Rotational brain injuries have become a central focus in helmet design, and Giro's Spherical Technology represents their most sophisticated approach to the problem. Rather than adding a plastic slip-plane liner inside the helmet—the traditional MIPS implementation—Spherical uses a ball-and-socket design where two separate EPS foam liners rotate against each other during an angled impact. The Manifest brings this technology to trail riding, combining Spherical with Progressive Layering that uses dual-density foam to address both high-speed and low-speed impacts in a single helmet.

The construction challenge with heavily vented trail helmets is maintaining structural integrity while maximizing airflow. Giro addresses this with the AURA reinforcing arch, a translucent shatter-resistant structure that runs throughout the helmet, allowing massive Wind Tunnel vents without compromising the shell. The result is aggressive ventilation that keeps you cool on long climbs while the helmet maintains its protective characteristics.

Trail-specific features distinguish the Manifest from road-oriented Spherical helmets. The adjustable moto-style visor moves through indexed positions with one hand—three riding angles plus a high position for storing goggles on your brow. A rubber goggle gripper on the rear keeps your eyewear in place during rough descents, and integrated eyewear grippers on the sides secure sunglasses when you're not wearing goggles. The deep coverage profile extends protection to the back and sides of the head where trail crashes often make contact.... Read More