Giro Flak Multi-Sport Helmet

Protection - It has what appears to be the same shell as my Giro Encore snowboarding helmet. I have used the Encore for a number of years for all-season cycling. The Encore has saved my skull and probably my life on several occasions. I need more ventilation for summer now with local high temperatures breaking records quite often. The shell design is a real plus.Sizing - I got the Large and the maximum size in the range is USA (United States of America) hat size 7-3/4. That is exactly what it is as received with the medium front and back padding already installed - a snug 7-3/4. There are two sets of additional front and back padding to make adjustments in the range. The thin padding gives a loose 7-3/4. I ended up using one medium and one thin. There is only one top pad which is already installed..Color - I got the Green and it is pretty much as pictured. but brighter.The tag in the helmet reads "MAT BRIGHT GREEN', probably a better description.Ventilation - Excellent ventilation.JimP.S.I have added a picture to this review. I took it to illustrate a review of the decal but I added it here, too, because it accurately reflects the color of the helmet.Jim

There is no way to look good in a bicycle helmet, but it is for safety first. This is as stylish as they come and fits great. It keeps my head cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It is one of the better brands of helmets and the price was right. Can't say how well it protects your head as I have never been in an accident to test it out (thank goodness). On that, I will just take the manufacturers warnings.

Let me start off by saying that I have no doubt that if in a crash, this helmet would provide plenty of protection for my noodle. So in other words, it would serve its function. But the downside is that this thing would also protect Tom Brady from Ray Lewis. It's HUUUGE! Huge in a cartoonish way, i.e. Great Gazoo (google it). I laughed at myself! I was thinking that it would be the size of a military helmet, but this thing is more like a football helmet without the face mask. But like I said, it will get the job done by protecting your noggin (hence the 3 stars).My other complaints are specific to the Matte Olive color. Like several reviewers have already said, its not really matte olive, more like charcoal/black with a hint of green if you hold it under a light and squint. The color actually isn't that bad, but for Giro to advertise it as different than the truth is an underhanded tactic to get people's attention. Once you buy it, its easier to say "Well, its not what I ordered, but its not so bad" than to send it back and find another helmet. Shame on you Giro, there are laws against this ya know.Last but not least: the graphics. On the left side, the graphics are as shown on the picture: low profile, but complimenting the helmet's military look with the camo design. But on the other side, it just gets weird. It looks like the press machine went haywire, as the graphics are twice as high and looks like spilled paint rather than a design. To recap: the left side graphics are low profile, complimentary, and cool. The right side screams "What the heck happened to your helmet?" I would have liked for the entire design to mirror the image shown in the picture, but maybe that's asking too much.So I sent the thing back. Giro advertises the "good" side of the helmet (shouldn't both sides be the same?) in a completely different color (should be called Matte Black with a twist of lime). I don't usually complain or send things back, but this was worth spreading the word. BUYER BEWARE!!!

I have a large head and this bike helmet fit perfectly. It makes me feel save traversing the streets of Sacramento and (since I often bike to and from work and social functions) it is also very stylish. I was easily able to mount a bike light to the top for use after dark (the one on my bike was stolen and I vowed never to do that again). It is breathable and quite comfortable.

****UPDATE**** After only four months, the lining on the Giro's foam pads started to delaminate from the foam. I contacted Giro Customer Service and they promised to send me new pads. I had the same problem of the lining delaminating on my Nutcase helmet. Apparently the offshore manufacturers are cutting corners on the new helmets. I never had this problem on any of my previous bike helmets. **** End Update*****This is my second skateboard style bike helmet. I've had enough of cycling lycra and those blah "aero" type helmets. They are just too 1990's. The first helmet I had of this type was a Nutcase, and although I liked the shell, graphics and fit adjustment, the internal foam quickly fell apart - making the Nutcase useless.This Giro is much better made. You can tell the foam padding is better quality. Adjustment is pretty standard. Once it is adjusted, you can forget about it. One plus is that the Giro Flak has a few more vent holes than other skateboard style helmets to keep my head cool.

I initially wanted a more skate/snow style helmet for biking since that is what im used too. This helmet looks great, certainly has enough padding to protect you but is the most uncomfortable thing to have on your head. The sides along my temples and over my ears were extremely loose, allowing the helmet to slide around, but at the same time it sat excruciatingly tight on the crown of my noggin. I ended up buying a Giro Reverb and leaving my Flak at home. A helmet only works if you want to wear it!

looks like I'm wearing a big ole egg. not pretty... the ladies mock me.

Got this helmet a couple of days ago, and I have to say that I'm pretty satisfied with it. The finish actually makes it look like a matte red. I thought it would be polished from looking at the photos. The only downside is that it scratches really easy, but who cares! It's a helmet. It protects the dome, so it's supposed to be scratched. Other than that, it has a snug fit, it's comfortable and the lil creepy dude on the side is kinda cool.