The Giro Vasona Mips helmet is a good looking, comfortable and affordable lid, aimed at women who cycle on road or trail. As the name suggests, it includes the integrated Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (Mips), and comes in a great choice of colours, but just the one size – 50-57cm; if you have a small head (not all women do, Giro!), you should be fine.
- Pros: Affordable, versatile, includes Mips
- Cons: Heavyweight straps
Helmet fit/comfort is subjective, but I found the Vasona very comfortable. It's one size but that goes down quite small, 50cm, making it a good choice for those with small heads.
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The fit is adjusted with a Roc Loc Sport system, which worked well – a dial at the back is easy to tighten and loosen. My only gripe is that the dial needs to be a little lower for better use with gloves.
The helmet has an in-mould construction, polycarbonate shell with EPS liner. It weighs in at 281g, which is a little heavier than some of the helmets I've reviewed recently, but comparable to the more expensive (£199) Oakley ARO5. The £64.99 Bell Tempo I reviewed is a little lighter at 256g, but it's hardly a huge difference, and once the Giro Vasona is on your head you really don't notice it.
Like the Oakley and Bell, the Giro has a Mips layer inside – a multi-directional impact protection system (read more about Mips here). This is a popular addition to many helmets to provide more protection in the event of an accident. It is described by Mips as 'slip-plane' technology and is designed to reduce rotational forces that can result from certain impacts.
The Vasona has 22 vents to keep the air flowing. They do quite a good job at cooling, and this combined with quick-drying padding meant I wasn't sweating much on hot days during long rides. Venting didn't feel as good as with the Oakley ARO5, but that's a 200-quid helmet.
The padding is comfortable, attached with Velcro so it can be removed and washed if needed. It did seem a plusher forehead pad than most, and my forehead did feel a bit warmer than normal. I could also feel the straps a little bit on long rides – they're a bit more heavyweight than some, though they sit around the ears and face neatly.
The buckle is one of those ratchet types which does the job well, but it's larger than your typical helmet buckle.
The Giro comes with a removable visor and in my opinion looks great with it on or off. It's an easy and neat quick clip design – no ugly holes like with Giro's Venus model. It's great for sunny days and trail riding, or you can take it off to look a bit more roadie.
Having reviewed a number of helmets recently, the Vasona compares very well to the Bell Tempo I mentioned earlier – both providing a comfortable fit for small heads at a similar price. The Bell pips it for me on fit, but I do really like the bright colour of the Vasona. I would possibly choose the Giro Vasona for mountain biking and the Bell Tempo for long road rides, but try out fit for yourself as everyone has different shaped heads.
> Cycling helmets: Everything you need to know
Overall, the Giro Vasona Mips is a great helmet for those with a smaller head. It's comfortable, easy to adjust, sporty looking for a £70 helmet, with a great choice of colours.
Verdict
An affordable helmet for road and trail with added Mips protection, especially suited to smaller-headed riders
Make and model: Giro Vasona Mips Womens Helmet
Tell us what the product is for
Would suit any female cyclist for road or trail.
Giro says, "The Vasona™ MIPS® helmet combines sleek, lightweight design with an integrated Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) that can redirect energy and provide more protection in certain impacts, giving you the latest in head protection on the road or trail. Made in a comfortable, Universal Fit™women's size with our adjustable Roc Loc® Sport fit system, the Vasona's fit can be custom-tuned with a simple turn of the dial to make fitting fast and hassle-free. And with a range of colours to suit almost any style, you can choose exactly how your on-bike style comes together."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
From Giro:
Integrated MIPS® Technology
Compact shape
Full Hardbody™ shell
Reflectivity
Quick-dry padding
Quick Link removable visor
Construction: In-mold polycarbonate shell with EPS liner
Fit System: Roc Loc® Sport MIPS
Ventilation: 22 vents
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
A well made, good looking helmet.
Rate the product for performance:
7/10
Performed well on long rides, generally not noticeable.
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
6/10
Comes in at 281g, a little heavier than some.
Rate the product for comfort (if applicable)
7/10
A comfortable helmet to wear.
Rate the product for value:
7/10
£70 is a decent price for the quality and Mips system.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Used for rides from 1-5hrs, it performed as it should, with a comfortable fit. I could feel the straps a little bit on long rides, and the pad for the forehead is a little thick.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
I liked the colour and that it fits a small head.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
The thick straps and thick forehead pad.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Maybe
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes, if they have a small head.
Use this box to explain your overall score
It's a good quality helmet at a decent price, with the added Mips protection. If the straps and forehead pad were better, I'd be tempted to score it an 8.
Age: 36 Height: 168 Weight: 60
I usually ride: specailized dolce My best bike is:
I've been riding for: 5-10 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: touring, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, mountain biking
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