Giro Ledge Review

This is my review of Giro Ledge. In my opinion, it won’t win any awards for creativity or design, but those looking for a simple and reliable helmet will love what the model has to offer. It’s quite affordable and comes with plenty of ventilation.

Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of this ski helmet, who it is best for, and other similar alternatives to consider.

Quick Summary

• Where to Buy: Amazon, The House
• Best For: Skiers who want an affordable, minimalist helmet they can use just about anywhere.
• Pros: This helmet has no-frills, which cuts down on unnecessary fluff, and offers solid protection. It’s also comfortable in a way that holds up on both easy and tough days.
• Cons: The basic design might not be for everyone. Some people might want more features, and skiers who value versatility won’t be a huge fan of the fixed vents.
• Alternatives: Wildhorn Drift, OutdoorMaster, Smith Optics Holt

Why Trust Me

I’ve been hitting the slopes since I was a kid. I enjoy getting out in the snow and have hands-on experience with a wide range of different skiing items. I’ve tested the Giro Ledge and spent a good amount of time analyzing its many traits.

Detailed Review of Giro Ledge

You don’t buy the Giro Ledge if you’re searching for the latest in helmet technology. This model is all about cutting back, as shown through its simple design and plain look. Even so, it’s a great choice if you want reliability without shelling out a ton of cash. It may not be the best helmet on the market, but it’s clean, comfortable, and safe.

A Good Fit

When looking at a helmet, you first need to make sure it sits properly on your head. That’s one area where the Ledge excels. The shape fits quite nicely, not giving you too much extra room or creating slippage while also ensuring it’s not too tight or uncomfortable. It sits well and won’t slide out of place, no matter how long you’re on the slopes.

Going off of that, I love how easy it is to adjust for such a basic model. While you’re not going to get any knobs with this design, the Ledge is still quite simple to change up based on what you need. The initial fit is great, but you can tweak it here and there as you ride. It’s also flexible in a way that most skiers won’t need to fuss around with it too much. Throw it on, set it, and you’re good to go.

Warmth and Comfort

As great as the fit is, the Giro doesn’t quite get the same marks for warmth and comfort. It’s still easy enough to wear. You can have it on all day and not feel any lasting issues. That being said, the fixed vents are a bit of an issue in colder weather. This is a great option on warmer days, but its open system can be a bit of a drag once the temperature dips.

Skiers who typically like to wear an extra layer, such as a thin beanie, underneath their helmet will likely have no issue with the Ledge’s colder feel. However, if you don’t have those extra layers, it can become an issue. That goes double if you’re someone who skies deep into the winter. Either wear it on warmer days, or be prepared to layer up before going out.

Ventilation

As mentioned above, the Giro Ledge chooses to use a fixed venting system. That’s both good and bad. Bad because it locks you into a single setup, which can be an issue in frosty weather, but it does also allow for nice airflow to prevent you from overheating.

If you’re someone who values adjustable vents, or who snows in weather where you need extra options, this helmet probably won’t give you what you’re looking for. If you’re someone who needs solid ventilation or who simply wants to ensure they never overheat, this is a great choice. It’s all about your personal preferences.

There’s a chance that backcountry skiers might want more ventilation than what this has to offer, especially for people who really need to climb. Even so, the number of vents should be more than enough for anyone else.

Goggles and Compatibility

The Ledge works quite well with all goggles, though it does so in different ways. Giro brand goggles, as expected, seamlessly fit the helmet without any issues. Other brands, including Anon, Spy, and Julbo, also fit the system. They just don’t do so quite as nicely. What saves the helmet is the neutral shape, which ensures most goggles can be worn without any problems.

The goggle clip is also great. You can either click it in or out, depending on your preferences, and it’s incredibly easy to remove. There are no extra parts to worry about, either. That’s especially important for skiers who value simplicity.

Low Price, Simple Design

There are many helmets on the market filled to the brim with different top-of-the-line features. The ledge, in contrast, keeps everything simple or streamlined. Each part of the design is minimalistic, with a one-color shell and a single strap. There are quite a few colors for people who like options, but don’t expect any crazy graphics or extra pieces here.

That helps keep the price down and offers a strong shell that won’t break the bank. Yes, there are no GoPro clips or extra dials, but this isn’t the helmet for such features. If you want something functional and easy that won’t run you too much, it’s hard to do better.

What I Like

The Giro Ledge is a helmet that knows exactly what it is and what it isn’t. You get a lot of value here, considering the lower price point, without losing anything in the process. Many times budget helmets will skimp on critical features, but that simply isn’t the case with this model.

The clean look is something I appreciate, as is the solid fit and sturdy design. Being able to put the helmet on and quickly adjust it to your head is always nice. You can freely change it on the fly if you need to, and I love that it stays in place without too much trouble.

What I Dislike

As much as I applaud the Ledge’s no-nonsense design, there’s something to be said about the absence of certain premium features. You’re never going to feel lacking with this model, but there will be times where you might want more. That’s especially true if you’re someone who’s used to more expensive models.

The cold can also be an issue. Though I enjoy extra ventilation, adjustability goes a long way. Most people going for a more basic helmet will already snow in warmer areas or use multiple layers. Even so, I’d always rather have the option to dress for colder weather than to be forced into it by a rigid design.

The Alternatives

If you’re someone who wants a plain or budget helmet that’s different from the Giro Ledge, check out these options:

• Wildhorn Drift – This helmet is another great model that offers strong protection at a low price. As with the Ledge, you get a range of different colors and a comfortable fit. This also has 13 adjustable vents as well as internal insulation that ensures you stay warm at all times.
• OutdoorMaster – If budget is your number one priority, this option from OutdoorMaster is likely your best non-Ledge choice. It also comes with an incredibly simplistic design and cuts back on any extra bells and whistles. Even so, it has excellent breathability on top of a tough shell and adjustable fit.
• Smith Optics Holt – When comparing the Holt (review) to the Ledge, the pricing, design, look, and feel are all quite similar. However, it differs through its multi-step protection and the special AirEvac ventilation system. If you ski in tough terrain and want to keep your budget down, this will provide you with good results.

Final Verdict

The Ledge is, in one word, simple. This helmet cuts down in many different areas, and does so quite effectively. Not everyone will appreciate a lack of premium traits but it works great for those who don’t mind a basic look made for the mountain. It’s sturdy, holds up well under impacts, and works with many different goggles.

With this helmet, you know what you’re getting right out of the box. The fixed vents or simple look might not be for all skiers, especially those who like to add a little extra flair to their outfit, but there’s something to be said about an affordable helmet that will keep you safe.