Giro Ledge MIPS Snow Helmet

Quick Specs:

Construction:  Injection-molded

Material: Polycarbonate

Weight:  17.6 ounces

Vents:  Stack Vent Technology

Visor/Brim: No

Pro:  A basic comfortable helmet

Con: Open fixed vents which allows cold air in

Overview

Finding the right helmet for skiing and snowboarding is imperative in keeping you safe and comfortable when you are on the slopes or hitting the terrain park. Below we will look at the pro and cons of the Giro Ledge and see if this is the right helmet for you.

Design

The Giro Ledge Helmet has a basic design and a skater feel. It is constructed with a durable hard shell and is available with MIPS technology. What is MIPS?  MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System.  The helmet’s construction includes a thin material, a slip plane/liner, when on impact allows the material to move independently of the helmet.  This technology is designed to reduce the chance of brain injury when in a crash.

Helmet Fit 

The Giro Ledge comes in three different sizes and in over a dozen colors. The Ledge is built with the Giro Auto Loc 2 system for adjustment. It can be difficult to get the hang of and adjusting it quickly can be troublesome. The Ledge snowboard helmet has removable ear pads which are tight, but not uncomfortable, and provide adequate warmth throughout your downhill sessions. The helmet size does allow for a beanie to be worn on cold days or adverse mountain conditions.  Overall the Ledge is a good entry-level helmet for a reasonable price.

Looks and Weight

The Ledge has a round skater-type helmet appearance. Despite its looks, it is heavier than most average helmets. With just a basic design and adjustment system the 17 oz weight can be on the heavier side for the simple helmet features and design.

Warmth and Ventilation

The Ledge has fixed vents and removable earpieces which can allow for good airflow on warmer spring days. When worn without a beanie, it may allow more airflow. On colder days it may require a beanie or head-covering before setting out on your splitboard.

Without the features of adjustable vents, skiing or riding in snowy or windy conditions makes the Ledge a little cooler than those with adjustable vent helmets. However, this helmet can be adapted to cold or warm weather with a few small adjustments.

Goggle Fit

The Giro goggles worked well with the Ledge’s helmet style. There were fitment issues when tested with other goggles. It’s recommended to find a good goggle and helmet pair that work seamlessly together.

The Ledge does have a goggle retainer strap that is effective, but it doesn’t latch against the plastic of the goggle strap completely.

Conclusion

The Ledge does have some drawbacks due to its weight and lack of “on the fly” adjustability but is a good basic helmet at a very reasonable price. When you are ready to ride the mountain or park, and are looking for a simple helmet at a good price that can be used in all conditions, the Giro Ledge should be your choice.