The new Giro Eclipse cycling helmet is out and its name pretty much describes how we feel about it. Given all the features and its curated look, we are eclipsed and mesmerized, being a helmet that checks all the boxes. Featuring a spherical shape, their manufacturers ensured this is the fastest road helmet and coolest aero one in the peloton. Besides being built around the added protection of Spherical Technology™ powered by Mips®, the Eclipse is not just a highly efficient helmet as it excels in cooling, comfort, or style too.
Founded in Santa Cruz (California) in 1985, Giro is a leader in the design, fit, and engineering of innovative products that complement the equipment of a rider and enhance their riding experience. From the first lightweight, high-performance helmets for cycling to category-leading apparel, footwear, and accessories, Giro has committed to providing the best products, becoming a worldwide reference.
The helmet: Eclipse
When designing a helmet, ultimate efficiency and speed are always sought. However, as Benn Penner (Giro’s Director of Product Development) mentioned, they did not want to compromise protection, heat management, or comfort, as they play a major role that goes beyond pure performance. This is why they spent countless hours in their in-house wind tunnel designing a fast shape that also allowed an excellent airflow to keep the helmet comfortable. In the end, he claims they achieved their fastest road helmet ever, which cools better than most helmets with no adverse effects in aerodynamics.
The Eclipse Spherical is completely different from the other known models of Giro, such as the Aether or Helios, as its shape is defined by its technologies. The helmet is practically spherical with 14 vents, with dimensions and placement that have been thoroughly designed. These vents pull air through the helmet to decrease aerodynamic drag and provide incredible cooling power that challenges most aggressively vented road helmets. Pair that with the sleek outer shell actively streamlines airflow to reduce drag across multiple wind angles and the Eclipse is the fastest road helmet Giro has made, without taking into account the time-trial ones. Thus, the Eclipse helmet is just a bit hotter than the Aether (as it is the most ventilated helmet of Giro), but it has a much better aerodynamic performance.
The spherical shape also provides several advantages, as it leaves room for Spherical Technology™, a ball-and-socket design. This, alongside the Mips® protection system, allow the helmet’s outer foam liner to rotate around the inner foam in case of an accident so that the impact forces are redirected away from the brain.
The helmet comes in different color combinations like electric blue, black, gray, or white and reflective decals of Giro’s logo. With an approximate weight of 275 g for the medium size, it also represents a lightweight helmet for all kinds of riding. Furthermore, it features the Roc Loc® 5 Air fit system that enhances stability and fit, and the plush antimicrobial Ionic+ paddings help absorb sweat and moisture while providing durable anti-microbial performance.
We adore this new helmet from Giro and we hope this will raise the standards of safety and efficiency. For its looks and performance, we do not believe this is just a road racing-specific helmet, but a helmet that can be used in all kinds of terrain, from long flat tarmac roads to winding gravel paths. Therefore, if you want to step up your gain but you do not want to sacrifice your comfort, this helmet could be your next ally on your next adventures.
