Giro Ledge Mips Review

Performance Comparison

Comfort

Comfort is paramount when it comes to ski helmets. We looked at the overall comfort of each helmet by riding at the resorts and wearing them as much as possible. The Giro Ledge uses a versatile shape, ample padding, and a minimalistic approach to provide all-day comfort.

The Ledge features an intermediate to long oval head best. The harness allows a comfortable fit for most head shapes. This design allows for a pressure point-free fit, even during long days on the slopes. The interior of the helmet is lined with plush padding that enhances overall comfort. This soft lining provides cushioning and helps wick sweat, keeping your head dry and comfortable throughout the day. The padding is removable and washable to help maintain and reduce odor over multiple seasons of use.

The Giro Ledge uses the Auto-Loc 2 system to adjust fit. It simply uses an elastic band to achieve a generally self-adjusting system. It has three different circumference settings that accommodate the entire size range. We appreciate its easy and hands-off nature but noticed that this helmet would bobble more than others.

The Ledge accommodates large and medium-framed goggles without creating the dreaded “gaper gap.”

However, it's worth noting that the Giro Ledge is slightly heavier than some of its competitors because of its injection-molded construction. While this added weight contributes to its durability and lower price point, some riders, particularly those used to ultralight helmets, may find it noticeable during long days of skiing or snowboarding.

Warmth

A ski helmet needs to provide a certain degree of warmth so you can wear less under the helmet. We tested the warmth of each helmet by riding at the ski resort and cycling through each helmet to see which offered the warmest experience. We also took the helmets into the lab to examine the ventilation and pad design. When it comes to warmth, the Giro Ledge performs well in most winter conditions when you wear something thin underneath, like a skull cap. But the fixed vents made it a cooler ride than other options in the review.

The Ledge has a nice plush lining that adds comfort and provides insulation. This lining covers the entire interior of the helmet, creating a warm barrier between the rider's head and the cold exterior. The ear pads are particularly well-insulated to maintain overall warmth. Still, the earpads have a bit of draft on the upper section, which increases the need to wear something underneath. The lack of adjustable vents reduces the overall warmth of this helmet and increases the need for something to be worn underneath.

While the Ledge provides adequate warmth for most skiing conditions when paired with a light skull cap or balaclava. Riders who frequently ski in very low temperatures might consider helmets with additional insulation or adjustable venting systems for more precise temperature control.

Impact Test

All ski helmets must meet a minimum standard for downhill skiing certification, but not all helmets provide the same level of protection. To assess the impact performance of ski helmets, we purchased an extra helmet to send to ACT Labs, an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited facility for crash testing. The lab conducts two tests using a drop tower and a dummy head outfitted with sensors and a brand-new helmet. The first test is a 1-meter drop to simulate forces comparable to a common ski fall. The second test is a 2.3-meter drop, which produces forces one may encounter at a higher speed or in an airborne crash. Despite its lower cost, the Giro Ledge provided some of the best protection within our review.

The laboratory data enabled us to compute a Head Injury Criterion (HIC) value for each helmet. The Head Injury Criterion (HIC) is a metric utilized to assess the likelihood of head injuries resulting from impacts such as those encountered in ski crashes. The HIC takes into account both the intensity and duration of the acceleration, acknowledging that a brief, intense impact can be as harmful as a longer, less severe one.

The Ledge superseded our expectations; we were surprised when we analyzed the lab data, which offered some of the best protection in our review. The Ledge received a slow HIC impact score HIC of 620 and a fast HIC score of 1644. The chart below showcases the ranges of the HIC scores that exist within our test. Giro has done an excellent job of designing effective helmets. The data from our independent crash test makes the Ledge one of the most protective helmets in the review.

Ventilation

Ventilation is essential to avoid sweating, foggy goggles, and getting chilly on the lift. We rode on warm spring days, walked upstairs, and rode our bike at 20 mph to evaluate the ventilation system. The Ledge offers a standard amount of ventilation and is comfortable for warm spring days without a buff. It also helps keep goggles fog-free on chilly days when you are riding hard.

The Ledge has eight fixed vents that provide adequate airflow and removable earpieces to keep you cool when riding hard on warm spring days. The Stack Ventilation system uses a common theory found across ventilation systems; it aligns with the helmet's front vents to draw fresh, cool air into the helmet while pushing warm air out the back to prevent overheating and fogging eyewear. The earpads use snap buckles to attach to the shell. It's quick and easy to remove the earpads if that's your style or it's a warm spring day. The ventilation system produces a small amount of noise but is quieter than other models that use larger vents.

Usability

The features, weight, design, and added protective features influence the user experience and how enjoyable a helmet is to use on the mountain. We used all the features, weighed, and rode in each helmet to assess its usability. The Ledge takes a minimalist approach to provide an enjoyable and fully functional ski helmet.

The Ledge features a traditional buckle, offering a classic fastening method. However, it is less convenient to use with gloves compared to a modern magnetic buckle. The essentialy self-adjusting elastic harness system requires little to no attention. The addition of a MIPS system helps secure this helmet's position as an award winner because it's one of the lowest-cost helmets to factor in this rotational impact system.

The Ledge is a bit bulkier and heavier than in-mold constructed helmets, weighing in at 21.3 pounds; it is more noticeable over the course of a riding day. It is heavy and bulky to be a great cross-over helmet for backcountry use.

Should You Buy the Giro Ledge MIPS?

The Giro Ledge is an excellent choice for a wide range of skiers and snowboarders, particularly those who are budget-conscious and seek a minimalist and reliable lid without breaking the bank. It's ideal for casual skiers and snowboarders who hit the slopes several times a season and appreciate a simple, no-frills design with the essential features.

What Other Ski Helmets Should You Consider?

This minimalist helmet lacks certain features that some riders may want, like adjustable vents and an adjustable fit system. If you're looking for a fully featured helmet at a moderate price, check out the Giro Ratio with MIPS and adjustable vents.