First Look: Giro Montaro Helmet - Crankworx Whistler 2015

Aug 14, 2015 at 9:51

by Mike Kazimer

Remember the Giro Xen? When that helmet was released in 2003 it made waves in the mountain bike world, thanks to its extended coverage design (at the time an industry first) and an appearance that was more than just a road bike helmet with a visor. Even after the helmet was removed from Giro's line, replaced by offerings like the Xar and the Hex, riders still clamored for another Xen. Giro listened, and the new Montaro is the result, slotting into position as the company's flagship all-mountain helmet.

Details
• Hydrophilic padding
• 16 vents
• MIPS equipped
• Eight colors
• Weight (claimed): 370 grams
• Price: $150.00 USD

The helmet uses an EPS liner with a polycarbonate, in-mold shell, and has 16 strategically placed vents to promote airflow. Retention is handled by Giro's Roc Loc Air system, which allows for one handed fit adjustment via a ratcheting dial. The system is designed to keep the helmet sitting just above the head, allowing for additional cooling. There's also an extra-absorbent brow pad that's claimed to absorb 10 times more sweat than a typical pad (imagine the ShamWow infomercials and you get the picture).

Rubberized vents prevent goggle straps from slipping.

The four position visor can be raised far enough to fit goggles underneath.

For riders that wear goggles, the perimeter of the three upper rear vents is rubberized to keep the strap from slipping, and the ratcheting visor has enough range of motion to allow them to be stored above the forehead when not in use. There's also a POV camera or light mount bracket that sits in the top middle vent and is designed to break away during a crash.

MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), the low friction liner that lets the inner shell of the helmet slide along it during an impact is becoming increasingly common, and all of the Montaro helmets, along with the women's version, the Montara, come equipped with the liner, as opposed to offering it as an upgraded feature, a testament to Giro's commitment to the technology.

All versions of the Montoro have a MIPS liner.

Ride Impressions:

I was able to head out for a short spin while wearing the Montaro, just long enough to get an idea of its fit and cooling capabilities. It impressed on both counts, without any pressure points or hot spots, and with excellent airflow even at slower speeds. The absorbent brow pad seemed to work well - I never had any sweat dripping into my eyes - but a longer ride would be needed to really comment on its effectiveness. The Montaro is a welcome addition to Giro's line, one that should appeal to fans of the original Xen, and win over new converts as well. - Mike Kazimer

Visit the high-res gallery for more images.

www.giro.com / @GiroSportDesign

Author Info:

mikekazimer

Member since Feb 1, 2009
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60 Comments

17 4

Jmc1gear (Aug 14, 2015 at 10:31)

They should have never stopped making the Xen. This helmet is ok looking but imagine the evolved version of the Xen if they had continued a whole decade of production.

wobblegoblin (Aug 14, 2015 at 10:38)

This is the evolved version! Which giro helmet actually changed design over the years, as far as I've seen they've only made color changes.

thrasher2 (Aug 14, 2015 at 11:48)

I'm still wearing a 2010 Xen. Best helmet I've ever worn, but I'm just now starting to worry about its age.

garcmol (Aug 14, 2015 at 12:37)

My Xen saved my head. Got a Xar after (as the Xen was..... deceased) and will continue to buy Giro helmets. The true test of a helmet, sadly, is bouncing it off the ground with your head in it. Like I did.

Narro2 (Aug 14, 2015 at 15:32)

I never understand why they stopped making the Xen, it is a great helmet, I bought 3 once I heard they were stopping production. The problem is that with all new cool looking helmets coming out, I cringe every time there one I like since I still have to wait a few years before a purchase a new one.

eatridegrow (Aug 15, 2015 at 5:00)

The Xen was THE most comfortable adn well-vented trail lid I've EVER had. Long live the Xen. The Xen is dead.

cunning-linguist (Aug 15, 2015 at 11:17)

Yeah I head butted a tree and ruined my Xen, it was the most comfortable helmet ever, so I bought another. And that's a bit old now, so on a TLD - looks cooler but is hotter and less comfortable than the Xen!!

bad-andy (Aug 14, 2015 at 10:37)

Looks like a helmet

martn (Aug 14, 2015 at 11:31)

Everybody compares the Montaro to the Xen. There's only one problem with that. It has quite a different fit. I still wear two Xens and recently had the chance to try the Montaro. It seems to be made for a different head shape.

mikericci (Aug 14, 2015 at 13:14)

Availability: Coming Fall 2015 ... I'll be inline to get one. Giro's fit my head best, and that all I use for skiing, road, full face and xc. I like the HEX a lot, but looking for some more coverage.

