Giro2015 Air Attack Shield Helmet(Return to Product Page)

This is now the most expensive helmet I own. I got it on sale here, the version with the shield was cheaper than the non-shield version at most places.

I like it for 2 reasons the shield, and I don't think its any heavier or 'hotter' than any of my other helmets (I have 5-6 other road/aero helmets from Bell, Giro, LG, they are all at or under the $60 mark, one LG I paid $90 for).

I sweat about the same in this one as any other helmet. I don't notice a temp difference when wearing it in similar situations.

I wear the shield 'down' maybe 30% of my rides, it helps block out the sun. it fell off once while I was trying to adjust the helmet, which was tipped slightly to one side - 'tipped' is very noticeable when the shield is down.

I am thinking about modifying a LG aero helmet I have (and almost never wear) to use the same visor - now that helmet is hot (the older chrono leggra).

I put some rain-x on the shield for the one day I get sprinkled on, hope it works.

Oh, aero? I cant say this helmet made me any faster, but I don't think the LG aero helmet above did either. I started sweating like a pig about 30 minutes earlier into my ride with the chrono leggra than with any other helmet I own...

I wear the AA most of the time now.

I was lucky enough to snag this helmet a few weeks ago when it was [$] with free shipping, and I was also lucky that I didn't get one with the magnets coming off the shield, but then again some super glue will fix that. At any rate, this helmet fits my head very well, and my head is more ovular (C-sectioned baby at birth) than it is circular. The Roc Lock system is really nice because it's easy to adjust the tightness with one hand, and it adjusts symmetrically unlike some helmets where the backside adjustment is split into two individual sliders. As far as cooling goes my benchmark was a Catlike Whisper Plus that got damaged in a collision with a drunk driver. That helmet was very well ventilated, and although the Air Attack Shield isn't quite as cool, it's extremely close. Giro's claim that the helmet is suspended about 1/8" off your head is credible as I can feel an air flow through the helmet. Giro also claims that the low pressure zone created by air flowing over the vents sucks out hot air in the back, and I think that's also a credible claim because I don't feel any hot spots at the back of my head. The wind noise isn't loud, so it's easier to hear cars coming from behind. Additionally, that shield won't be falling off any time soon because those magnets are very strong. When the shield magnets set in their respective holes the sound is a very loud, defined snap. You may feel some air creep into your eyes from the side edges of the shield, but overall it provides good wind blocking. I can't attest to Giro's claims of time savings in a 40 km time trial (17 seconds), but I'll take their word for it for now. I suppose one subjectively nice thing about this helmet is that it has a unique look compared to 90% of what road cyclists wear these days, so if you're the type that doesn't like blending with the crowd, this helmet may be for you.

Yes, you have to get used to the look of this helmet, it is different compared to all the others. But all the others have evolved by poking larger and larger holes in what began as a solid helmet. Now all modern helmets look a bit like the leather hairnets of yesteryear. If you stop and think about, its all the other helmets that are funny-looking. We get comfortable with whatever becomes the norm. The Giro design may become the new norm as racers look to take advantage of its aero qualities without sacrificing comfort.

The good

Comfortable

Aero

Visor fits over my glasses, is easy to take on an off, or can be left on upside down.

Has adjustment in the back for tilt of helmet

Ventilation works I wore this in the summer with no heat issues

Slides in and out of duffle bag pocket without getting stuck on fabric

The not so good

Instructions are completely generic, but need to be specific to this helmet. I did not realize there was an adjustment in the back (not mentioned in the instructions)

The adjustment wheel in the back is sort of small and hard to turn, especially with sweaty hands

The buckle that snaps on the strap around your chin is also small and hard to squeeze.

Those who want to attach lights or cameras may have trouble finding a good spot

I'm being a little nit picky with the not so goods here, but just being honest and thorough. Overall I am very happy with it, and recommend it.

As a straight road helmet, the Air Attack Shield without the shield is comfortable, and surprisingly not any hotter than a helmet that's mostly holes. My best helmet to date, and I go back as far as the original Bell shell, early shield helmets, current road helmets, and a teardrop aero lid. Because it doesn't have big holes to catch branches, I believe it could be a great off-road helmet as well.

