Giro Ethos Shield Mips: Commuter helmet with a lot of technology at a high price

Technical features of the Giro Ethos Mips Shield

The Giro Ethos Mips Shield is available in four sizes. We tested the bike helmet in size L with a weight of 537 grams. The first impression when putting it on is very positive: the padding is comfortable and the buckle is very user-friendly thanks to its magnetic fastener. It clicks into place without much fiddling. The width of the Giro Ethos Mips Shield can also be adjusted quickly and easily using the dial at the back of the head. The 13 ventilation openings ensure optimum ventilation and a comfortable fit, even on longer rides.

The Giro Ethos Shield Mips already has two of its most important features in its name: The new bike helmet for commuters is equipped with the proven Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, or MIPS for short, which has been proven to minimise the risk of serious brain injuries in cycling accidents by slowing down the rotational forces acting on the brain.

Weaknesses in the visor

The smart helmet also has a movable visor to protect the cyclist from wind and other weather conditions. Especially when travelling by e-bike, speeds are often so high over long periods of time that there is a strong wind. Here and in rain showers, the visor offers effective protection. The visor has five notches. Unfortunately, it distorts the view somewhat. This problem has already been solved in motorbike helmets. There is still room for improvement with the Giro Ethos Mips Shield. If the visor is only partially opened, the front light scatters into the visor lens.

All-round lighting and indicator function

For greater visibility and safety, especially in road traffic, the Giro Ethos Mips Shield has LED lighting with four lights (two white at the front and two red at the rear), each with two brightness levels and a flashing function, as well as direction indicators. The direction indicators are activated via a Bluetooth remote control on the handlebars, which is an interesting feature. A beep sound reminds you when the indicator function is switched on.

Due to their size and arrangement, the front and rear lights can be seen very clearly and from a long distance. However, the front light is only a position light. It is not suitable for illuminating the road and cannot replace bicycle lighting.

The indicator function may still be unfamiliar to other road users and the direction indicator can only be clearly categorised when the head is held straight. As soon as you turn your head in the direction of the turn, it can no longer be clearly categorised in the dark. You should therefore not rely on the indicators alone. A clear hand signal to indicate a change of direction is still useful and safer in case of doubt.

Conclusion: The Giro Ethos Shield Mips in a practical check

Overall, the Giro Ethos Shield Mips is a high-quality bike helmet with impressive technical features. We give it a rating of good to very good, as the helmet is well made and extremely functional, but also relatively heavy as a result. The Giro Ethos Mips Shield is a worthwhile investment for cyclists looking for a technically advanced bike helmet. The commuter helmet from Giro offers a wide range of functions and a high level of comfort so that you can ride comfortably and safely even on long distances. The visor is a compromise. If you can do without it and prefer a lighter all-weather helmet with optional rain protection, you will find more suitable alternatives on the market.

>> 5 smart helmets in the MYBIKE test

Giro Ethos Shield Mips: Facts & Figures

• available in 4 helmet sizes: S = 51-55 cm, M = 55-59 cm, L = 59-63 cm, tested size L
• Weight (size L): 537 g.
• Closure: Slimline magnetic clasp
• Roc Loc system with rotary wheel for helmet width adjustment
• 13 ventilation openings
• Crystal-clear flip-up visor, also works for spectacle wearers.
• LED lighting, front 2x white, rear 2x red with two brightness levels and two flashing functions and direction indicator.
• Light duration (manufacturer's specifications): Continuous light level 2 = 2.5 h, level 1 = 5.5 h, flashing light level 2 = 7.5 h, level 1 = 11 h
• Flashing function with beep
• Bluetooth handlebar remote control, attachment using supplied rubber bands
• USB-C interface on the helmet and remote control for charging the batteries, protected against moisture by a silicone cover
• USB-C cable
• List price: 295 Euro >> available at Sport Schuster