Giro Isode MIPS helmet

The Giro Isode helmet incorporates the latest MIPS technology, which is good to see at this price, and I also like that Giro has included a bug mesh in the front vents. The downsides are that the ventilation is average and it feels heavier than it is. A bit of a mixed bag then.

• Pros: Roc Loc cradle easy to adjust, bug mesh
• Cons: Feels heavy, average ventilation

The Giro has gone for a one-size-fits-all design for the Isode, covering head circumferences from 54cm to 61cm, and I reckon it's this that makes it feel heavier than it actually is. I have a 56cm head so with the cradle wound in to suit, it just feels like there is a lot of helmet unsupported hanging over the back of my head (it's not me in the photos, by the way).

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It feels top heavy in a weird way. I was testing this alongside the Bell Formula MIPS helmet, which was actually 11g heavier at 282g, but it felt so much lighter in use than the Isode.

The padding that comes with the Isode is quite thick as well, and quite soft, which makes it feel like the helmet is kind of squished on. If you back off the tension on the cradle to alleviate it, then the helmet becomes too loose.

I wouldn't say that the Giro is uncomfortable, but it does have quite a few compromises in the fit – for me anyway; a helmet's fit is a very personal thing after all.

The Isode has 22 vents in various positions but for some reason they don't translate to a particularly impressive amount of ventilation. Whether that is down to their size or position is unclear, although it is most likely a mixture of the two.

As the temperature has been dropping off to the low teens centigrade it's done a better job of keeping my head cool, but push the effort and your head will get sweaty.

One nice addition is the bug mesh behind the front five vents. If you've ever been stung by an irate wasp trapped in your helmet then you'll know it isn't a pleasant experience – especially if you are trying to deal with traffic all around you. This simple solution makes a big difference to riding in the summer and it's a mystery why more manufacturers don't include it.

You may have seen the initials MIPS added to the name of various helmets over the last year or so, and if you don't know what it is then let me fill you in. In a crash your head is subject to two types of forces, lateral and rotational. MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System and the little yellow tabs that you see between cradle and helmet allow some 'give' – a slip plane if you like, to reduce those rotational forces.

> All you need to know about MIPS

It's being used in all kinds of safety equipment and it's good to see it becoming available on helmets lower in the price range.

And that brings us nicely on to value...

Against some on the market the Giro is quite a sensibly priced helmet, but going back to that Bell I mentioned earlier it's surprising how much more you can get for your money. The Bell is £84.99 compared to the Giro's £69.99, but for that extra £15 the Bell is an all-round better package. It feels lighter, too, and looks more expensive than it is.

> Buyer's Guide: Cycling helmets – everything you need to know

Performance-wise, I'd put the Giro on a par with the Specialized Align; they feel the same weight when you wear them side by side, too. True, the Spesh doesn't have the MIPS, but it is just 30 quid.

Overall, it's not a bad helmet from Giro, but it's overshadowed by others of a similar price.

Verdict

Great to see MIPS at this price but it could do with better ventilation and comfort