About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the helmet, which I purchased with my own money in December of 2019.

My Take

The Giro Ledge MIPS is an affordable, safe helmet for all types of skiers. The helmet's design is geared toward park skiers but is still suitable for all skiers and riders.

About the helmet I own

• Model: 2020 Giro Ledge MIPS
• Size: Medium

About me

• Height: 5’9”
• Weight: 145 lbs
• Head circumference: 57.5cm
• Goggles: Giro Axis
• Experience: 15 years

Test conditions

• When I bought this helmet: December 2019
• Days tested: 100+
• Where I’ve used it: Most Vail Resorts
• How I’ve used it: All-mountain skiing and park

How it performs

What I was looking for

My old helmet did not have MIPS, so I was looking to upgrade protection. In addition, I wanted a relatively affordable MIPS helmet that looked clean. The Giro Ledge MIPS ended up being the cheapest option.

Why I chose this gear

I really liked the way this helmet looked, and it was the least expensive MIPS option. I looked into the Smith Code and the Oakley Mod 1, but the Giro Ledge MIPS was a clear winner.

What I love about it

• Protection: The Giro Ledge MIPS offers sufficient protection for a helmet in this price range. The hard shell and MIPS technology provide protection against head impacts.
• Comfort: This is a very comfortable helmet if it fits properly. The ear pads are comfortable and secure.
• Sizing: This helmet comes in S, M, L, and XL. These helmets are not adjustable so getting the right size is important.
• Liner: The liner is soft, comfortable, and durable. I have had no problems with the liner after many hard days of skiing.
• Breathability: There are four vents on the top, two vents in the front, and three vents in the back of the helmet. The vents are always open; there is no option to close the vents. Although the vents do not open or close, I have never had a problem being too hot or too cold.
• Earpads: The ear pads are very comfortable and easily removable. There is an option to add speakers, but I haven’t tried it.
• Goggle compatibility: The Giro Ledge MIPS works very well with most goggles. I use the Giro Axis goggles and have never had an issue with a goggle gap or anything like that.
• Weight: 500g, lightweight, and not bulky.
• Durability: After well over 100 hard days of skiing, this helmet has held up exceptionally well. There are a few light scuffs on the shell but absolutely no structural damage. The straps and liner are still in very good condition. I have taken many slams in this helmet as well as dropping in the parking lot, and it has taken the abuse very well.
• Quality of Materials: Although this is a relatively cheap helmet, the build quality is very good. It has held up surprisingly well over the past couple of years.
• Style: The Giro Ledge MIPS has a fairly basic design. It is slightly bowl-shaped but looks clean and slim. The orientation of the vents looks nice, and it’s a good-looking helmet overall. This helmet may appeal a bit more to park riders.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Fit system: There is no adjustment dial on this helmet; it is important to get the right size.

Favorite moment with this gear

I do not have a specific favorite moment with this helmet, but it has always given me the confidence to try new things without fear of a serious head injury. The MIPS technology provides protection against hits from different angles.

Value for the money vs. other options

The Giro Ledge MIPS helmet is my favorite helmet for the money. Coming in at around $100, I prefer this over much more expensive options like the Smith Code. The Giro Ledge MIPS is one of the market's most popular options and is my personal favorite helmet.

Final verdict

The Giro Ledge MIPS is one of the market's safest, most comfortable freestyle helmets. It also comes at a price point much lower than other options, making it a great value. This is a great helmet for anyone that likes the simple park style of the Giro Ledge MIPS.