The XAR offers all the features you’ve come to expect from Giro’s top-level trail-riding helmets—P.O.V.™ adjustable visor; In-mold composition with EPS foam and polycarbonate shell; Roll Cage™ reinforcement—but the XAR heralds a new era of...
Bikeradar - Wed 27 Oct 2010
Even with the best products there comes a time when retirement beckons, and that time is now for the venerable Giro Xen trail helmet. Happily, Giro have their new Xar ready in the wings to replace it.
Lovers of the popular Xen will be pleased to know that Giro have left the overall shape mostly unchanged. If anything, they've made it fractionally less round, and more in line with their Athlon cross-country model.
The Xar has a three-piece in-mould polycarbonate shell with EPS foam liner, and extended coverage at the rear – much the same as the Xen. Weight is about the same as the Zen (we tested two samples, one of which was 329g and the other 360g).
Updates include the Roc Loc 5 retention system, which is more important than it might sound. The previous Roc Locs have all been two-handed push-together affairs, while this version uses a small twist dial to adjust the ?t. It’s much easier to use, particularly while riding, as it only requires one hand to adjust it.
There are also three different vertical positions to choose from to ensure the lid sits exactly where you want it to. Our only issue in terms of fit was getting the straps to sit right – it does take a bit of fiddling but we got there in the end.
The Xar’s styling is still quite soft and rounded but with a few angular accents – the sharper looking adjustable peak is a notable improvement. Venting has always been good on the Xen, given its deep head coverage, and we feel it has improved again.
The Xar has 17 vents, remodelled to suck in enough air to evaporate sweat at a useful rate. It does a great job of keeping the temperature down even when you’re really working hard. The X-Static anti-microbial padding is extremely comfortable and wicks well. It can be pulled out and machine washed, which is great news for heavy sweaters.
Not so good is Giro’s decision to stick with their standard heavy-duty webbing straps, which get wet easily and stay wet. We’d like to see a thinner and quicker drying material. We’d also like to see them (and all helmet straps) removable for washing on future models.
All in all, the Xar offers a better fit and more protection than the Zen, but you’re paying extra for the Giro name. The comfort and styling certainly go some way to cushioning the blow of the price, though.All the helmets we offer are manufactured to a European standard safety level, as such we advise you to consider the fit of them, make sure you are buying the right size. Details such as weight and ventilation will have an effect on the comfort of the helmet but size is paramount.
5 Things to Consider:
1. Do you know how big your head is?
2. Do you want to have a peak?
3. Do you really care about style or do you just want to be safe?
4. Is it important that the helmet makes you more visible?
5. Is someone else going to borrow it, therefore does it matter how adjustable it is?
If you have any questions please email us on info@cyclecube.co.uk
In Stock
3 day delivery