I bought the Aries as a replacement for one of my Giro Aether helmets which were the top of the line prior to Aries. The big difference in my mind is that the Aether is slightly wider (mushroom) shape as compared to the Aries. I like the way the Aries sits on my head and in my opinion makes my face/head seem slimmer. It if wasn't for the slimmer shape I would have been fine with my Aether. I currently own a Black and a Sharskin version of the Aries and a White Aether which I hope to replace at some point as well. Maybe xMas or Bday present from family. The Roc Loc 5 system is easy to use, comfortable and helps secure the helmet firmly on my head. I have only owned Giro helmets over the years so I guess I am biased, but other than price on the newer versions I am extremely satisfied with the quality and durability.
This helmet is very comfortable and lightweight. It has good ventilation. I've had to retire a few helmets because of crashes, so the number one safety rating was very important. The only thing I dislike is that it doesn't have a magnetic chin strap clasp.
Did my first TT with this and wow what a difference. Not that it came down to just the helmet as I had a few other aero advantages, but my buddy who weighs the same as me put out 30 more watts than I did and I beat him. That's huge. I also like how the wind noise you hear lets you know when you you're dropping your head and not being as aero as you could be. The visor is a little wonky and gives a bit of a walleye effect, but otherwise no complaints.
I have used Giro helmets for decades, ever since Greg Lemond's black and neon edition in TDF win vs Laurent Fignon. I've have been impressed with Giro's spherical design, which allows construction of a complete MIPS polystyrene helmet which can rotate within an outer shell helmet. Very sturdy and easy to see how it would dissipate concussive head trauma forces. Only negative is wide, dome-shape to helmet, giving a mushroom top appearance. This version is much nicer looking, lighter, and with better air flow than its predecessor. But to be honest, I exchanged it for the Meta MIPS Trenta, because it looked better, seems to have better air flow, and is what Tadej Pogacar wore in this years TDF. Tough call because I believe Vingegaard wore the Giro, and it looked pretty good on him.
