FIRST RIDE: GIRO’S ALL-NEW ARIES SPHERICAL

Straight out of Scotts Valley, California, the Giro Aries Spherical is the latest helmet to join the apparel brand’s line-up of soft goods and protective gear. The Aries is intended to replace the Aether atop Giro’s catalog with its traditional silhouette made up of 24 vents. Close inspection reveals the ‘Spherical’ technology Giro has championed with its multi-layered shell centered on a slip-plate design that encourages the outer shell to rotate upon impact to decrease forces transferred to the inner shell and inevitably the rider.

We got the Aries just ahead of launch; with one ride under our belt we’re impressed but would like to see how it performs in warmer weather.

The Aries is smaller than the Aether with a lower, narrower profile but slightly higher weight 278g vs 269g. The lower profile is achieved by what Giro calls the ‘Aura II reinforcement arch’. It runs across the top of the Aries and provides ‘structural integrity’ about as minimally as possible. The biggest improvement over the Aether, however, is the increased airflow. We immediately noticed the breeze flowing through the top of the Aries. It’s one of the most well-ventilated helmets we’ve ridden. In fact, cooling was one of the main goals in Giro’s development of the Aries.

There are a few key pieces of the design that help achieve this. The most noticeable are the massive channels atop the Aries that draw air through the top shell of the helmet. Heat is able to escape through the five inner channels and is promptly whisked away. Giro is debuting their new ‘sweat management’ system called DryCore. DryCore is a new pad that is intended to reduce sweat in the eyes with the help of an internal silicone bead that redirects moisture away from the rider’s brow.

Of course, safety is the number one priority of all helmets. Aside from the Spherical shell layers, Giro uses strategically placed dual-density EPS foam to reduce forces during an impact as well as Mips technology. Retention is taken care of by Giro’s minimalist Roc Loc 5+ Air system with a small dial used to secure the helmet.

Key Features:
● Spherical Technology
● Mips Brain Protection System
● Dual-density foam
● 24 vents and deep internal channeling
● DryCore sweat management
● In-mold construction
● Full lower hardbody coverage
● Anti-microbial padding

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The Aries Spherical hits the scales at a respectable 278 grams but our older Aether Spherical is still lighter at 269g.

STATS

Weight: 278g (size medium)

Sizes: S, M, L

Price: $300

www.giro.com