The S-Works Evade 3 is Specialized's aero flagship for road racing, engineered for maximum aerodynamic efficiency without sacrificing enough ventilation for long race days. It holds its position by delivering best-in-class wind-tunnel performance and race-integrated features, trading a premium price for raw speed that typically outpaces the competition on flat, high-speed courses. Compared with the others on this list it is the most race-focused aerodynamic option, while costing more than value-oriented choices like the Lazer and offering a different safety/fit balance than POC and Kask models.
Ultra-aero silhouette
Featherweight ride
Ultra-aero silhouette
Featherweight ride
Review Summary
"Users praise the S-Works Evade 3 for class-leading aerodynamics, light weight and a comfortable, race-ready fit; the premium price is frequently mentioned but many say the performance gains justify it."
Stealth-jet vibes
Wind-tunnel optimized teardrop shell for maximum aerodynamic gains in road racing.
Stealth-jet vibes
Wind-tunnel optimized teardrop shell for maximum aerodynamic gains in road racing.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The S-Works Evade 3 is Specialized's aero flagship for road racing, engineered for maximum aerodynamic efficiency without sacrificing enough ventilation for long race days. It holds its position by delivering best-in-class wind-tunnel performance and race-integrated features, trading a premium price for raw speed that typically outpaces the competition on flat, high-speed courses. Compared with the others on this list it is the most race-focused aerodynamic option, while costing more than value-oriented choices like the Lazer and offering a different safety/fit balance than POC and Kask models.
Ultra-aero silhouette
Featherweight ride
Stealth-jet vibes
Wind-tunnel optimized teardrop shell for maximum aerodynamic gains in road racing.
Lightweight construction and race-tuned fit for sustained high-speed comfort.
Ultra-aero silhouette
Featherweight ride
Stealth-jet vibes
Wind-tunnel optimized teardrop shell for maximum aerodynamic gains in road racing.
Lightweight construction and race-tuned fit for sustained high-speed comfort.
$450-600 USD
The Aerohead MIPS is the market leader for pure time-trial aerodynamics and delivered safety with MIPS integration, optimized for riders chasing the smallest drag numbers on flat, high-speed courses. Compared with the Specialized Evade 3 and the POC, Giro leans harder into raw aero performance at the cost of some ventilation and versatility, offering a compelling technical advantage for straight-course speed seekers and a price positioning that can be more attractive to athletes prioritizing drag reduction over multi-condition comfort.
Streamlined shell
MIPS protection
Streamlined shell
MIPS protection
Review Summary
"Riders value the Giro Aerohead MIPS for its race-proven aerodynamics and secure fit, noting the MIPS adds confidence; some report the helmet trades off cooling and can feel snug on certain head shapes. Long-term users generally find it fast and reliable for TT and tri racing."
Wind-slicing grin
Aggressive teardrop profile optimized specifically for time-trial aerodynamics.
Wind-slicing grin
Aggressive teardrop profile optimized specifically for time-trial aerodynamics.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The Aerohead MIPS is the market leader for pure time-trial aerodynamics and delivered safety with MIPS integration, optimized for riders chasing the smallest drag numbers on flat, high-speed courses. Compared with the Specialized Evade 3 and the POC, Giro leans harder into raw aero performance at the cost of some ventilation and versatility, offering a compelling technical advantage for straight-course speed seekers and a price positioning that can be more attractive to athletes prioritizing drag reduction over multi-condition comfort.
Streamlined shell
MIPS protection
Wind-slicing grin
Aggressive teardrop profile optimized specifically for time-trial aerodynamics.
MIPS rotational protection layered into the helmet for added safety.
Streamlined shell
MIPS protection
Wind-slicing grin
Aggressive teardrop profile optimized specifically for time-trial aerodynamics.
MIPS rotational protection layered into the helmet for added safety.
$350-450 USD
The Ventral Air MIPS is engineered around superior ventilation and cooling, giving it an edge for long, hot endurance rides while retaining rotational-impact protection through MIPS. Compared to the Giro Aether and Specialized Evade 3, the Ventral Air prioritizes airflow and thermal comfort over pure aerodynamic savings, delivering a technical advantage for riders who experience temperature management challenges on long rides. It sits competitively in the mid-to-high price range, offering a practical balance of protection, ventilation, and weight for endurance use.
Mega airflow — wind-tunnel
Aerodynamic spine — fast glide
Mega airflow — wind-tunnel
Aerodynamic spine — fast glide
Review Summary
"Long-term users appreciate the POC Ventral Air MIPS for balancing ventilation and aerodynamic performance, its durable construction, and roomy fit that stays comfortable on extended rides; some mention the helmet is pricey and a bit heavier than ultra-light alternatives. Overall it’s viewed as a reliable, well-ventilated endurance helmet with strong safety credentials."
