Giro has launched an all-new open-face lid aimed at 'progressive' riders such as Josh 'Ratboy' Bryceland, Josh 'Loosedog' Lewis and Vero (sadly un-nicknamed) Sandler. It's got MIPS, loads of head coverage and looks that will almost certainly not be to everyone's liking.

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From a technical point of view, the helmet gets two layers of different density expanded foam along with an inbuilt MIPS Spherical liner that's said to help reduce brain injuries due to rotational forces.

The outer layer of foam is for high-speed impacts, while the inner foam has "rebound characteristics designed to address low-speed, roll-around-in-the-dirt-type spills, like when a rider tumbles off a mis-timed footplant". That's something we're constantly battling with at off.road.cc towers, so it's great to know we're finally covered. 

The back of the helmet also extends much further around the base and sides of your noggin, very much like a full-face helmet minus the chin-bar. We assume that these progressive riders are very worried about ear injuries but care not one jot for their teeth.

As well as being totally open at the front, there are also 14 vents and what Giro calls 'Channeled Stack' ventilation at the brow. As you'd hope, it's fully compatible with goggles with a tool-free, bolt-on visor and cheek pads that can be adjusted for fit.

“Racers are still racing, but so much of the real energy in mountain biking is now out playing in the woods - building the ultimate lines and sessioning the best parts,” said Giro Marketing Director Dain Zaffke. “Tyrant is made for riders who are more likely to be wearing jeans than a number, but are still pushing boundaries with their riding. We wanted to give them a helmet that matches their style but still delivers the latest evolution in protection.”

So, if you need a helmet to go along with the sweet chafe of denim on your jibbing missions, the Giro Tyrant will cost you £135 and is available now.

• www.giro.com

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