Giro Switchblade Helmet - First Look: Crankworx Whistler 2016

Aug 16, 2016
by Mike Kazimer  
Giro Switchblade

Remember the original Giro Switchblade? You may not, since that helmet debuted in 1998, right around when the freeride movement was shifting into high gear. It was a cross-country helmet at heart, but it came with a chinbar that could be bolted on to give riders additional peace of mind when they decided to give those rickety skinnies and drops to flat a try. The concept had merit, but the execution.... Well, let's just say that it could have been better.

Fast forward eighteen years, and the Switchblade is back, but this is a whole different beast than the original. In addition to looking much more refined and modern, it's also ASTM downhill certified, both with and without the chinbar.

Giro Switchblade MIPS Details

• 20 vents
• MIPS liner
• Six color choices
• Certified to CPSC, EN-1078, and ASTM-1952-DH with and without the chinbar
• Sizes: S, M, L
• Weight: 975 grams (size M)
• MSRP: $250.00 USD
www.giro.com, @GiroSportDesign

Giro's focus was on creating a helmet that was designed for downhill, one that riders could comfortably wear on the race course and in the bike park without sacrificing anything in the way of safety. The helmet is also equipped with MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), the thin plastic liner that's becoming a near-standard feature on most high-end helmets.

There are a total of twenty vents to help with air flow, along with channels next to the ears that are supposed to increase ventilation even further when the chin bar is removed. Two visors are included with the Switchblade: one that has multiple positions and can be raised high enough to fit goggles underneath it when they're not in use, and one with a built in POV camera mount. The visor with the camera mount is stiffer and sits in one fixed position, making it less likely that your footage will cause epileptic seizures.

Claimed weight for a size medium is 975 grams, and around 600 grams without the chinbar. There are six color options, ranging from the classic matte black, to the attention-grabbing matte-lime (what I would call fluorescent green). Sizes: S, M, L. MSRP: $250 USD.


Giro Switchblade
Giro's Roc Loc DH retention system allows for the fit to be fine tuned.
Giro Switchblade
A D-ring closure is used for the chin strap.

Giro Switchblade
The chinbar attaches via stainless steel hardware. Robin O'Neill photo.
Giro Switchblade
Half shell mode. Robin O'Neill photo.


How It Works

Removing and installing the chinbar is a fairly quick and easy procedure, but a little bit of time spent staring in the mirror practicing does help make it easier to execute the necessary moves out on the trail.

When it's time to head uphill, no tools are required to remove the chinbar – it's simply a matter of depressing two buttons, tilting the bar up slightly, and then pulling it forward until it detaches. With the chinbar detached, the helmet still covers the rider's ears, giving it a sort of sci-fi-comic-book-hero-meets-trials-moto look.
Views: 8,934    Faves: 9    Comments: 3

On its own, the chinbar is small enough that it can be strapped to a backpack, tucked into a waistband, or strapped to a handlebar with a bungee cord and some creativity. The one thing to keep an eye on are the two pads that are attached to it – they're held on with one snap, and if they snag on a pack strap or something similar, they can detach and fall off. If it we're me, I'd add a little piece of Velcro to make sure that this didn't happen out on the trail.

After the climbing is over, the installation process is just as quick as the removal; the 'click-click' sound of the chinbar locking into a place means that the real fun is about to begin.


Giro Switchblade
Now this is how you ride a bike. Cody Kelley lays down some style while wearing the Switchblade. Robin O'Neill photo.


On the Trail

I've been able to get in a handful of rides with the Switchblade since its arrival, most of them in hot summer conditions. With the chinbar removed, there's no denying that the Switchblade is warmer than a traditional half-shell helmet, but by the same token, it's also much cooler than a full face. The fact that there's no material in front of your mouth to get in the way of the hot air you're expelling has a lot to do with this, allowing for much better air flow. While 600 grams would be fairly hefty for a traditional half-shell, (and probably feel like wearing a lead yarmulke), because of the extended coverage over the ears, the Switchblade's weight is very well balanced, keeping if from feeling overly top heavy.

With the chinbar in place, it's easy to forget that the Switchblade is a convertible helmet, and that's a good thing. It feels almost identical to a regular full face, albeit one with above-average ventilation. Of course, helmet fit is subjective, but the Switchblade fit my head shape well, fading into the background so that I could focus on more important things, like not stuffing my front wheel into a mess of roots and going over the bars...

So who exactly is the Switchblade for? That's going to be the question on many riders' minds, and it's one that doesn't have a completely cut-and-dry answer. The most obvious answer is 'enduro racers,' and the convertible design makes a hell of a lot more sense than carrying one helmet for the climbs and another for the descents, or suffering with wearing a full face all day long.

Even in the half shell mode the Switchblade offers a feeling of greater security than you'd find with a regular XC or trail helmet – I could see running it for a dirt jump session where the chances of smacking the ground are a little higher than usual, or wearing it in full face mode for bike park laps, and then removing the chinbar to go for a pedal on the other trails in the the area. In any case, the new Switchblade is worlds apart from its flimsy ancestor, making it a much more feasible option for riders looking for increased protection out on the trail.



