Giro Feature MIPS Helmet - Review
Giro Feature MIPS Helmet
The original Giro Feature was launched nearly four years ago, a helmet aimed at trail and all-mountain riders looking for more rear coverage, similar to that of a skate-style lid, while still retaining an adjustable visor and adequate ventilation. For 2015 the helmet's styling remains the same, and it's still constructed with a polycarbonate shell and EPS liner, but it's the addition of MIPS that's newsworthy. MIPS, which stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System, is a low friction liner that lets the inner shell of the helmet slide along it during an impact, movement that's intended to reduce the amount of rotational energy that reaches the brain during a crash. Traditionally, MIPS equipped helmets have been rather expensive, but Giro's parent company, BRG Sports, recently announced it had invested in MIPS AB, the company behind this technology, which is likely part of the reason the updated Feature only costs $20 more than the non-MIPS version. Available in sizes XS-XL, the Feature weighs in at 306 grams and comes in matte black, matte glowing red / highlight yellow, or matte white. MSRP: $95 USD. www.giro.com
Pinkbike's Take:
 | Out on the trail, the Feature has a secure fit that can be easily adjusted with one hand using the dial at the rear of the helmet, along with an adjustable visor that has enough movement to position it out of eyesight even on steep climbs. The 12 large vents allow enough airflow to keep things fairly cool when the temperature climbs, and even though it's not as airy as a dedicated XC lid, it's still on par with other similar offerings such as the Bell Stoker. I did experience some excess forehead pressure on longer rides, but that's due to my head shape, and one of the reasons why it's important to try on a helmet before buying - the overall shape varies from company to company, even with closely related brands like Bell and Giro. Other testers didn't experience any fit issues, even on multi-hour rides. Because of the difficulty of gathering real-word crash data (we luckily avoided any hard crashes during the test period) the effectiveness of MIPS is still open to debate, but since it only adds a few grams to the Feature and doesn't alter the fit or performance in the slightest, it's hard to think of a reason not to buy the MIPS equipped version, especially since there's only a slight price difference. Considering how easy it is to achieve warp speed on the latest batch of trail and all-mountain bikes, a little extra cranial security certainly isn't a bad idea. - Mike Kazimer |
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One thing pinkbike: a visor is a clear screen that protects your eyes. This helmet doesn't have a visor, it has a peak or bill.
nahh we're good here in Canada too....
The point being, my motorbike helmet has a peak on the top to keep the sun out, and a clear visor to keep the flies and wind out of my eyes. Two different things doing two different jobs, but they have the same name by your terminology. That's not very clear is it?
How would you describe this?
better helmet with bill
Feature is a very good helmet when you compare on price/feature, my only downgrip is liner durability which is poor as it start to fall of in pieces after one year of heavy use.
In fact, I'm usually the one slating people who post comments like mine!!
I promise it won't happen again
Yup. I find my std feature really uncomfortable at the front, it actually hurts my forehead when I tighten the retention system .
I've been wearing giro helmets for years and bought the feature as a second helmet for colder weather, as my giro xen can be a little too ventilated when temps drop. But with the thinly padded / uncomfortable front I hardly wear my feature.
The fit of my feature is just weird, and unlike any giro helmet I've owned. As well as my xen, I have a giro remedy and 2 giro savant for road riding, no issues with any of them?