Multivac (Aug 14, 2015 at 10:24)

Looks like an A1.

dfinn (Aug 14, 2015 at 10:28)

first thing I thought too. not that that's a bad thing, the A1 is a fine looking helmet.

SamJT (Aug 14, 2015 at 10:31)

I was like "wow, looks like an A1 (which I've gone through two of and love)" but that it might be fairly priced like the old feature. Instead its just another fairly pricey helmet, I suppose if it rivals the A1 comfort but is a bit cooler then fair enough?

tomcreber (Aug 15, 2015 at 13:03)

I'd say its pretty well priced for a helmet with MIPS

snl1200 FL (Aug 14, 2015 at 10:50)

Curious to see how the MIPS will shift the fit. The Xen is still the best fitting helmet I've owned (on my odd shaped cranium).

jlhenterprises (Aug 17, 2015 at 10:23)

The issue I have is this. People in the know can tell the real value of an item. I know it is a smaller market, but things like helmets are so overpriced that I think it keeps people from buying them when they really need a new helmet, especially after they are a few years old and expired, or have taken a crash or two. I buy 2-3 helmets a year, usually a FF and a couple trail helmets, so It pisses me off when I see these things I need so overpriced that I usually settle on a clearance item. I was about to fork out the $500 for a Carbon TLD FF, and believe me I can buy whatever I want. But I just can't live with that feeling of being jipped. I found a carbon Rampage for about $250 and feel a little better about it, even though that price is still a bit excessive in my opinion, knowing what stuff cost.
I agree, you cant put a price on your health, it is the most important thing in life. But I don't think selling fear of injury is why they are priced this high, I think it is just more fashion driven, and people want that look so bad, they will bend over for it, lol.
So , I wasn't trying to start a bunch of shit, I really just wish the MTB industry will continue to grow and make great products, but my concern is that the prices of things that are so obviously excessive may in fact inhibit the growth of the industry in the long run, and it could someday die the way BMX did in the late 80's.

ScottB-408 (Aug 14, 2015 at 9:56)

Looks like it might actually fit well. Good price too

aoneal (Aug 14, 2015 at 10:50)

Definitely not missing the overly hairy mullet rocking helmet model this time around.

darthbadger (Aug 14, 2015 at 10:50)

LOVED the Xen, I've had two, and am now rocking a Hex. Love Giro's dependability, think this be my next helmet here.

justwan-naride (Aug 17, 2015 at 18:19)

Looks like an updated, more expensive feature. Padding looks similar, thin but comfortable. I hope ventilation is better, as this is the feature's only disadvantage.

trail-dave88 (Aug 18, 2015 at 7:45)

I'll keep my A1 thanks. I also won't wear goggles without my full face, looks so stupid. Just get some riding glasses for half helms.

nicolai12 (Aug 14, 2015 at 10:01)

@ScottB-408 $99 www.pinkbike.com/news/kali-maya-helmet-review-2015.html fits well (a little warm) in case your in the market?

bigtim FL (Aug 14, 2015 at 10:16)

Also a good option if you don't mind your helmet being a little warm: i.imgur.com/SUzLDTp.jpg

ScottB-408 (Aug 14, 2015 at 10:18)

A kali helmet will never be placed upon my dome, but thanks for looking out @nicolai12

GhostInTheTrail (Aug 14, 2015 at 10:05)

Looks like a Giro Feature :-p

jrocksdh (Aug 14, 2015 at 10:50)

So what's the difference b/w feature and this... $50?

zede (Aug 15, 2015 at 7:28)

it 's an improved giro feature MIPS, priced like a TLD a1

pigman65 (Aug 14, 2015 at 10:00)

Sign me up !

schofell84 (Aug 14, 2015 at 13:26)

Urge enduro-matic compared to Xen annddddd GO!

dscottycole FL (Aug 22, 2015 at 10:56)

MET Parabellum HES, anyone?

RedBurn (Aug 14, 2015 at 12:36)

LLA A1

likeittacky (Aug 14, 2015 at 13:50)

It appears this helmet is lacking in adequate padding.

oldfut (Aug 14, 2015 at 16:59)

I want more options to the bell super 2. Versus another half shell.

