TESTED: Giro Hex Helmet

Giro are synonymous with helmets, and have produced some classic lids over the years. I’ve owned a number, from the Exodus, to the E2, plus an Atmos, and more recently a Xar. All in medium, and all have had a version of Giro’s Roc Loc system which has meant I can make the helmet fit so well I’ve forgotten about it.

Initial Impressions

The Hex doesn’t look quite as sleek as some of the higher end helmets in the Giro range, but it’s been designed for trail and all-mountain riding – not road racing. Looking at the helmet, you can see that the 21 Wind Tunnel vents are very open, and the idea is that you’re sitting more upright on a trail bike, or just about any mountain bike, so this will optimise the air flow over a sweaty head.

Like most helmets, the Hex uses an in-mold shell, so the plastic is attached to the foam. It’s more compact, and lasts longer. The pads on the inside keep the shell off your head and are quite absorbant, although super-sweaters might need some help.

Putting it on, it might well be the best fitting Giro helmet I have used. The shell seems a little snugger than my Xar (measurements show that’s my imagination), and the extra coverage in the back compared to a road oriented helmet is noticeable. Giro have mastered the Roc Loc system with its 5^th iteration, and I could easily fine tune the helmet fit even with full-fingered gloves. The height adjustment is great for getting fit spot on, not all helmet retention systems feature this. The straps are not only comfortable, but they seem to hold their position better than other helmets I have used, requiring far less ‘cinching up’ over time.

While the visor is adjustable I mostly choose to set-and-forget, but it’s easy to move around to get it in just the right position for you. The whole helmet feels very secure. It’s snug. That’s good

On the Trail

Being able to go for a ride and focus on what you’re doing, where you’re going, and just enjoying yourself is a great thing. Sometimes, when you’re testing something new there’s a bit more involved thought. Not so with the Hex. It was supremely stable and very comfortable.

The vents worked a treat – while it didn’t feel any cooler than other helmets, I did notice good airflow through thinning hair even at low speeds in humid conditions.

Those same vents were hard to slot any sunglasses into given their location and shape. This is a small critique, and it was still easy to slip them on the back of my helmet if I had to. But for my head shape, there were no pressure points, or instances of the helmet slipping around. Giro produce five sizes in the Hex, so it’s likely most people will be able to find the right fit.

The weight of a helmet is worth considering – the Hex is 315g. Lighter than some but heavier than others. I’ve taken to using a very light helmet recently, at about 210g, but the difference with the Hex is that I rarely need to stop and adjust it, or make sure the straps are tight.

Our Take

The Hex is a great example of a brilliant piece of kit in the middle of a range. Giro have some slightly fancier helmets, but the Hex is very comfortable and well featured. It feels very secure on your head, and although it’s best to replace helmet every couple of years – this one seems unlikely to suffer from the usual scrapes against branches when riding like a much lighter helmet will. It’s a high quality helmet that is also great value for money.

Hits:

- Sizing options, a very adjustable fit, lots of venting

Misses:

• Does sit a little tall

RRP: $179.99

From: sheppardcycles.com