Giro Savant road helmet review

Immediately comfortable headgear

Our rating

3.5

90.00
59.99
149.95

David Rome / Immediate Media

Published: September 30, 2014 at 1:00 pm

Our review
Well-fitted, stylish lid that’s less than half the price of the range-topping models

The Savant resembles many of Giro’s higher end helmets – and carries a surprising level of technical features for a helmet that sits near the bottom of the lineup.

Using Giro's In-Mold technology, the Savant’s polycarbonate outer shell is bonded directly to the EPS foam, saving weight and adding durability. However, there is still quite a bit of exposed EPS foam, meaning the helmet is susceptible to accidental knocks.

The Roc Loc 5 retention system makes for a comfortable fit
The roc loc 5 retention system makes for a comfortable fit: - David Rome / Immediate Media

The Roc Loc 5 retention system makes for a comfortable fit

The Savant makes notable use of Giro’s flagship Roc Loc 5 retention system, which features three positions of height adjustment and a easy to use micro-dial. We found the system, combined with the well placed padding, makes for an extremely comfortable fit.

Ventilation is also pretty competent, and follows a similar pattern to Giro’s higher end models. The Savant has 25 decent sized vents, with internal channels connecting forward facing intakes to decent sized exhaust vents, guiding air over the head. While the airflow may not as good as the Savant’s high-end siblings, it also costs a fraction of the price.

Decent sized internal channels allow air to flow through the helmet
Decent sized internal channels allow air to flow through the helmet: - David Rome / Immediate Media

Decent sized internal channels allow air to flow through the helmet

The straps are stout and feature adjustable ear dividers, but we'd question their length. When pulled tight there is far too much excess strap under the buckle – enough that it flapped in the wind as we rode. We tried tucking, rolling and folding the strap every which-way to no avail… though to be fair, we would simply have snipped the excess off had we not planned to return our test sample.

Weighing in at 256g, the Savant sits middle of the road for a budget helmet in a size medium. It's available in three sizes and five shades.

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