Comments about Giro Xar Helmet '11:

Took a really hard endo while wearing the Xar. Definitley saved my head. Love the molding that covers more exposed foam than the other helmets...helps prevent dings and chunks from being taken out in smaller crashes.

Comments about Giro Xar Helmet '11:

As a long user of Giro helmets, I was not disappointed. The price was right, i.e., on sale. I use this for both MTB and road riding. Some may not like the colour, but I rather like it.

Comments about Giro Xar Helmet '11:

They say you either love the way Giro fits or the way Bell fits, my head loves the way Giro helmets fit me. I bought this helmet to replace my aging Giro... per the recommendation of my riding buddy and I'm glad I did. It fits so well. It reduces the oh-my-god-my-head-looks-enormous feel that I get with some helmets. Overall its a great product that I would buy again and again.

Comments about Giro Xar Helmet '11:

I had an older Giro Xen which fit perfectly and so does this Xar. I have not crashed with it, but it feels like it protects just aswell as the Xen.

I use it for single-track and technical trails not requiring more protection.
For pure cross country on gravel or good roads you might want to remove the visor or buy a helmet without visor (it starts to whistle at about 30km/h)

I got it from JensonUSA with good discount so I am very very happy with it!

Comments about Giro Xar Helmet '11:

being asian with a wide head,the large size still is narrow and clamp to the sides of the temples.

Comments about Giro Xar Helmet '11:

The Xar replaces my four year old Xen. The Xen was probably my favorite bike helmet of all that I have owned over the years. Naturally I had high expectation for the Xar since it has been introduced to replace the Xen.
However, in that respect it does fall short for me. The helmet has pretty much the same shape as the Xen and the fit is just as good (for my head) and the coverage is equally good. The RocLoc 5 retention system works better than the RocLoc 4 on the Xen although I doubt that it will be as easy to use in cold weather with thick gloves. The visor is easy to adjust in order to keep the sun out of your eyes or the visor itself out of your sight.
The biggest drawback of the Xar compared to the Xen is that the aeration simply doesn't work as well. I never felt the urge to take of the Xen even on hot summer days when grinding up a steep climb. The Xar even felt to warm on an road ride on an overcast day.
It's a good helmet in its own right and I would recommend it. However, compared to its predecessor I can't help but feel somewhat disappointed with this helmet.

Comments about Giro Xar Helmet '11:

I use this helmet for commuting to work, doing structures and generally all my riding except when I'm on the road. Its just a bit noisy when your riding hard.

Comments about Giro Xar Helmet '11:

This helmet was marked down substantially so I can't be too unhappy. If I'd paid full price I'd be bummed.

It fits well and will protect my head.
The thin foam comfort lining is cheap material and will get worn out rather quickly.
The flimsy visor does not ratchet into place so it just slides back "up" when I try to lower it.
The fruity colored extreme "X" on the rear of the helmet was not pictured and is very disappointing. I chose this helmet largely because it appeared subdued and plain – but that is not the reality.
Mainly this is just another over-priced bike accessory that will likely only last me a season or two.

Comments about Giro Xar Helmet '11:

The fit system is excellent. It's super snug and after I get it snugged-up the upper part of the helmet can still pivot, lowering the visor when forward and increasing cooling ventilation when back.

Comments about Giro Xar Helmet '11:

This was an upgrade from a one-size Bell model (I forget the name). I wanted something that wouldn't flop around as much, although the Bell does quite well for [$]. Right about the same time the Xar went on sale for 45% off; I might not have bought it otherwise. I am glad I did, though.The Xar fits perfectly due to the Roc Loc 5 adjustment. This enables you to to quickly adjust it to sit low over your eyes or up a bit for better forehead cooling, while maintaining a perfect fit and a perfect lock on your head. It's rather amazing in that respect. (Within reason, of course -- a helmet pitched back on the head is just a hood ornament).The Xar is also considerably smaller than the Bell it replaced. Smaller in the sense of taking up less space, meaning that I feel less like I have a bucket, and a little more like I have a hat on. Likewise, it's extremely lightweight, although it's a markedly stronger construction than the Bell, or my friend's racier-looking Bell. You generally forget you have it on.It's quite good-looking, too.