Expert Review: Giro Neo MIPS Helmet · 2022


Giro Neo. All photos courtesy of Emilio Carrizales
About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the helmet, which I purchased with my own money in March of 2022.
My Take
The Giro Neo MIPS helmet is great for the resort rider who wants a comfortable helmet that doesn’t weigh down their neck.
Small dent from a hard fall
About the gear
- Model: 2022 Giro Neo
- Size: Large
About me
- Height: 6’0”
- Weight: 225lbs
- Head circumference: 60cm
- Goggles: Dragon pxv2
- Experience: 2 years of snowboarding/skiing
Test conditions
- When I bought this helmet: March 2022
- Days tested: 5
- Where I’ve used it: Copper Mountain, Eldora, Winterpark, Keystone
- How I’ve used it: Resort snowboarding
How it performs
What I was looking for
I was looking for a helmet that had MIPS technology for better protection when I wipe out or crash. I wanted a helmet that didn't weigh too much and would protect me better than my old helmet. My old helmet did not have MIPS, and I got my bell rung a couple of times toward the end of that helmet's life.
Why I chose this gear
I chose this helmet because Giro is a trusted brand that consistently puts out high-quality products. When it comes to protective equipment, especially helmets, I want to go with the highest quality in my price range. Alternatively, I was looking at the Oakley MOD1 but went with the GIro because the MOD1 didn’t fit my head right.
side profile
What I love about it
- Protection: This helmet does a great job with its protection. I have landed and hit my head a couple of times, and thankfully, I'm here to say that this thing kept me alive.
- Comfort: The Neo is a very comfortable helmet. The ear covers have a cutout for headphones. My old helmet did not; they felt like they were jammed into my head. This helmet works well with headphones.
- Sizing: The helmet fits true to size. Giro has a size chart that will help one find the right fit for their head size. I found it to be accurate.
- Fit system: There is a dial on the back of the helmet to cinch it down to my specific needs.
- Liner: The liner does a good job of wicking away moisture. I typically sweat a lot when I ride, but the liner’s material does a good job of keeping me dry.
- Breathability: A vent slide on the top of the helmet opens or closes vents at the top of the helmet. There are two vents on the left and right side of the helmet, four closable vents at the top, and two vents at the very front. I found the vents to keep me cool, and they bring in the air when I need them to.
- Earpads: I really like the earpads on this helmet. I use earbuds that typically get jabbed and shoved into my ears when using other helmets. This helmet has nice cutouts that alleviate that uncomfortableness.
- Goggle compatibility: This helmet fits my Dragon pxv2 goggles perfectly. There is just a slight gap between the helmet and the goggles on my forehead that helps with ventilation and keeps my goggles from fogging when I sweat.
- Weight: This helmet is very light. This is probably my favorite thing about this helmet. I don't like heavy helmets. If a helmet is too heavy, I think it fatigues my neck as the day gets longer. I do not have that problem with this helmet.
- Built-In Features: No built-in features with this helmet, but I like a simple helmet.
- Durability: The helmet is durable and protects well from impacts. I crashed on the ice, but the helmet's finish was not scratched or scuffed.
- Quality of Materials: Giro always uses high-quality materials. This will never be an issue with this brand.
- Style: This is not a low-profile helmet. It is average compared to the size of most helmets. I do not think that it is too bulbous when looking at it in the mirror.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Other: One negative that could be an issue is the adjustable BOA system at the back of the helmet. If I tighten it too much, it can press into the back of my head. It causes a slight pressure when looking vertically and can be uncomfortable if not adjusted correctly.
Favorite moment with this gear
As much as I don't want to admit it, I have taken a couple of hard falls in this helmet. I was on an icy run early in the season, AKA The White Ribbon of Death, and of course, I caught a nice hard piece of ice due to riding a bit fast and maybe a little too lazy. I slid out and smacked the back of my helmet hard. I was expecting quite a big headache for the rest of the day, but surprisingly, after I got my senses back, I felt pretty good for just having smashed my body on hard ice. There is a significant jump in protection when one gets a MIPS helmet. In my last helmet (that did not have MIPS), my head would hurt all day if I took a fall that hard.
Value for the money vs. other options
This helmet is a high-quality product for the money. Spend a little extra money on the MIPS version for protection. There are more expensive options on the market, such as the Oakley MOD1. It weighs more but will offer similar protection.
Final verdict
The Giro Neo MIPS is a lightweight helmet that offers great protection for the price.