Giro Montaro Pro Helmet Review: Is MIPS Spherical Worth the Hype?

Jennifer Miller · 2026-10-09

### Is Helmet Safety Finally Getting a Real Upgrade? You know that feeling when you're bombing down a rocky trail and your brain is rattling around inside your skull? Yeah, that's not just your imagination. For years, helmet technology has felt kind of... stagnant. We've had MIPS liners, sure, but Giro just dropped something that might actually change the game: the Montaro Pro with MIPS Spherical. At $329.99, it's not cheap. But here's the real question: does it actually protect your head better, or is it just marketing fluff? I spent a few weeks riding with this thing, and spoiler alert: it's not just a fancy new name. ### What the Heck Is MIPS Spherical, Anyway? Most MIPS systems use a thin plastic liner that slides against your head during an angled impact. It works, but it can block ventilation and feel a bit... plasticky. The Montaro Pro does something different. Instead of a liner, Giro uses two layers of EPS foam that move relative to each other, like a ball-and-socket joint. Think of it as a slip-and-slide for your brain, but way more high-tech. The best part? No plastic liner means the vents and air channels stay completely open. So you get rotational protection without cooking your skull on a summer climb. ### The Key Specs (No Fluff) - **Weight:** 14.9 oz (size S) / 16.1 oz (size M) – yeah, it's not a featherweight - **Certification:** Meets NTA 8776 (the stricter standard for speed pedelecs) - **Features:** FIDLOCK magnetic buckle, vertical adjustment, glasses storage, adjustable visor - **Sizes:** S (20–21.7 in), M (21.7–23.2 in), L (23.2–24.8 in) - **Price:** $329.99 That weight might raise some eyebrows. But Giro clearly prioritized protection over shaving grams. And honestly? I'll take a few extra ounces over a fractured skull any day. ### How It Feels on the Trail Here's where the Montaro Pro surprised me. The Roc Loc Trail Air fit system lets you adjust the helmet vertically, so you can keep the shell slightly off your head. Combined with those open vents, air actually flows through. On a 90°F day, I stayed surprisingly cool. The Ionic+ pads have pure silver woven in, which sounds like overkill until you realize they genuinely fight odor. After a sweaty week of riding, my helmet didn't smell like a locker room. That's a win. The visor has two positions and leaves enough room to stash your glasses underneath. The magnetic FIDLOCK buckle is easy to open one-handed, even with gloves on. And there's a little emergency info sheet you can fill out, which is a thoughtful touch. ### The Verdict: Hot or Not? At $329.99, the Giro Montaro Pro isn't for everyone. It's heavy, and the price stings. But if you're a serious trail rider who values rotational impact protection and all-day comfort, this helmet delivers. MIPS Spherical isn't just a gimmick—it's a genuine step forward. So, hot? Yeah, I'd say so. Just don't expect to win any weight-weenie awards. *Have you tried the Montaro Pro? Drop a comment below and let me know what you think.*