The best helmet we can recommend is the one that meets these three criteria:
• It fits your head comfortably and securely
• It offers the most coverage you’re comfortable with
• It meets the most relevant standards for the type of riding you enjoy.

Design, features and price can also be considerations, but those are personal choices that we can’t provide guidance on.

By asking this question, we recognize that you may be seeking to understand what the “safest” helmet is for you. There’s a reason we can’t provide the simple answer you’re seeking: Every impact is a unique event, and we can’t predict how you’re going to impact the helmet. See “What’s the Safest Helmet?” for more information on this question.

Proper fit is essential because the helmet’s performance can be compromised if the helmet doesn’t fit properly. In order to offer you the best value and fit possible, Giro makes helmets in many sizes, including:
Small = 52 – 55.5cm / 20.5 – 21.75in.
Medium = 55 – 59cm / 21.75 – 23in.
Large = 59 – 62.5cm / 23 – 24.25in.
XLarge = 62.5 – 65cm / 24.50 – 25.50in.
Youth XS/S = 49 – 52cm / 19.25 – 20.5in.
Youth M/L = 52 – 55.5cm / 20.5 – 21.75in.

Getting a proper fit is easy if you follow the steps outlined below, or in this video.

DETERMINE YOUR SIZE
To determine the correct size, you should measure the circumference of the head. To do this, just wrap a measuring tape around the head, keeping the tape just above the ears and level front to back. Once you’ve determined the correct measurement, you can select a helmet in the correct size or size range.

PUT THE HELMET ON
Start by putting the helmets on and checking to make sure the helmet fits comfortably and securely. Helmets with a fit/stability system should fit with just a little room between your head and the headband when the fit system is loose. If it does not, you should replace it with one that does. Helmets without a fit system (pads only, such as a full-face helmet) should fit snugly but comfortably.

Once on and adjusted, a helmet should fit snugly on the wearer’s head, so that the skin on the forehead moves slightly when the helmet is moved back and forth. It should not cause a headache or be uncomfortably tight.

You should always wear the helmet positioned low enough in the front to protect your forehead, but not so low that it hinders your vision. A space of approximately 1 inch/2.5cm between the edge of the helmet and your brow is a good reference.

ADJUSTING THE FIT PADS
The helmet fits correctly when it is held firmly but comfortably in place by the interior fit pads and the fit system. The fit pads and liner inside the helmet are held in place by hook and loop fasteners. You can move them slightly and use any combination of the different thickness pads (if provided with the helmet) until the helmet fits firmly and comfortably on your head.

ADJUST THE FIT/ STABILSING SYSTEM
Your helmet may come with one of Giro’s patented fit and stabilizing systems. The systems are fully adjustable and they enhance the fit and stability of your helmet, but they are not a replacement for your helmet’s straps.

To adjust the fit and stability system while the helmet is on your head simply turn the dial to tighten or loosen the fit, which should be snug enough to prevent the helmet from sliding on your head, but not uncomfortable.

You can adjust the fit even more on helmets with systems that offer height adjustment, which allows the helmet’s fore/aft tilt to be optimized. To adjust the height, remove the helmet from your head and then slide the rear of the fit system up or down. Experiment until you get a fit that is most comfortable.

ADJUSTING THE CHINSTRAPS AND BUCKLE
Fasten the chinstrap buckle and tighten the straps until the helmet fits snugly. How snugly? You should be able to open your mouth wide enough to eat. Make sure the chinstrap is well back against the throat, NOT on the point of the chin. Straps worn on the point of the chin increase the chance of a helmet coming off in an accident. Make sure the loose ends of the strap pass through the rubber O-ring near the buckle. If it does not, the strap may slide loose and the helmet can come off accidentally. Always wear the helmet with the chinstrap buckle fastened and the strap pulled tight.

CHECK FOR PROPER FIT
Once you think the proper fit has been achieved, grab the helmet with both hands and twist it to the left and to the right. If the helmet fits properly, the skin on the forehead will move as the helmet moves. If it does not, the helmet is too loose.