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Author Info:
mikekazimer avatar

Member since Feb 1, 2009
1,715 articles

204 Comments
  • 106 23
 I always cringe a little when i see joeys in the bike park wearing super 2Rs. The lack of any downhill safety standards make it one of the weirdest helmets ever. It just gives people with too much money a false sense of security. And i think the worst part is how shops are selling them as an alternative to a real full faces that can be converted to a half shell without informing them of the safety trade-off. This giro lid seems like a much better option. Looks are a little subjective but i dig how it looks without the chin bar.
  • 171 6
 Apparently joeys are so busy creating brake bumps they don't even get a chance to crash at high speeds so 2rs should work fine for them.
  • 26 1
 We sell the 2R at our shop and ALWAYS emphasize how it's NOT a DH lid, but more of a trail helmet with a little extra confidence worked into it. Still, I think everyone who buys one should see, just from tactile information that it's just not the same, without needing me telling them so. And for that niche, the 2R is just fine, in my mind. The Switchblade seems to be a whole different beast, though... I'd really like to try one on.
  • 14 3
 im soo getting this next year.....on sale of course !
  • 58 3
 "The lack of any downhill safety standards make it one of the weirdest helmets ever." - I totally disagree. The way I see it, the Super 2R is an upgrade in safety for a rider who would have otherwise just taken an XC lid on a ride. I agree that it shouldn't replace a legit full-face for DH/park/shuttle use. The key is that this needs to be clearly communicated to the customer before they buy/use it - like there should be a warning sticker on it that says "BTW, not sufficient for ______". I think it's a great product as long as you use it for its intended use.
  • 13 2
 @bull-dozer: totally agree. The issue arises when its not sold as an alternative to an xc lid, but as a helmet for riding downhill. I agree that communication with the customer on the helmets intended purpose is critical.
  • 6 1
 @kanasasa: It's true, that's why I got one for the gf. If you occasionally go ride park or dh and aren't too aggressive they are a good option.
  • 10 1
 My father in law has had facial reconstructive surgery (titanium cheek bones and all of his teeth replaced) so he cant afford a face impact but in this southern heat we cant wear a DH lid either. We just ride trail, so the 2r is a perfect solution IMO. I feel its perfect for people who want or need just a little more protection.
  • 8 1
 If someone feels safer wearing piece of gear "X", it's all good in my book.
  • 15 5
 That's why I got the Parachute
  • 4 13
flag Weens (Aug 16, 2016 at 13:16) (Below Threshold)
 @coolbeans1235: The issue is that it's sold as the chin bar offering additional protection, which you have no rational reason (i.e., testing) to believe it does. As far as you KNOW (not guess, not imagine, not think, but know) the chin bar on the 2R is just for decoration.
  • 16 15
 I do own a 2R and I also own D2, I would never ride a lift accessed trails or race some high speed Enduro in 2R. I banged my head too many times into the forest floor. I have also been riding long enough to see how huck to flat trend went away, where people were wearing full body armor to almost anything. These days we have the other extreme where we ride rougher trails on faster bikes in some volleyball padding. But having said that, I am perfectly fine with natural selection. I don't judge joey's in full body armor and 2R kind of helmet, who are scared of abrasion and simply have no clue what thy are doing. Be my guest, fk yourself up. Everybody wins, but your family.
  • 11 0
 @Weens: i think it does give some extra protection.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWH13HUz4mg
  • 2 0
 @bull-dozer: I completely agree tacos are great!!!
  • 2 0
 @bull-dozer: i see what you mean, but whenever anyone puts on a fullface they get more confidence, just from their head being fully surrounded. What he was meaning was that it gives them so much more confidence but as a trade off doesnt have the safety level of a proper fullface?
  • 6 1
 when I crashed 8 years ago wearing and older model it almost sliced my nose off.
  • 6 0
 @declanmtb: I have a Super 2R - Although it looks like a full-face from the outside, it doesn't feel like a traditional full-face DH helmet when you wear it. It weighs substantially less and feels a lot more airy... point being, I don't feel as safe in it as I do with my DH full face, and thus, it doesn't give me the same confidence that I have with the DH full-face.
  • 13 0
 The only thing I enjoy more than bicycle riding is eating solid foods on the reg.
  • 1 0
 I hope no one is thinking the Super 2R is a replacement for a DH helmet. I use mine where I used to wear a half-shell, but I still wear a real DH helmet where appropriate.
  • 19 1
 @Weens: I KNOW, and you're wrong. I crashed at the Northstar CaliEnduro at 30mph wearing the 2R. Supermanned & broke both bones in right wrist on impact, before smashing Super 2R frontally into a nice slab of rock. Shattered the visor, put 1/2" deep gouge into shell just above right eye & cracked the chin bar, but ZERO direct damage to my face - no cuts or breaks, the helmet did its job.
You're confusing testing with certification: Bell didn't build the 2R without testing, they just opted for a design that prioritized conversion & weight over the downhill cert.
It's not a park helmet, it's an earn-your-turns helmet. For all-lift-served riding, I'll wear a DH helmet. If there is actually pedaling involved, then its the 2R.
  • 13 1
 I always cringe a little when I hear people use the word "Joey."
  • 1 0
 @Veloscente: agreed100%. I have a 2R, Met Parachute, and a 100% aircraft. All great lids in their own respect. I actually gave up wearing the Met. Just not comfortable for me with a shaved head. I never ride without the chin bar and when my switchblade arrives in a couple weeks I'm sure I won't ever remove its chinbar either.
  • 1 9
flag Reacher (Aug 17, 2016 at 11:08) (Below Threshold)
 @poozank: Just making shit up to be involved. Over and over. You spend way too much time on here posting thousands of replies to have a GF. Or perhaps you do and she's just in the other room dry as the arizona desert.
  • 3 0
 I always cringe when i see some one on The local trails with out a helmet on, any helmet is netter then no helmet, how ever, did use The super 2r and I used it on its full capasity, 3 cracks in the iner, and me finding y self in the hospital woke me up really good. The super 2r is a trail helmet for heavy duty single tracks, not so much for DH and offcorse enduro races as its pretty much the same... The helmet did its job, and it did good! When I heard from my riding friends what actually happened... Its not a bad idea to buy the giro or the bell, but please, buy yourself one that you would wear
  • 1 0
 As a super 2r owner for a year and half. I can tell you the chin bar is very strong. I replace my first helmet hitting so hard with my face I had a concussion and dented it badly above my right eye. The chin guard saved my teeth and jaw with no damage. I don't call it a dh helmet but it is a great north shore trail helmet. Bell does not call it a dh helmet. I dont think anyone is stupid enough to consider it one. Lots of my friends have super 2R's and a FF Dh helmet for park.
  • 1 0
 @marcsb95c: do you prefer squids?
  • 1 0
 @bull-dozer: Exactly how I use mine. I wear the chin bar like 90% of the time whenI ride alone, and try not to do too much stupid stuff. It's just there for limited face-insurance in east coast XC gnar that doesn't come anywhere close to bike park gnar.
  • 1 0
 @LuccsPB: that a nice video, have you watched it?? I just did it's great... The first test showed that if you had a real head in there they deco have a broken jaw, success? The second wasn't even weighted and still hit the fake chin, success? And the third showed how the HOLE helmet moves out of the way so chic can make a direct hit with what ever is going to brake it ???????? winner winner chicken dinner (as long as it's blended)
  • 1 0
 @wiscobiker: both feel like they are trying too hard... but maybe I'm just not hip with the Canadian "bike park bro" culture. Kinda like the Nor Cal bros, or the Tahoe bros etc.
  • 1 0
 @jimmychoo401: protects more than a normal helmet,isn't it? Not saying that it's a fullface dh helmet,but it protects way more than a normal one.
  • 45 4
 I much prefer my hack saw modified full face
  • 33 1
 70s moto style YEA BOI
  • 8 19
flag abbfan2 (Aug 16, 2016 at 12:13) (Below Threshold)
 I prefer going 50s moto style and not wearing a helmet
  • 6 1
 @abbfan2: guess you're not talking about track usage because they were wearing helmets for that in the 50's....
  • 26 0
 People banging on about how the Bell Super 2R isn't downhill certified, I personally don't see it as being aimed for DH use and also cringe at folk wearing them instead of a proper full face.

