About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the helmet, which I purchased with my own money in November of 2020.

My Take

The Giro Ledge FS MIPS Helmet is low-profile, light, and stylish. I have had this helmet for two seasons now and have no issues. The Giro Ledge is great for beginners to advanced riders.

About the helmet I own

• Model: 2020 Giro Ledge
• Size: Large

About me

• Height: 6’0”
• Weight: 179 lbs
• Head circumference: 57cm
• Goggles: Oakley Line Miner, Smith Squad XL, and Pitvipers
• Experience: 28 years of skiing

Test conditions

• When I bought this helmet: November 2020
• Days tested: 100+
• Where I’ve used it: Alyeska, Crested Butte, Aspen, Copper, Eldora, Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, Loveland, Winter Park, Mary Jane, Jackson Hole, Alta, Snowbird, and Powder Mountain.
• How I’ve used it: Resorts, side country, backcountry, and street skiing.

How it performs

What I was looking for

My old helmet, a POC Receptor, was starting to get beat up, so it was time to get a new one. When looking for a new helmet, I wanted one without a visor, with a low profile, and with MIPS.

Why I chose this gear

I chose the Ledge because it came in black, had MIPS, and was a look I liked after I tried it on. I had a POC Receptor before and preferred the look of the Ledge over it. I had a few friends with this helmet and decided to try it.

What I love about it

• Protection: The helmet is equipped with MIPS. MIPS is the top-of-the-line feature for keeping the melon safe.
• Comfort: This helmet isn’t bulky and is very comfortable.
• Sizing: The sizing is standard compared to the other helmets on the market.
• Fit system: This helmet includes a BOA system that seems durable to help get the helmet snug.
• Liner: The soft and thin liner helps further this helmet’s low-profile look.
• Breathability: The vents have good airflow on warmer days. I usually wear a small balaclava under so my helmet to keep me warm on cold spring days. My other option is to wear a baseball hat under to keep the helmet snug.
• Earpads: I have removed my earpads and just wear a beanie under my helmet.
• Goggle compatibility: It is very versatile and looks great with a wide range of goggles. I have used Oakley Line Miner, Smith Squad XL, and Spy Ace goggles with this helmet.
• Weight: This lightweight helmet doesn’t feel bulky while riding.
• Durability: I have taken a few crashes, and the helmet hasn’t dented and doesn't look beaten up.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Warmth: Not a deal breaker, but it wasn't as warm when I took the earpieces out. Of course, one can keep them in if they'd like, then it would be warmer.
• Any workarounds?: I wear my goggles under my helmet. My head size is medium, but since I wear my goggles under, I went with a large. I also need to wear a thicker beanie under the helmet to have a better fit. The fit is a bit loose on hot spring/summer ski days without a beanie and goggles.

Favorite moment with this gear

My wife gave me this helmet for Christmas. My previous helmet was old, and I didn’t wear it much. The first day I wore this was a sleeper pow day, and I put it to the test. I was skiing with the crew and took a gnarly tomahawk off a rock jib. My helmet kept my melon safe, though, and it could have been a different story if I didn’t have it on.

Value for the money vs. other options

It's a great helmet for the price with MIPS. It has a better price point and is just as good as a helmet like the POC Receptor, so I think one is paying for the name on POC, in my opinion.

Final verdict

Wear a helmet; wearing one isn’t a dorky thing. Helmets also save one from crashes with other out-of-control skiers, rocks under the snow, trees, and people out of the field of view. The Ledge is a light, stylish option that is compatible with a wide range of goggles. Getcha one!