Giro Hex Mountain Helmet. Featuring the new Roc Loc 5 for easier fit and lighter weight. The Hex fuses a muscular, progressive style with the versatility you need for aggressive trail riding. It?s a great choice for price-conscious riders looking for a r
Strengths: Great coverage, great price (sale at JensonUSA), well ventilated at trail speeds. Fit really well. Saved my brain.
Weaknesses: Noisy at road speeds, chin strap loosens over time/with moisture, fragile Roc-Loc tension system
Bottom Line:
Giro disappoints me once again. I've had a few pairs of gloves that never seem to hold together but had never tried one of their helmets . . .
The Hex fit me like a glove, much better than the Xar which is made for a different shaped skull. On the trail this helmet kept me much more ventilated than my previous bell, Giro really did their homework for venting at trail speeds. On the road the helmet was so noisy I couldnt carry on a conversation with fellow riders and headphones were pointless.
The Roc-Loc 5 system allows you to tighten the helmet around the rear of your head and adjust how the lower supports sit on the lower back of your skull. The height adjustment never stayed in place so every time I put the helmet on I would have to pull it to the lowest setting, minor annoyance but between the skull supports on the lower back of my skull and the tight fit after cinching down the click adjuster, the chin strap was an afterthought. The helmet would be plenty fine staying on without even using it.
Skull coverage was much better than my XC lid and the helmet held together very well after taking a big hit. The foam cracked in 4 places but the helmet stayed in one piece and saved my noggin.
The Roc Loc system seems inherently weak. I cracked a plastic tab when pulling the rear support to its lowest setting and was going to epoxy it back together or warranty the helmet before I cracked it during a race. The chin strap seemed to loosen up over time, not sure if it was just vibrations or the ribbon soaking up sweat and stretching.
I really wanted to like this helmet, the price was right picking it up on sale but the cheap build quality of the RocLoc system has me looking elsewhere for a replacement. After having their gloves shred to pieces during minor spills and this helmet tension system crack during adjustment, I've lost all confidence in Giro as a manufacturer.
Submitted by
E. Guido Soda
a Cross Country Rider
from Birmingham, AL
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2012
Strengths: Saved my life. Nice ventilation, solid straps with no issues, all-around noggin protection.
Weaknesses: Uhhhh, it saved my life! If there were any weaknesses, they are mitigated by that simple fact alone.
Bottom Line:
I took a wicked spill on the new local flow trail yesterday, hitting my head HARD after a fall from a step-up jump. I was not knocked out, but the helmet saved my life, or at least prevented catastrophic brain/head trauma; it suffered three cracks in the styrofoam and the plastic. You can whine about the visor or the straps or the this or that, but the bottom line is that this helmet saved my life, and it could save your's...and that is all that matters. If there were a ten star rating for value, I'd give it that...you can't put a price on this type of gear. Also, it is light and vents well. I've been wearing it for about six months of two-to-three rides a week, and the padding doesn't stink or crust up with salt...so that's a bonus! Oh, did I mention that it saved my life?
Bike Setup: Trek Superfly 100 AL Elite w/ Arch tubeless, Chris King ISO's
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
An?balPM
a Weekend Warrior
from Lima - Peru
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2011
Strengths: High impact resistant. It saved my life. See how the Giro Xen ended after the crash I had last week: http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/1125/cascoud.jpg
I got brain concussion but I'm still breathing in one piece. Inside the foam cracked in several points due the impact. The outer shell got deformed but preserved the helmet in shape.
Weaknesses: The front ends of the adjust band fail, they pop out from its fixation points, I got this problem from the begining right after purchase. The L size is smaller than other brands. I had no option to complaint because I live in Lima, Peru and got it from a friend of mine who bought it for me from the US. So I had to use it anyhow. I´m not sure what happened either the helmet adapted to my head or my head to the helmet:)
Bottom Line:
Thanks Giro for the excellent Giro Xen. It saved my life. I already ordered a new Giro Xen 2011. I can'y wait to go riding again with confidence with my brand new Giro Xen, but it will take a while, first have to recover from the accident (2 ribs cracked and brain concussion)
Hope its weeknesses has been solved, in fact they were not a big deal but need to be improved: Adjust band failing fixation points and L size measurements.
Submitted by
trails-of-fire
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2011
Strengths: Comfort. Ventilation. Style. Weight.
Weaknesses: Not particularly crazy about the tension system. If it had a knob on the tension system that could be turned to make adjustments it would easier to fine tune.
Bottom Line:
Excellent product. The helmet provides protection with confidence. Heat is a big factor here in South Texas, so one must wear a helmet that allows air to flow through the inside and out the rear (to remove the heat). The Hex does just that. The visor provides protection from the sun and branches. If you are serious about trail/cc and all- mountain this is the helmet to use.
Submitted by
BTWhite37
a Weekend Warrior
from Rogue Valley, southern Oregon
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2011
Strengths: Protected my head during a nasty crash on BTI in Asland, Oregon. I was knocked out cold with a mild concussion. I hit hard!!!!
Weaknesses: None......I'm one crash late buying a full face Giro Remedy
Bottom Line:
My collar bone has been plated back together.......