However a couple years ago I had a crash where I smashed out my front teeth while riding 'enduro'. Took weeks to get new teeth fitted and repairs done. Anyway, i use the 2R on every all mountain ride, when others are using trail helmets, not to try and replace my full face, but to have that barrier at the front of my face to stop that happening again.

Gotta know the helmets limit before going on about lack of certification guys ????
  • 5 0
 But that's exactly what people are saying. It isn't designed for full-on DH use, yet some bike shops are marketing it as an acceptable alternative. People aren't complaining that it's an unsafe helmet, just that it shouldn't be sold unsafely to people unaware of the 2R's limitations.
  • 2 10
flag skelldify (Aug 16, 2016 at 15:45) (Below Threshold)
 So now instead of losing teeth, that chin bar will break and mess up your face.
  • 6 0
 @skelldify: I own the 2R for all mountain riding and a 6D for DH stuff. the chin bar on that 2R is legit and if you crash hard enough to break that off in your face you have worse things to worry about.
  • 2 0
 @Allergysix: yeh that was where I was trying to go with my post. But was also directed at folk who were solely going on about the certification alone and not how its used etc..
  • 2 0
 @skelldify: well your a bit of a dick
  • 2 0
 I crashed the first time I rode with my 2R, face first into a rock. It broke the chin bar but saved my face. Worth its weight in gold, especially for trail riding and and chucking the chin bar on when needs be. I would not use on lift assisted DH trails but is a good substitute were you have to bike uphill to the trail head of a DH trail.
  • 19 0
 The Bell Super 2R was tested by a German magazine according to the ECE 22 (motorcycle) standard and it's chin guard performance of 211g was below the acceptable limit of 275g (lower=better). The MET Parachute performed best (as expected) with 99g. Interestingly the Urge Archi Enduro Veggie (what a stupid name) performed worse than the Bell despite having a fixed chinguard. The long overdue Uvex Jakkyl hde had also a very good test result with 147g.

