New Smith Variant & Variant Brim Helmet Designs

January 3, 2007
SUN VALLEY, IDAHO – (Press Release) – Breaking trail in helmet design through the use of new technology, the Smith Variant and Variant Brim deliver premium performance and superior ventilation in a backcountry-ready lightweight package.

Both helmets spotlight our new Hybrid Construction„¢, a fusion of separate lightweight and durable shells that serves as the foundation for an entirely new design direction.

“Hybrid Construction„¢ allows our designers the chance to reduce the overall volume, add more venting, and truly push the style into a far more modern arena,” said Eric Carlson, Smith Optics’ Director of Product Development.

Smith Hybrid Construction„¢ helmets have a top half that’s made from a nearly indestructible injection-molded ABS hard shell, a material known for toughness and versatility. Their bottom half uses flyweight In Mold construction – a high-strength micro-thin polycarbonate shell that’s bonded to an EPS foam liner.

In addition to allowing for sleeker and lower profile designs without sacrificing protection, Smith’s Hybrid Construction enables two major new helmet features: the Low-Profile Regulator„¢ and AirEvac2„¢ ventilation systems.

The new Low-Profile Regulator„¢ is a three-stage adjustable ventilation system (wide open, half open, or fully closed) with a vent slider directly under the ABS hard shell, bringing the overall helmet volume down significantly, while creating a smooth, clean surface.

The new AirEvac2„¢ system builds on the brand’s original venting system by allowing fog-causing moist air to easily exit from both the top of the goggle and the top of the head through an interconnected vent system.

As with every Smith helmet, the Variant and Variant brim feature the new adjustable Helmet Fit System„¢ (HFS„¢), creating a premium custom fit through a specially molded liner and a simple one-button “set it and forget” system. The helmets are also covered by Smith’s Lifetime Warranty and Crash Replacement Program.

The Variant and Variant Brim are available in six colors: Black Boutique, White Boutique, Matte Black/Lemon, Matte Chocolate/Tan; Gloss Tank, and Gloss True Blue/White ($150). Both helmets are available with Skullcandy„¢ Twin-tip„¢ audio packages included ($180), as well as with new Plantronics® Bluetooth„¢ audio ($320).

ABOUT SMITH: Based in Sun Valley, Idaho, with a Southern California office in San Clemente, Smith Optics, Inc. was founded in 1965 with the creation of the first goggle featuring a sealed thermal lens and breathable vent foam. Today, Smith is known for its diverse line of sunglasses, goggles and helmets. Smith’s devotion to excellence, innovation, performance and style has made Smith the choice of action-sport athletes worldwide. Smith products are sold in more than 50 countries through sporting goods and specialty stores. For more information, check out www.smithoptics.com. Performance. Style. Smith. Solid.