Up-and-coming racers and singletrack hogs who want a deal on top performance should check out the Animas. It combines aggressive style and Wind Tunnel vents with the stability of a Roc Loc 3 system and POV visor.
Strengths: Great looks, very light, well designed vents provide superior air flow.
Weaknesses: For XC and trail use - I doubt it's sturdy enough for downhill. Visor pops out often on rougher courses.
Bottom Line:
I wanted a lighter, well ventilated helmet that had great looks too (vanity?) to replace my aging Bell. This helmet meets my needs, seems rugged enough for general trail use and commuting. Really light weight on the head, and I can't emphasize the great ventilation enough.
I haven't experienced issues with the Roc-Loc system yet, but it does appear fragile. The visor has been my only complaint - doesn't like to stay locked in over rough terrain, otherwise a great helmet.
Submitted by
Boomer
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2007
Strengths: Light, tight, and airy.
Weaknesses: It broke, The Roc-Loc retainers to the shell snapped off. Visor is kinda cheapy (but so what really).
Bottom Line:
I really liked the helmet, but the vertical retainers broke during a minor get off. It seems kind of pathetic for a higher end helmet, but maybe I'm too rough on stuff.
Strengths: Looks great, great airflow, shell and paint holds up nice to wear and tear
Weaknesses: Mine BROKE YESTERDAY!!! The rubber strap from the "best in the world" Rock lock 4 design where it contours around the left side of your head to the back adjuster, WELL BOTH RUBBER strap that holds the helmet snug to your head broke while in my backpack. (i dont leave this helmet on my bike while in class) I think that putting the helmet in my backback for barely 1 semester bent the rubber with steel strap inside of it so many times that it finally snapped. I am going to contact Giro for a possible new rock lock 4 plastics system....Other than that the helmet has been great. I have not had to use it yet:)
Bottom Line:
Will update to see if Giro helps me out...Otherwise dont put this helmet anywhere that the rubber straps are bent or twisted in anyway.
Submitted by
George
a Cross Country Rider
from Olympia, Washington
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2006
Strengths: Light, tough, stays on - adjustable if you need to put on a beanie to keep your egg warm for night rides.
Weaknesses: crappy visor pops loose for no apparent reason.
Bottom Line:
Great lid - great airflow, I sweat anyay and have no hair but I do notice a bit of a difference. I purchased this one after I trashed my last Giro something or other during a nasty face plant. I've gone over the bars over a dozen times with good impacts on fast singletrack and the Animas has done great everytime - I have to duct tape the visor in place or it just pops out. 5 for protecting my noggin - and saving it on a pavement spill - 4 for the crappy visor.
I'm adding a Bell Bellistic for riding though the muddy and rocky funk and keeping the Animas for less aggressive rides. I wouldn't suggets this for people who do any downhill for freeriding - it's just not built to take it. Get smart and go with a good FF helmet for that.
i can barely feel this helmet on my head. superior venting, i feel the wind blowing through my hair. i bought it cuz i wanted something that looked like the Atmos but didnt cost as much. has the most adjustability ive seen in a helmet. pretty aero, alot better than my old azonic skid. very comfortable overall, i actually like wearing this helmet. i think that $100 is a little overpriced for the features u get tho.
Strengths: really heavy duty and can take a beating
Weaknesses: nothing I have noticed so far
Bottom Line:
This helmet is amazing. I hardly notice I am wearing when riding after I properly adjusted it. I am new to mountain biking so falling over the handle bars has been frequent and this helmet has allowed me to get right back onto my bike and hit the trails again and again. I valued it at 5 chilis because 75 bucks for something that has made me survive some nasty falls is worth it. I also gave it 5 chilis for overall because it adds comfort with protection
Strengths: Ventilation is the best I've experienced in a helmet; good, comfortable fit; came in my favorite colors (ti/blue); Rocloc system is easy to use
Weaknesses: Visor mount seems a little on the flimsy side
Bottom Line:
The coolest, most comfortable helmet I've ever tried. It has better airflow and is better looking than Bell X-Ray. Anyone who's head get hot when riding (I think that covers everyone, right?) should get one. I am extremely hot-headed, and I forget I have this thing on!
