The Smith Optics Survey Jr. helmet is a top contender in the youth helmet market, offering a compelling combination of safety, comfort, and adjustability. Designed with growing children in mind, this helmet boasts a lightweight yet robust construction, utilizing a polycarbonate shell and EPS foam for superior impact protection. The inclusion of MIPS technology adds an extra layer of security, mitigating rotational forces from angled impacts. Parents will appreciate the innovative "grow-with-me" liner system, extending the helmet's lifespan across two distinct size ranges.Beyond safety features, the Survey Jr. prioritizes comfort with adjustable vents for climate control and a comfortable, antimicrobial lining. Seamless integration with Smith visors via AirEvac technology ensures fog-free performance and optimal comfort, even for over-the-glasses wear. The easily adjustable fit system allows for a secure and personalized fit, while removable ear pads offer added convenience. This comprehensive design makes the Survey Jr. a worthy investment for parents seeking a high-quality, long-lasting helmet for their active child.
Pros And Cons
- Lightweight design
- Zonal corid coverage for ventilated and energy-absorbing impact protection
- MIPS brain protection system to reduce rotational forces
- Adjustable vents for climate control
- Adjustable dial fit system
- Grow-with-me liner covering a wide size range (stages 1 and 2)
- Air Evac integration with Smith visor for comfort and fog-free performance
- Integrated visor for comfort and clarity with OTG eyewear
- Antimicrobial, odor-fighting lining with removable ear pads
- Includes visor cover
- Comes with a helmet bag
- Certified to ASTM 2040 and EN 1077 standards
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Lightweight Design and Impact Protection
The Smith Optics Survey Jr. helmet boasts a lightweight design, achieved by fusing a polycarbonate exterior shell with an interior EPS foam. This construction provides excellent zonal coverage, ensuring both ventilation and effective impact absorption. The helmet's lightweight nature won't weigh down young riders, allowing for comfortable all-day wear.
Further enhancing safety, the Survey Jr. incorporates MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) brain protection. MIPS reduces rotational forces caused by angled impacts, providing an added layer of security for your child.
Adjustable Fit and Ventilation
Adjusting the helmet to a perfect fit is easy thanks to the adjustable dial fit system, allowing for quick on-the-fly modifications. This is crucial for ensuring a secure and comfortable fit throughout the day's activities.
The Survey Jr. also features adjustable vents for climate control, enabling one-handed operation. This thoughtful design allows young riders to easily manage their comfort levels depending on the weather conditions.
Grow-With-Me Liner and Size Range
A standout feature of the Survey Jr. is its 'grow-with-me' liner, offering an impressively wide size range. This liner system caters to growing children by offering two stages: Stage one (48-52 cm) and Stage two (52-56 cm). Parents can easily swap the liners as their child grows, extending the helmet's lifespan and saving money.
Visor Integration and Comfort Features
The Survey Jr. seamlessly integrates with Smith visors, thanks to its AirEvac technology. This integration promotes maximum comfort, ventilation, and fog-free performance. The included visor complements Smith eyewear, providing ultimate comfort and clarity for over-the-glasses (OTG) use.
Additional comfort features include an antimicrobial, odor-fighting lining and removable ear pads. A visor cover is also included for protecting the integrated lens.
Conclusion: Is the Smith Optics Survey Jr. Worth It?
The Smith Optics Survey Jr. helmet is a well-designed and thoughtfully engineered helmet for young riders. Its lightweight build, robust impact protection (including MIPS), and adjustable features make it a strong contender in the youth helmet market.
The 'grow-with-me' liner system stands out, offering exceptional value by extending the helmet's usable life. However, potential buyers should consider the price point and compare it to other options with similar features. Overall, the Survey Jr.'s focus on safety, adjustability, and comfort makes it a compelling choice for parents prioritizing their child's safety and comfort during outdoor activities.