Giro Aether vs Synthe (Breakdown of Important Differences)
Helmet selection is more complicated than it seems. You should also know that different helmets are designed for different kinds of cycling.
I don’t know about you, but after I get on my bike and start pedaling, I don’t want to worry about my helmet’s safety. Therefore, it is important to know what qualities you need in a helmet before choosing one.
The Giro Aether vs Synthe is an interesting comparison. Both helmets are well-known and popular models with a great reputation within the cycling community.
The Giro Aether MIPS Road Helmet and the Giro Synthe Road Bike Helmet are absolutely gorgeous, but you have no idea which one to choose. For your convenience, I’ve written a comprehensive review for both helmets. I will cover the key differences between the helmets to make an informed buying decision.
Giro Synthe vs Aether (A Quick Comparison)
Giro Aether Spherical Helmet
Ride further with confidence, knowing that the Giro Aether is designed to draw attention away from your head so you can stay focused on riding harder.
Aether is Giro’s top-tier road helmet, designed for superior ventilation and aerodynamic performance. Whether you’re preparing for a competitive event or love pushing your limits every time you ride your bike, the Giro Aether spherical helmet will deliver excellent protection for both your head and your confidence.
Features
- Spherical technology
- Ball and Socket Design
- Powered by MIPS
- In-mold construction
- Tough polycarbonate outer shell
- Progressive layering
- Nanobead foam
- High-density EPS foam
- Independent liner with spherical interface
- AURA reinforcing arch
- 21 wind tunnel vents with internal channeling
- CoolFit padding
- Eyeglass grippers
- Super-fit sizes
- Roc Loc 5+ Air fit system
- Read more
Design
The new Giro Aether road helmet is one of the most technologically advanced bike helmets currently available. Its groundbreaking design is inspired by nature and utilizes ball-and-socket technology for a 360-degree sweet protection spot.
It’s the one high-end helmet you’ll want to wear on every ride. During an accident, the spherical shape mimics your head’s natural rolling motion, helping you manage the impact. A low-profile design keeps weight and drag to a minimum while providing excellent ventilation and visibility.
It is also equipped with MIPS technology to protect riders against rotational motion caused by angled impacts.
Construction
Aether’s in-mold construction fuses the polycarbonate outer shell with the impact-absorbing liner for a helmet that is both light and strong. This process also makes it one of the most comfortable helmets on the market.
Its polycarbonate outer shell protects your head against sharp impacts, and its comfort pads wick moisture away from your skin, keeping you dry even during long treks. Shortly put, a helmet’s exterior and interior are both well-optimized for strength and durability.
Comfort
The Giro Aether MIPS bike helmet keeps you comfortable no matter how far you are going. It’s loaded with a progressive layering system that adjusts as your ride progresses, as well as a soft-yet-durable NanoBead EPS foam layer to keep the helmet lightweight and cool.
Ventilation
As the favorite helmet of elite cyclists, the Giro Aether is designed to maximize cooling in an elegant, low-profile package. There are 21 wind tunnel vents to reduce turbulence and increase airflow.
Giro’s next-generation road helmet features CoolFit padding with an internal channeling system that allows cool air to enter from above and exhaust warm air out the back, keeping the rider cool from the first pedal stroke to the final sprint.
Weight
The Aether helmet’s non-overlapping pieces make it not only fast and feathery light, but it also provides a snug fit to eliminate excess weight and ensure safety.
In addition to its minimalist design, it weighs just 336g when it comes to large size and combines the best safety features of other Giro helmets.
It feels like it has melted onto your head. Made for all kinds of riders, its sleek profile and clean graphics are just the icings on the cake.
Sizes
The Giro Aether MIPS is a slim-fitting helmet with outstanding aerodynamics, protection, and comfort balance. Its extended coverage and super fit size range provide comprehensive head protection for a wide range of riders, from serious racers to recreational cyclists.
There are also grippers for eyeglasses, which prevent them from sliding down the face.