Anyways, if those removable chin guard helmets are good enough to pass the motorcycle standard I guess the *do* offer some REAL protection, even though they are out of their league at a downhil race.
  • 6 0
 Is there a link to that article? It sounds an interesting read.
  • 1 0
 ^What he said. Curious if they also tested common DH or Moto helmets. Exceeding the minimum standard doesn't mean a whole lot without some other helmets for reference. I definitely feel that the 2R is a serious upgrade over a normal trail lid, but exactly how much of an upgrade, and how close to a DH lid is a bit fuzzy.
  • 2 0
 @maxyedor: troy Lee d3: en1078 99g (ece22 46g) ; Spec Dissident: en1078 80g (ece22 65g)

The en1078 is for bicycle helmets and the test is different (lower speed etc) to ece22 motorcycle.

As e.g. the Cratoni Maniac had 474g, this is close to no protection at all. 248g (super2r) is much better than that.

The complete test was in bike-magazin.de 8/16
  • 2 0
 Article not for 'tl;dr' type of guys but personally found it quite interesting in some parts

www.helmets.org/helmet16.htm
  • 9 0
 @StackingItSince1991:

It's in German but you can probably identify the test results:

www.pinkbike.com/photo/x_directtoalbum/?id=13833603

I have to correct myself though: For the chin guard they did use the test from the ECE 22, BUT reduced the impact speed from 20km/h to 16.5km/h (which is the speed used by the EN 1078 for side impacts).

Values for the chinguard test at 16.5 km/h:
Alpina King Carapax: 302g
Bell Super 2R: 211g
Cratoni C-Maniac: 474g
MET Parachute: 99g
Urge Archi Enduro: 248g
Uvex Jakkyl hde: 147g

For comparison, the chin guard test values for two real for real full face helmets according to ECE 22 (at 20 km/h impact speed):
Specialized Dissident: 80g
Troy Lee D3: 46g

So the two ASTM certified full face helmets performed significantly better at a somewhat tougher test, though the also ASTM certified Parachute is very close. BUT: In my opinion the values also show that the the Bell and the Uvex (to some extent maybe the Urge) will protect your chin and face about as well as a half shell will protect the rest of your head. So if those half shell helmets can actually save you from serious injury to your head in many situations, the removable chin guards can also save you from a maybe a broken jaw or a few knocked out teeth in those situations. In those situations meaning: At moderate speeds.
  • 1 0
 @KrazyKraut: and @Borro Thanks for the links! I wish the German mag would have tested them all at the same speed. I'd infer that in the same lower speed test, the true DH helmets would hardly register an impact as the velocity is roughly half that of the higher speed test in terms of what it does to the impact force.Interesting stuff, also makes me even more tempted to order a Parachute for trail riding.
  • 2 0
 @maxyedor: go for it. The parachute is a great lid
  • 10 0
 Bell used to make an open face moto helmet called the Mag4 which this looks a LOT like (without the chin bar). I like the idea of this. It all depends on where you ride and how you ride, but I am easily riding stuff where I am 15-25mph+ in big rock gardens. A major crash would be a joke with my AM / Trail helmet (TLD A1, which I really do like by the way). But coverage of mtb helmets is pretty meager. This is a tough category to nail in my opinion - so many people are worried about heat (totally understandable), how they look, etc, but protection level doesn't always seem to be a the forefront in a consumer's mind. Overall, a nice step forward.
  • 12 0
 Had a switchblade back in the day, pretty rad back then… saw a guy on my local trails the other day rocking one and said we need to talk friend
  • 7 1
 Even the last original Switchblade is over a decade old... time to be replaced.
  • 9 1
 I had one too. Even at the time the chin bar ended up being a bit dubious... It was not the strongest connection and the high density polystyrene stuff kept popping out of mine. In the end I actually feared the chin bar would do more harm than good to me in a crash. But having a full face made me feel like Wade Simmonds while I rolled off a 1 foot high wooden structure #badass
  • 1 0
 @kit-nz: shotty workmanship for sure, but definitely felt extreme
  • 6 1
 "there's no denying that the Switchblade is warmer than a traditional half-shell helmet, but by the same token it's also much cooler than a full face."

Sounds like it'd be a good hot weather park helmet and a poor pedaling helmet.
  • 4 0
 I'd give it a go though am worried that ear coverage would be too warm for a real grinding ride. The Super 2r is a great pedaling helmet without the chin bar and the bar adds a bit of protection...though is not a suitable replacement for a proper DH helmet. This would likely be a poorer pedaling helmet but a good helmet for more full on Park or DH with the option to cool it down a bit...though I would guess not enough to make it a proper Trail helmet.
  • 5 0
 How funny is it that they used Allan Cooke for this Giro helmet demo when he was also the rider that Bell Helmets used when they introduced the Super 2R? www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-PBt6ozva8
  • 1 0
 You do realize Bell and Giro are the same company and Allan Cooke was part of the team that designed both helmets.
  • 2 0
 @matmattmatthew: Well technically Bell and Giro are owned by Vista Outdoor but they are not the same company.
  • 2 0
 @matmattmatthew: BRG actually but Bell and Giro are still different brands. That is my point.
  • 3 0
 I have 2 cents to give here. Just got my Switchblade yesterday. First impressions are very good (comfort, quality, certifications) but it's worth mentioning that I do not see it replacing my primary DH lid (TLD D3 Carbon). The face opening just seems a bit too wide for me to be really comfortable with it for all-out DH use. No worries though. I did not buy this to replace my DH lid, but had originally kept that a possibility. Original purpose for buying this was to own the safest trail helmet on the market. The large covering area, certifications, and fit make me confident that this will protect me better than just about anything else out there. Highly recommended for those with high regard for full time safety.
  • 3 0
 More often now I want more protection. I've been saying that I needed some lightweight knee pads and put it off. Yesterday I had a brake lever puncture through the soft area just below the knee cap and it will likely mean I miss some riding. This helmet looks good to me. Definitely better lookking now than the day before yesterday.
  • 7 0
 What about neck brace compatibility?
  • 5 0
 I like to just put a couple of bags of uncooked pasta strapped to my head, way cheaper and it's dinner at the end of the day.
  • 5 0
 That pic. So rad. Clipped in turn down table at speed a la wagon wheels. At least that's how I see it.
  • 2 0
 BUYER BEWARE!!!!!!!!!!!! Crashed at slow speeds with a brand new Giro Switchblade. The chin piece was fully clipped in and checked. The chin protector came off downward and hit me directly in the neck. This is the opposite way the chin piece clips in!