I have the white color because a white, mushroom helmet is highly visible, catching skylight from dawn to dusk and even in storms.

When I recently rode Senior Games events, I used the shield. It was comfortable, distortion-free, and allowed good forward view on the drops or aero bars. I presume it made me more aerodynamic, but must bow to the wind tunnel wonks for that. While waiting to start, easy to flip the shield from up, to down with the magnets.

I would use the shield all the time except

1. It came off once while practicing, with just a touch, so be careful in adjusting the helmet with shield attached, and don't even think about adjusting eyeglasses or scratching your nose underneath the shield.

2. I alway use an eyeglasses mounted, wire, rearview mirror while riding everywhere - roads and trails. I consider the eyeglasses-mounted mirror my most important safety equipment besides a helmet. Obviously, can't use it with the shield, so when not competing I use just the helmet with sunglasses and mirror.

Conclusion Excellent helmet, with shield feature for when you need it. A bit pricy. Perhaps Bell/Giro will drop the price next season.

Great helmet aero design, comfortable and not to hot. Use it during triathlons and time trials.

I really wanted a semi-aero helmet with a visor, as I have grown tired of looking over the top of my sunglasses when riding. The Air Attach Shield pretty much meets my goals, although it is a little bit warmer than a standard helmet. Not much, and if you get hot (and brow gets sweaty) it is fairly easy to pop off the visor, flip it over and snap back into the magnets. I'm getting used to doing this on climbs if it's hot out. Another note is that the wind noise is a bit more than I expected, which is not surprising as it does not cover your ears like a full-on aero helmet, and the air is not really block by anything. Not a big deal, and overall I'm quite happy with this helmet and will be doing some races with it.

It feels a bit hot, but I live in Southern Cal and ride in mid 90's all the time. It isn't bad though. Not sure if black ones are any hotter. Mine is white, or pearl, or whatever you call it.

RIvets on the eye shield came loose. In fact I received it out of the box that way. I called the company, and they were very nice about it. They sent me another one, no charge (usually $40). Other ones have now become loose, and required super-glueing. Now they are fine. I like the shield, better than wearing sunglasses. The field of vision is soooo much better. That is why I think that it is not a bad deal here even though the helmet is rather pricey. But essentially you get a pair of really nice Carl Zeiss sunglasses that can be replaced for $40.

ALthough the shield doesn't fog up, thanks to the little slits on the eye shield, you eyes are often tickled by the whistling of the wind through the slits. It took me a while to adjust my head position so that the wind is deflected just right so not to bother my eyes.

The helmet is very light.

I think the thing looks pretty cool.

I am a triathlete and bought this helmet after trying the Giro Advantage and the Rudy Wingspan.. I have a small head, so the Advantage fit best, however it was almost too tight as I struggled in T1 to get my glasses on. I have a road helmet by Rudy and absolutely love it, so thought the Wingspan would be a great option... Even the smallest size ratcheted down to the smallest fit was too big along with huge gaps between the earflaps and my head.

I was so happy to find this helmet! Not only does it fit great, but the shield is amazing! I've worn it in rain with the shield - it wipes off clean and clear! It's cool enough to wear on hot days too! I like the fact that it doesn't have a long tail - on long rides I like to move my neck around to stretch and I don't have to worry about a tail preventing those slight movements! If there is any aero advantage lost on this helmet, it can't be much and is well worth the few seconds.

The only improvement I can think of is a protective sleeve for the shield while storing the helmet.

I mostly ride track these days. I have a Casco for the really short events, but it is too hot for anything more than, say, keirin length. Enter the Air Attack... more aero than road helmet, much cooler than Casco. Perfect omnium helmet. Same goes for crits. I recently wore this helmet in record heat at a 2-day track event and it was not noticeably warmer than my standard road helmet. Big thumbs up on all counts. I have the visor version, which I think is where the aero advantage is more likely (would like to see independent data).

