|   opinions on Giro Xen helmet? | hardhat
Oct 22, 2003 4:00 AM | | I'm waffling between a Giro E2 and the Xen. Has anyone used the Xen? Didn't see any reviews of it. |
| It won't protect your head better... | Metroid
Oct 22, 2003 4:55 AM | | The more expensive helmets don't protect your head any better than a $20 WalMart special. And as long as you didn't look in the mirror, I doubt you would know the difference. The pricey ones do look better though. Personally, I think spending over $100 on a helmet is ridiculous. I bought an 2003 E2 on sale at Supergo for $90. It works great and still looks pretty good. The most important thing with helmets is the fit. Find one that fits and go with that. |
| I have a Xen, but agree with Metroid .... | MrMoto
Oct 22, 2003 6:52 AM | | completely that any helmet, even the cheapest one, will protect you. Most if not all bike helmets are tested and have safety approvals. Try to pick ones that are tested under the latest standards.
Fit is most important. Try different brands and sizes to find the one that fits your cranium the best.
Having said that, here is my opinion on the Xen. I too looked at the E2 and Xen.
For reference my other helmet is an older model Bell. At the time I bought it, it seemed to be a good fit and have been using it for about three or four years. I picked up the Xen this summer. The difference is quite noticeable for me. The Xen is lighter and just fit my head better than the Bell. Roc Loc 4 is a real nice feature and works well. Now the Bell feels like is swims on my head compared to the Xen.
Does the Xen provide better, coverage? No, not really. The plastic shell wraps around the back of the head a bit further down than typical bike helmets, but not by much.
I believe that it is just a bit heavier than the E2 and has less vents, but who can really tell the difference while bombing down your favorite trail?
Does it look better than other helmets? IMO, it does. I could never figure out why mountain biking helmets had that pointy tail sticking out the back. Is it suppose to make me faster? Does it cool my head better? Doubt it. If they said that it provides more of a protective crush zone for the back of your head, I might believe it, but I think its a hold over from the roadie designs.
Ulitmately, I am happy with my decision. I don't think you can go wrong with either. Go with what fits. Good luck. |
| I'd get the one with | Brown Teeth
Oct 22, 2003 7:35 AM | | the best ventilation given I ride mostly above 55 degrees year round. I'm using a bell image 2000 and I have to use one of the head socks to keep the sweat out of my eyes. Going downhill most helmets with enough vents will cool you off but uphill doing under 6 mph is the true test of a helmets ability to not turn into a head baker. I'd get the one with the largest vents next, XEN might be the call there! |
| not really the question | hardhat
Oct 22, 2003 7:24 AM | | As someone who has had a lot of helmets over the years, I understand that protection is virtually the same between $20 and $100 models.
The big difference as you correctly point out is fit. I have never had a $20 helmet fit anywhere near as good as a $100 helmet. |
| But only you can answer the fit question... | Metroid
Oct 22, 2003 8:16 AM | | Everyone's head is different and each helmet fits differently. Only you can decide which one fits the best. If you're not able to try it on, it will just be a guess. |
| agreed.... | hardhat
Oct 22, 2003 9:14 AM | | Good point - fit is only a guess. I guess I should have posted a more specific question.
I was really hoping to hear comparisons on ventilation, quality/durability, and general impressions of fit differences.
Unfortunately I have been unable to find a Xen or E2 to try on so far... |
| re: opinions on Giro Xen helmet? | gn
Oct 22, 2003 5:37 AM | | I love my $20 giro transit. Looks great in yellow. :-) |
| go Xen | shouldberidin'
Oct 22, 2003 6:11 AM | | I felt I could be of service with this post..seeing how I have had both the 03 E2 and the 03 Xen...I currently have the Xen and it is the best fitting helmet I have ever had. I had the E2 and I thought it was ok, It has a ton of vents and seems to pull in air a bit better than the Xen, but the Xen fit my head a bit better. They Both have the same roc loc system, but the Xen seems to feel a bit better. It does come down a bit more for a bit more rear protection, but then again it weighs a bit more. I'm not a weight weenie and to be honest I can't tell the weight difference on my head. I would say if you are racing and heat is an issue, get the lighter weight better breathing helmet...If you want a good all around trail helmet, that has added protection and style...get the Xen. I've seen the Xen selling for around $100 recently so look for a deal. And to me it is worth the money to get a good helmet...yeah you can buy last years models to get a bit cheaper, but I think the previous comment about a 20 dollar helmet working just as good...BS! Thats like saying Huffy is as good as a Turner! |
| Not a good analogy... | Metroid
Oct 22, 2003 8:09 AM | | A $20 Bell helmet from WalMart like this one...
