Giro

I sweat a lot on long hot rides, and read that this was one of the best helmets for ventilation, as well as one of the top helmets in the VA Tech safety ratings. Luckily, I have not had to test the safety part, but this helmet is definitely the best ventilated helmet I have ever used. This is the first helmet I have had where I can clearly feel the breeze on the top of my head while riding. In addition, the front padding has a "sweat gutter" that directs sweat away from your eyebrows and down the side of your face, not into your eyes, which is fantastic.

The safety design is unlike any other helmet I have used, kind of a "MIPS on steroids" design, where there are two distinct shells, one inside the other, and the outer shell moves much more than the typical thin helmet-liner style mips device I had on my Specialized helmet. Even with that, the helmet is not bulky and does not stick up on top of my head. I can see how this design would provide excellent protection.

This is the most expensive helmet I have ever purchased, but I can see where the money went: the design, safety features, comfort, and effective heat mitigation make this an excellent product.

I bought these for "race day" on the gravel bike because I'm vain and wanted to look (feel and be?) faster than I really am and white shoes absolutely do that. Thus I needed a shoe that accepted SPD cleats, had dual BOA (I don't think singles work well), were white, and under $250. That combo is hard to find but these were perfect. Many have said that Giros fit a bit narrow and I would agree. I'd also say that sizing up may be advisable as the first pair of 44s did not fit my 10-1/2 foot (I've got 44s in other brands that are acceptable) so I sized up to 45s. Also, the sole on these has a very grippy feel and they're pretty comfy to walk in. BOAs have a nice rubberized grip on the outer edge. It would be nice if there were some holes/vents on the top of the toe box but that's the only suggestion I have.

My previous helmet was a 10yr old Louis Garneau that lacked MIPS and felt due for a replacement. I had a Giro Pnuemo before the Garneau and really liked it. The Helios Spherical seemed like a good combination of lightweight, ventilation, retention system, and MIPS for safety. I've not been disappointed. I have a big head, but the large fits well. I have the inner "frame" positioned all the way up into the outer shell, so the helmet does not fit too high on my head. The retention dial on the back works just as advertised. I've not purchase the LED light that attaches to this version of retention system, but likely will. In a strong headwind or on a descent the helmet feels relatively aero without obvious drag. Air flow at lower speeds on a couple rides in 90+ degrees with 65+ humidity has provided good ventilation, with no sensation of feeling "cooked". I would echo other reviewers that the helmet lacks "easy" stowage for sunglasses, though you can fit a pair in. The Helios was 25% off at BTD, so it was a great deal on a very good product.

I had a previous spherical helmet for a few years and decided to get a new one. Then I crashed (I'm told). The old helmet took a big hit and absorbed the impact rather than me, saving me from serious injury. This is the type of real-world 'testing' you never want to perform. I got my new Aries helmet the next day.

The new helmet fits well. The fit adjustment works well and easily, maintaining the right setting. It stays in place over my glasses. I usually run hot, so ventilation is very important for me. While it hasn't been super-hot yet, the Aries has kept me cool so far for extended hill climbs in upper 80F temperatures. I ride most days, so these factors are important considerations for a helmet. The only minor quibble is that my mountain bike helmet has a Fidlock buckle which is much easier and more convenient than the traditional "squeeze" buckle on the Aries, but this is very minor.

I haven't done an engineering analysis, but spherical technology makes sense to me. I can't say that no other helmet would have protected me, but there is no denying that the previous one did.

As usual, good prices and delivery from BikeTiresDirect.