Giro Aether MIPS review

The Smith Ignite helmet was selected for an Editor's Choice award in 2020. This year's list contains 77 items which scored a 9 or 10/10 with our tech team - this gear is the best of the best, and has received the Cycling Weekly stamp of approval.  

Giro did release a new helmet with Spherical tech in 2020 - the Giro Helios Spherical. This looks to be really impressive, offering many of the 'pros' of the Aether, at a slightly lower price point. Unfortunately, we'd only just received one at time of the Editor's Choice launch, and we'll have to hold judgment until we've had a chance to test and write a full review - so for now, the Aether keeps its top spot.

The Giro Aether helmet has been built with MIPS Spherical technology which, rather than an afterthought liner, actually sits within the two shells of the helmet to completely eradicate overheating or any annoying catching of your hair – a common complaint on the early adaptations of MIPS.

Spherical tech has since been released in the shape of the Helios helmet, which we've yet to review in full - though the Helios does come in at a lower price point, with a very slight aero advantage (and lesser cooling), so we're expecting good things.

The Aether also looks stunning and that is a major plus point for the Giro Aether MIPS: we have now got to a place where safety isn’t at the detriment of anything else.

As you can see, the helmet looks like two pieces attached together in the middle. This is where the attached rubber straps are that allow for that 10-15mm movement to help reduce rotational impacts. The lid is actually made from six individual pieces and based around a number of large vents to offer great ventilation.

Other safety pointers are the multi-density EPS foam that not only saves on weight but helps manage a wide range of impact energies. You also have what Giro call the Aura arch that is a translucent band across the top of the helmet for extra reinforcement. It even has a neat integrated eyewear docking port to secure your sunnies when not in use.

Wearing the Giro Aether MIPS you really don't notice anything unusual, and that is the best thing about the system. It is just a regular helmet with typical Giro styling, fit and performance; weighing in at 269g, which is fairly decent and only 50 or so grams heavier than the Synthe.

We really can’t fault the Giro Aether – I’m sure we’ll be looking back at it in years to come as the beginning of a new style of helmet.