Reviews

Giro Cinder MIPS helmet

A MIPS-equipped helmet which borrows heavily from Giro's top-level lid - but at half the price

Positioned as a mid-range helmet that doesn’t skimp on features, the Giro Cinder MIPS offers much of the style and design of the top-line Synthe lid at half the price.

As the name suggests, the Cinder features MIPS technology, which in case you weren’t aware stands for Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, and is designed to cradle the head in the event of an impact, reducing the rotational forces that act upon it in the event of an oblique impact.

That’s industry-leading safety tech, and Giro have added more besides with the Roc-Loc 5 fitting setup. This ensures the helmet stays comfortably in place by turning the dial to bring adjust the retention mechanism, with added ability to slide the cranial support structure up or down the back of the head. What this means is your head is cocooned, thanks to a secure, oh-so-comfortable fit.

The profile of the outer is shaped to smooth airflow around the head, with 26 vents designed for maximum ventilation.

Like the featherweight Aeon helmet, which brought ‘Wind Tunnel’ ventilation onwards some years ago, the Cinder is designed to guide that air through the helmet by sucking it towards lower pressure areas at the back of the lid, taking with it excess heat and moisture build up from the internal spaces.

Giro Cinder MIPS

All the while, the Cinder shares the same smart looks at the top-of-the-range Synthe. Sure, it’s not quite as light but the Cinder is right on the mark for a mid-range, MIPS-equipped helmet.

What we like most about the Cinder MIPS, however, is the overall package. It’s not the lightest on the market, nor is it the most aero efficient, but it’s right up there as one of the most comfortable, and is bang up to date with the latest technology – at half the price of some top-of-the-range casques.