17 vents/Colours: blue/black, black/pink (£99.95), gunmetal, matt black, sepia, white/acid green/Weight: 327g
Contact: www.ultimatepursuits.com

The Xen is made using two in-moulded upper and lower polycarbonate hardbody sections. The shell extends quite far down at the back and the hardbody also wraps under the bottom of the helmet, offering maximum abrasion resistance. The ‘Wind Tunnel’ vents are angled to increase airflow, but the Xen is still a warm helmet in use.
A clip-in POV fitting keeps the visor stable and it has 15 degrees of adjustment. Both side straps feature cam-lock buckles and they’re anchored inside the EPS via small barbs. The RocLoc 4 retention system allows lateral and vertical adjustment but we found it tended to unclip from the upper anchor — this is actually common on all Giro helmets. The one-piece sweat pad is easy to clean.
Overall the Xen is a warm lid but it’s robust, has a good finish, and is covered by an excellent crash replacement policy (a new helmet will cost you £35).

MBR RATING: 9/10