Giro Aries Spherical Bike Helmet

5 reviews for Giro Aries Spherical Bike Helmet

1. 

   C. Bennett – 5 January 2025

   Great helmet, may need to size up
   Reviewing a bike helmet is inherently subjective, but buying one online can feel like taking a shot in the dark. So I will try to offer some points to consider, as objectively as I can. TL;DNR: the Aires is a very high quality helmet that I think can be adjusted to fit most heads comfortably, as long as you start with the right size.My size large Aries weighs 311 grams, which is almost exactly what Giro specifies (310 grams), but 40 grams more than my old (too old, I know) Giro Atmos. That is the price you pay for the latest rotational protection systems, like Giro’s MIPS Spherical technology. It’s a fair trade-off, I think, for the highest safety ranking of any helmet tested by Virginia Tech’s lab.My last two Giro helmets were size medium and fit well on my 59 centimeter oval-shaped head. But, with the Aires, I had to size up to large. The fit seems narrower than my previous Giro helmets, especially on the sides of the occipital lobe, but the large size was easily adjusted to fit comfortably. Not “like wearing nothing at all,” but comfortable, with no pressure points. The vertical height adjustment of the RocLok retention system, which is designed primarily to level the helmet correctly, also made a noticeable difference in comfort. In sum, if you fall between sizes, be prepared to size up.When riding with your eyes looking straight ahead, the ventilation is very good, especially across the top of the head. If you tilt your head down so you’re looking at the front wheel, it is fantastic. And the Drycore brow pad really works to keep the sweat from dripping into your eyes. I was amazed how much difference these two features make on summer rides in the southern California desert where I live. In the past, after an hour and a half in 90 to 100 degree heat, when I was wearing my Atmos, my face would be beet red, and I often felt light-headed. The Aries is a remarkable improvement, and has reduced my cool-down time from twenty minutes to five. I was worried that the brow band would feel hot, but that is not the case, probably because the rest of the forehead is so well ventilated.I chose the Matte Ano Blue color, which I suspect is one of the least popular. But I think it looks great in person, and is light enough and bright enough to rival or exceed white for visibility and heat reflectivity from the shell.As an aside, the helmet I received was likely a prior return (part of the box was missing), and I am fine with that. I think it’s a fair trade-off for being able to exchange my original order for the larger size.

2. 

   M. Daniel – 5 January 2025

   Wow! Just wow!
   First, I’m bad about replacing helmets every 5 years. Prior to purchasing this blue Giro Aries, I’d been using a Giro Aeon since 2014. Even though I wanted a helmet with MIPS, I couldn’t find any close in weight and ventilation to the Aeon. But it was time for an upgrade regardless of weight increases. My Aries was supposed to be delivered Tuesday, but instead was delivered later on Saturday. Not exactly PRIME shipping speed. But the helmet? Wow!Besides currently being rated as the #1 helmet in VaTech’s bicycle helmet safety ratings, the helmet is a vast improvement over the Aeon. Yes, it’s a little heavier than the Aeon, but not neck straining heavy. As for the ventilation and silicone sweat strip? Amazing!Being a lifelong Floridian, today’s sunrise ride involved 91% humidity with an actual temperature of 79F and a heat index of 87F. I’m a naturally sweaty person. I’m talking coming home completely soaked from just a November gathering with several games of corn hole. Today was a quite the soggy atmosphere for a ride. Anyway, the ventilation is noticeably improved across all areas of the helmet as compared the the long discontinued Aeon. And the anti-sweat strip? Not once…I repeat…not once did I have to do a helmet squeeze. Days like today usually involve a helmet squeeze every mile after a 15 minute warmup. No sweat dripping like a leaky faucet from the front of the helmet either. Yes, I still had to use my finger to squeegee my brow every mile, but that is far less inconvenient than leaning to one side and mashing my helmet into my forehead. I could wring my shirt out from all of the sweat, but this helmet didn’t require a single helmet squeeze during an hour long 17 MPH ride.The helmet fits my head like a glove as well. The new tensioner is an improvement over the Aeon as well. The Aeon clicked as the helmet tensioner was turned, which would result in steps of more tension. The new system is a continuous and smooth increase in tension as the dial is turned. No more “almost perfect” tension. The new system adjust easily in both directions, but remains in place when the dial is no longer being turned. Giro out did themselves with this helmet! Yes, it’s an expensive helmet. But consider it a 5 year insurance policy on hopefully keeping your brain intact.

3. 

   mainediver218 – 5 January 2025

   As Advertised
   Have always been a fan of Giro helmets and this one does not disappoint. Very comfortable, you don’t even know it is there. Good ventilation, works well with a cycling cap as well, adjustment/retention system is top notch. The only “niggle” I have is with the strap length and closure. This has been common to all Giro helmets I’ve had, the strap is about an inch too short. It’s ok but I’m right at the limit. I guess the good part is no extra strap end to secure, or trim so it’s not flapping around but I couldn’t make it any loser if I tried. The other “niggle” is I’ve had other helmets with a magnetic closure vs. the traditional buckle and I prefer the magnetic closure. I suppose the buckle may be more secure, and cheaper, but still like the one handed convenience of the magnetic closure.

4. 

   F. Kirk – 5 January 2025

   initial impressions – very nice helmet – fits like a glove
   It is very light, looks great, and fits as good – if not better – than any other helmet I have worn. Note: I also have a fairly new Giro Agilis which does NOT fit as well as this new Aeries. Also has the best adjustment mechanism of any of my helmets. However, it IS expensive. This is the first time I have paid $300+ bucks for a helmet.

5. 

   michael pierry – 5 January 2025

   Small and lightweight.
   Significantly smaller, lighter weight, better air flow and more expensive than my previous Giro helmet. If you have a large noggin I would recommend sizing up for a better fit.