Has anybody done a side-by-side and assessed if there is any compelling reason to pay a premium for the “Ultimate†version of this helmet?
I know pros view this as arguably the fastest helmet these days (add qualifier that every user is different, etc.). Has that been substantiated by someone? I haven’t seen a good aero comparison test in the last few years.
I didn’t even know this thing existed. Giro’s page says little about what it actually improves to justify the ~$250 price increase over the regular.
Mostly just replying to get notifications 
practically, the differences are that there are no vents on the front of the ultimate (along with a little bit of the underside of the “tail section” covered with fine cloth.) and that an Ultimate has slightly less surface area vs. a regular mips (the carbon shell is slightly smaller than the plastic one)
You also get both shields (smoked and clear’ish) and the helmet pod with the ultimate.
The Ultimate has the carbon bling factor, and eliminates the front vents; but that’s about it. It’s not even significantly lighter. Just get the regular (Aerohead MIPS), they can be had for ~$125 on sale…then tape over small the vents if you really feel the need.
The underside of the “tail” of the Ultimate has a cloth “fairing” to keep it from catching air. Plus, as has been said already, the Ultimate has no vents in front. Still, not a hot helmet, by any means.
Has anybody done a side-by-side and assessed if there is any compelling reason to pay a premium for the “Ultimate†version of this helmet?
I know pros view this as arguably the fastest helmet these days (add qualifier that every user is different, etc.). Has that been substantiated by someone? I haven’t seen a good aero comparison test in the last few years.
Yes its an oven that heats up your head by 40 degrees and reduce your aero drag by .000000000000001%. Well worth the money
I raced the Ultimate version in Frankfurt this past year when it was over 100F out and several 90-95F races in Mexico. I didn’t think the helmet was making things any worse. Have you worn this helmet, or do you just assume it’s hot?
As others have mentioned, the aero benefits from the smaller frontal area and the fabric in the tail are probably negligible. Weight is the same, too. But it comes with both shields and the case, which is nice for travel. I think I paid about $200 for it when TriSports was clearing inventory in late 2017. Definitely worth the extras if you are able to find good sales.
it’s long in the tooth too, anybody known about a replacement anytime soon.
For the sake of replacement, or is it lacking something? It still tests fast compared to almost everything else out there. My only gripe is the weight, tbh
For the sake of replacement, or is it lacking something? It still tests fast compared to almost everything else out there. My only gripe is the weight, tbh
yes I realize that, but that’s never stopped Giro from releasing another. I use the Spesh TT, but have never been in love with it. Both are heavy AF, but I think the Giro is more comfortable. I hate the visors on both, the both are held on rather weakly.
If all the magnets are snapped into place, the hold on the Giro is strong.
I had the aerohead and found it far warmer than my lg p-09. But others I know don’t have that issue.
The P09 is much lighter too. Now that’s a helmet that’s due for an update… Some magnets to flip the visor and MIPS would suffice, imo
The P09 is much lighter too. Now that’s a helmet that’s due for an update… Some magnets to flip the visor and MIPS would suffice, imo
It does need an update. MIPS would be good. I wear it without visor which helps with cooling of course
it’s long in the tooth too, anybody known about a replacement anytime soon.
nothing on the market seems to be able to consistently beat it for the overwhelming majority of people on the market. It’s still the Alpha Dog of aero helmets.
At least that’s what I’ve seen from testing it on 100+ people
I wear it without visor which helps with cooling of course
Visor is typically slower on the P09.
Dang I thought that’s been common knowledge for the last 6 years? _O_/
I wear it without visor which helps with cooling of course
Visor is typically slower on the P09.
Dang I thought that’s been common knowledge for the last 6 years? _O_/
I believe I’ve read that here. It works about well as cooling is better without visor
it’s long in the tooth too, anybody known about a replacement anytime soon.
nothing on the market seems to be able to consistently beat it for the overwhelming majority of people on the market. It’s still the Alpha Dog of aero helmets.
At least that’s what I’ve seen from testing it on 100+ people
Is it, on average for most people, worth an upgrade over the P09? Thanks in advance!
Just a note to consider. The visors are poorly designed. They are a thin plastic that gets stress cracks around the nose within 4 months on mine. Even the spare lens under no stress developed cracks. I think they are made of acrylic which is dangerous. I’ve owned 10+ motorcycle helmets and their polycarbonate lenses never show stress cracks like this helmet. Giro is pretty lame to pass this on to the consumer. You can buy a ECE safety certified motorcycle helmet for under $100 that will have multiple lenses that never have such amateur problems.
Just a note to consider. The visors are poorly designed. They are a thin plastic that gets stress cracks around the nose within 4 months on mine. Even the spare lens under no stress developed cracks. I think they are made of acrylic which is dangerous. I’ve owned 10+ motorcycle helmets and their polycarbonate lenses never show stress cracks like this helmet. Giro is pretty lame to pass this on to the consumer. You can buy a ECE safety certified motorcycle helmet for under $100 that will have multiple lenses that never have such amateur problems.
I still want one, but agree 100% which is why I’m hoping for a redesign.