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review

Giro Section leather helmet

8
£49.99

VERDICT:

8
10
A stylish skate-style helmet with a twist. Great for short commutes, skateparks and winter rides.
Weight: 
330g
Contact: 
www.madison.co.uk

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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At first glance, this helmet isn't too dissimilar to the 'potty lids' we used to wear on our skateboards back in the 70s, but it's brought up to date with a lower profile shape and it's a lot safer too.

The polycarbonate shell has an in-mould expanded polystyrene liner that's fused to the harder outer shell to save weight and distribute the force of an impact. The straps are basic with no clever, easy-adjustment clips, but once you have them correct and the foam padding inserts positioned right, this helmet has a comfortingly snug fit.

The Section is designed to take lots of minor impacts – after all, it is primarily designed for skateboarders and BMXers – so it's great for daily commutes where it's likely to get the occasional knock when you're carrying it to and from your desk or carting it around the supermarket in your trolley.

With fewer vents than a roadie style helmet, this lid gets pretty warm if you like to work the pedals but the generous soft foam padding inserts do a good job of mopping up your sweat. The eight slotted vents do allow excess heat to evacuate but they don't really channel much air over your head. On the plus side, this could be an advantage in the cold months.

The design leaves plenty of space at the front for great visibility and allows you to wear fashion sunglasses without interference from the helmet shell. To give this helmet a less back street look and more high street appeal, Giro have decorated the exterior with a chocolate brown leather cover which goes terribly well with a Brooks saddle. If the leather look isn't your bag – or it just doesn't match your bag – it's available in several other colour/graphics options, including a sedate matt black finish.
 

Verdict

A stylish skate-style helmet with a twist. Great for short commutes, skateparks and winter rides.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Giro Section leather helmet

Size tested: M

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

The Section takes the skate-style look to a higher level. Apart from venting, every element of the helmet is an improvement over the 70s skateboarding lids it resembles.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Polycarbonate hardshell

EPS (expanded polystyrene) liner

Construction: In-Mold Technology

Leather cover

8 vents

3 sizes: small 51-55cm, Medium 55-59cm, Large 59-63cm

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

Built to take knocks although the leather can get a bit scraped and tarnished, like your shoes can, so a bit of extra care is needed to keep it looking good.

The in-mould fused shell and liner make a lighter and stronger helmet.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

If you're after something to protect your head and keep it warm at the same time, this will do just that. If you are looking for a helmet to wear for your next sportive, you will be lucky if your head doesn't resemble a beetroot at the end of it.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Structurally, it's highly durable although the leather will look a bit scuffed if not treated kindly.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10
 
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10

The shape is best suited to round heads

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

This is an understated helmet that can deal with the commuter grind yet look refined and subtle enough to go with finer togs.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

It looks good and offers excellent protection.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

It does get a bit hot and sweaty on enthusiastic rides.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yup

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 37  Height: 180  Weight: 80

I usually ride: Bike that I am testing at the time  My best bike is: Giant CFR pro. Old school carbon converted to fixed. Kinesis Convert 2 fixed. Shorter cafe racer

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed, bare back

 

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