Giro Ionos (Garmin-Slipstream limited edition)

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 Giro Ionos is a true high end cycling helmet aimed at experienced and enthusiastic road cyclists who are willing to spend big to get comfort and protection matched by no others. Giro say that this is the most advanced helmet that they have ever offered for sale with extreme ventilation coupled with striking style. I really do like this helmet, it looks good, feels very comfortable to wear and lives up to its claims about airflow performance.

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

The Ionos was actually released a season late, originally pencilled in for an '07 launch the finished product was not available until 2008. All of that research and development has come up with a lower profile, lighter, cooler and, giro claim, even safer top of the range helmet than they have previously had. Lightweight carbon composite materials are used in construction of the subframe for a very lightweight, safety concious result with huge vents for optimum airflow. Giro also use an 'in mold' technolgical system to fuse the four piece outer shell with the EBS (black polystyrene-like liner) in order to offer enhanced strength as both materials support each other for maximum safety.

I tested the team slipstream limited edition version, I cant imagine that the differences between this and the 'standard' style helmets are any more than a colourway but I could find no fault. The helmet felt robust, strong and protective while being extremely light and so cool that my head was, at times, uncomfortably cold.

As previously mentioned, the cooling aspect of this product is incredible. I have worn well ventilated top of the range helmets before and this one knocks them into touch. It speaks volumes that in the pack that arrives with the helmet Giro enclose a thin, padded, shaped layer of fabric to act as a barrier between the wind and the surface of your head because the Ionos is so good at channelling cool air through the helmet.

Having used the helmet for around 350km of riding in the past week or two I have found no problems with durability. I have begun to expect niggles with any product to be visible within a few days of the first use just due to teething problems but not so here, nothing is loose, nothing looks used at all and the X-Static internal pads have worked a treat so far in keeping the Ionos feeling fresh.

Admittedly it is not the lightest helmet around but it is certainly up there. It is light enough for me to not notice that I am wearing it, the fit is great and due to the low weight it simply slips your mind that you have it on.

Giro's roc lock 4 system does the job of gripping the head excellently. The system can be adjusted with one hand while riding should it not feel quite right and due to the system having so many tiny plastic teeth the fit options are vast. The low profile design of the helmet itself means that it can fit snugly around the top of your head without looking 'oversize' as so many helmets can.

This is a £160 helmet offering the same level of protection as a £30 helmet, so you're not any safer. Obviously it's light, comfy and cool but you couldn't really say it was great value, especially as you're paying £30 just for a paint job.

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

As a helmet it offers high levels of protection and when riding the airflow through the massive front vents and newly designed exhaust system really does keep your head icy cool which is perfect for a long day in the saddle.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

I was won over by the fit of this helmet. The shape was perfect for my head and the roc loc system kept it securely in place.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Not much really, the standard colourway costs £130 which, to me, is a good deal. £160 for a team edition is excessive and the extra £30 doesnt make itself evident in anything other than finish.

Your overall verdict of the product taking everything into account

A superb blend of style, design, technology and fit. The Ionos is as good as helmets get and there is nothing that I would change about it. A strong, secure fit that works perfectly with the 21 large vents to channel air around the head to keep temperatures down and make cycling far more comfortable.