Head hasd cleared from the mild concussion...but the Giro Hex did it's job well and sacrificed itself when I needed it most.
I'm shopping around for another if available. Maybe a Fox Flux........ but definately a Giro Remedy Fullface to go with it for gravity rides!!!
Bike Setup: '06 GT I-drive 3.0 (5.5 "), parted up with SLX, Marzocchi 44 RC3 Ti and Halo Freedom Wheels
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Submitted by
jimbithim45
a Weekend Warrior
from plainfield il
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2010
Strengths: cool lookin,great ventilation,good value.camo paint is sharp
Weaknesses: visor is flimsy,the adjuster comes un done sometimes.kinda unconfortable
Bottom Line:
great value. has a cool pain job.if your lookin for a solid helmet the Giro hex is a great buy.This is the only bike helmet ive ever owned,soo it seems good to me.
Submitted by
The Finch
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado, U.S.
Date Reviewed: September 7, 2010
Strengths: Lightweight, good ventilation, styling
Weaknesses: Flimsy visor
Bottom Line:
I got a killer deal on a previous year model at Performance. 5 Flamin' Chilis for value since it was half price. At full price, I'd rate it a 4. This helmet is nice and light with very good ventilation. Even after a couple of hours in 90+ degree temps, it still felt good and kept my nugget from baking. I got the camo color which looks like something from Return of the Jedi, but I think it looks unique. Good back of head coverage, but the visor is a little flimsy and tends to move up or down on its own. That's my only complaint though...great helmet!
Submitted by
CalLookUK
a Cross Country Rider
from Yateley, Hampshire, UK
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2010
Strengths: Excellent value, great styling.
Weaknesses: Major flaw for riders with shaved heads and slightly chubby necks ;)
The RocLoc adjustment at the back has a very pointy edge to it, it cut into my head/neck and was very painful indeed. I suggest people try this helmet in store before making a purchase.
Is a shame, as apart from this the helmet is awesome.
Bottom Line:
Try in store, and check the comfort with your head at a normal riding angle.
Bike Setup: Cotic Soul 2010, Rockshox Reba SL, simple the best bike I have ever owned, and the last bike I will buy - unless I kill the frame ;)
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Andysea
a Cross Country Rider
from Israel
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2010
Strengths: Looks pretty good - bit of mushroom head, but who cares if it saves your life.
LOADS of ventilation - you can even feel the increased airflow when you walk.
Good colours
Weaknesses: Nothing to speak of - straps are a bit long and will need trimming (unless you have a freakishly large head)
Might have a bit more wind resistance cause of the huge vents, so probably won't suit the Roadies.
Bottom Line:
Buy it!
Sh*t-loads of airflow
Looks OK, kinda mean
Comfortable
Submitted by
SUITEDFINGERS
a Weekend Warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2010
Strengths: Fits great and looks good. Extra protection in the rear is a plus. Worked great when I smashed my head in a high speed over the bars crash. Helmet was toast but no head injury at all.
Weaknesses: Sizing is a bit funky. I usually wear a large but found that a medium fit the best.
Bottom Line:
This is helmet that does it's job. It has a nice design and is very comfortable. It is also well under $100. Make sure you try it on before buying one however.
Similar Products Used: Various Bell and Giro helmets.
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Submitted by
mtnbiker72
a Weekend Warrior
from Republic of Cascadia
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2010
Strengths: Great fit, full head protection, nice cooling vents
Weaknesses: Visor attachment is a little weak
Bottom Line:
Giro helmets fit my head very well and the retention system has enough adjustment to work on my bald head in the summer and with a skull cap on in the winter. Helmet is comfortable and I pretty much forget I'm wearing it which is kind of the point.
Submitted by
BokorSolo
a Weekend Warrior
from Prince William, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: December 29, 2009
Strengths: Fits awesome and it protects my head pretty well. The flat panels on the front are perfect for attaching my Blackburn Flea headlight when I go out for night rides.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
Excellent helmet for the money I paid. It sees more usage than the other two Giro helmets I own (can never have too many helmets), and I paid twice as much for both of them. All in all if you can find this helmet on sale for about $40 then get it. You won't regret it.
Submitted by
jadedbee
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacto, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2009
Strengths: good looking, good airflow, straps can be adjusted to fit ears/jaw line
Weaknesses: Roc-Loc adjustment is flimsy and breaks easy
Bottom Line:
I've got a narrow, long skull and have to wear prescription glasses while I ride, so I'm picky about helmet fit. This helmet comes in more muted colors, which I prefer, and looks mean. The square vents are a little industrial, but vent air really well (better than my old Bell). I think the Bell fit my head better (more even pressure), where this seems to just sandwich the front and back together. The Roc-Loc sucks compared to Bell's GPS - it gets stuck closed, and pops out of position really easy. It often takes 2 hands to get it off. I was going to put up w/ it until I started mounting my head lamp, and then it wouldn't even stay connected to the helmet any longer. The plastic knob pulls right out of the socket, which appears to be splitting. I'm getting a replacement under warranty w/ my fingers crossed. I could have upgraded to the sexy Xen, which definately was more comfortable, but was almost twice as much and still uses the suspect Roc-Loc system. I guess I'm still too vain to go back to a Bell, though!