Not only that. When I called the customer service number at Giro the representative had an attitude and basically told me to bug off. I was not trying to get a refund, I was letting them know that this "downhill rated" helmet barely stood up to a slow crash and could had impaled me in the throat.

Such a shame because I like their products, but possibly the worst and most unfriendly customer service on the planet. I'll put money on the fact they have massive customer problems with this chin protector.
  • 2 0
 Eh, to me its too much of a compromise. I just don't think a convertible helmet is a good way to go. Jack of all trades, master of none type deal. As for the Bell, I don't know how much faith I put into certifications. Pinkbike had a really good article about this a while ago, esp about DOT helmets.
  • 5 1
 I feel you, but I think this helmet and those like it have some relevance in the enduro race scene.
  • 2 0
 It definitely seems like it's a purely enduro use helmet. Chin bar off for up hill sections on for the downhills. Anyone whos tried pedalling uphill for any sort of distance in a full face will tell you that will be a massive benefit! I certainly wouldn't buy one to use for normal trail riding and neither would I buy one to replace my full face for uplift DH riding.
  • 3 1
 What are the differing levels of DH certification?

And where does this one fall?

Or is it one standard, and this is supposedly just as good as a TLD D3 or Fox Rampage? (or whatever other DH helmet you prefer)

I'm in the market for a full face and so why not get one that has such good breathability and versatility? Unless of course it doesn't meet the same standards as other full face helmets.
  • 1 0
 I've used a lot helmets, I just bought an IXS Xult. Price was right, it's as comfortable and very similar to my Fox Rampage Pro carbon but a tad lighter, few more vents, and a smaller profile. The Fox kinda felt big like a MX helmet, but extremely comfortable.
  • 13 12
 Looks like a useful product for Enduro racers, but not sure it makes sense for your average recreational rider. Bell Super 2r still makes more sense for 90% of rider IMO.

Also surprised that it took this long for another company to create a competing product for the Super 2r.
  • 26 1
 *same company
  • 9 0
 Well the super 2r isn't downhill certified. I thought about buying one but I ended up buying the Bell Transfer 9 cause I wanted the extra protection and I don't mind a little bit of heat on the climbs
  • 11 1
 But atleast this one looks decent.
  • 32 4
 Who the hell want to ride with their ears covered?...unless your are wearing full face---in which case, get a full face.
  • 4 2
 You have to wear the Bell a little differently depending on whether you're running it in half or full mode. It looks like the Giro is worn the same way, which is appealing.
For a great deal of the Vancouver riding season (i.e. all winter) the extra warmth and protection will be welcome.
  • 4 3
 My friend just crashed with his Super 2R on a mild dh trail. Cracked the helmet and got severely concussed so I can see the need for a more DH ready adjustable lid.
  • 4 0
 @shsfreeride: agreed, I just bought a MET last week. I only have one life to live, don't want a stupid crash to impede on my life. Remember Cedric's G.'s crash-- femoral artery... though it wasn't his head, it just goes to show freak accidents is no respecter of persons-- value your life more than your stylish looks.
  • 2 2
 @Bjammin: Its not the same company. They are owned by the same company Vista outdoors which only purchased Bell this year.
  • 10 1
 @shsfreeride: Did he send it in? Is he dead? Something tells me that had he been wearing a lesser helmet he would be dead. The Super 2R is exactly what it claims to be.

It's like me blaming giro for my helmet getting cracked and dented... well... I hit a tree... and I'm not dead. That's what helmets are for.

Also curious if any of this is doctor diagnosed. I hear concussion a lot these days when most of the time people don't know wtf they're talking about.

