Giro Fuse Helmet

Giro first started in 1985 making cycling helmets when not all cyclists wore helmets, and certainly no skiers did. They perfected the cycling helmet into something you don't even notice once you have it on, but it protects your head in case of a crash, which I have personally witnessed way too many times.

When Giro got into snow helmets, I knew they would make the best snow helmets around, as the cycling helmets are second to none. And they delivered! Giro uses a light plastic shell that they injection mold the protective padding. This process allows for more vents and creates a stronger, more shock absorbing helmet than a solid helmet design many other manufactures use. The plastic's sole function is to really hold the foam together. The foam is the helmet's protection, not the plastic. In cycling helmets, the plastic also serves to allow the helmet to skid on the pavement so as not to jerk the head in case of fall, but with snow, this is a non-issue. Solid helmets will be heavier, have fewer vents, and not absorb shocks to the head as well. Do not buy a solid shell helmet from another manufacturer, get the real deal with a Giro helmet!

I have an older Fuse model without the adjuster in the rear. It fits my head perfectly, but the adjuster means it will fit even more heads. I bought this models for my daughter. She was just too big for small, so I was afraid medium would be too big, and it would be except for the adjuster, which produces the perfect fit.

The helmet is light, strong and has a variable vent system you can open, close, or crack 1/2 way open with the flick of your glove. On the lift up on a medium day, I often close it up, then open it as I start down a run. The breeze on my head keeps me from completely overheating. On a cold day, it stays closed the entire day. When it gets warm, they are always open. You also have side vents for the really warm days. Punch them out and put them in your pocket for a real breezy feel.

Goggles fit great with this helmet, creating a pretty good seal around the forehead. Make sure your goggles have enough strap to go all the way around the helmet (Hello goggle manufacturers!!!! Make sure you add one more inch of strap material so that we can wear your product with a helmet, most skiers now wear helmets. Hello??? Are you listening???? Hello!!)

This model does not have audio, but you need to listen to tunes while skiing, you should not be out on the slopes creating a hazard for other users anyway.

My only criticism of model is the flap that holds the goggles on will sometimes crack and break off. I repaired two other helmets (mine and my wife's), so it is not a big deal, but could be easily corrected in future models.

I have nothing but praise for this helmet. It has a relatively low profile, and has a sleek, streamlined design. It also weighs next to nothing. The fit can be perfectly dialed, literally, with this adjustment dial on the back. There shouldn't be a reason why this helmet shouldn't fit. It also has a neat venting system to adjust between cold and warm days. One gripe is the fact the the fleece chin padding is fixed to one side of the strap, regardless of how you adjust the legth of the strap. In other words, it can't be centered for your chin. No big deal. I got it in matte black so the sun doesn't shine off the top of my head.

What can I say? This helmet is the swiss army knife of headgear: beanie, wind deflector, earmuff, and goggle holder. Furthermore, it has probabley prevented me from getting a concussion several times. What more could you want?

This is a wonderful helmet. It's the first helmet I've owned - of course I didn't like the idea of wearing one, and couldn't imagine how it could possibly be comfortable, but you really don't even notice you have it on! I wear a headband under it on cold days, and open all the vents on warm days, and am never disappointed. I got a large - I have a big head, but I probably could have gone with a medium, but I like the versatility so it works no matter how I wear my hair, or if I wear a headband or not - I can always adjust with the dial in back. I tried on several brands, but I guess I have a Giro-shaped head. If your head is similarly shaped, this is an extremelly comfortable helmet. Lightweight, adjustable, versatile, perfect.

For years I've been trying to avoid the Mr. Kazoo-head look when alpine climbing- but it's unavoidable when you have to wear a balaclava and a fleece hat under a climbing helmet to stay warm. Finally, on a recent winter expedition, I figured- "Why not try a warmer helmet?" Voila. I now use the Fuse on technical terrain in cold conditions, instead of the bunched up head gear under the normal climbing hard hat. Plus, the Fuse is light enough to carry on my pack- as light as many climbing buckets- but with the warmth built in- esp with the ear covers. And, the removable ear covers come off and then vents open up to let my melon breathe on hotter days. for more images visit www.donbowie.com

Great helmet! My OAKLEY goggles fit like a charm. Super ventilation, super comfortable. Make sure you establish perfect fit for helmet/goggles before you buy! A good ski shop will help you decide between the fractions of inches that will make or break proper fit!! ....then buy from backcountry!!!
A bit of editorial for your perusal: Leave the IPOD at the condo! Enjoy the swish of snow and the conversation of your buddies. In my opinion, your safety and the safety of others is compromised with decreased awareness of what's happening on the mountain. To me, it makes no sense to protect your head and then distract yourself with music. Enjoy the music of the mountain!!!!

Incredibly light, and very comfortable. Has an adjustment in the back that makes the helmet fit like a glove, with no pressure points. Go figure - a helmet that actually fits and doesn't slop around. and i have a very small head and have had a terrible time for years and years finding a helmet that really really fits. the adjustment on this one makes that happen. Has great vents that you can open and close easily. The ear flaps are incredibly warm and hug your ears so that the cold won't get in. I paired the helmet with the smith anthem goggles and the fit is seamless. It is a great helmet.

This helmet is super high quality and a great buy. My bf and I have been looking at all the helmets on the market recently and this is one of the best I found. This model doesn't have built-in audio, but there are tune-ups which you can spiff it up with. I got the medium in light sky and it is pretty rad-tacular! The color is more of an aqua teal, which is great if your snow outfit stays within neutral colors. The padding on the inside is really nice and super comfy and the dial-fit helps make it super snug! Can't wait to shred it up and protect my noggin!

I've had this helmet for years. went through a year of racing, did one awesome job protecting my head from those slalom gates as well as the wonderful 'ice' we skied on. venting system works like a charm. vents are actually sculpted to help suck in air, which is always a plus on those 30 degree days. come spring, pop of the ear pads, take out the plugs and open the vents, and it'll barely feel like you're wearing anything at all. REALLY COMFY, why ever wear a beanie when you can protect your skull from the hidden rocks and trees whizzing past you?

I bought this helmet before heading to Breckenridge, CO for four days of snowboarding. It kept my head and ears toasy warm in single-digit temperatures with 30 mph gusts of wind. I did not have to wear anything else under the helmet and it was comfortable enough that I forgot I was wearing it at all. It protected my head through numerous falls (including an unintentional double cartwheel). It also saved my noggin when my dad hit me in the head with his skis. I would highly recommend this helmet for its warmth and comfort.

I really like this helmet, it feels good, fits well and doesn't look like a bubble head when I'm wearing it. My one and only complaint would be the tiny gap between my goggles and helmet that gets a little cold without a little hat. I don't really think that's the helmet's fault, and I would prefer to have a little less forehead coverage for the sake of feeling like I can see anyway. Overall, can't say enough good things - I made my Mom buy one too!