My Giro helmet saved me from very serious injury. It did what it was designed to do. When I crashed I was travelling at 35 kph approx. When examined after my crash it had multiple fractures. This helmet most definitely had kept me out of a casket or worse a wheelchair.
firsq
I'll be honest, this video makes me feel like the companies are just playing us. This pretty much made me want to just buy cheap helmets from now on, but I'm too pretentious about my cycling to be seen in anything but a top of the line helmet, and that's kind of embarrassing.
xmeatlessx
Think this is a phenomenal series idea. Couple of ideas for future comparisons:
- Premium vs budget shorts
- Premium vs budget sunglasses
- Premium vs budget socks
- Premium vs budget components/groupsets
- Premium vs budget hydration mixes
jakevermillion
The budget Giro is a good looking helmet. In many other brands I probably wouldn't wear their budget versions due to looks, ventilation, weight or padding/fit. I'm sure the Synthe has better ventilation due to the thinner bridges requiring less material under them.
insquares
Nice review and very applicable to me having to buy 2 helmets in 2 weeks. Fortunately, last week I finally dumped the old (probably 15 years + ) department store helmet my wife bought me and replaced it with a new Giro Foray MIPS helmet . Last Sunday, on my new helmets maiden ride, I had the worst cycling accident of my life, having come round a slight corner on a cycle path, following my 2 mates, to be suddenly confronted with unexpected pedestrian traffic. A handful of front brake on my relatively new Bianchi and the next ten minutes of what happened are fairly sketchy. Don't recall the accident at all, but know from the impact marks on the right side of my helmet and the pain in my right shoulder as to how I must have landed. Off to hospital, CT scan of head and x-ray of right all clear. No broken bones and most importantly no brain bleeding. Apparently after the accident, I got up and got back on my bike and rode on for another 10 mins, telling my mates I was fine, before they realized I wasn't and called an ambulance (don't remember any of this). was wearing a new, modern, safety packed helmet. I can't say definitely that the MIPS system helped, but I think I got out of it fairly well for catapulting myself onto a cement path, head (and shoulder) first at 30kph. I'll be making sure the next helmet I buy has the MIPS system.... just to be sure.
andrewselmes
What really matters: ‘is there any difference in impact performance’? Crashtest, press-test etc..
MotoMaus
One difference not noted in the video between the Synthe and the budget is that the Synthe has a plastic frame (which is part of the adjustable ring around your head) that holds the helmet off your head by a few millimeters. Giro claims this lets air circulate against your scalp for better cooling. The cheaper helmet sits directly on your head.
havadatequila
Rapha chamois cream "with a fragrance inspired by the flora around Mont Ventoux" vs. vaseline
janmfalk
You didn't mention that both helmets offer the same impact protection. Essentially the 5 times price premium is styling and comfort.
If they had chosen the Giro Bishop, the weight difference would be larger: 250gm Vs 350gm.
Also, that netting on the front vents is very useful if you live in an area with lots of bugs and nature.
This was a useful video. Thanks guys!
gicking
With helmets it would be good if you had some laboratory impact test data. This might highlight more the differences in design and hence price.
markp
I've bought both ends of the Giro/Bell range and can confirm the difference is really marginal. I've also crashed in both and they protected the noggin equally well (breaking into numerous chunks in both cases). I usually buy the more expensive for vanity and the softer strap material.
echtogammut
I have an Isode with MIPS and it was around the same price. Get MIPS, it’s more likely to save your head
ricemeatu
Love the video - Premium brands will always market their products in such a way as to make you think you're getting more for the higher priced model. In cycling, along with sports like golf, where specialist equipment is used, companies have to convince you that the subtle difference between this year's and last year's product is really worth all the expense. In reality - it's mainly just vanity. People want the latest equipment from the best (perceived) brands because they are vain. The fashion industry is built on this very foundation. PS I'd love to see impartial comparisons of a garmin head unit v a cheap Chinese unit as sold by Amazon (with "similar" functionality).
pha
Save the £200 and put it towards a power meter 👌🏻 (invest in proper gains not marginal ones)
beigemaster
The premium top level helmet helps you push down on your pedals. I can confirm that the Cheap one that I also wear does not push down on my pedals.
justjordan
The fly net is a real thing, which ought to be implemented on more designs. I did think of that particular feature lacking, as I was getting a wasp out of my helmet. It was a few very tense seconds, I promise.
perkarlsson
I just ordered Giro's Agilis MIPS helmet. My previous helmet was one of Giro's flagship models. Honestly, unless there are some special features that I can't live without, I just can't see myself spending $300 on a helmet that doesn't offer $200 "more" of protection than a mid-grade $100 helmet. Getting it for 75 bucks was especially sweet too, especially when for $225 more, all I'd get would be an X% more movable MIPS system with only a 6 gram weight difference and I'd have to give up venting.
The Agilis has 32 vents compared to the Aether's 21. I think $100 +/- is a good compromise where you get a lot of features (comfort, weight, ventilation, safety, etc...). On top of that, they look like twins.
solitaryrefinement
Please continue the reviews of products. However, I would suggest going beyond the "subjective" and add the "objective" test data when available. In the case of helmets, they are required to have extensive testing and public results. That side-by-side product comparison would allow us to determine the reality of the cost / benefit differences.
dietri
This guy has very good presenting style, he will be a good fit in that GCN YouTube channel
mstvir
Love the idea of budget vs. high-end, and very interested in this one as I need a new helmet. Despite the lack of hard science on the benefits of the MIPS I'm happy to pay a little more for a feature that may save my brain. Looking forward to more comparison videos.