But in this case... your friend is alive. I'd say the helmet did what it was supposed to do.
  • 2 1
 @SteveDekker:

Sorta true. You'll notice that Giro's purchase date is the same... no?
  • 2 0
 @diggerandrider: Good call on the MET, it breaths so well that I forget it has a chin bar on anyways, American DH certified and it has an actual DH helmet style D clip chin strap vs Bell's way less secure plastic buckle. I have worn mine for 30 mile rides with 4,000 feet of climbing no problem, if it's really hot just pull out the cheek pads on the climb and it seriously the same as not having a chin guard on.
  • 3 0
 IMO enduro races should require full face and let you wear no helmet on the transfer stages. Some allow no helmets on the transfer, others don't, but I think it encourages racers to wear legit helmets for the stages.
  • 4 0
 Yeti riders helped design the helmet yet Giro does not offer the turquise/black color, WTF.
  • 3 1
 Saw a dude a week ago wearing the original Giro Switchblade up on the trails at Crawford. He was also riding a Brodie Holeshot hardtail with a Marzocchi Super T fork and Purple Hayes brakes. Gave him mad props!
  • 1 0
 man, just when I was contemplating the Parachute purchase and located a good way to get one...
may have to go try one of these on if I can fine one soon-ish, or wing in on the MET.
Anyone with a giro favored head try a MET helmet that can compare fit?
  • 1 0
 Got a Met Parachute. The Met feels light, minimal padding, you can adjust the fit in with a dial that tightens around the whole head ,not just the back. It definitely doesn't feel like a DH helmet, certified ASTM or not. It breaths well but I still don't like wearing it on long climbs but it's acceptable especially for a full face. Some googles don't fit well with the MET, like 100% too bulky, but Spy Alloy MX fit, and I just ordered some Ryders Shore googles that are suppose to fit well. It's also has minimal padding which is good for not absorbing sweat but not exactly plush feeling. In my opinion it's was worth the $200 I paid, but for pure DH I still prefer my "DH" helmet except if it's over 80 degrees then I'll use it. Hope this helps a little.
  • 1 0
 I have a Giro Feature (M), THE Point Five (M), and a Met Parachute (M). Sizing seems consistent for all 3 helmets. YMMV.
  • 1 0
 I tried a Parachute and it really didn't work for me. I used to be a Giro head but now I seem to be a TLD head. But we will see when I try the Switchblade.
  • 1 0
 Dam 98 !!! I had that gyro helmet it was the shit really never detached the face i liked it for riding in the city with all the vents to keep me cool while i guinea pigged various parts.. But sson realized in the woods with a crash a stick or rock would penetrate my head, besides it being flimsy as f##@# in... Well 100% better constructed and safer, it actually looks cool too.. Anyone have a pic of the original.
  • 11 10
 I owned the first version of Switchblade and I'm proud of it. Now I have Super 2R. I will hate anyone btch on the old Switchblade without mentioning the first Met Parachute which was a fkng crime. This looks fantastic! BTW Cody is beatiful!
  • 4 3
 cody uses those gorgeous flowing locks of hair to model it obviously
  • 6 2
 Lahey, you drunk bastard.
  • 1 0
 @browntown40: waki is probably not drunk. but I am.
  • 4 5
 I thought I told you to shut up! Damn right Cody is beatiful! And yea, I may feel a bit open minded today, but all you feggits have only one problem with that statement - ya know with that face and that ridin he'd steal your GF or wife, anytime, she'd got weak in her knees, damn right, and what ya gunna do, what blaf buehle bleee bueee ,what'ya gunna do, a fkng do? an X-Up?! Wha bflee bueeeh abuaaa abueeeeeeeeee, a buick aaaa biuuuuuuck!!! bflee ble bauffhhhh. Excuse me alright... buehe buiiiiickm, ghlghrrr blee. Now... al I'm sayin, no no NO! let me finish. blurp. Now. All I'm sayin is that I respect the dude. That's all I'm sayin ...
  • 2 3
 @WAKIdesigns: cody looks like a scorned member of the early 2000's pop guy The Hansens #mmmbop

only teen girls are attracted to boyish looks like his.

dude needs to grow a beard and cut those locks. He can ride like a madman--huge respect-- but the creative directors probably cringe when they see someone that looks like they're on the cover of seventeen magazine come onto their set....

just saying..
  • 1 0
 @moroj82: ouch... hahahah
  • 1 0
 @moroj82: I could have sworn I was on a bike website, not a place where petty people talked crap about others looks. Maybe you should actually be on the Seventeen Magazine website, not Pinkbike. Come to think of it, do you ride a bike, or are you just here for the fashion?
  • 1 0
 @GeorgeHayduke: you are thinking too much'
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: truer words, WAKI, truer words.
  • 1 0
 Is it just me or have Giro shot themselves in the foot a little with this? As this is DH certified surely this is gonna take sales away from the Chiper! I mean this is better looking (imo), better vented, has mips, a retention system for a better fit and you can take the chinbar off so you can breathe on the uplift. Probably be a little more expensive but surely its a better buy.
  • 1 0
 I agree, which makes me wonder if they're planning on phasing the Cipher out. All the cipher helmets are out of stock on the Giro site and Competitive Cyclist had current colors listed as past season's colors. So either they're replacing the Cipher with the Switchblade or they're just coming out with new colors.
  • 1 0
 @richspeeds: Yeah, gonna be interesting to see where it goes
  • 1 0
 In my opinion Giro has missed the point for that kind of helmet. It should be cross country style without the chin guard. New Switchblade is just to "heavy" around the face.

