Specialized has released the latest generation of top-end helmets, the S-Works Prevail 3 and the S-Works Evade 3. Specialized have prioritized ventilation and keeping the rider cooler with both the Prevail and the Evade, with less talk about the aerodynamic benefits and the amount of watts saved.
S-Works Prevail 3
The Prevail 3 allows for more ventilation compared to Specialized’s other available helmets and is designed as an all-rounder, which is perfect for hot conditions and strenuous climbs. Specialized claim that there is 24.5% more total vent surface area compared to the Prevail II Vent helmet, providing the most ventilation of any helmet that they have ever made.
Woven aramid structures traverse the helmet and are anchored to carbon fiber side panels. Upon impact the ‘AirCage Technology’ works as a suspension bridge and is designed to distribute localized forces around the helmet.
Integrated directly into the helmet padding of the Prevail 3 is the new MIPS Node Air technology, with a sleek low friction layer that is designed to dissipate rotational forces. The new MIPS layer is claimed to offer the same rotational impact protection as earlier MIPS designs however it does not obscure the vents. Specialized have also added perforations which is claimed to maximize breathability, performance, comfort and weight savings.
The Prevail 3 achieved a five star rating from the Virginia Tech testing lab, ranking second overall for helmet safety, the ability of the helmet to reduce linear acceleration and rotational velocity of the head upon cyclist impact.
The S-Works Prevail 3 is available in seven colours and three sizes: small, medium and large, and has a claimed weight of approximately 297g for a medium CPSC approved helmet.
The RRP is US$300 / AU$475 / £275 / €330.
The S-Works Prevail 3 features:
• AirCage innovation increases airflow
• Precision, full-wrap polycarbonate shell for increased durability and premium finish
• MIPS Air Node technology is MIPS’ most ventilation-focused solution
• Adjustable Tri-Fix web splitter boosts comfort through personalized fit
• Occipital Base Adjustment optimizes comfort and compatibility with glasses
• ANGi-ready Mindset fit system for improved grip and reaction for easy on-the-go fit
S-Works Evade 3
Specialized’s main priority with the latest Evade helmet was to improve the ventilation. Specialized have mentioned that the aerodynamic performance of the Evade 3 is similar to that of the Evade 2.
Specialized have increased the front vent size and have full length internal air channeling for the air to escape, which provides better cooling with little change to the helmet’s aerodynamic properties. Specialized claim that ventilation performance has increased by 10%.
Specialized continue to use EPS foam with two different densities. The same MIPS Node Air, as found on the Prevail 3, is integrated directly into the helmet padding of the Evade 3. The new sleek low friction MIPS layer is claimed to offer the same rotational impact protection as earlier MIPS designs however it does not obscure the vents. Once again Specialized have also added perforations which is claimed to maximize breathability, performance, comfort and weight savings. As a result the Evade 3 has also been given 5 stars from the Virginia Tech for helmet safety.
The S-Works Evade 3 is available in three sizes: small, medium and large, and has a claimed weight of approximately 324g for a medium CPSC approved helmet.
The RRP is US$300 / AU$475 / £275 / €330.
The S-Works Evade 3 features:
• Enlarged front vents help increase ventilation
• Rear Diffuser for aero and ventilation benefits
• MIPS Air Node is MIPS’ most ventilation-focused solution
• Adjustable Tri-Fix web splitter boosts comfort through personalized fit
• Precision, full-wrap polycarbonate shell for increased durability and premium finish
• Dual-density optimized EPS foam
To learn more, please visit the Specialized website
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