Giro Aether MIPS helmet

Giro's Aether is a fabulous helmet that offers an excellent level of ventilation, plenty of comfort and new MIPS Spherical technology.

• Pros: Well ventilated, comfortable, lightweight, MIPS Spherical technology
• Cons: The price tag

Let's start with the MIPS Spherical tech because that's the most important feature. As you might well know, MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. According to the company behind it, MIPS is "scientifically proven to reduce rotational motion by absorbing and redirecting rotational energies and forces transferred to the brain from angled impacts to the head."

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MIPS usually comes in the shape of an internal liner – a polycarbonate plastic layer that sits between your head and the expanded polystyrene (EPS). Here, though, rather than being added after the event, the MIPS Spherical technology is an integral part of the Aether's design.

> Check out our feature: everything you need to know about MIPS

The helmet features two distinct layers of multi-density EPS foam that can move relative to one another. The two layers are linked by little yellow tabs but you can easily shift the outer layer of EPS in all directions while the inner layer stays motionless next to your head.

The idea is that in the event of an angled impact, the inner layer slides beneath the outer layer, reducing rotational motion transferred to the brain.

The advantage of MIPS Spherical compared with a MIPS liner is that there's no obstruction to ventilation. You get loads of air flowing over your head here, the three central vents being particularly large.

The shell is made up of several pieces of polycarbonate with what's called an "Aura reinforcing arch" adding to the structure. This is a shatterproof, transparent piece that you can see running laterally across the front vents. It's thin and it sits quite a long way from your head so it doesn't interfere much with the ventilation.

Loads of channels in the EPS foam liner allow air to flow over your head. The Aether is among the coolest helmets I've ever used.

If things do get sweaty inside, an internal pad stretching right across your forehead helps stop moisture dripping down into your eyes – although, like other pads, it can become saturated on a long, hard climb.

Giro has included little rubber grippers at the bottom of two of the front vents to keep your glasses in place when you stow them up there. They work well to stop any slipping when you tilt your head downwards.

Giro's Roc Loc 5+ Air fit system is excellent. You get the choice of three different height positions at the back and the occipital contact points on each side are individually adjustable, which might be useful if your head isn't quite symmetrical.

The Roc Loc 5+ Air fit system encompasses the full circumference of your head which both spreads the pressure and means that it'll accommodate a wide variety of different head shapes comfortably. As with most systems, it's controlled via a clicky dial at the back. On-the-fly adjustments are easy, even if you're wearing chunky winter gloves.

The webbing used for the strap is thin and lightweight, and our medium sized helmet hit the scales at 267g. There are lighter helmets out there but bear in mind that any MIPS system will add a little weight.

The only issue I've had is with the temple sections of the helmet touching, and occasionally moving, the arms of some sunglasses. This is because glasses without much nosepiece adjustment sometimes sit higher on me than on most other people because I broke my nose donkey's years ago, and that little lift has been enough to cause contact. I got several other people to try out the Aether MIPS and none of them experienced the same thing, but if you have a high nose bridge you might want to check before you buy to be on the safe side.

> Buyer's Guide: 17 of the best high-performance helmets

At £259.99, the Aether is far from a bargain bucket option, but if you want a load of ventilation and comfort, and you're convinced of the value of MIPS, this helmet is exceptionally good.

Verdict

Exceptionally good helmet that provides excellent cooling and comfort along with new MIPS Spherical technology