Next, grab the helmet with both hands and try to remove it by rolling the helmet forward and backward. THIS IS IMPORTANT. If you can roll it off the head completely, roll it forward so far that it blocks vision, or backward far enough to expose the forehead, it doesn’t fit correctly. If you cannot adjust the helmet to fit properly according to these instructions, DO NOT USE THE HELMET. Replace it with a different size or model. Once you are satisfied that the helmet fits correctly and that all straps are properly adjusted and tightened, take a short test ride. Pay attention to overall comfort and helmet stability while riding. Make any minor adjustments to the fit pads, straps and stability systems to improve comfort or stability If you have questions about fit, contact us HERE

Some models feature our integrated POV camera mount, which is designed to break away in the event of an impact. We do not recommend mounting cameras or other accessories to helmets since they can damage the helmet or potentially reduce its effectiveness in the event of an impact.

Unfortunately, the answer to this question isn’t simple. The reason why there is no simple answer comes down to one undeniable fact: Every impact is a unique event with multiple variables, and we can’t predict exactly how those variables will define your helmet’s impact.

The primary purpose of a snow helmet is to help reduce the chances of, and/or the severity of, head and brain injury from a fall or crash. So, the desire to understand which helmet(s) can provide the best protective capability is a common question.

The truth is that every fall or crash is a unique event defined by many variables. From rider mass and velocity, to surface friction and density, to temperature, to biological variances and more – there are a huge range of factors that prevent us from knowing exactly what will happen when you fall. And it is important to understand that there is no single helmet that can prevent all potential injuries.

Helmet testing provides us with data that demonstrates how effective a given helmet can be at managing energy across the scenarios outlined in various helmet standards test protocols. We impact about 200 helmets of each model during development to understand how that shape works to the various worldwide standards and to our own internal standards. We aren’t allowed to share our test data (keep in mind there would be hundreds of documents for each model) with the world however, as this information is considered proprietary.

We completely understand the desire to know which helmet is “best”, but even with test data this would be misleading. Each accident is different, and in some accidents the “better” helmet from one scenario may not work as well as one which had slightly lower marks.

Nearly every type of activity has a standard that we test to, and those test results can be taken as a predictor of the helmet’s potential to help reduce the chances or severity of injury. But that data is not equivalent to a guarantee, because there is no way to correlate the test results directly to every crash.

This also relates to why helmet manufacturers don’t share test data. For all of the work that’s done in good faith, and with proper protocols and controls in place, even the test results can vary slightly from one test to another. Relying solely on test results to rank or score a helmet’s “Safety” could lead to assumptions or even claims that would be irresponsible to publish.

Conform Fit™ is our proprietary fit system designed for the Range™ MIPS and Stellar™ MIPS helmets. Conform Fit allows the outer shell of the helmet to move and adapt to the size of your head, guaranteeing best-in-class comfort and fit, as well as the lowest profile helmet possible.

MIPS, which stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System, is the leading slip plane technology designed to manage rotational energy that can result from an impact and lead to, or contribute to, brain injury. MIPS was developed by scientists at the Karolinska Hospital and the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. The concept is based on 19 years of academic research, and we’ve spent several years collaborating with the designers of this technology while evaluating other approaches to managing rotational energy from impacts as well.

Based on what we have observed from our own testing and from review of MIPS’ data, we believe that helmets equipped with MIPS can provide more protection in certain impacts. Research into the effectiveness of this technology, and how to further improve it, is ongoing and we are at the forefront of this work. For now, we are believers in the potential of this technology to enhance the protective capability of helmets

Helmets are designed to reduce as much energy as possible while meeting and exceeding stringent safety standards. Through our extensive trials, we believe that helmets equipped with MIPS can provide an additional measure of protection in certain impacts. However, every crash is different, making the individual results difficult to quantify.

For more information on this topic, see “WHICH HELMET IS THE SAFEST?” for a detailed answer to the question about comparing helmet performance.

We make a general recommendation of replacing a helmet every three to five (3-5) years depending on use and handling. This is based on observation of the average user, and factors like wear over time, weather, handling, the potential for degradation from personal care products like sunscreen or bug spray, and the simple fact that helmets do improve over time.