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=2138977&cat=5306&type=5&dept=4125&path=0%3A4125%3A4178%3A4184%3A5306
...is made by the exact same company (Giro owned by Bell Sports), uses the exact same materials (polystyrene foam with plastic shell) and carries the same safety certifications as the Giro Xen that costs 8 times as much. The only differences are fit and asethetics. My advice is to get a helmet that fits the best in your price range. |
| Teach me the ways of analogy oh wise one :) | shouldberidin'
Oct 22, 2003 8:05 PM | | I guess I was mistaken...I assumed the definition of analogy was : Inference that if two or more things (Huffy bike frame and a turner bike frame like the 5 spot) agree in some respects (material, shape, general purpose)they will probably agree in others... A likeness in one or more ways between things otherwise unlike. Hmm...You even said yourself that fit is a difference. Sure a huffy is cheaper and is made of similar materials (metal), and has some geometry into the frame design...but you can't tell me it feels like a custom frame or a high end frame in fit or quality. I was implying with my "bad analogy" that buying a cheap helmet that passes all the same rating tests, and is made of similar material, only because it is cheap, is a mistake! You are not getting any of the comfort that you would get with a more expensive helmet! If I could find a 20 dollar helmet that fit as well, and was equal in design features I would go for it. You can't tell me that your 20 dollar walmart special fits as well, fxn's as well in pulling in air, and even looks half way cool. (yes I'm only in it for the looks.)
I'm glad you have done your research on 20 dollar helmets...I hope you convert many and have a prosperous following. Unfortunately I am converted to quality, and when you post a picture showing that cannondale clipless shoes are way cheaper than sidi dominators and that the only difference is asethetics and fit...I'll pass on the comments 'cause you know my analogy won't make sense to anyone. PEACE lets ride sometime. :) |
| I mentioned I was riding with a Giro E2... | Metroid
Oct 23, 2003 6:13 AM | | So I'm not trying to send anyone to WalMart for their helmet. If a $20 helmet fits good and you don't mind looking like a dork, go for it. I'm a bit too snobbish and narcissistic for that.
The original post was about the differences between the Giro E2 and the Xen. Bringing a $20 helmet conversation was a bit of a stretch. Making a metal:metal analogy with Huffy and Turner was over the top and not really germane to the discussion. I was just making a point that the key difference between helmets is fit and aesthetics. My further point was that without trying on the actual helmet you're interested in, it's just a guess from a picture in catalog or website.
I'm not really sure where companies get their anthropometric data from but never the less, they attempt to model a foam shell in just a couple sizes that fit everyones head. Sometimes they do and sometimes they don't. It's a good thing different companies make different sizes and shapes. That's why I was really disappointed when Bell and Giro merged. My old Medium/Large Giro Gila? fit the best but unfortunately they don't make that size anymore. The good news is the fitting systems are better. I'm glad all this money we are spending on styofoam with plastic shells is going to some good.
And you're right, we should be ridin'. |
| How about sizing differences? | uofabill
Oct 22, 2003 7:29 AM | | I too have been considering a Xen and currently have an E2 that I have liked a lot. I wear a 7 1/4 hat but my current E2 is a small medium and fits pretty well. It is snug which is how I think it should fit. It seems that Giro has changed it's sizing or has more than one method. The Xens I see come in S,M,L so I'm stumped as to which of those sizes compares to my current S/Med? I know I can get a tailors tape and measure my melon but I don't ever seem to get that done. Also none of the LBS' have a Xen to try. |
| The Xen is the best helmet for bigger head sizes | browncow36
Oct 22, 2003 7:59 AM | | I wear a 7 3/4 fitted baseball hat, which is pretty big. I have tried on every helmet that I have ever seen and none have ever fit. The problem with me is the depth of the helmets. They all fit the shape of my head, but every helmet sits too high on my head, and consequently looks rather silly.
