Giro Ionos Team Limited Edition Cycling Helmets 2009

Review from road.cc

The new Ionos is a range topping helmet aimed at experienced, high level road cyclists. The limited edition Ionos lid in Astana team livery tops out the Ionos range (there's also a limited edition lid in Garmin Slipstream colours) for an extra £30 over the standard model. The Ionos is the result of three years of research and development and Giro say it's the most technologically advanced road helmet they have ever created offering ground breaking (not sure that's the best phrase to use when talking about helmets - ed) levels of ventilation. It certainly delivers on its promise of extra air-flow. But for £160 so it should and the same goes for the standard Ionos at £:130.

Our test lid weighed 320g, not the lightest but it's comfy enough that you don't notice it. I would prefer to ride in a well designed, well ventilated helmet any day of the week over a slightly lighter but uncomfortable one. The focus here is on light weight, improved fit and enhanced ventilation. Managing the balance of improved ventilation through larger air vents while maintaining or improving safety levels through the core structure is difficult and Giro have employed various new and refined technologies to increase airflow while still keeping you safe.

Helmet fit is always a matter of personal opinion and it is always best to try before you buy. I can say that Giro do tend to offer the best fit for my particular head shape and their Roc-loc system has always offered comfort, adjustability and reassurance. Giro have been making a lot of noise about their new Roc-Lock 4 system and it is certainly quick and easy to adjust, even on the move, without you really knowing it is there. Giro have also included some other new technology. Their X-Static helmet pads offer improved antibacterial properties which say Giro will help it to limit odours and extend the useful life of the Ionos - sounds good although only time will tell on that one.

The 21 vents that penetrate every surface of the Ionos make for a big air flow. The cooling properties of this helmet are increased by the huge vent at the front of the helmet and brand new exhaust system to allow hot air to escape to the rear. The Ionos is certainly the coolest helmet that I have tested and is a noticeable improvement on my previous top end helmet, a Met Inferno - Giro claim that it is 15 per cent better than their Atmos helmet, the previous class leader in terms of ventilation.

In fact the Ionos is so effective at keeping your head cool that when it's chilly the helmet leaves your head uncomfortably cold. Luckily Giro have remedied this by supplying a thin, cushioned piece of shaped fabric to act as a layer of insulation on the front of your head. It's an odd paradox that Giro have developed a helmet that is so effective at keeping your head cool that they need to supply a natty skullcap to help keep it warm at the same time. I am sure that the true value of the massive vents on the Ionos will become apparent come Spring/Summer.

In a similar way to another top end Giro road helmet, the Atmos, the 2009 Ionos utilises a carbon and composite sub frame with Kevlar strips used to cover the exposed material and it looks good too. A plethora of composite weaves and internal strips of both carbon fibre and fibreglass composite further increase the strength of the helmet while keeping the helmet's weight down. The outer shell is fused to the internals of the Ionos to give a tidy, durable finish.

The Ionos is expensive, there's is no getting away from that. In terms of crash protection your money buys you a helmet certified to CE EN1078 - the top European helmet standard, but certainly not the most stringent in the world. The extra cost of a helmet like the Ionos buys you extra ventilation rather extra protection - a thirty quid lid like the Bell Solar wil give the same level of protection.

In conclusion...

While it's sat on top of your head waiting to be called on it keeps your head cool, comfortable and your ride relaxed. If you have the money and the right shaped head, it's a good buy.

Rating: 9/10