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More and more helmets are equipped with the Mips safety system, which has been proven to reduce the risk of concussions. According to our tests, this works particularly well in the Giro version with two helmet shells that can twist against each other. Specialized uses the new, lighter Mips version Air Mode, which is fixed in the helmet like a pad with Velcro. Kask has announced a similar system for the future.
Giro Eclipse
Safe
The new Eclipse (280 grams in size M) is Giro's third model in the Spherical series. It is characterised by two EPS helmet shells that twist against each other. This design offers the wearing comfort of a standard helmet, as there is no Mips plastic shell lying flat on the head. The top model Aether Mips achieved top marks in the "Safety" category in the helmet test in TOUR 9/2020 and was also among the best in terms of ventilation and adjustment. The small, somewhat stiff adjustment wheel for head width adjustment is worthy of criticism. The helmet is available in four colour variants for 260 euros >> available here.
Specialized Evade 3 and Specialized Prevail 3
Fast and airy
At this year's Tour de France, the two new top models from Specialized have already been used extensively by the professional teams Bora-Hansgrohe, TotalEnergies and Quick-Step-Alpha Vinyl. Which of the helmets the pros chose depended largely on the stage profile. Breakaway rider and pace-setter Nils Politt from Team Bora, for example, was often seen with the aerodynamic Evade on his head; in mountain stages, the pros usually wore the Prevail helmet, which is better ventilated. Our testers liked the good all-round fit of both helmets, the good adjustability, the flexible straps and the good ventilation; however, the very large slits of the Prevail are perfect flyways for insects. It weighs 271 grams, the Evade 4 grams more (both in size M). Both helmets feature the new, lighter Air Mode version of the Mips system.
Kask Protone Icon
Light
The central air intake on the new Protone Icon helmet from Kask is strikingly V-shaped, allowing plenty of airflow to reach the head even in summer temperatures. The workmanship of the new top model from Italian production is impressive, with neither mould marks nor loose threads on the Velcro fasteners of the padding spoiling the impression. The dial for adjusting the width is finely rasterised and very easy to grip, the height adjustment of the headband is generously dimensioned. Its low weight of 230 grams is a top value. The very stiff chin strap, which is reluctant to cling to the head, is a penalty in terms of comfort.
Bollé Avio
Airy
According to the manufacturer, the new top model Avio is particularly well ventilated, is currently the lightest helmet with the Mips system on the market and is also the most streamlined. The lighter Air-Mode version of the Mips system contributes to the low weight. Bollé puts the aerodynamic advantage at eight watts of power saving compared to the average value of the competition, but does not explain exactly how this was measured.
