Giro Switchblade MIPS Fullface Helmet

The Switchblade MIPS is Giro’s new ASTM-certified downhill full-face helmet with a removable chin bar. Everything about this helmet is optimized for downhill riding, with or without the chin bar. The chin bar is easy to remove: simply press the buttons underneath and lift it up. Reinstalling the chin bar is just as easy. The Switchblade MIPS features the new Roc Loc® Air DH fit system, designed to stay securely in place even when in contact with a backpack or neck brace. With the chin bar removed, the built-in vents behind the cheek pads help keep you cool on the uphill climb to the next stage. The full-cut style gives this helmet an aggressive look, even with the chin bar removed.

• Cheek cushion ventilation
• Removable chin bar
• POV Plus Visor
• Replacement visor with camera mount
• X-Static interior padding

In-Mold
In the in-mold construction process, the robust polycarbonate outer shell is bonded to the impact-absorbing EPS inner shell in a single step during the foaming process. This makes the helmet even more durable without adding extra weight. This production process also allows for significantly improved ventilation systems and vents. In-mold helmets are therefore lighter and have considerably better ventilation compared to traditional helmets.

Roc Loc® Air
The revolutionary Roc Loc® Air Fit System has the same outstanding features as the Roc Loc® 5, but it also dramatically increases airflow and ventilation inside the helmet. Its unique design creates a small air cushion between the helmet shell and the head, allowing the airflow to circulate freely and cool the rider without compromising fit or comfort. A new level of fit, comfort, and ventilation, as only Giro can deliver.

POV Plus
The Giros POV Plus visor features an adjustment mechanism that allows the visor to be moved up and down in three positions. Additionally, the visor can be pushed up high enough to, for example, slide goggles onto the helmet during a break. The adjustment can be easily made with one hand, even while riding.

X-Static®
The X-Static® pads are woven with silver threads. Quick-drying and antibacterial, they combat odor formation. Furthermore, thanks to their thermal properties, the X-Static® pads provide the rider with a cooling sensation in hot weather and a warming sensation in cold weather.

MIPS
The MIPS® safety system was developed to provide additional protection for helmets in numerous accidents. In certain impact situations, the MIPS system can reduce dangerous forces that might otherwise be transmitted to the helmet wearer’s head.

1. Conventional helmets are designed and tested for a straight impact. However, in most cases, the impact occurs at an angle, which can cause rotational movements of the head.

2. These rotational movements can lead to brain injuries.

3. The low-friction shell is intended to help reduce rotational movements acting on the head in certain cases of an oblique impact.

Straight impact – oblique impact

The brain is typically more sensitive to rotational movement than to linear movement because it has a shear strength similar to water or gel. When rotational movement causes different areas of the brain to shift relative to each other, the tissue can be stretched, leading to concussions or other brain injuries.

Rotational movement is a common cause of concussions and more serious brain injuries in an angled impact to the head. The MIPS system consists of a low-friction liner that is fixed inside the helmet. This liner is designed to slide slightly within the helmet during a crash, allowing forces to be diverted away from the head. This is intended to help reduce the risk of brain injuries.

Most conventional helmets are designed for a straight-on impact, but in most cases, the impact occurs at an angle. The low-friction shell can reduce the rotational forces of an angled impact.

Security system modeled on the brain

Unlike conventional helmets, which are primarily designed and tested for a straight-line impact, the low-friction shell of the MIPS system mimics the brain’s own protection system against rotational movement. Cerebrospinal fluid is our natural protective system, allowing the brain to move at an angle to the skull.

• 1 x Giro Switchblade MIPS helmet (see item description for details)