I’m planning to get a new helmet for the upcoming season. I’d like it to be as aero as possible while keeping good cooling. A quick google was a bit overwhelming with many of the “studies” looking pretty suspect. Can anyone point me to some of the best current options? I primarily race gravel and marathon MTB. Thanks.
1 Like
I have the Specialized Evade. Supposed to be pretty aero and I find the ventilation to be great.
4 Likes
I recall some test being linked around recently that basically showed most of the aero helmets being within a few w of each other so “it depends.”
Personally, the Evade 2 has been good when doing most events for me. I believe the 3 is more ventilated.
another vote for Evade 2. when I put all my helmets in a row (Giro, Met, Ekoi), the Evade profile is significantly lower/smaller than the others. I ride in Texas, ventilation is good
1 Like
Giro Aerohead. 
OK, maybe that is a bit much, but I think the trend of road helmets getting closer to TT helmets is here to stay. Look at Lachlan and POC Procen Air at Unbound, the Kask Nirvana that was introduced last year and the Sweet Protection Tucker (that won today in Etoille de Besseges).
The Evade 3 seems to test well for almost everyone, so definitely a safe bet. Unfortunately for me, it causes a “hot spot” on the back of my head where the retention system sits. After about 90-120 min, it is quite uncomfortable. I got a Kask Nirvana for Xmas, so we’ll see how that goes and how fast it really is…
2 Likes
Thanks for all the feedback. I’ll swing by the local specialized shop and try on an Evade 3 and see if there are any deals to be had.
Some places have the Deep Marine color on closeout, if that color works for you. That si the one I have and thought it looked great.
1 Like
This kind of info is underrated in responses to this kind of question. Minnesota ventilation is different than Texas ventilation 
I specifically clicked this thread for helmet options for triathlons in Dallas and Austin this year, so thank you!
4 Likes
No worries. Nothing like riding in 110 deg heat with 150 deg radiating off the tarmac. Welcome to Texas : )
5 Likes
Another thanks for the heat intel. I’m in the Austin area also, so very relevant.
1 Like
You need ventilation but something that keeps the bugs out too!
2 Likes
My Evade 2 must be reasonably well ventilated based on the number of bugs and bees I’ve had fly into the damn thing!
1 Like
I bought a Giro Eclipse Spherical and the marketing says, “The sleek outer shell actively streamlines airflow to reduce drag across multiple wind angles, while 14 Wind Tunnel™ vents pull air through the helmet to provide incredible cooling power that rivals the most aggressively vented road helmets.”, but my POC Ventral Air Spin is far cooler…it’s not even close to aero though. Also Texas.
I’ve got the Evade 3 and a Kask Utopia, Kask is a tidge cooler on me, but the Evade tests faster from what I’ve read. Neither is a match for super hot days in Florida or Wyoming (rarer but it still gets up there every now and then), so I use the new Prevail in those conditions. Aero is important, but of course not boiling your brain becomes increasingly important when things are really scorching!
1 Like
I have the eclipse as well. This will be my third season with it. Live in Colorado at 10K.
I have it in a medium, I think I should have gotten a small as the head strap(?) the tightening mechanism that goes around your head, gets in the way when I put sunglasses on. They never sit still really. Have ignored it mostly but am considering something else especially for mtb
1 Like
Evade 3 here. No issues in the heat for me, I think better ventilation while maintaining aero was a big part of the design when they went from the 2 to the 3…
Personally, I went white. I’ll take all the help I can get reflecting the sun…
1 Like
I’m surprised there’s no mentions of the Ballista.
1 Like
It kind of turned into the Evade thread, which surprised me. Feels like the jury is pretty much unanimous.
2 Likes
So now the question is Evade 2 or Evade 3? I like 2’s shape/looks better
The 3 reportedly tested faster (not from Spec, one of the magazine round-ups, IIRC).
I do find the ventilation better on the 3 (although I have admitedly not worn the 2 since 2021).
2 Likes