Bike Setup: Klein Palomino XV: WTB tubeless Weirwolves, Thomson stem & post, Titec Pluto carbon bar, C.B. Eggbeaters, WTB Rocket V Stealth saddle, Race Face Good 'n Evil grips, Cane Creek Ergo II bar ends
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
BLT
a Cross Country Rider
from Burbank, California, USA
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2006
Strengths: Great ventilation; inner pads are held with velcro for easy removal and cleaning; nice looking; fits well
Weaknesses: Part of the plastic "RocLoc" adjuster popped off the first time I adjusted it but I was able to clip it back on. Haven't had a problem with it since then.
Bottom Line:
I needed a helmet with better ventilation and removable padding (for cleaning purposes)...the cheap-o Bell was getting gross inside. I am very happy with the Animas. It fits like a glove and is extremely comfortable. Sometimes I forget I'm even wearing it.
Only have used this helmet a few times, but it's SO much better than my old melon protector. It's so light and comfortable that I forget it's there. With my old brain bucket, I needed a sweat band from the start. Now, I only need one for longer rides. My head stays nice and cool for most of my rides (and I'm quite a sweaty rider). Highly recommended!! All that and the cornrows you have when the helmet comes off at the end of the ride are just SWEET!!!
Submitted by
Tim O'Hara
a Cross Country Rider
from Great Falls, MT
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2005
Strengths: Well ventilated, comfortable, stable.
Weaknesses: Seems to need readjusting every ride.
Bottom Line:
This is the most comfortable helmet I've ever had. Airflow is awesome! I've never had a problem with the straps loosening, but it seems like I readjust something every time I ride (my old helmet I never had to readjust anything) - that's not really a negative, just a statement of fact. For the comfort that this helmet provides, I can readjust it before every ride
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Fair Lawn New Jersey USA
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2005
Strengths: Great Fit, very well ventilated although i havent used it during hot weather yet. Visor works well. The Roc Loc system is easy to use and seems sturdy. Thank you Giro.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
I reccomend this helmet, it is not too pricey, fits well and gets the job done, plus the mat black looks good in my opinion.
Weaknesses: Mine was a little big, other than that, none.
Bottom Line:
Overall a beautiful helmet, you forget that your wearing it untill someone comments on the looks, very light, almost has my last initial on the back (has a funky "M" lookin vent) pretty affordable, I give full 5-Flamin-Chilis, outstanding. I do believe that this helmet is best suited for "singletrack hogs" and "racers", but i take it up to the I-Street DJs and it rocks.
Bike Setup: Iron Horse Defender Special Edition (Hopefully to be a Kona Coiler Dee-Lux soon)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Bloomington, IN USA
Date Reviewed: October 7, 2004
Strengths: lightweight, air cooling vents really seem to work, fits great.
Weaknesses: the straps do loosen up as they get sweat soaked during your ride. minor annoyance, mine quit doing this as time passed. now no longer a problem. fits always. why doesthe visor move up and down?
Bottom Line:
this is my second animas, the first one gave its life for me in a faceplant off a bad ramp jump(my fault). i land with my forehead and pretty much cracked the styrofoam in three spots. the helmet stayed on, left me a nice temporary tattoo of the front vents but no headache or pain. this wreck would surely have opened my skull up had i not been wearing a helmet. my riding partner really freaked out as he had a full front view of the incident. my thanks to giro. i went right out and got me another animas helmet to replace it. the helmet is sooo light for a mtb ride that i forget its on. great airflow, and really decent price for the value. the only odd point is that the visor questionably moves up and down. i quickly found out that you get even more airflow without the visor in the way.
Strengths: good fit, good looks, don't notice it while riding
Weaknesses: can be sort of a pain to adjust initially
Bottom Line:
once adjusted properly, this helmet kicks butt! i never really notice it when its on; my head never gets hot. i guess those "wind tunnels" work. you can adjust the visor up or down, or take it off if you like. not much else to say; get it during the year-end clearance sales.
New helmet time and the two I've narrowed it down to are the Giro E2 and Animas. I currently have an older Exodus that I love. I've found both for the same price so that isn't an Read More »
I am having a hard time trying to get a new helmet. I'd get one locally but no one stocks anything decent.
I currently have a 2001 Giro E2 in size XL. It always felt good bu Read More »
So, I took a spill recently and Popped the little doo-dads in the helmet out. The 'cage' pops into the sides of the helmet but it no longer retains tension-it pulls the little nipp Read More »
The 1st 3/4 mile that is.
But, if you are craving some dirt it is rideable from the 32nd st side up to the winter closure.It's 80% dry,and if you hit it early in the am(unlike mys Read More »
