The Giro Terra is a women’s specific, lightweight winter helmet that’s new for the 2019 season. It uses in-mold construction and MIPS technology, along with a dial-fit system and a passive (non-adjustable) venting system.

Comfort

The Giro Terra fit all testers and was comfortable for all. Throughout the day, the helmet didn’t create any hotspots or headaches and the dial-fit system helped secure the helmet around testers’ heads without any specific pressure points or gapping near the top or sides of head. The Terra is also the only helmet tested where the fit-system is able to adjust up and down in the helmet, in case the wearer needs the dial and tightening system lower or higher on the back of their head. The helmet kept testers’ heads warm on windy and snowy days (even with passive venting) and cool on warmer, bluebird days. The helmet and ear pads were lined with a soft fleece, and didn’t hinder hearing at all — the inner lining was the softest of all helmets tested. The chin strap was also fully covered with soft fleece as well that didn’t move out of shape or twist around.

Weight

The Giro Terra was the third lightest helmet tested, with a manufacturer’s weight of 435 grams, just slightly heavier than the K2 Virtue and the Roxy Angie. When on, it did feel low-key and sleek, without any awkward, clunky feeling or top-heaviness. Testers found it easy to move their head around to look in all directions, without any of the sides, front, or back of the helmet getting in the way. Aesthetically, the lightweight helmet looked small and had an interesting cut on the top that made it appear less rounded than other helmets tested.

Breathability

On the Terra helmet, Giro uses what the company calls a Passive Aggressive Venting System. Along the front, back top, back bottom, and sides, there are skinny vents that are not adjustable. Testers reported their head stayed at a comfortable temperature in all sorts of weather, and didn’t report any snow getting into the vents. Though the inner liner was one of the softest, it didn’t feel too hot or sticky on the head or the ears as testers worked up a sweat. Both the lining and ear pads are easy to remove.

Ease of Use

The dial-fit system is easy to use with a large dial and a slightly sticky outside, but even at the lowest point that the dial could be adjusted to, it rested slightly too far underneath the helmet to accurately change with gloves or mittens on. The classic buckle was a little trickier to undo with gloves on as compared to the other helmets with the one-handed Fidlock buckle systems. A variety of goggles fit well with no gaper gap, and the brim was tiny enough to not get in the way when removing goggles. The Giro Terra has a removable goggle clip, rather than strap. Testers trusted the clip on the Terra more than the goggle security on the K2 Virtue, but still prefered a snap-in strap, like the one on the Bolle Juliet. The helmet is a dark gray color with teal accents; the dark gray scuffed fairly easily.

Features

The Giro Terra uses in-mold construction and  MIPS technology. It has a dial-fit system, non-adjustable vents, a goggle clip, class buckle, and soft lining. It is also is compatible with Aftermarket Giro Audio Systems by Outdoor Tech.