While helmets kept in good condition can provide protective capability beyond the 3-5 year recommended lifespan, it’s also true that they can degrade over time. This is why we recommend replacing the helmet within this regular interval.

If you fall and the helmet is impacted, you should have the helmet inspected or replace the helmet immediately, even if no damage is visible. The reason is that helmet liners are made to absorb energy from impacts and they do this through their own degradation or destruction – like an airbag in a car. If the liner is compromised from an impact or other factors, it may not offer the full protective capability it was designed to provide.

Helmets don’t last forever. Damage to a helmet is not always visible. If a helmet is visibly damaged (cracked outer shell, crushed or cracked foam liner or any other damage) don’t use it. Some or all of the helmet’s protective capacity is used up when impacted. If at any time you are unsure or have questions about your helmet’s condition, we recommend that you visit your local retailer.

We make every reasonable effort to support products for a full lifespan. However, if a product is more than 5 years old, we may not have spare parts available. We recommend that helmets should be replaced every 3-5 years to ensure you have the full protective benefit of a quality helmet, as well as a helmet with the latest technologies and that meets the most relevant current standards. Thank you for your understanding.

You can do this in a few easy steps:

CLEANING AND STORING A HELMET
Helmets are generally made of materials that can be damaged by many commonly-available cleaners. Petroleum-based solvents or cleaners are especially dangerous. They can damage a helmet so that its protective capabilities are significantly reduced. Many times, this damage is not visible. For best results, clean the helmet using a soft cloth or sponge, warm water and mild soap (such as a mild dish soap). Allow the helmet to air dry and then store it in a cool, dry place where it won’t get damaged.

Note that excessive heat can damage your helmet. For example, in direct sunlight a dark gear bag, the interior of a car, or an automobile trunk can get hot enough to cause heat damage (damaged helmets will appear to have uneven or bubbly surfaces). Therefore, when not being used for a period of time we recommend that the helmet be placed back into its box or case and stored in a cool, dry place.

LICE REMOVAL

If you are concerned about lice infestation, here’s a simple, effective way to get rid of them: • Do not use a spray of any type. • Place the helmet into an airtight plastic bag for 48 hours. Then, remove the pads and use a soft cloth or sponge, warm water and mild soap to clean the surface. • Discard the pads and plastic bag (keep bag out of reach of children due to suffocation hazard) and visit your local dealer or contact the manufacturer for replacement pads.

Giro does not recommend paints or solvents of any kind be used on the helmets. They can damage a helmet so that its protective capabilities are significantly reduced.

If your Giro helmet has been involved in an accident, you may be eligible for a discount on a new Giro replacement helmet. To learn if your helmet qualifies, please email us at sales@sportfactor.com.au with the below information:
• Picture(s) of the damaged Giro helmet
• Giro helmet model and serial number
• Giro helmet size and colour
• Giro helmet manufacture date
• Your full name
• Your phone number
• Your shipping address

Alternatively, you can visit any Giro stockist and lodge the crash replacement through them.  The Crash Replacement policy is only available to customers who have purchased their helmets in Australia from an authorised dealer.

Giro™ snow helmets are intended for skiing and snowboarding. (“Giro™”), located at 5550 Scotts Valley Drive, makes the following Limited Warranty concerning Giro™ snow helmets. This Limited Warranty is made only to the original purchaser. It is not transferable, and is void to any subsequent owner.

Giro™ snow helmets are guaranteed to be free from defects in materials and/or workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase. Giro™ will, at its option, replace or repair defective helmets. To receive warranty service, within one year the original owner must return the helmet to an authorized Giro™ dealer along with the original sales receipt.

This warranty does not cover defects, damage, malfunctions, or failures resulting from abuse, neglect, improper care, alteration, collision, or a crash.

Please see www.giro.com/Contact-Us for contact details and information about initiating a return authorization if necessary. Thank you!

Yes, some snow helmet models allow the removal of the fit system, however, we do not advise it since the fit system enhances the fit and stability of the helmet while riding.

Yes, some snow helmet models allow the removal of the goggle retainer, however, we do not advise it.