Giro first started in 1985 making cycling helmets when not all cyclists wore helmets, and certainly no skiers did. They perfected the cycling helmet into something you don't even notice once you have it on, but it protects your head in case of a crash, which I have personally witnessed way too many times.

When Giro got into snow helmets, I knew they would make the best snow helmets around, as the cycling helmets are second to none. And they delivered! Giro uses a light plastic shell that they injection mold the protective padding. This process allows for more vents and creates a stronger, more shock absorbing helmet than a solid helmet design many other manufactures use. The plastic's sole function is to really hold the foam together. The foam is the helmet's protection, not the plastic. In cycling helmets, the plastic also serves to allow the helmet to skid on the pavement so as not to jerk the head in case of fall, but with snow, this is a non-issue. Solid helmets will be heavier, have fewer vents, and not absorb shocks to the head as well. Do not buy a solid shell helmet from another manufacturer, get the real deal with a Giro helmet!

I have an older Fuse model without the adjuster in the rear. It fits my head perfectly, but the adjuster means it will fit even more heads. I bought this models for my daughter. She was just too big for small, so I was afraid medium would be too big, and it would be except for the adjuster, which produces the perfect fit.

The helmet is light, strong and has a variable vent system you can open, close, or crack 1/2 way open with the flick of your glove. On the lift up on a medium day, I often close it up, then open it as I start down a run. The breeze on my head keeps me from completely overheating. On a cold day, it stays closed the entire day. When it gets warm, they are always open. You also have side vents for the really warm days. Punch them out and put them in your pocket for a real breezy feel.

Goggles fit great with this helmet, creating a pretty good seal around the forehead. Make sure your goggles have enough strap to go all the way around the helmet (Hello goggle manufacturers!!!! Make sure you add one more inch of strap material so that we can wear your product with a helmet, most skiers now wear helmets. Hello??? Are you listening???? Hello!!)

This model does not have audio, but you need to listen to tunes while skiing, you should not be out on the slopes creating a hazard for other users anyway.

My only criticism of model is the flap that holds the goggles on will sometimes crack and break off. I repaired two other helmets (mine and my wife's), so it is not a big deal, but could be easily corrected in future models.