Giro invited us to go for a ride with them to check out their new Switchblade MIPS helmet. Check out some of our first impressions of the helmet inside.

Photos: Giro, Robin O’Neil

If you haven’t read the key details on the Switchblade be sure to check that out to learn the basics of their new MIPS.

Giro assembled everyone and we made our way to Pemberton for a ride with Richie Rude, Cody Kelly, and the Giro crew.

Yeti provided some loaner SB 6C bikes which were quite the hit among the attendees for the terrain.

Cody Kelly has been on the Giro Switchblade MIPS for some time now and we snapped a few pictures of him wearing it at Sea Otter this year as some of you were wondering what helmet he was using.

Giro presented the details you’ve read earlier so we’ll skip over that in the interest of space.  Key bullet points were

• Full DH certification
• MIPS
• CPSC, EN-1078, ASTM-1952 Downhill certification – both with and without the chin bar
• Goggle compatible
• Includes extra visor for Go-Pro with reinforcement (no goggle tilt feature)
• 950 g claimed, 971g on our scale for the medium helmet
• DH style strap closure, really nice feel especially when tightening down for aggressive lines
• Chin guard designed to dissipate force across the back of the helmet
• Two button release chin guard
• Dimpled pads at upper attachment point to help with line-up
• Passive ventilation intake at cheek pads channels air over your ears
• 6 color ways

Fitting helmets is hard to gauge unless they’re on riders.  Below you can see how the three sizes they’re offering fit on a wide range of faces well.

The helmet has a secure fit and Giro spent quite a bit of time to get things right.  The roc-loc knob on the rear allows things to be snugged up nicely once the helmet is on for a secure fit. The roc-loc adjustable fit system is designed to not be accidentally released by backpacks and neck braces.

General observations

• The Giro Switchblade MIPS is a good choice for Enduro racing or very difficult lines that you have to pedal to, mixing it up inside and outside the bike park.
• Our ride was on an extremely warm day, any helmet would have been quite warm but pedaling up with the chin bar installed would have been too warm.  The ability to quickly remove the chin bar is essential on hot days.
• The helmet with chin bar gave us a hint of additional confidence with the extra protection
• With the chin bar installed, you need to loosen RocLoc adjustment for easy helmet removal
• We found chin bar stows conveniently under the waist strap on most fanny packs but do need to take care not to loose the foam cheek pads

• Sunglass and goggle compatibility was good, no interference.

• The helmet says in place well while riding up, down, or wheelies in the parking lot

Overall we were pleased with the helmet and riders will certainly enjoy the benefits of Giro’s latest helmet. You’ll be able to order the helmet next week for $250. Robin took a ton of detailed pictures and we’ve linked a big gallery below if you’re keen on looking at more pictures from the event.
www.giro.com