Giro launch their all-new MIPS-equipped Switchblade and look to leave the competition for dead in the full-face enduro helmet market.
With an obvious lineage and a history in making great full-face helmets, will this new Switchblade see everyone else playing catch up?
Crankworx Whistler is the venue for the launch of this new Switchblade lid from Giro. Full face helmets with removeable chin guards of old have, undoubtedly, been horrific to look. The new Switchblade changes that for a start. Almost unrecognisable against the previous incarnations, this is one good-looking helmet full stop.
Photo by Colin Meagher.
Here’s the full press release from the Giro camp:
Giro Sport Design Laucnhes Switchblade MIPS: Built for the Down.
MIPS-equipped, ASTM downhill-certified removable chinbar helmet creates new category of trail protection.
Yeti’s Cody Kelley and team mate Richie Rude has been rocking the Switchblade at the Enduro World Series. Photo by Colin Meagher.
Today at Crankworx Whistler, Giro Sport Design officially released the long-anticipated Switchblade MIPS helmet. Equipped with the Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS), the Switchblade MIPS is triple-certified to CPSC, EN-1078, and ASTM-1952 Downhill safety standards – both with and without its chinbar, which is quickly and easily removable and replaceable without tools.
Beyond increased protection and ease of use, the Switchblade MIPS delivers unrivaled comfort and versatility with the new Roc Loc® Air DH adjustable fit system, hydrophilic X-Static® anti-microbial padding, 20 vents with internal channeling, and two visors (one adjustable P.O.V. Plus™ and one with integrated camera mount.) The full-cut, over-the-ears style gives this helmet an aggressive look even when the chinbar is removed. The Switchblade MIPS is available immediately worldwide in 3 sizes and 6 colorways at authorized Giro retailers for £249.
“In 1998, Giro created the first mainstream removable chinbar helmet, it was called Switchblade,” said Dain Zaffke, Giro Marketing Director. “In the years that followed, we’ve seen many options come and go, all based around the same premise of taking a cross country helmet and adding a chinbar. This new Switchblade MIPS bucks that trend completely. Instead of a adding a chinbar to an XC helmet, we’ve done the opposite: everything about this helmet is built for the descent. We’ve essentially created the ultimate full-face downhill helmet and then made the chinbar easily removable.”
“From early on, we worked with top professional riders Richie Rude and Cody Kelley (Yeti / Fox Shox Factory Race Team) to get the details just right. But more than just racers on the Enduro World Series will embrace this helmet – its myriad features will appeal to aggressive trail riders, freeriders and even dirt jumpers who will be drawn to the full-cut style.”
Key Features of the Switchblade MIPS include:
- CPSC, EN-1078, ASTM-1952 Downhill certification – both with and without the chinbar
- MIPS Multi-directional Impact Protection System reduces rotational energy to provide more protection in certain impacts
- Easily removable and replaceable chinbar
- 20 Wind Tunnel vents with internal and cheek pad channeling
- Roc Loc® Air DH fit system with bumper to prevent unwanted adjustments if helmet contacts neck brace or backpack
- Hydrophilic, X-Static® anti-microbial padding
- P.O.V. Plus™ adjustable visor
- Spare visor with integrated camera mount
- Rubber grippers integrated into rear vents for goggle retention
- Three Super Fit™ sizes
- Available immediately at Giro retailers and giro.com.
- £249 RRP.
