Giro Prolight vs Ionos...??

itchieritchie

I've had a Specialized 2D for the last 2 years or so before it just slowly disintegrated before my eyes. Helmet pads were so thin I sometimes felt like Jesus (crown of thorns) and the retention system is so brittle and plasticky a piece just snapped off at the side meaning the only way of slapping the damn thing to my bonce was to pull the chin strap so tight it gave me a headache. Light, mind at just under 200gs.

Armed with receipt, I headed into Evans for a replacement and they're doing me a good upgrade/part-exchange deal. I just said I wanted the lightest thing they had, which is the Prolight. Didn't get a look at it as they had to order it in. Due to arrive toms or Wed.

But now after doing some internet catch-up, I see that many rate the Ionos higher for it's better ventilation characteristics and even styling, despite the weight increase.

Also, many of the pros that originally opted for the Prolight returned to the Ionos, including a certain Texan. I'm wondering why.

Does anyone have any experience, good or bad, of either, that you could share with me?

I should add that I DO like light weight, possibly cos I'm so skinny and lightweight myself, at 10 stone and 5'9", and I don't like feeling much on my noggin. But neither is it ideal to compromise too much on ventilation, and I intend to do a few more tri's here and there.

Cheers

Daimler

I currently have a Limar Pro 104 at 200g (56-61cm size) and it's a good fit with dial adjustment and good ventilation. I did consider the Prolight but seeing that it only has an elastic strap at the back instead of dial adjustment is a bit weird but I guess it'll be ok in the medium size.
It's not the best looking helmet and I agree the Ionos is better looking.

Shame they don't do the Bell Sweep looks with the Prolights light weight.
I'm same height/weight as you and am also a weight weenie.
Can you not choose the Limar helmet as I think it'd be a better fit than the Prolight and of course be the same weight with good ventilation and dial adjustment.
Had mine almost 2 years and it's been perfect.
8)

itchieritchie

Dang it...!! Just checked out that helmet and it looks superb, with great reviews, but it's not available at Evans, only Wiggle.

Mmm...what the hell do I do now...?? I'll just have to wait and see when the helmet arrives. Not liking the idea of the elastic. Elasticity goes with time, doesn't it? How can THAT be a good idea....??

Back to the drawing board....

Cheers for the advice though!

Daimler

I think the Prolight will be alright if you've ordered it.
Just see how you get on with it.
Surely if it's not up to scratch then you might be able to negotiate something with Evans?

cougie

I'd try it for comfort - alongside the other giros ? Cant see that the weight is noticeable in practice ?

itchieritchie

Yeah, think that's good advice. Will just have to try it on when it arrives. Not much point speculating until it does.

Hope it pans out ok, probably just overfussing the issue, but for me, helmets are almost as personal as saddles.

I'll let you know what I go with.

Cheers again!

Daimler

I'll look out for your reply too as I was contemplating one myself despiet the elastic at the back.

rjsmith

I've got the Atmos, Ionos and Prolight. Ionos does look better than the Prolight but I find the Prolight very confortable indeed. As long as you take a couple of seconds to check the elastic retention isn't twisted round when you put it on there are no problems. It's a joy to have so little pressure on the head (not that it was much of an issue with the Atmos either). Very happy with it for racing, though I've never really needed more ventilation here in England.