A bike helmet from another sphere
17/5/2021
Helios Spherical by Giro: this bike helmet has good ventilation and is comfortable while wearing. A further bonus, it includes advanced MIPS technology.
MIPS stands for «Multi-directional Impact Protection System». This system is designed to provide more protection by absorbing rotational forces in the event of an impact. A movable shell inside the helmet can move 10 to 15 millimetres in all directions, reducing rotational forces in the case the cyclist should fall.
Whether ski helmet, freestyle or bike helmet: different models by different manufacturers are equipped with MIPS technology. Among them, the Agilis by Giro, which I was wearing until recently while I was out and about on my gravel bike.
Giro Helios Spherical MIPS
My colleague Michael Restin has already wrote a piece the EU standard EN 1078 test helmets have to pass when they come onto the market in Switzerland. The test includes impact tests at speeds of 19.5 km/h for level surfaces and 16.5 km/h on a so-called «roof-shaped target», i.e. an edge. The 270-gram lightweight bicycle helmet by Giro passed this test.
The Helios Spherical is manufactured using the In-Mold process. In this technique, the shell and the rigid foam are welded together, creating a very stable helmet structure. The heart of Helios is Spherical technology, which builds on MIPS’s spherical joint design.
This technology allows the outer helmet inner shell to rotate around the inner shell in the event of a fall. The layered system of the two shells should provide even better protection. So Spherical is a kind of upgraded MIPS version developed by Giro in collaboration with the Swedish company. But will this technology actually protect me better in the event of a fall? I hope that I never have to experience it on my own body or head.
Living on air and love
What I can say with certainty: the Helios Spherical, which by the way is suitable for both on- and off-road use, scores a lot better than the Agilis in terms of ventilation and comfort. And this despite the fact that it has only half as many vents as the Agilis, with its 15. At least that’s what Giro says. The helmet fits comfortably, without any pressure points. The anti-microbacterial pads absorb sweat. I love it!
First impressions
Compared to the Agilis, the Helios is a quantum leap. However, Giro also makes this leap with the price: the Helios costs more than twice as much. As mentioned above, I don’t wish to find out whether the Spherical MIPS technology would protect me twice as well from a bad head injury in a fall. But I like the wearing comfort very much. This helmet sits really well and the ventilation is top-notch. There’s nothing to criticise, from my point of view. Only the price could be a deal breaker. Nearly 300 francs for a bike helmet, that’s quite a number. Even if it does come with spherical, partially self-developed technology. And yet I would buy it. Once you’ve tried Helios, you won’t choose Agilis again.
This article expresses my own opinion and my personal experience with the product.
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