Moved up to this from a Giro Rift, my main interest in this helmet was the shield for wind protection. I wear prescription glasses while riding (regular glasses not prescription sunglasses) and during a fast descent on the way to work (40-45 mph) the wind would make my eyes water and distort my vision. The Air Attack Shield is much better and does not get nearly as much wind in my face, the added protection from bugs and everything else is a plus as well.

The fit of the helmet is great and it's pretty light, ventilation has been no problem so far. I'm also looking forward to not having patchy tan/sunburn lines on my head this summer )

My one disappointment with this helmet is that the magnets are not what I would call securely fastened to the shield. The shield is sandwiched between a magnet on the inside and a button on the outside which are press-fitted together. The center magnet had come apart even before I opened the box. I pressed it back together but it split apart again shortly thereafter and I had to modify the button to attach to the Magnet more securely.

I needed a new training helmet and liked the idea of having one with a visor. My sunglasses get quite dirty from sweat dripping off inside of the helmet. The visor misses most of this as it is attached to the outside. Even though I ride a TT bike in the aerobars, it is still sufficiently clear of sweat to maintain visibility. The magnets keep the visor solidly in place even when bombing down hill on crap road surfaces. It easy to removereplace with one hand (e.g. to wipe your face or to store it upside down if the visor is not needed). So far, no scratches to the lens but I store it carefully to minimize the risks.

I would like to see a visor that is auto-darkening so that I keep the visor in place when it is not so bright (e.g. early evening when the bugs come out in force).

An aero-ish helmet with out the TT look. There are faster non TT lids such as the LG course, but at the 120 price tag, you cant miss out.

Since there are no significant vents, be prepared to sweat.

This is my standard helmet. The primary reason is the shield which allows better visibility than glasses. Living in Sequim, Washington ventilation is not an issue. In fact at 20 mph and above it is cooler than my Specialize Echelon. The Specialize is easier to adjust and more comfortable but not enough to make a selection difference.

The biggest difference is above 20 mph there is enough air turbulence behind the shield to cause eye watering especially when it is cool. I have become accustom to it so normally I most of the time I'm unaware of it especially after a 10 minutes of riding. I guess my eyes adapt.

It is a little faster around 30 mph, maybe 10 to 2 mph, but for me I like the shield because of the visibility and the speed is enough to buy it unless you race.

New technology incredible helmet. Cooler and more comfortable than my traditional helmet. The shield is great too. If you give it a shot you won't be disappointed.

Found this on sale and have been using for last 2 months for road and TT. I had the giro selector before and this is quicker to put on and more comfortable.

Racing, and everyday use.

This is the best helmet I ever bought,comfortable lighter than my race helmet.I use also in training.Shields is super.

Great helmet

This helmet is great and saved my life on my second ride with it. I took a very bad fall and the helmet did its job and took the impact. I ordered another one the next day. It also fits fantastically on my head. As far as the ride goes - I love the visor and yes, you can where glasses under the visor. A little RainX on the visor and the water beads right off. It feels like it is more aero than normal helmets - but since I crashed I haven't raced and can't tell you how much it may have improved my speed. Looks great, feels great and most of all it saved my life. I would not have a skull right now if it weren't for this helmet.

I use this helmet for both casual trails and road biking. The fit is very easy to dial in and fits extremely well and is quite comfortable. On cold days it retains heat and on hot days it's well designed ventilation shines superb. It is midrange in weight from previous helmets but do appreciate the lower volume in the construction...it appears more sleek and compact compared to others. The visor does affect the ventilation...when in place it allows the huge volume of air flow over the head and when it's stores in the up position it tends to block the ventilation somewhat...actually a perfect scenario. The lens is crystal clear and although it comes shaded it is available in clear as an accessory. The rain beads up on it and still allows good vision...peripheral vision is much better than with many sunglasses. The padding dries about as well/quickly as a typical biking glove. As an avid outdoor person exposed to too much sun while sea-kayaking/biking/backpacking...I've had major skin problems and this helmet provides an added benefit of superb protection from sunlight. I now own two of these...they are that great!