Below threshold threads are hidden

jlhenterprises (Aug 14, 2015 at 11:16)

Why are trail helmets so expensive? I'm talking about all of them. Looks like 15X to 20X markup from production cost to retail according to my guestimates- including the cost of packaging.

mgolder (Aug 14, 2015 at 11:22)

Because at the end of the day, you only get one head in life, so it's probably worth paying a little 'extra'

DARKSTAR63 (Aug 14, 2015 at 11:45)

Designing, testing and building the molds for a helmet cost more than the production cost per unit. That's why so expensive.

jlhenterprises (Aug 14, 2015 at 12:11)

Many products are designed, tested, and molds are made. I've got a product I sell that has 95 hand assembled parts that cost $7 per unit to Mfg with a half dozen molds required to make all the parts. Including the retail packaging and container shipping to USA.

DARKSTAR63 (Aug 14, 2015 at 12:26)

What's your point? Your cost is 7 per unit but what was your time worth to design and manufacture the mold? Do you not wish to recover that? Do you intend to make a profit? ......... Going back to the helmets, you really think the cost per unit is $7.50 ? Where do you get this figure? Also, do you think the distributors and retailers are in the business of delivering your goods for no profit? At the end of the day goods will sell for what people will pay. You are not entitled to decide what an "acceptable" mark up would be. Supply and demand.

pwn1 (Aug 14, 2015 at 12:28)

If you've got a £10 head. Buy a £10 hat.

DARKSTAR63 (Aug 14, 2015 at 12:39)

A safe, comfortable lid is the single best investment you can make. Keeping your brains intact is key.

groghunter (Aug 14, 2015 at 12:45)

Helmets require expensive certification testing, for one. But I do agree that the market seems to have shifted from decent $60 helmets to "OMG buy our super high end enduro lid or get bent!" I mean, this same company makes a full face that costs the same as this helmet. At least bell filled in the line with a helmet below the Super, with similar coverage. which makes it even more of a head scratcher(badum tiss,) since they're the same company.

DARKSTAR63 (Aug 14, 2015 at 13:05)

The Cipher is $200, list. It is very nice, the materials are top notch. Worth $200? I don't know, I paid $100 for mine on closeout. I do know that I've never had such a comfortable helmet outside of my Arai motorcycle helmet and that was a lot more. I don't see why this one in particular should be more than, say, the Xar, which I believe I paid approx. $120 for. so there could be an "Enduro tax" on this haha.

Rdot84 (Aug 14, 2015 at 13:15)

The mark up on helmets is getting ridiculous. I agree with not cheaping out to protect your head but this $150 helmet isn't protecting your head anymore than a $60 Feature. Slap an Enduro approved label on it and all of a sudden... BOOM 150 helmet. But hey. If consumers will buy into it the prices will just keep going up.

snl1200 FL (Aug 14, 2015 at 13:36)

I think its a silly idea to believe that just because a helmet is more expensive it is safer than a cheaper one. Is a Montaro with MIPS ``safer`than a Feature with MIPS... I doubt it. The argument may hold if you are comparing a Walmart Bell with a Troy Lee but I think at about $110ish you can get a good helmet from a reliable brand with secure strapping, quality construction etc. I`ve paid more for helmets not because I beleived they were safer but because I beleived they were more comfortable, had better styling, had features I liked etc.

DARKSTAR63 (Aug 14, 2015 at 13:45)

I don't think anybody really said that, however, a "quality" helmet that fits well and has been subjected to thorough safety testing and standards will be safer, yes. So yeah, $110 seems about right I guess - would one pay $40 more if they like the looks and fit? Probably. It is important after all that a helmet fit correctly, and securely. Not justifying the cost of this particular helmet at all, I'm just saying.

Rasterman (Aug 14, 2015 at 14:06)

The safety and manufacturing molds arguments are all bullshit, the exact same safety tests and manufacturing molds are required by a $15 Bell helmet as required by law. It's 100% marketing and sales boloney that it costs so much. Pay it if you want, but know that the ONLY thing the price is based on, is the most you will pay.

snl1200 FL (Aug 14, 2015 at 14:12)

DARKSTAR63 I was replying specifically to mgolder`s comment that paying ``extra``was justified based on precious melon safety but also generally commenting that there is no linear line of best fit on the graph plotting cost and safety. Sounds like we are on the same page.

