Specialized is known for providing high-quality cycling gear for riders looking for a little bit more out of their shoes, apparel and helmets. With a wide range of mountain bike accessories, there are a lot of riders on the trail who sport Specialized even when they do not ride a Specialized mountain bike. In the helmet category, the Specialized S-Works MT is the top of the line mountain biking helmet the Big S offers. Let’s take a look at how it performs…
Specialized S-Works MT MTB Helmet Specs
From Specialized.com:
The lightest helmet in the world to comply with CPSC standards now comes in an MTB-specific configuration with MTB visor, aFIX visor attachment and new graphics. Worn by Specialized Pro MTB teams and athletes, it’s all about race weight, maximum ventilation and complete comfort.
- Complies with one or more of the following safety standards for bicycle helmets: CPSC, SNELL B90A, CE and AS/NZS
- Dual Density EPS (patent pending) to maximize weight savings and impact performance
- Kevlar-reinforced Inner Matrix (patent pending) saves weight and allows larger, deeper channeled vents
- Color matched MTB-specific visor
- 4th Dimension Cooling System w/ Mega Mouthport
- Thin, soft and lightweight 4X DryLite webbing won’t stretch out with sweat or water
- Slimmed down Pro Fit 360 retention system is secure and easy to adjust on the fly
- Instrap system minimizes strap length and reduces strap contact for more comfort
- aFIX Visor Attachment System
- Lighter U-Turn 2 strap adjusters guide webbing better
- Lighter, low-profile buckle
- Quadruple in-molded shells protect the foam and your head
- Available in Black, MTB (red w/no visor), Silver (Tested), Team Red, Topo Black, Topo Blue
- MSRP: $200.00
- Weight: 280g as tested w/visor (about .6 lbs.)
Review: Specialized S-Works MT Mountain Bike Helmet
So now that we have had some trail time on the new Specialized S-Works MT helmet, let’s see how this helmet stacks up…
Initial Fit and Feel: Specialized S-Works MT Helmet
Instantly, you notice how light this helmet is when you pick it up out of the box. At 280 grams with the visor installed (just over .6 pounds), this is the lightest mountain bike helmet I have ever used. When you put this helmet on your head, it almost feels as if it is not even there. The Pro Fit 360 retention system wraps fully around your head and tightens with a pinch mechanism in the rear. I found that I really like Specialized retention because it creates a feeling that the helmet is wrapped around your forehead instead of being pushed into the front pads. The retention system keeps that pressure off of the front of the shell and makes it more uniform and stable on your head. By wrapping the entire system inside the shell of the helmet, the Specialized S-Works also seemed to be comfortable for multiple shaped heads.
The lightweight straps exit through the shell and wrap around your chin. Specialized really dropped a lot of weight by using a thinner strap design, and for those of you that are use to thick, heavy straps…this does take some getting used to as they tend to move a little bit more than their heavier counterparts. The adjustments are made quickly and easily via the side clamps and clasp. Specialized put rubber ends on the straps as well to make tightening the system easier which worked really well.
Once you have everything adjusted and running, the Specialized S-Works MT helmet fits securely and feels amazingly light.
On The Trail: Specialized S-Works MT Helmet
Honestly, once you hit the trail…you almost forget the helmet is there. With the lightweight design and comfortable retention mechanism, you can go about your trail duties without the uncomfortable, heavy head that some mountain bike helmets can give. The ventilation with Specialized’s Mega Mouth port is fantastic. Adequate air was let in while hot air escaped my head to keep everything cool and collected as much as it can be in humid, summer heat in the southeast US. For those really hot days, you can remove the visor and open up the front ports a little bit more to let more air in. I did notice a pretty sharp increase in air flow once that visor was removed.
The 360 retention system also doubles as a sweat band in the front keeping most of the salt filled water beads from rolling over your forehead and into your eyes. That is another positive side effect of having a full retention system over using the front of the helmet shell as the point of contact with your forehead. During technical riding, the Specialized S-Works MT stays put without any noticeable shaking or movement. I really think this is due to the lightweight design as there is not much weight to shift while you are blasting through rock gardens and other technical sections of trail.
The Specialized S-Works MT appears to provide adequate protection should the worst happen and you actually have to put the helmet to it’s designed use. You do not get the additional, lower head protection that we are seeing out of more AM styled lids, but…overall…everything seems covered where it needs to be. Luckily, I didn’t have the chance to test the impact resistance against the trail, so I’ll just take Specialized’s word that it passes.
Overall: Specialized S-Works MT Mountain Bike Helmet
The Specialized S-Works MT mountain bike helmet is the lightest, most comfortable mountain bike helmet I have tested to date. Of course, all of that gram reduction and comfort comes at a price…$200.00…which also makes it the most expensive one I have tested. The silver color that was tested for this review is not the one I would buy personally (I tend to like the darker colors), but it ended up being perfect for summer riding when you are trying to keep as much heat as possible off your head.
Positive: Specialized S-Works MT Helmet
- Ridiculously Light (280g) – Can Barely Feel It On While Riding
- All Day Riding Comfort
- 360 Retention System Fits Many Head Shapes and Doubles as a Sweat Band
- Looks That Most Riders Will Like
- Fantastic Ventiliation
- Very Comfortable – No Noticeable “Hot Spots”
- Remove The Visor and It Could Double as a Road Helmet
Negative: Specialized S-Works MT Helmet
- Expensive: $200.00
- Availability – You Have To Buy At Specialized Dealer or Specialized.com
- You Don’t Get the Extra Protection On Lower Rear That Some AM Style’d Lids Have
If you are looking for one of the best, xc/am oriented helmets on the market and are not worried about price, the Specialized S-Works MT is probably the helmet you have been looking for.
Side Note: For those of you with Oakley Half Jackets, they fit perfectly in the front of the helmet and stay there while riding for those times you need to take your glasses off on the trail.
