Giro Switchblade Full Face MIPS Helmet Review

To start with, it is undoubtedly true that Giro is a leading brand when it comes to the bike industry for its high-end equipment. It is completely different from the original Switchblade design and incorporates much advancement that helps you with performance. Giro Switchblade helmet is one of the top full face helmet for mountain biking out there, famous for its tone of features and smooth ride performance.

In simple terms, it is different from the traditional helmets that have gained high safety ratings and positive reviews across the market. This innovative moto-trial design attracts attention from riders, having a complete package of safety, comfort, and performance. If you want to know more about this new hit in the market, here is a comprehensive Giro Switchblade Review that can help you. So, let’s get in.

Giro Switchblade MIPS Full Face Helmet Overview

About the Giro Helmet Brand

Giro, founded in 1985, is a leading US-based manufacturing company, popular for its high-end equipment. The brand has specialized in snow and cycling helmets, mountain bike shoes, and associated products, and snowboarding equipment. Overall, you can get different contemporary, stylish, and classic products from the brand for all ages.

Giro Switchblade Helmet Features Review

Weight and Breathability of Giro Switchblade Helmet

The foremost thing you should consider while buying a helmet is its weight. Hence, as it is completely different from the traditional helmets, you ultimately expect this to be lightweight and less hot than usual. Here, although it is not the lightest full-coverage helmet, it weighs around 950 grams (lighter than the Bell Full 9). It integrates a 6D Helmet ATB-1T that is comfortable; however, adds weight to the helmet, making it a bit heavier for users.

When it comes to ventilation, this helmet is equipped with 20 different vents that help you in keeping your cool throughout the process. As compared to other full-face helmets, this one is quite efficient and provides you with smooth airflow, removing the chances of sweating. Further, the 6D cushioning possesses moisture-wicking properties that help you with better performance and a comfortable experience.

Giro Switchblade Helmet Safety and Security

Likewise, speaking of the construction, it comes with a full-face design that helps you add protection to the process. I absolutely loved the ultra-high coverage that offers great protection and safety in case of any potential accidents. It is further equipped with a Bell Super DH that imitates a shell coverage and makes it absolutely hard and sturdy enough to facilitate you with security.

In addition, this Switchblade Giro helmet has a three-quarter shell and a chain bar that perfectly attaches to each cheek, making it comfortable as well as safe. It further incorporates two different buttons that are designed to make adjustments, so you can easily set it as per your requirements. Here, the stainless steel mounts of the helmet and thick EPS foaming make it absolutely worth your investment.

Multi-Directional Impact Protection System MIPS

The highlight of this model is the MIPS technology included in the construction that helps you in reducing the impact. Hence, you will not have to worry about the rotating influence of the injury. This is one of the leading slip-plane technologies that help users in absorbing the impact from different directions, having a spherical construction.

Giro Switchblade Helmet Visor Setups and Additional Features

All in all, the visor is one of my favorites in this model, considering it features a Bell Super DH adjustment that allows you to loosen or tighten the screws by hand easily. This fit can also accommodate goggles quite conveniently. The visor further includes high position steel mounts, providing you with better efficiency. So, apart from protection, this unique design is also helping users with innovation and ease.

Similarly, the Giro Switchblade features two different visors, one being the POV Plus and the other one is the Go-Pro style. The former is designed to facilitate the goggles easily over the brows without compromising on safety. Also, the visor is detachable and for this reason, it is considered as one of the best convertible MTB helmet.

In contrast, the Go-Pro style is designed to mount a camera, however, it lacks adjustments that can be a problem in achieving protection for your ride, specifically on difficult terrains. Yet, this camera can help you with an enhanced field of vision.

Giro Switchblade MIPS Riding Experience

On the whole, as a full face helmet, Giro Switchblade stands in its own league. It is designed with a Roc Loc Air DH fit system that perfectly wraps around your face and provides you with safety and comfort alike. This helps users to get stability and control throughout the ride. Considering this is a sturdy helmet, designed to withstand complicated situations, you can ideally use this for bumpy and hilly terrain without compromising on the balance and control of the ride.

In addition, you are expected to remain calm and cool all along, all credits to its separate ventilation system that incorporates small trials helping you on the way. This helmet also passes the downhill trails with absolutely amazing performance. Likewise, you don’t have to remove your helmet while transitioning from descending downhill on bike or coming back from a higher position. Hence if I call Giro switchblade helmet as an all rounder, it will not be wrong. It is preferred helmet choice of professional downhill riders.

In the end, the retention system included in this Giro Switchblade is worthy of appreciation, considering its sturdy construction. It features a D-ring closure that is highly effective and includes buckles that help you in tackling the pain of using the helmet. It is also worth mentioning that the strap is thickly padded that contributes largely to the comfort of the user, specifically on unruly and bumpy terrains.

Do you know that Giro is considered as one of the best road bike helmets brand! If you want to know more about Giro helmets, have a look at my review on Giro bike helmets

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Giro Switchblade DH certified?

Yes, the Giro Switchblade MIPS helmet is designed as per the ATSM DH standards and has been certified by it. This is because it incorporates a removable chain bar and full coverage, a sturdy shell that provides you with absolute protection and safety. Similarly, it comes with MIPS technology that reduces the rotational impact to a great extent with absolute performance.

How heavy is the Giro Switchblade MIPS helmet?

On the whole, this Giro Switchblade helmet weighs around 950 grams that is less than the Roll Blade 9 that incorporates a carbon shell. Likewise, without the chain bar, straps, and thick padding, the helmet weighs around 692 grams. Although it can be a bit heavy for its full-face coverage design, it feels comfortable and doesn’t let you lose control during the right.

Final Thoughts about Giro Switchblade Helmet

In the end, this Giro Switchblade helmet is one of its own league, having a ton of features. It is equipped with a well-organized design that provides you with safety, protection, and comfort. I absolutely love the MIPS technology and full-face coverage included in the design that contributes great value to it. Likewise, the comfortable EPS padding and the metal guide hooks make it absolutely worth your price and struggle.

It originates from a unique and innovative design that helps you with comfort and convenience through the ride (even the toughest rides on hilly terrains). Thereby, having a sturdy shell and stainless steel mounts, you will be able to achieve control and stability throughout the day. On the whole, it is undoubtedly my first recommendation if you are looking for an innovative full-face helmet to please consider this Giro Switchblade review as it can help you with protection.