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Giro Ratio MIPS Review

Equipped with MIPS, adjustable vents, and an adjustable dial, this model has high-end features and strong performance at a stellar price
giro ratio mips ski helmet review
Credit: Backcountry
Price:  $120 List
Manufacturer:   Giro
By Isaac Laredo ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Feb 25, 2022
64
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#14 of 18
  • Comfort - 25% 6.0
  • Warmth - 25% 7.0
  • Ventilation - 20% 7.0
  • Weight - 10% 4.0
  • Goggle Compatibility - 10% 7.0
  • Style - 10% 6.0

Our Verdict

The Giro Ratio MIPS rode away with our appreciation due to its goldilocks combination of features and price. This top-notch helmet pairs a premium feature set like MIPS, adjustable vents, and a dial fit system with an approachable price. It is made using injection molding, which helps keep the cost down but makes the helmet a bit bulky for riders sensitive to wearing helmets. This product is an excellent option for the 15 days a year rider or skier seeking comfort and protective features without the price tag other comparable helmets demand.
REASONS TO BUY
Affordable
Adjustable vents
MIPS
Adjustable dial
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
Larger profile
Editor's Note: The Giro Ratio review was updated on February 25, 2022, with better product comparisons and additional info on what helmets we would buy.

Compare to Similar Products

 
giro ratio mips ski helmet review
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Giro Ratio MIPS
Awards Best Buy Award Best Buy Award    
Price Check Price at Backcountry
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$84.00 at Backcountry
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$111.93 at REI
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$160 List
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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Pros Affordable, adjustable vents, MIPS, adjustable dialProtective features, lightweight, adjustable ventilation, versatileLow profile, vents can be closed, magnetic buckle, easy to remove ear padsWarm, rotational impact system, comfortable, anti-microbial linerSimple, comfortable, good coverage
Cons Heavy, larger profileEarpads are challenging to remove, dial hard to use with gloves, styleVelcro adhesive is easy to accidentally remove from the MIPS insertWind noise, heavyFixed open vents, goggle compatibility, version we tested doesn't have MIPS tech
Bottom Line Equipped with MIPS, adjustable vents, and an adjustable dial, this model has high-end features and strong performance at a stellar priceEqually at home on the skin track as the resort, we reached for this budget-friendly helmet frequently on ski toursA helmet that appeals to many riders and has the feature set and price to make it an excellent valueHardshell impact protection enhanced by an incredible fit and Shred's innovative protective enhancementsA protective, rugged helmet offered at a very reasonable price
Rating Categories Giro Ratio MIPS Smith Mission MIPS Pret Cynic X2 MIPS Shred Totality NoShock Giro Ledge
Comfort (25%)
6.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
6.0
Warmth (25%)
7.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
5.0
Ventilation (20%)
7.0
8.0
6.0
6.0
4.0
Weight (10%)
4.0
6.0
6.0
4.0
6.0
Goggle Compatibility (10%)
7.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
Style (10%)
6.0
6.0
6.0
8.0
6.0
Specs Giro Ratio MIPS Smith Mission MIPS Pret Cynic X2 MIPS Shred Totality NoShock Giro Ledge
Measured Weight (in ounces) 21.7 oz 16.9 oz 17.2 oz 22.9 oz 17.0 oz
Rotational Impact Protection System MIPS MIPS MIPS NoShock None (also sold with MIPS)
Adjustment System In form dial Adjustable Dial Fit System RCS QR Fit System Adjustable Dial Fit System Removable Auto Loc 2 Fit System
# of Vents? 10 18 12 12 8
Number of Sizes 4 4 4 3 3
Removable Ear Covers? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Goggle Attachment? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Visor? No No Yes (brim) No No
Audio Compatibility? Yes No Yes No Yes
Certifications CE EN 1077 ASTM F 2040, CE EN 1077:2007 Class B ASTM F 2040, CE EN1077 B06 CE EN1077 B, ASTM F 2040 ASTM F 2040 11, CE EN 1077

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Giro Ratio stands out for incorporating "premium" features without the high dollar MSRP. This injection-molded helmet offers adjustable vents, MIPS, and Giro's In-Form dial adjustment system. It can hang with the high-priced models in our review fleet and is excellent for the budget-minded weekend skier.

Performance Comparison


giro ratio mips ski helmet review - our tester is feeling good about the value of this helmet.
Our tester is feeling good about the value of this helmet.
Credit: laredo

Comfort


The Giro Ratio is molded to fit a long oval head shape but can accommodate other shapes quite well. The helmet does not create any pressure points on testers with round or intermediate oval head shapes.