DARKSTAR63 (Aug 14, 2015 at 14:28)

agreed @snl1200 , @Rasterman the molds are not the same, building a light weight, breathable helmet while still meeting or exceeding safety standards is where cost above a $15 helmet comes in. So no, it's not 100% marketing.

gnarbar (Aug 14, 2015 at 14:31)

wear a saucepan on your head. much cheaper, and you save money to spend on snacks at 7-11. win

mgolder (Aug 14, 2015 at 16:18)

@snl1200 I said spending more is worth it to protect your head . . . . But it is also obviously clear that extra development regarding comfort, air flow, materials, design, safety of break away mounts and so on are things that add to the development and then retail cost of an item like this. It's why you don't often see 'serious' mountain bikers in $15 helmets. Because any chimp could probably have drawn the design and said use the most basic materials we can to pass the tests. Whereas you pay more, you get a product that does the same things, and some more, only better thought out and made usually.

delusional (Aug 14, 2015 at 16:37)

Because the market will support those prices. Prices in general are rarely set based on manufacturing cost, other than to establish a floor. Instead they are set based on what the market will pay, and in the case of a highly emotional / lifestyle market like MTB people are willing to pay extra for the emotional association.

jlhenterprises (Aug 14, 2015 at 18:54)

DARKSTAR63
My point is that thing cost $5-7 to make.
Theyve been making helmet for a while, R&D costs aren't like a start up company.
$100 retail would still be pushing it.

DARKSTAR63 (Aug 14, 2015 at 19:00)

Pushing what? They sell. Giro does well and they move helmets at the prices they set. I think when you factor design, advertising, r&d, etc. it's got to be more than $5 a helmet....I'm admittedly not educated on the manufacture of helmets but I just don't buy that. They you have to get them to retailers and they need to make a buck. If they felt the need to move more at a lower price they would do that no? I'm not sure what we are debating here? Moral responsibility?

Dude1005 (Aug 14, 2015 at 19:01)

I have a 50 dollar bmx helmet and it protects better than all the all mountain helmets out there.

DARKSTAR63 (Aug 14, 2015 at 19:04)

That's completely untrue. Skate bucket's do not protect all that well.

Dude1005 (Aug 14, 2015 at 19:05)

They are ugly af and sometimes uncomfortable but my poc receptor flow has saved my head way better than a specilized ambush and a1 i used to have.

DARKSTAR63 (Aug 14, 2015 at 19:09)

They generally don't have very much thickness to them, not much absorption. They are certainly better than nothing though.

jlhenterprises (Aug 14, 2015 at 19:49)

Yeah, been doing this since I was about 25 y.o. Seen a lot of stuff sell over the years. I must say that just in about any other product category, the buyers would choke on their morning coffee of you told them they had to sell a piece of foam for $150.00.. Everybody in the business knows what stuff really costs. The buyers all go to China, Taiwan, Korea. They know. I'm just saying, it's a little out of line. I've seen $400 mtb jackets here, $300 shorts. I know a lot of people in the clothing biz through the years too. I've always said people would riot in the streets if they really knew what stuff actually costs. I personally don't like to feel ripped off when buying my gear, but I've been to all the trade shows where the public is not alllowed, so maybe I'm a little biased.

DARKSTAR63 (Aug 15, 2015 at 5:34)

I guess I see what you are saying .... but again - Items are worth what people will pay. You know a pizza doesn't cost very much to make, yet around here a decent one can fetch $20 or more. People buy the pizza because they are unable to make one like it at home and it's delicious. So they will buy. They don't care or think about what it cost to make. Like the helmet... I can't get one anywhere else... not like this Giro, light weight - well constructed and aesthetically pleasing. Will I settle for a shitty helmet because I think they have over priced it? Maybe... but most likely not. Clothing? Well yes clothing can be very over priced and to me it does not matter very much, so I don't buy expensive designer clothes. But lots of people do- because they like it. I have spent a lot before on things like ski jackets I feel must be over priced but again- a nice Gore-Tex jacket is expensive, there isn't a way around that for me and I need it. Sort of, I waited for a sale at the local outdoors store and bought one at discount. People would not riot in the street- people are not as dumb as you assume. People buy these material things because they like them, because they enjoy spending their hard earned dollars. The market decides the price, bottom line.

McGanXC5 (Aug 14, 2015 at 10:34)

looks like spez Ambush for me, hmmmmm