Three leading helmet brands, three different approaches to safety, fit and rider priorities. This guide breaks down what makes MET, Giro and Leatt helmets unique, who each brand is best for, and how to choose the right helmet for road, gravel and mountain riding.
Best for road performance MET — lightweight, ventilated, aero-focused road helmets.
Best all-round & fit systems Giro — wide range from commuter to pro-level, innovative fit systems and MIPS-powered options.
Best for impact-energy management Leatt — purpose-built turbine tech that targets rotational-energy mitigation for trail/enduro riders.
MET is known for high-performance road and gravel helmets that balance low weight, high ventilation and aerodynamic features. MET models often feature integrated rotational-impact protection and are targeted at riders who prioritise efficiency and cooling on long rides.
Who it's for: road racers, cyclists who race or ride long, hot days, and riders who want a premium, lightweight packable helmet that doesn't sacrifice airflow.
Giro covers the full spectrum: commuter, recreational, road and mountain helmets. Giro designs combine comfortable fit systems (Roc Loc / Spherical) with modern safety features — many Giro models are available with MIPS or Giro’s Spherical (ball-and-socket) systems.
Who it's for: riders who want reliable fit and comfort plus a wide choice of style/price points — excellent for MTB riders wanting durable protection and commuters wanting practical features.
Leatt focuses heavily on impact-energy management. Their helmets feature 360° Turbine Technology — internal energy-absorbing discs designed to reduce rotational forces and peak accelerations in crashes. Leatt models are tailored to mountain, trail and enduro riders who demand extra impact mitigation and ventilation for aggressive riding.
Who it's for: trail, enduro and e-MTB riders who prioritise crash-energy management and want purpose-built protection for off-road impacts.
| Category | MET | Giro | Leatt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common helmet types | Road, aero, gravel, MTB | Road, MTB, commuter, full-face options | Trail, enduro, full-face, e-MTB focus |
| Rotational-impact tech | Uses MIPS-style low-friction systems in many models | Spherical / MIPS (ball-and-socket designs in many models) | 360° Turbine Technology (turbine discs to reduce rotational forces) |
| Fit system | Dial-fit systems with good adjustability | Roc Loc, BOA or Spherical — wide choice depending on model | Adjustable retention with multiple shell sizes for fit |
| Ventilation | High emphasis on vents and airflow for road use | Balanced ventilation across road and trail ranges | Large vents + internal channels for trail/enduro use |
| Best use | Long road rides, racing and hot conditions | All-round — from commuter to high-end road & MTB | Aggressive trail & enduro where impact-energy mitigation matters |
All three brands produce high-quality helmets. Focus on fit, the right style for your riding, and technologies that match the risks you face (e.g., rotational-impact tech for technical trails). If you're unsure, head into a Cycle Lab store to try a few models on — fit and comfort are personal and worth the test.
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