Giro carries both high-end and the more affordable range of bike helmets, depending on which seems to meet your application or discipline the most. The Giro Radix Vs Hex for example are some of the best on the mid-range with good comfort and also attractive styling yet, they are not identical and before deciding to choose one, let’s see below about what they can offer.
In this comparison, we are going to talk about:
- Which Bike Helmet to Buy
- What are Giro Radix and Hex
- How are the Design of Giro Radix and Hex
- How are the Build Quality of Giro Radix and Hex
- How are the Fit System of Giro Radix and Hex
- Are Giro Radix and Hex Comfortable
- Giro Radix Vs Hex
Buying a Bike Helmet
Whether you are a commuter who prefers to ride the bicycle or enthusiast who often hits the trails to finish a new record, all of us have to wear the proper safety gear which is a bike helmet. Bike helmet is required in many cities for commuters who use smaller transportation methods such as electric scooters in order to reduce the risk of serious head injuries. They are affordable so we do think most of us can have one standardized helmet for the activity.
When it comes to bike helmets, most people just go with the model that they want to have. For example road bike helmet for road cyclist and MTB helmet for trails riders but, some of them are also interchangeable depending on whether the gear is still ideal for the activity. An MTB helmet can be used while you are pedaling on the road and vice versa, a road helmet is also protective as long as they meet the standard required in your country.
But, for the more extreme applications such as racing or downhill riding, there are specific helmets designed specifically for the activity. Racing for example requires high speed and since we are often going against the wind, the racing helmet or aero helmet is designed to minimize the resistance. On the other hand downhill riding is an extreme activity that is typically high in risk so the helmet designed for this discipline must be more protective with a face shield or chin protector, and often made of different material than typical helmets.
When you have decided which type of helmet to buy, don’t forget to also select the size to match your head. Just like the rest of our body, the head can vary in size and shape, moreover we can also have different hair shapes or styles. Try measuring the head circumference at home, especially when you are shopping online to find the ideal option. There are many sizes to choose, usually from small to extra-large but there are also brands and models that only offer their helmets in one universal size.
After selecting the size, make sure that the helmet can be fitted properly. Try the helmet and adjust the fit; usually there is a rotating knob on the rear that we can use to find the correct fit. It is very easy to use and make sure that it doesn’t put too much pressure or too loose. Adjust the chin strap and clip it so we know how it feels on the head. In case the fit is too loose or too tight, we should change for another size because an ideal bike helmet must be snug on our head.
Giro Radix | Giro Hex | |
---|---|---|
Product Dimensions | 14 x 10 x 8 inches | 14 x 9.4 x 7.1 inches |
Shipping Weight | 1 Pounds | 1.45 Pounds |
Shop now at Amazon | Check price | Check price |
About Giro Radix and Hex
There are so many good options when you are on the market for a new bike helmet. Most companies can provide a whole range from the road to MTB helmets and each line can have several options as well. It is great to go with the choice that you like the most or match well with the budget. If this is your first time shopping for a bike helmet, it is convenient to go for popular options since they have high chances to deliver a good experience.
Giro is one of the most popular options when you are planning to buy one and this is also our favorite brand, especially if you want to shop on a budget. Many of their helmets such as Giro Vasona Vs Register are very affordable for road cyclists or anyone who wants to be safe and still stylish. They carry lots of different models based on the discipline, price range, and you can find both aero and ideal helmets for downhill riding too.
For those who want to ride on trails, the Giro Radix and Hex are two favorite options to consider. These helmets are quite popular and if you like the Smith Forefront, we do think you will also like the Radix. The two are perfect for those who prefer to hit the dirt or go off road for entertainment. They are rugged, comfy, and also quite affordable for the type. Currently Radix is the more modern choice because Hex missed some features that can be easily found on similar helmets nowadays.
One of the points we want to talk about is the lack of MIPS. It is a feature that can help reduce the damage from rotational impact which is somehow not present in this helmet. In comparison, Giro Radix and Hex are not identical at all and if you can spend the budget, we do recommend going for Radix because this is a better helmet overall and personally we also think that it is the better looking choice.
Giro Radix and Hex Design
Look may not affect the protective ability of a helmet but it is affecting how you will feel when securing the lid. Thankfully both Giro Radix and Hex are quite low on the head so it doesn’t create a bubbly look or make your head appear rounder. The fit and styling is very similar however and both are quite traditional based on the vents shape or amount. Modern helmets start to use larger but less vents for optimum cooling effect but these two use smaller and more of them.
The styling is not far different but we do think Radix is sportier, probably due to the top which is flatter compared to Hex or the vents shape which is sharper and larger, especially the two exhaust on the back. When holding the helmets another noticeable difference will be on weight because Hex is very light, considering it is an MTB helmet the unit is less than 300 grams (270 gr) in medium size while Radix is 316 grams for the same size.
Giro Radix and Hex Build Quality
Next for the most important part, let’s see what the Giro Radix and Hex can offer starting from the build quality. As you can expect, one of the drawbacks of lightweight helmets is the lack of protection and we are not talking about the protective ability but more of how rigid the helmet is made. Hex is very light and to do so they have to use less material, in this case the shell which is why you can see the exposed foam on the rim being uncovered.
On the other hand Radix is quite modern with the full coverage on the outer foam. This part is prone to get damaged from being transported often or when it accidentally meets a hard object while you transport or store it. However, no matter how rigid the helmet is, once you hit them with meaningful force, it is still wise to replace it. In addition there is also no MIPS or similar feature in Hex which may also slightly reduce its weight.
Giro Radix and Hex System
Next is for the fit system which is also important because this is what used to give the proper comfort. Since Radix is newer, this helmet is coming with Roc Loc 5.5 while the Hex comes with Roc Loc 5 and they are slightly different on head. They are similar in the method to adjust fit which is through the rear knob. This adjustment is easy to use and able to provide a wide range of fit but depending on the head shape, some people may still experience some pressure points.
We do think they will fit on most people just well and the visor is adjustable too, which in our opinion is quite short for an MTB helmet yet some people prefer this type of length. We can combine eyewear like goggles or sunglasses too while their chin strap is standard and smooth.
Giro Radix and Hex Comfort
Lastly for comfort, Giro Radix and Hex are performing like most MTB helmets. They are definitely not the most cooling helmet you can have but good enough for a wide range of terrains. The smaller vents are working well and effective at channeling the hot air inside while capturing fresh air as we move forward. The fit is nice and snug but Hex does feel lighter on the head.
Giro Radix Vs Hex
Both Giro Radix and Hex are good options based on what they can offer but the main difference in our opinion is the build quality. Hex is lighter but to do so the helmet must reduce the use of its hard shell and this may affect the overall rigidity of the helmet. It also doesn’t have a MIPS feature which many people may want to find in their helmet.
Conclusion
The decision is all yours because both are protective helmets but we will recommend choosing Giro Radix because this is a more modern variant from their MTB line and comes with all the basic features for both safety and comfort.