I own Casco Viper which is not a pretty helmet but it much better looking without chin guard than Giro despite it's old design.
  • 1 0
 my giro cipher was WAY to bulky for enduro but great for DH(saved me from a concussion) this looks like a great "middle" ground helmet.

diggin the old school moto helmet look too.
  • 1 1
 Being a Texas rider I love the fact I can take the bottom part of my Bell super 2r (mips) off if there is an extended "XC" style section. It leaves my ears uncovered and that really helps to let my head cool down. At the same time Giro helmets have always fit MY head better but having that section ALWAYS over my ears is a deal breaker for the 5-6mos. of hot weather riding here.
  • 5 1
 Should pair nicely with an E-bike.
  • 1 0
 They are going to sell a ton of these. My current helmet roster includes a dedicated XC helmet, a Bell Super, and a Bell Full 9. This will slot in nicely or replace the Super.
  • 1 0
 I remember having the original switchblade. Flexy noodle of a helmet it was. Even though I used it I never trusted it as a true full face - more of a keep yhe shrubs outta my face sorta tool.
  • 1 0
 This helmet looks very hot, and not in the "i gotta have it" kind of hot. Looks like a race-only kind of helmet, and it would be unwearable in hot weather for normal trail riding.
  • 3 0
 i would rather have a super 2r for trail use, i would rather have a real full face for dh.
  • 3 0
 Rad helmet, but let's talk about Cody laying those wagon wheels totally sideways!
  • 3 0
 WTF is giro thinking with those color choices?

The yeti color scheme is cool, but that's about it.
  • 1 0
 The big thing about the switchblade was that he came much back in his time, back in the day people disbelieved that he was that secure to be safe as a DH helmet and XC, in a time that ENDURO wasn't even a dream.....
  • 1 0
 Ha I used to ski in one of these back in the 90's and it only cost me $80 s.stpost.com/eccstorefront/product_images/71150/f_71150_2.1.jpg
  • 1 0
 If this Giro is warm enough for your ears, it would rock as an open faced ski helmet!
  • 1 1
 @hamncheez: Fair point actually. I'd much rather use it on the snow.
  • 1 1
 I bring both my full face and half lid when I ride trails.. half lid for going up, full face for going down. My backpack carries whichever one that's not in use! #nocompromise
  • 1 1
 I don't care if a helmet has a removable chin guard or not, but I'm definitely interested in a light and well ventilated full face that doesn't compromise on safety. If that isn't this helmet what other options do I have?
  • 1 0
 MET Parachute.
  • 1 0
 @ChristophColombo: and how about regular full face without the removable chin bar? All I care about is how light the helmet is and its ventilation
  • 1 0
 @gcottrell4: The Parachute doesn't have a removeable chin bar.
  • 2 0
 Does removing the chin bar really make it that much cooler (thermally), I don't think it does.
  • 2 0
 looks hot
  • 3 0
 Half shell mode looks like a helmet from spaceballs
  • 2 0
 www.headsetpress.co.uk/feature/radical-rick-damian-fulton

Radical Rick Rules...whats old is new again!
  • 1 1
 Can I trade in my Super 2R for this, and still get that 25% off? I think the 2R is hideous in full-face mode with its super short visor and chin bar that broke off on my very first crash (slow speed OTB).
  • 2 2
 I'm guessing you didn't install it correctly... considering I've crashed in mine a few times. Including a direct hit to the chin bar on a root.... SHouldn't have bought a helmet you didn't like the look of. Just saying...
  • 3 3
 Landing with chin onto a rock in Super 2R, no damage to the helmet. My gums though... the padding goes right into my gums on the side and it hurted when it got pushed into them. But well, face is unscratched!
  • 2 1
 @WAKIdesigns: Then I'd say it did it's job.

I've seen people take face damage in the 2r. But then again... I've seen people take face damage in full face motorcycle helmets. So I usually think... well... what would have happened without it. LOL!

Some crashes you're sure as hell take it on the chin... especially if you have poor reaction time and go straight into something...
  • 3 2
 @onemanarmy: I'm happy with the way it did it's job. I will keep on riding in it
  • 4 1
 where's the teal one? those color selections are FUGLY
  • 1 0
 as trail bikes get better the speeds for riding are getting faster - this helmet is a good idea and if it fits me I'll prob get one
  • 1 0
 Now I can look like this:
i0.wp.com/www.endurotribe.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/giro-proto-3.jpg?resize=1200%2C639

... without all the wins and bike skills.
  • 1 0
 Or, now I have no excuse to not get rowdy on my trail bike.
  • 1 0
 Looks pretty sweet. If I had a use for that burly a helmet I'd probably buy it.
  • 3 1
 It's still weird to me seeing Allan Cooke on a mountain bike.
  • 2 2
 Dude is a beast on an MTB.
  • 2 1
 How can this helmet meet the dh standard without the chin guard? Kind says something about the dh standard...
  • 2 1
 A helmet can get tested without a chinbar and pass DH cert. But if a chinbar is present the chinbar has to be tested too. So technically I think you could test with and without in this case. But if one failed and one passed you'd have to have legal on the packaging saying something like DH certified without chin bar. Chinbar not dh certified. Something like that.
  • 1 1
 If a downhill helmet doesn't come with a chin bar, it can be downhill certified based on just the helmet. If the helmet comes with a chin bar (removable or not), there's an extra part in the certification where the chin bar also has to pass certification. If the chin bar doesn't pass certification, you cannot advertise the helmet as a DH certified helmet, even if the helmet without the chin bar passes the helmet certification part.Both the helmet and the chin bar have to pass certification to be sold as a DH certified helmet.
  • 1 0
 @santacroozin: interesting join date....

