Giro have just released details of a new helmet, the Xar, a replacement for the Zen.

With an All Mountain focus it features a streamlined shape, a 3 piece polycarbonate shell with 17 huge vents and a vented visor.  X-Static antimicrobial paddingand a skate style webbing system.  Available in January 2011 it should retail for €150.  Of course it comes in more colours than orange!

Coupled with the new helmet comes with the new RocLoc 5 retention system.  One of the most important aspects of a helmet, the retention system means that the helmet does what it should rather than moving around on your head during a crash.

Roc Loc 5 allows for easy dial-in of both fit tension and adjust vertical position with a single hand. Just twist the dial for a tighter feel on rough terrain, then back it off a notch and relax across the flats or a warm climb.  Even with these remarkable features, Roc Loc 5 is still 40-percent lighter than its predecessor, Roc Loc 4.

(1) Micro Dial- The heart of Roc Loc 5 is this ratcheting, micro-adjusting dial. A simple, two-finger twist of the Micro Dial opens or closes the retention system and each click is audible.
(2) Three-Position Vertical Fit- It’s never been easier to change vertical position and fine-tune fit.  We incorporated a
three-position bracket that features 15- millimeters of precise up/down movement.  Like the Micro Dial, this system can be adjusted without removing the helmet.
(3) Carefully-crafted ergonomic arms are shaped to be as comfortable as possible, yet work flawlessly with Giro eyewear (what we call Super Fit engineering).
(4) Dual Pods- These two panels are designed to firmly grasp the back of your head while comfortably cradling the occipital lobe.
•Strap Management- With Roc Loc 5, the helmet straps are woven through the fit system, so they are always in the perfect position.