Specialized S-Works Evade 3
The S-Works Evade 3 is positioned as the best-in-class helmet for time trial and triathlon racers who need a refined balance of aerodynamics, ventilation and fit; its development emphasizes real-world race aero and premium materials for sustained efforts. Compared with the other helmets in this list it trades a higher retail price for an exceptionally tuned compromise between cooling and low drag, making it more versatile than pure TT shells like the Giro while providing a more race-ready fit and finish than value-oriented options like the Kask.
Rocket-fast aero
Featherweight fit
Rocket-fast aero
Featherweight fit
Review Summary
"Users praise the S-Works Evade 3 for outstanding aerodynamic performance, premium fit and long-ride comfort, with most saying it feels faster and well-ventilated for an aero helmet; criticisms focus on the high price. Overall owners report consistent performance and durability over extended use."
Breezy ventilation
Refined CFD-shaped shell delivers class-leading low drag for time trials.
Breezy ventilation
Refined CFD-shaped shell delivers class-leading low drag for time trials.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The S-Works Evade 3 is positioned as the best-in-class helmet for time trial and triathlon racers who need a refined balance of aerodynamics, ventilation and fit; its development emphasizes real-world race aero and premium materials for sustained efforts. Compared with the other helmets in this list it trades a higher retail price for an exceptionally tuned compromise between cooling and low drag, making it more versatile than pure TT shells like the Giro while providing a more race-ready fit and finish than value-oriented options like the Kask.
Rocket-fast aero
Featherweight fit
Breezy ventilation
Refined CFD-shaped shell delivers class-leading low drag for time trials.
Lightweight S-Works construction with race-oriented padding for long efforts.
Rocket-fast aero
Featherweight fit
Breezy ventilation
Refined CFD-shaped shell delivers class-leading low drag for time trials.
Lightweight S-Works construction with race-oriented padding for long efforts.
$450-550 USD
Giro Aerohead MIPS
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
POC Procen Air
The Procen Air is targeted at triathletes who prioritize ventilation and consistent comfort on long efforts while retaining streamlined aero shaping and solid impact protection. Against the other helmets here it stands out for its airflow and cooling focus versus the Giro’s pure-aero approach and often feels lighter and more comfortable on hot race days than bulkier TT shells, giving it a technical edge for athletes who value temperature management and predictable protection.
Stable at speed
Optimized airflow
Stable at speed
Optimized airflow
Review Summary
"The POC Procen Air is appreciated for its solid protection, comfortable fit and sensible ventilation for an aero helmet, but many users say it's heavier and pricier than rivals. Extended-use reviewers commend its build quality and safety features while noting minor cooling and weight compromises."
Jet-like calm
Aero-forward shape that preserves airflow while improving internal ventilation.
Jet-like calm
Aero-forward shape that preserves airflow while improving internal ventilation.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The Procen Air is targeted at triathletes who prioritize ventilation and consistent comfort on long efforts while retaining streamlined aero shaping and solid impact protection. Against the other helmets here it stands out for its airflow and cooling focus versus the Giro’s pure-aero approach and often feels lighter and more comfortable on hot race days than bulkier TT shells, giving it a technical edge for athletes who value temperature management and predictable protection.
Stable at speed
Optimized airflow
Jet-like calm
Aero-forward shape that preserves airflow while improving internal ventilation.
Reinforced POC shell design prioritizes impact protection for high-speed crashes.
Stable at speed
Optimized airflow
Jet-like calm
Aero-forward shape that preserves airflow while improving internal ventilation.
Reinforced POC shell design prioritizes impact protection for high-speed crashes.
$300-450 USD
Kask Bambino Pro
The Bambino Pro delivers a cost-conscious, triathlon-oriented aero profile with an emphasis on straightforward fit and reliable performance, making it a strong value pick for club racers and age-group triathletes. Compared to the premium Specialized and Giro models it offers many of the practical aerodynamic benefits at a lower price point, sacrificing some of the ultra-refined aero shaping and advanced materials but delivering excellent performance per dollar for athletes on a budget.
Compact aero profile
Plush comfort lining
Compact aero profile
Plush comfort lining
Review Summary
"Owners like the Kask Bambino Pro for its excellent fit, lightweight feel and integrated visor that works well in varied conditions; some note it’s not the absolute fastest aero shell but is extremely comfortable for long rides. Overall reviewers report high reliability and comfort over months of use."
Snug like a hug
Slim, aero-focused profile offering strong performance at a budget-friendly price.
Snug like a hug
Slim, aero-focused profile offering strong performance at a budget-friendly price.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The Bambino Pro delivers a cost-conscious, triathlon-oriented aero profile with an emphasis on straightforward fit and reliable performance, making it a strong value pick for club racers and age-group triathletes. Compared to the premium Specialized and Giro models it offers many of the practical aerodynamic benefits at a lower price point, sacrificing some of the ultra-refined aero shaping and advanced materials but delivering excellent performance per dollar for athletes on a budget.
Compact aero profile
Plush comfort lining
Snug like a hug
Slim, aero-focused profile offering strong performance at a budget-friendly price.
Comfortable padding and simple retention system make it easy to dial in fit quickly.
Compact aero profile
Plush comfort lining
Snug like a hug
Slim, aero-focused profile offering strong performance at a budget-friendly price.
Comfortable padding and simple retention system make it easy to dial in fit quickly.
$150-250 USD
Rudy Project The Wing
The Wing is designed as a highly adaptable aero helmet that lets athletes tune tail geometry and ventilation to the course, combining modularity and fit customization with aerodynamic intent. Versus the other models listed it competes by offering versatile technical features and user-adjustable elements—often at a mid-range price—so riders who want to switch between aggressive aero setups and cooler, more ventilated configurations find a unique financial and technical trade-off compared with fixed-shape rivals.
Aero wing
Built-in visor
Aero wing
Built-in visor
Review Summary
"Riders report the Rudy Project The Wing delivers strong aerodynamic gains and a comfortable fit with good visor options, though ventilation and visor fogging are occasional complaints. Most users find it a competitive, well-built choice for triathlon and time trials after repeated use."
Falcon-swoop feel
Tail and visor compatibility designed for fast transitions and triathlon use.
Falcon-swoop feel
Tail and visor compatibility designed for fast transitions and triathlon use.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The Wing is designed as a highly adaptable aero helmet that lets athletes tune tail geometry and ventilation to the course, combining modularity and fit customization with aerodynamic intent. Versus the other models listed it competes by offering versatile technical features and user-adjustable elements—often at a mid-range price—so riders who want to switch between aggressive aero setups and cooler, more ventilated configurations find a unique financial and technical trade-off compared with fixed-shape rivals.
Aero wing
Built-in visor
Falcon-swoop feel
Tail and visor compatibility designed for fast transitions and triathlon use.
Lightweight construction with airflow tuned for swim-to-bike race conditions.
Aero wing
Built-in visor
Falcon-swoop feel
Tail and visor compatibility designed for fast transitions and triathlon use.
Lightweight construction with airflow tuned for swim-to-bike race conditions.
$400-550 USD