GiroSwitchblade MIPS MTB Helmet(Return to Product Page)

Got this in December, 2021 and have worn it just about every day, always with the chin guard off. It's a mixed bag of the good and the bad. As they say, it is heavy, and it would be too hot for summer use where I live in the Midwest. But the biggest issue for me is the buckle, which is slow and awkward to use, and impossible with gloves on. In an emergency, you (or your rescuer) would probably have to cut the strap. That's the bad news. The good news is the helmet is very comfortable and secure--so much so I forget I'm wearing it most of the time. The visor works as a visor, though just barely. If it dropped down any less it would a pure fashion statement; another inch and it would be a great sun shade in the real world. I gave the helmet a 4 in spite of the annoyances because it's one of the few that provides very good occipital protection and excellent fit.

The Switchblade is the Patton Tank of bike helmets, which, after a brain injury resulting from a crash last year while wearing a top-of-the-line road helmet, was just what I was looking for. The chin guard is easy to remove. The helmet can be properly snugged with the turn of a dial. The visor is fairly functional. Ventilation is adequate for cool weather. All those are good features. But the hemet is heavy, and hot. I doubt it is going to get worn much during our Missouri summers. That's bad. And the chin strap is a wonderment. Instead of a buckle it requires you to thread one end of the strap through two D-rings. Just about impossible with gloves, darn hard with bare fingers. And it is covered with a soft fleecy fabric that can't be removed for cleaning or because it's just too darn hot out. The chin strap is most definitely a bad thing--after a crash I can imagine having to cut it to get out of the helmet. All that said, I bought the helmet and I'm keeping it. The safety ratings are excellent and the helmet fits so well I don't notice the extra weight. I'd say, if you like things easy-peasy and are buckle-dependent then don't buy this helmet. But if you are a serious cyclist with a real concern for safety, then it might be good choice.