Salice Ghibli helmet

The Ghibli helmet from Salice is available in a range of eight colours so matching your bike or kit certainly shouldn't be an issue plus it scores well on weight and extras too.

The Ghibli weighs 255g for this XS size which covers head circumference of 54cm to 58cm (a larger 58cm to 62cm model is about 30g heavier according to Salice) and the weight's not really noticeable when you've got the lid strapped to your head.

You barely notice it at all helped by the fact that it is amazingly comfortable thanks to the tiny adjustments available from the wheel at the rear of the helmet. You can tweak it to sit just right, although unlike some other helmets it only adjusts the rear cradle for fit rather than all the way around. Not a major issue unless you have a bit of an odd shaped head.

That adjustment dial is also a light with three different settings: solid, flash and a kind of mental disco strobe. The first two are very bright so should still show up even if your head is tilted down although I wouldn't recommend this as your sole lighting source.

Inside the helmet you get a removable mesh bug liner which if you've ever been stung on the head by an irate, trapped bee you will know is a welcome investment. It's part of the pad system though so you have to keep it in there which could give you an interesting sun tan if you are light on the hair front.

In terms of construction it's the tried and tested method of an expanded polystyrene (EPS) shell with a bonded cover over the top to keep everything together in case of a secondary impact. Its strength also allows for 23 vents while still maintaining enough strength to pass the relevant EN safety standards.

Even with all of those vents though I didn't actually find the Salice that cool in use especially on warm days. You never really feel the breeze coming through and things did get a big sweaty.

As far as price goes there are a lot of helmets for around a hundred quid and the Salice compares well for weight and comfort, but little things like the orange stripe being completely off centre just cheapens the look. It may sound picky but if I'm paying this much for a polystyrene lid I'd want each detail to be pretty spot on. Helmets at this price are also starting to come with extra features like MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), which is claimed to improve protection.

Verdict

Competes well on weight and comfort although it isn't the most 'airy'