The Ratio can provide a comfortable full day out for most users. The soft ear pads and In-Form fit system enhance the user experience. The earpads have a nice next-to-skin feel and are snug but do not squeeze the ears. However, we found a slight breeze on our ears when traveling at speeds above 20. The In Form System provides plenty of adjustment to snug up to different head sizes. The dial is accessible and easy to turn with gloves or mittens on. The harness is contoured nicely to cup the lower part of your head, making it more comfortable.

giro ratio mips ski helmet review - this dial is accessible and easy to use with gloves on.
This dial is accessible and easy to use with gloves on.
Credit: laredo

Riders who typically go without a helmet might find this helmet a little too bulky. This helmet's weight and profile are more noticeable when riding than other models in our review. But, overall, this is a comfortable helmet for most riders' needs.

giro ratio mips ski helmet review - the ratio is molded to a long oval head shape.
The Ratio is molded to a long oval head shape.
Credit: laredo

Warmth


The Giro Ratio provides enough warmth that most people should be able to ski in slightly below freezing weather without a buff or beanie. On a 27-degree F morning, our tester could ride in this helmet comfortably. For reference, this tester is a self-proclaimed "cold weenie." It earned an average score for the group.


The helmet lining and adjustable vents help this helmet maintain heat. It is not the warmest helmet we have tested, but you can quickly remedy that with an extra torso layer. The synthetic lining is about 1cm centimeter thick, which helped block some air from the front intake vents. Six of the helmet's ten vents can be open or closed to trap the heat in and block any cold air from getting to the top of your head when riding. On cold days, its warmth was hindered by the slight breeze we felt on our ears.

giro ratio mips ski helmet review - closed vents on the giro ratio.
Closed vents on the Giro Ratio.
Credit: laredo

Ventalation


While somewhat unexpected in a helmet of this price point and construction, the Ratio shines in ventilation. As discussed above, it has adjustable ventilation to dump or retain heat to your desire. Ten medium/large vents let this helmet dump heat relatively efficiently.


The helmet liner is warm around the ears and temple area but begins to transition to more of a thick mesh near the top. This design seemed to help heat escape faster than those that maintained consistent thickness. The earpads are very easy to remove if the day is warmer than expected. If you are having too much fun to go to the car, you can place them in a pocket of your jacket to keep riding.

This helmet did have a moderate amount of wind noise when riding at speeds above ten mph.

giro ratio mips ski helmet review - vents open on the giro ratio.
Vents open on the Giro Ratio.
Credit: laredo

Weight and Bulk


For weight, we consult the scales and pay hyperattention to how each helmet feels on the head. Unsurprising, given its injection-molded construction, the Ratio is on the heavier and more noticeable side of the spectrum. Its size and weight relegate it to primarily a resort helmet. It earned one of the lowest scores of the group.


A size Medium in the Ratio came in at 21.7 oz on our scale. That is not outrageous given its construction style and feature set, especially compared to past models. However, we found its large profile and weight to be the primary cons of this helmet.

giro ratio mips ski helmet review - our tester isaac is pictured here. he is very sensitive to weight on...
Our tester Isaac is pictured here. He is very sensitive to weight on his head and found the Ratio to be slightly noticeable when riding.
Credit: laredo

Goggle Compatibility


Manufacturers continue to place increased emphasis on ensuring a smooth, seamless intersection between our goggles and helmet. The Ratio always avoided the infamous "gaper gap" and aesthetically would be the most compatible with spherical lens goggles.


We never had a gaper gap when wearing this helmet. That is the main priority of this metric. This helmet's large profile overhung the frame of our cylindrical (flat) goggles by a half-inch or so. While purely aesthetic, we feel the curved lens goggles will co-exist with this model better. It also has two front vents to direct fresh air into your goggles and minimizes the chances of fogging up.

This helmet has a pretty standard goggle retainer system. It's a medium-density plastic hook to trap your goggle strap. It provides reasonable goggle security but could be prone to breaking in colder weather if handled aggressively.

giro ratio mips ski helmet review - the google retainer is quite standard and has medium resistance when...
The google retainer is quite standard and has medium resistance when pulled on.
Credit: laredo

Style


The Ratio finds a good balance between being skater and skier style. We polled friends and fellow riders to gauge the style of each helmet. The Ratio received middle road styles reviews by boarders and skiers.


The Ratio comes in several color options, helping to match your outerwear if that matters to you. Take your pick. Across both skier and snowboarder groups, the main drawback to its style was its larger size. Ultimately, fashion is subjective, and we appreciate this helmet's simple, sleek look.

giro ratio mips ski helmet review - compared to other models in the review this helmet is a bit bulky...
Compared to other models in the review this helmet is a bit bulky. However, it still looks sleek and modern.
Credit: laredo

Should You Buy the Giro Ratio MIPS?


The Giro Ratio MIPS puts the icing on the value cake. Featured with MIPS, adjustable vents, a warm liner, and an adjustable dial system, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better value. Although it is not as techy or as comfortable as other helmets, it does its job well, and we highly recommend the Ratio to casual resort riders who want to stick to a budget.

What Other Ski Helmets Should You Consider?


This product packs a lot of value into its approachable price tag. If we were shopping for a budget helmet, the Ratio is hard to pass up. But if you have the funds to build your dream ski getup, and want the best of the best, we recommend the Smith Vantage MIPS.

giro ratio mips ski helmet review - happy turns in the giro ratio.
Happy turns in the Giro Ratio.
Credit: laredo

Isaac Laredo
 
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