GIRO Grid MIPS Specifications:
- Polartec® Power Grid padding
- Fidlock® Magnetic Buckle Closure
- Thermostat control adjustable venting stack vent
- MIPS® Spherical, In From 2 fit system
- Color tested: Matte Black (size Medium)
- MSRP: $280
- See all the specs and tech here
Intended Use: Snowboarding, Splitboarding, most snow sports, anyone wanting a lightweight, all mountain or backcountry helmet with great venting.
Recommended for: Riders seeking an all mountain or backcountry style helmet that is lightweight with MIPS and good ventilation
Review Date and Location: February 2021 – May 2021 in Colorado
Review:
I have really enjoyed the flyweight properties of the Grid MIPS, you’ll barely know you have it on it’s so light. I’ve worn it on splitboard missions, and at local resorts here in Colorado, it’s served me well for any style of riding from park to backcountry.
The FIDLOCK magnetic buckle closure for the chin strap is convenient and much easier to connect than a traditional buckle style connection, you’ll appreciate it once you try it. This helmet also incorporates MIPS spherical technology, which reduces rotational energy during certain impacts which will give you more confidence you’re protected if you ever have to put it to the test.
This helmet has a polartec liner that provides great warmth during the most coldest of conditions, and during spring conditions you can take out the liner and have a great highly ventilated helmet that will keep your head cool all day long, and the ventilation options on the helmet are superb and easily open and close with the flick of a switch.
I’ve tried the GIRO Grid MIPS helmet with a few different goggle options and the fit is good, when paired with GIRO goggles (I am using the Contour Goggle) I have a seamless fit that is very comfortable and doesn’t let cold air seep in where you don’t want it. I’ve found this helmet to be a great option for any style of riding, if you’re ok with not having a park style helmet as your go to helmet this will cover you for any type of riding, you can alway look at other more freestyle oriented helmets and keep this one for years to come as your backcountry or all mountain option. The Grid MIPS helmet has a good cost to value ratio. iI’s slightly more expensive than other helmets, its lightweight, has superior ventilation, and usability for all seasons make it a strong contender for your next helmet.
Overall Impressions:
The Grid is a great option if you’re looking for one of the lightest all mountain or backcountry style helmets available. This helmet has great ventilation and works seamlessly with Giro Goggles and other brand goggles as well.
Dave’s Review
Review Date and Location: November 2020 – May 2021 in Wyoming/Idaho
Size: Large (59-62.5cm)
I reviewed the Giro Range MIPS helmet last year and was blown away at the incredible amount of functionality it offered. I was stoked when I had the opportunity to review a backcountry-inspired helmet from them, the Giro Grid MIPS. I try to squeeze in as much riding as possible, even after the lifts close and the chance to lighten the load hiking up the hill was extra appealing.
The Grid MIPS is by far the lightest helmet I have ever used. The size large weighs in at under a pound and you can really feel the difference. I wore the helmet both riding the resort and on some recent backcountry riding also. When touring or ripping the resort, the lightweight helmet is very comfortable.
I have never doubted the safety of the Giro helmets in the past, but now Giro and MIPS teamed up to develop a new technology featured in this helmet, MIPS Spherical. The concept behind this technology is that it provides an outer and inner EPP foam shell that reduces rotational movement on impact to provide superior protection for your brain. I have seen some pretty gnarly wrecks in my years of riding and was glad to know that my brain had extra protection.
For the liner of the Grid helmet, Giro used Polartec® Power Grid™ Padding. The Polartec liner is designed to move moisture away from the skin and dry quickly. I tend to ride hot and it was nice to have the helmet seem to breath and stay dry even when it was a little warmer. It also uses Silver Salt (Salt Chloride) to prevent bacteria and odor. The helmet fit great and I found the material to be very comfortable against my skin.
The Grid MIPS helmet also has adjustable venting that can be easily configured depending on the conditions and/or temperature. In addition, the Grid uses Giro’s Stack Vent Technology. This technology was developed based on research showing that goggle fogging is caused by warm air in the goggles center vent. Giro aligns their Stack Vent with the center vent to keep your goggle clear and fog-free. I really liked this feature as it allowed me to regulate heat/cold depending on temperatures or activity and is a great feature when touring.
The Grid helmet uses the Fidlock® Magnetic Buckle Closure rather than the traditional snapping closure. The buckle slides together nicely and is aided by strong magnets. This proved to be really easy to use, especially when your hands are cold or using mittens. And, the entire fit of the helmet can be adjusted easily with the twist of a dial.
Overall:
The Giro Grid MIPS helmet offers superior protection with its Multi-Directional Impact Protection Spherical System. This helmet is incredibly lightweight and very comfortable. The Polartec liner and Fidlock closure really make this a great helmet for backcountry or resort use.
Pros:
- Flyweight (you won’t really know you have it on)
- Magnetic Closure
- Great Ventilation
- Seamless compatibility with GIRO goggles
- Good compatibility with other brand goggles
- Polartec liner provides great warmth
Cons:
- none
| Price: |  (4.3 / 5) |
| Performance: |  (4.8 / 5) |
| Design: | (4.8 / 5) |
| Overall: |  (4.7 / 5) |