Are helmets still getting safer? Surely we must be reaching the limits of innovation by now? Giro think there’s still room for improvement; they’ve just launched the new Montaro Pro with MIPS Spherical technology. Is it just a familiar system in a new guise, or a genuine safety upgrade for your head? We put this almost €300 helmet to the test on the trail.

Giro Montaro Pro Helm I Size M I Weight 456.5 g I Price €299.99I Manufacturer’s website

At the end of the day, the best style in the world means nothing if your helmet doesn’t keep you safe. Helmet hair beats a fractured skull any day! Once things get rowdy on the trail, one thing matters above all else: protection. For just under €300, Giro equip their new Montaro Pro helmet with MIPS Spherical technology, which is designed to absorb rotational motion in an impact. The technology was developed by Giro (and sister brand Bell) in collaboration with MIPS. But how does the Giro Montaro Pro helmet perform in our test, and can its protection concept, comfort and features justify the hefty price tag?

The Giro Montaro Pro Helmet: The Key Facts

At €299.99, the Montaro Pro sits at the upper end of Giro’s range. You’ll notice it on the scales, too: at a measured 422 g in size S and 456.5 g in size M, this certainly isn’t one of the lightest helmets around. Rather than chasing a low weight, Giro have clearly prioritised rotational impact protection. Alongside MIPS Spherical technology, the helmet also meets the NTA 8776 standard. This places more stringent requirements on a helmet than the standard bicycle helmet certification, for use on S-pedelecs.

Giro have put some thought into comfort, too. In addition to the usual fit adjustment via a dial, the Roc Loc Trail Air fit system lets you adjust the helmet’s position vertically, keeping the shell slightly raised above the top of your head. Together with the helmet’s vents and internal air channels, this should help to channel fresh air over your head while allowing warm air to escape. There’s another interesting detail for sweaty days on the trail: the Ionic+ pads contain pure silver, which is claimed to provide lasting, natural odour protection.

The visor adds some practical functionality. It offers two adjustment positions, leaving enough room underneath to store your glasses. The magnetic FIDLOCK buckle is designed to make one-handed opening and closing easier, while still locking securely into place. Giro also include an emergency sheet for your personal details, which can be stuck inside the helmet. However, it’s no substitute for a fully fledged emergency system of the kind now found on some other helmets.

How Does The Giro Montaro Pro Perform On The Trail?

Tested by: Manne (Size M) and Sarah (Size S)
Test conditions: trail and enduro riding, commuting

We tested the Giro Montaro Pro for over two months, using it for commuting as well as trail and enduro rides, both on our home trails and on day trips to the mountains.

The first thing you notice when you put it on is that the Montaro Pro looks pretty good in the mirror. The angular, aggressive outer shell gives it a modern appearance, yet depending on the colour you choose, it can still look pleasantly understated. Despite its distinctive shape, the helmet doesn’t look excessively bulky on your head. The Montaro Pro also leaves little to criticise in terms of finish. The transitions are clean, the coating feels premium, and there are no sharp or irritating edges.

To fine-tune the fit, the vertical adjustment system inside the helmet offers three height settings, allowing you to adapt it to suit the shape of your head. The straps can also be adjusted under the ear. With our initial setup, they sat relatively close to the neck, but a quick adjustment soon sorted that out.

On the trail, the Giro Montaro Pro’s relatively high weight is noticeable when you compare it directly with lighter alternatives that also offer rotational impact protection, though it doesn’t create any uncomfortable pressure points. The extra weight never becomes a problem, even on longer rides. And when the temperature rises, the helmet does a good job of keeping your head cool. The only exception is where the pads sit directly against your head, as moisture builds up slightly faster on sweaty climbs than it does with lighter, airier helmets.

Handily, you can stash your glasses underneath the two-position visor. They remained securely in place in both visor positions throughout our test, although they can protrude slightly into the top of your field of vision. The visor itself feels sturdy, staying still and rattle-free even on rough trails.

One feature we particularly liked in our Giro Montaro Pro helmet review was the magnetic FIDLOCK buckle. It’s easy to open and close with one hand, and locks securely into place, which is handy when you want to get going quickly before a ride or pack up afterwards.

Without deliberately crashing more times than we would like, our real-world testing can’t tell us whether MIPS Spherical actually provides more protection than other rotational impact protection systems. What is clear, however, is that rather than simply repackaging a familiar MIPS system, MIPS Spherical takes a fundamentally different approach to rotational impact protection. Together with NTA 8776 certification, this gives the Giro Montaro Pro a comprehensive protection concept.

Who Is The Giro Montaro Pro Helmet For?

The Montaro Pro helmet is for you if you …

• Value rotational impact protection
• Appreciate practical features such as the FIDLOCK magnetic buckle, glasses storage and vertical fit adjustment
• Want a well-ventilated helmet for trail riding
• Prefer a comfortable fit with plenty of adjustability

The Montaro Pro helmet isn’t for you if you …

• Want the lightest possible trail helmet, and every gram counts
• Are looking for a more affordable helmet
• Want to store your glasses completely outside your field of vision

Would We Buy The Giro Montaro Pro Helmet?

Yes, absolutely. €299.99 is certainly a hefty price tag, but we’d be willing to dig deeper into our pockets for the comprehensive protection concept offered by MIPS Spherical. The Montaro Pro also impressed us in testing with plenty of well-thought-out details, such as the FIDLOCK buckle and easy fit adjustment. The silver incorporated into the padding is more of a nice extra than a compelling reason for the high price. The premium is mainly worth it if features and the protection concept matter more to you than keeping weight to an absolute minimum.

Conclusion on the Giro Montaro Pro Helmet

The Giro Montaro Pro with MIPS Spherical isn’t simply a familiar protection system in new packaging. It takes a different approach altogether. Whether this actually provides better protection in a crash is something we can’t assess in a practical test. Out on the trail, however, the helmet delivers good ventilation and excellent comfort. The only weak point is the eyewear storage, which could be better. If you can live with the weight and price, you get a well-thought-out trail helmet with a comprehensive range of features.

For more information, visit Giro.

Testers: Manne and Sarah
Test duration: 2 months
Test conditions: trail and enduro riding, commuting

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Words & Photos: Sarah Baumert