Giant Rev Mips Road Helmet

The Giant Rev Mips is a top-of-the-range helmet that brings together some really good features at a very competitive price. The only difference I can see compared with helmets that are twice the price is about 50g.

A helmet is only ever as good as its fit, as it doesn't matter what kind of protection it provides if its uncomfortable and unstable on the head. For me, the Rev Mips' traditional but effective harness and dial system at the back on the head works very nicely. Twisting right tightens, left loosens, and there is a decent range between each click, making micro-adjustments simple and quick. It tightens and loosens from the back rather than around the entire head, but it is still comfortable thanks to the pads used.

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The helmet straps have a divider that is relatively simple to adjust: by flipping the central element down it can be moved up or down, then pressing it back up again secures it. The straps certainly didn't move around too much during use. They're also nice and soft and slide under the MIPS system, meaning they don't tend to twist.

The helmet comes with three sets of pads of varying thicknesses, each of which works well, and they dry out quickly which helps prevent them getting smelly after repeated use. They stick onto the inside of the MIPS system, and cover the edges well – which can catch on other helmets. The system has been integrated well into the helmet and, unlike others I have used, doesn't feel like a retrofit that's been jammed in, which says a lot about the thought that's gone into the design.

I confess I didn't test the helmet's protection properties in a crash situation, but it feels well made and secure, and the MIPS moves freely inside the shell. For those unfamiliar with MIPS, the idea is that it sits securely on your head while the helmet shell moves independently, so in a crash situation decreases the rotational impact that is the leading cause of concussion. I've yet to have a fall severe enough while wearing a MIPS helmet to qualify whether this is true, but the science seems to be fairly solid. You can read more here.

Ventilation on the helmet is strong, with 21 vents across the helmet channeling air across the top of the head and, combined with the pads, moving excess heat away well. Though they work well for ventilation, the vents aren't the best for glasses storage, with only one option at the front but the arms stick into your head a bit.

In terms of looks the helmet isn't quite as svelte as others I have used, but hardly creates a mushroom head and has decent lines. I'm not sold on the stylings on the helmet either; to my mind the stripes being used look a little dated, but they are fairy subtle and the matt black version I tested generally looks fairly low key.

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The helmet weighs in at 282g on the road.cc Scales of Truth, which is decent for a (just) sub-£100 helmet. It is also fairly rare to find a helmet worn in the pro-peloton for £99.99, especially one that includes a MIPS system, so it's pretty good value.

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Overall, the Giant Rev Mips might not be the lightest, but it more than makes up for it with competitive pricing and some decent tech used throughout. I'd like more options for storing your glasses, but this doesn't take away from a strong performing lid at a really competitive price.

Verdict

A well-priced pro-level helmet with strong ventilation and the reassurance of the MIPS system