Fit System
The new Roc Loc 5+ fit system provides a more comfortable and secure custom fit. As its name implies, the Roc Loc 5+ Air fit system is an evolution of the original Roc Loc 5.
Roc Loc 5+ is further refined to ensure optimal handling and adjustability across many head shapes and sizes, including 42 cm heads.
An incredible AirFit system and a wide range of adjustments offer a personalized fit and a quick release for easy on and off.
Giro Synthe MIPS Helmet
This Giro Synthe MIPS helmet has everything you need when it comes to performance, protection, and comfort.
Feel the joy of riding without the hard thump of a big knock. You feel great when riding fast, and even better when you know your most valuable asset, your brain is safe in the Giro Synthe MIPS Road Helmet.
Features
- Integrated MIPS
- Featherweight webbing with Slimline buckle
- In-mold construction
- Tough polycarbonate shell
- EPS liner
- Ponytail compatible
- Thermoformed SL Roll Cage reinforcement
- 19 wind tunnel vents with internal channeling
- Super-fit sizes
- Easy-adjust vertical position
- Roc Loc 5 Air fit system
- Read more
Design
Giro Synthe MIPS is a modern helmet with a sleek design, stylish touches, and outstanding performance. This playful and elegant design is available in six colorways and looks great both on and off the bicycle.
This bike helmet combines trail performance with pro-level features for a lightweight, smooth ride around town. With its featherweight webbing harness and slimline buckle, this helmet is easy to wear and take off, while its internal liner is removable and washable.
Also included is the innovative Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS), which can reduce rotational forces caused by angled impacts to the head.
Construction
Enjoy exploring your world of adventure with the Giro Synthe MIPS road helmet. The helmet stays in place with the silicone grippers, and you can concentrate on riding.
The helmet uses in-mold construction that brings together a tough polycarbonate outer shell and an EPS inner layer to form an impact-absorbing thermoplastic that can withstand just about anything Mother Nature throws your way.
Comfort
Giro’s Thermoformed SL Roll Cage provides a superior level of impact protection and provides a more secure fit. The brain foam is plush but won’t become misshapen or uncomfortable over time.
As a bonus, the helmet is ponytail compatible, so if you want to add a touch of flair to your riding, braid your locks and get out on the road.
Ponytail ports give you the option of wearing your hair up on rides where the weather is at its worst.
Ventilation
The Giro Synthe bike helmet is a road cycling helmet adapted from endurance and time trial helmets, so you still get all the features of a performance-driven helmet but with a more comfortable interior.
With 19 wind tunnel vents with internal channeling, the Synthe keeps your head cool while allowing air to flow freely.
Weight
This helmet is built for long rides, but the minute you put it on, you’ll forget that it’s even there. Its in-mold polycarbonate shell is rugged and durable but weighs just 312g for the large size, which is slightly less than the Giro Aether weight.
It is one of the lightest helmets in its class, with a ventilated design that allows you to stay cool. Whether you’re going for a quick ride around the neighborhood or a multi-hour training ride, this helmet will do the trick.
Sizes
There are multiple super-fit sizes available for the Giro Synthe helmet. In this way, it’s easy to choose a helmet since you don’t have to fiddle around with measurements or return a helmet if it doesn’t fit.
Fit System
The Synthe is designed to be worn all day long. This bike helmet has a grade-smooth look and an updated fit, making it an excellent choice for long rides, especially on rough roads.
With the Roc Loc 5 Air fit system, you can get the perfect fit every time. You can adjust the fit system in small increments to find the ideal fit quickly and easily.
Final Verdict
The Giro Aether is a great helmet with some of the best features, but it is more expensive. Those on a budget will find the Synthe an excellent value, but it does not have all the latest and greatest features.
In this regard, it isn’t easy to make a fair comparison between these two best cycling helmets. Still, the greater number of features and a higher level of performance provided by Giro helmets give them an edge.
The only real difference between these two helmets is their price. However, in that Giro Synthe vs Aether battle, Giro’s premium product certainly appears to be winning as it boasts more bang for your buck.