Impact liners — doc-approved
Aerodynamically tuned profile with large front-to-back vents for superior cooling on long efforts
Impact liners — doc-approved
Aerodynamically tuned profile with large front-to-back vents for superior cooling on long efforts
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
The Ventral Air MIPS is engineered around superior ventilation and cooling, giving it an edge for long, hot endurance rides while retaining rotational-impact protection through MIPS. Compared to the Giro Aether and Specialized Evade 3, the Ventral Air prioritizes airflow and thermal comfort over pure aerodynamic savings, delivering a technical advantage for riders who experience temperature management challenges on long rides. It sits competitively in the mid-to-high price range, offering a practical balance of protection, ventilation, and weight for endurance use.
Mega airflow — wind-tunnel
Aerodynamic spine — fast glide
Impact liners — doc-approved
Aerodynamically tuned profile with large front-to-back vents for superior cooling on long efforts
MIPS-equipped with reinforced internal structure for robust impact management
Mega airflow — wind-tunnel
Aerodynamic spine — fast glide
Impact liners — doc-approved
Aerodynamically tuned profile with large front-to-back vents for superior cooling on long efforts
MIPS-equipped with reinforced internal structure for robust impact management
$350-450 USD
The Specialized S-Works Prevail 3 claims market‑leader status for riders prioritizing minimal weight and top-tier ventilation, translating well to fast gravel events where heat management and low mass matter. It is the most performance‑driven and typically most expensive helmet in this set, offering cutting‑edge materials and aerodynamic tuning that outpace heavier, more protective models like the Outrider, though those alternatives provide extra coverage and durability for rougher gravel terrain.
Aero-vent performance
Ultra-light comfort
Aero-vent performance
Ultra-light comfort
Review Summary
"Riders consistently rate the S-Works Prevail 3 highly for exceptional ventilation, very low weight and race-level performance, making it a favorite even for gravelists, though its top-tier price is a common caveat."
Pro-level swagger
Exceptionally light, race-oriented construction that prioritizes ventilation.
Pro-level swagger
Exceptionally light, race-oriented construction that prioritizes ventilation.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Specialized S-Works Prevail 3 claims market‑leader status for riders prioritizing minimal weight and top-tier ventilation, translating well to fast gravel events where heat management and low mass matter. It is the most performance‑driven and typically most expensive helmet in this set, offering cutting‑edge materials and aerodynamic tuning that outpace heavier, more protective models like the Outrider, though those alternatives provide extra coverage and durability for rougher gravel terrain.
Aero-vent performance
Ultra-light comfort
Pro-level swagger
Exceptionally light, race-oriented construction that prioritizes ventilation.
Aero-tuned profile and aggressive cooling channels for hot, fast gravel efforts.
Aero-vent performance
Ultra-light comfort
Pro-level swagger
Exceptionally light, race-oriented construction that prioritizes ventilation.
Aero-tuned profile and aggressive cooling channels for hot, fast gravel efforts.
$400-550 USD
The Velocis MIPS Road Helmet represents a reliable, all-around performer with balanced aerodynamics, comfort and safety at a mid-to-high price point, reflecting Trek/Bontrager’s emphasis on rider-friendly features and tank-tested durability. It offers a competitive mix of ventilation and fit that sits between the value-focused Giro and the race-focused Specialized, and it often delivers strong retail support and broad availability through Trek’s dealer network—an economic advantage for buyers who value service and parts. Compared to Liv and MET, Bontrager leans toward universal fit and robustness rather than gender-exclusive shaping or Italian styling cues.
Race-ready aero
Bombproof safety
Race-ready aero
Bombproof safety
Review Summary
"Reviewers like the secure fit, strong ventilation and premium feel, praising the safety features and long-ride comfort; some compare it as slightly heavier and more expensive than rivals."
Plush performance fit
Aero-optimized shell that balances airflow and performance for fast riding.
Plush performance fit
Aero-optimized shell that balances airflow and performance for fast riding.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Velocis MIPS Road Helmet represents a reliable, all-around performer with balanced aerodynamics, comfort and safety at a mid-to-high price point, reflecting Trek/Bontrager’s emphasis on rider-friendly features and tank-tested durability. It offers a competitive mix of ventilation and fit that sits between the value-focused Giro and the race-focused Specialized, and it often delivers strong retail support and broad availability through Trek’s dealer network—an economic advantage for buyers who value service and parts. Compared to Liv and MET, Bontrager leans toward universal fit and robustness rather than gender-exclusive shaping or Italian styling cues.
Race-ready aero
Bombproof safety
Plush performance fit
Aero-optimized shell that balances airflow and performance for fast riding.
High-end crash protection and a precise micro-adjust fit system for long days in the saddle.
Race-ready aero
Bombproof safety
Plush performance fit
Aero-optimized shell that balances airflow and performance for fast riding.
High-end crash protection and a precise micro-adjust fit system for long days in the saddle.
$250-350 USD