Helmet Review | Rated for eMTB Use

Not all bike helmets are created equal. Whereas something you’re going to seek out on-line or in your native bike store or e-bike vendor will carry the requisite certifications, the Smith Payroll helmet supplies safety of a special kind. In our Smith Payroll helmet overview we are going to have a look at how this helmet is totally different from a number of the different helmets available on the market. And as we’ve reported beforehand, carrying a helmet is one of the best ways to stop an harm whereas driving.

Let’s get the fundamentals out of the way in which. The Smith Payroll options Smith’s unique Zonal Koroyd materials, which is an energy-absorbing materials made up of plastic tubes which are welded collectively. Consider the fabric as a field of soda straws all glued collectively, side-by-side. It supplies terrific compressive power, however absorbs vitality by way of plastic deformation—a type of crumple zone on your head.

The Smith Payroll additionally makes use of MIPS to guard the rider’s head from rotational forces ought to they fall. Each Koroyd and MIPS are applied sciences that defend past what is required for the Payroll to fulfill NTA8776, CPSC, CE EN 1078 and AS/NZS2063.

Of notice is the NTA8776 certification, which is the usual helmets should meet for Class 3 e-bike use. The Payroll options an built-in skeletal construction that capabilities as a roll cage for the wearer.

There are a few options we like in regards to the Smith Payroll that give it an attraction past what we see with many helmets. Essentially the most vital amongst these is that as a result of the Payroll is aimed toward mountain bike and eMTB riders, it options better protection behind the rider’s head, giving the rider elevated safety within the occasion of a fall during which the again of the helmet strikes first. The helmet additionally provides a bit extra brow protection than some helmets.

We additionally like that this helmet options an adjustable visor, which will be set in three totally different positions, relying on the time of day and solar’s brightness. With 19 vents, the Payroll will even supply riders higher air flow on scorching days, which is a part of why a helmet providing such thorough protection can weigh solely 14 oz. (400g).

The VaporFit dial system provides riders a method to modify the helmet’s match on the fly with an easy-to-reach dial within the rear.

The Payroll is made in six totally different colorways, however this specific one (Matte Black/Topo) comes with a crash sensor referred to as Aleck. Electronics within the VayporFit dial embrace an accelerometer that may detect if the rider crashes. If that’s the case, it sends a sign to the Aleck smartphone app which is able to then ship out an SOS to any contacts entered within the app. The Aleck electronics add just some grams to the helmet, making this a security improve that’s exhausting to cross up.