But thank you for the confirmation. I couldn't remember if it was a two part cert or not. damned engineers.
  • 1 0
 It would be nice if they make this in a 2xl and 3xl not likely tho.... I will just keep 2 helmets on my shelf thanx....
  • 1 0
 I love my Giro Feature Mips lid, want to add this one to my lid collection.
  • 1 0
 So am i the only one that thinks it looks good? Nice warm winter helmet. Winner.
  • 6 4
 Looks awesome in chinless mode!
  • 3 3
 i think this is already too late, plus it doesnt look as good and comfortable as the Super when in halfshell mode. And yes lots of Mountain Bikers care about looks.
  • 14 0
 correct me if i am wrong but i dont believe the super meets the downhill cert.
  • 2 1
 @adrennan: that's correct
  • 5 0
 I have held off buying the Super 2R because of how it looks and its lack of protection ratings. I've been waiting for this helmet to come out for some time now because I do find it looks way better than what Bell or others have on the table, and I like the increase in protection, both with the chin-bar and without. I must be part of the minority who think the open-face looks just as bitchin' as the full meal.
  • 2 1
 @adrennan: not even enduro really. At the CES stop in china peak a guy fell and it cracked in 4 places. There was an article about here on pinkbike from kali
  • 3 0
 @adrennan: it definitelly doesnt, but lots of buyers dont look into that, most want something that is comfy and looks good. Most safety marketing stuff is not very tangible so whatever jargon they used in the marketing usually convinces the buyer.
  • 2 0
 Want this asap, take my money giro.
  • 1 0
 Are the helmet and visor of the yellow supposed to be two different colors or...?
  • 2 1
 shhhh... look away...
  • 6 4
 D-ring closure = annoying
  • 2 0
 Only if you undo it. I never do, just loosen it and pull it over your chin.
  • 3 2
 heavier and warmer than the parachute. dont need to remove chin bar. looks rank without the guard
  • 1 0
 Serious question: is there a name for the kind of sorta tuck-tabletop move that Cody is doing? I see it a lot these days.
  • 1 0
 It's often called a "Euro-tabletop" and sometimes referred to as a "downside tabletop."
  • 3 0
 Enduro as fuck!
  • 2 1
 I had the OLD Switch Blade....loved it....kinda....
  • 3 2
 Finally... a helmet that is as androgynous as Cody Kelley
  • 1 0
 It's back!!!!! I feel like it is 2000 all over again.....
  • 1 0
 Still looks better than the joey "squid lid"
  • 5 5
 possibly the gayest looking helmet ever made. $250 sea foam green 3/4 helmet... what is this 1986
  • 1 0
 So when is this helmet's release date??
  • 2 1
 I'm riding my fullface without chain too and I'm cool af.
  • 1 0
 Fox rampage carbon pro ftw!
  • 2 1
 2016, flouro green is still a thing?
  • 1 0
 we can always buy a FF Giro.
  • 1 1
 picture of dude in half face with that smile is the funniest thing I've ever seen. I spit all over my monitor
  • 1 1
 Looks almost as cool as my Troy Lee Edge...
  • 2 3
 I'm afraid this will fail because it looks SO goofy in half shell mode. Say what you want but style matters.
  • 3 0
 i sorta like it ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
  • 6 1
 Mountain bikers are all about goofy style. Take almost any sort of mountain bike specific apparel out of a mountain bike context and you'll look like a right Derek/Colin
  • 1 0
 I love the halfshell look. The full helmet is just okay, but it looks lightyears better than the bell super, in my opinion.
  • 2 1
 Sweet looking helmet!
  • 1 0
 Wow 20 vents
  • 1 0
 nice
  • 2 2
 Ugliest helmet in the business right now.
  • 2 2
 This is a blisteringly ugly helmet in it's non-full face configuration.
  • 1 1
 more ear, less chin... back from the dead!
  • 2 2
 Giro prices are laughable
  • 1 0
 Return of the comeback.
  • 1 2
 Looks retarded with out the chin bar. Looks like he's ready to go snowboarding, but there's no snow.
  • 3 3
 Very nice
  • 5 7
 Doesn't Bell own Giro? Kinda seems like an obsolete brand imo
  • 1 0
 Seeing as the only Bell I would purchase would be the Super 2 (not the 2R), and the rest of them look like they've been punched out of Chinese toy factory, I think Giro is a great alternative. While they may own the rights and control production, the R+D and Design team is a completely different beast, and it shows in the finished product.
  • 7 4
 Bell doesn't own Giro bro haha. They are owned by the same umbrella company. And the super 2R is joey lid straight outta the box anyways
  • 4 2
 Only Bell lids I'd wear would be the pure motorsports helmets. Giro has style and makes some very nice products. I'm a fan of and use their helmets, shoes, gloves and socks.
  • 3 0
 @goprosantacruz:

I like mine. I think it's a killer trail helmet.
  • 3 5
 So enduro







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