I tried on the Xen and this is the first helmet that actually fit my head size. I am currently riding in my Protec skate helmet because it's the only helmet I have ever found that comfortably fits my head.
Although the Xen was around $125.00 and I don't have the cash for a helmet that expensive. I worried about spending all that cash, especially if I bail and crack the helmet even slightly, because it will have to be replaced. |
| more of an issue of how it is put together | Tapper
Oct 22, 2003 8:29 AM | | I've got a bell and it has worked well,but the constant sweat has screwed up the velco attachments inside and the straps don't connect properly anymore. plus i'm tired of it.
I thought the E2 fit well until i tried on the Specialized helmet. Damn that fit nicely. S1 or M2, no matter, they both fit a bit better than the Giro, with a lower profile. A road and mtn helmet. A bit less expensive too.
And i liked that the strap by the ear attaches right into the helmet body, not onto velcro. |
| I have both an E2 and a Xen | Tscheezy
Oct 22, 2003 10:37 AM | | I have had an E2 for about 3 years and a Xen for about 4 months.
I like the E2 better. The Xen has more and larger contact points with your head so it tends to stay put better and "grab" your head more positively, but those contact points also make the helmet feel warmer and give more pad area to soak up (and hold) sweat. With the RocLoc system and with the straps adjusted correctly, neither helmet will shift. The brow pad on the Xen is tall and wide and is a real sweat/rain sponge, and once it is saturated, when you wrinkle your brow it comes pouring out. The E2 uses minial, long thin pads which are discontinuous across your brow, dry better, and don't hold as much moisture overall. The E2 is simply better vented too. Kinda splitting hairs here compared to cheapie helmets, but between the Xen and E2, the E2 wins handily when it comes to dry, cooling performance.
The Xen feels a tiny bit heavier, but also seems to sit "lower" on your head (the mass is more concentrated in a halo above your ears), so this is not an issue. The straps come out of the edge of the shell (like a skate helmet) instead of inside the helmet and the fact that the straps don't lay against your face is kind of nice, but it can make fitting some sunglasses a real pain. The E2's strap lays against your face and the sunglass earpiece passes over it easily. Some sunglasses (Oakley sweeps, Briko Lucifer, etc) have wide arcing earpieces which will not really work with the Xen. I can put my sunglasses on and take them off with one hand with my E2, but cramming the earpieces under the Xen straps sometimes takes 2 hands, and when you open your jaw and the chin strap gets pulled, the sunglass earpieces get pushed against your head.
Those are the standout differences. The Xen looks kinda cool, but the E2 is more functional in (almost) every category. No contest that I can see. BTW- I have a fairly "round" head (front to back) and I wear a size M/L in the old sizing, or size M in the new sizing.
tscheezy |
| Now there's some valuable info! | uofabill
Oct 22, 2003 11:22 AM | | That does it, new E2 yes, Xen no! Gracias for the input. |
| E2 man | polaris009
Oct 22, 2003 11:09 AM | | the Xen is amazing and it fits like a glove but for the extra money there aren't any benefits over the E2 besides feel. They both use the same locking system in the back, so if you want total comfort, go with the XEN, but both have a ton of vents, I love my E2. |
| re: opinions on Giro Xen helmet? | seppi
Oct 22, 2003 11:13 AM | | Regarding the Xen vent design; 1)the pattern is such that you can not stick your sunglasses on your helmut when you wanted to ride without sunglasses, and 2) the holes are large and I seem to snag the helmut on low branches more often than with my prior helmut. |
| re: opinions on Giro Xen helmet? | seppi
Oct 22, 2003 11:19 AM | | make the last word "helmet" |
| The Xen fits MY head better than any helmet I've put on. nm | JsR
Oct 23, 2003 5:20 AM | | |
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