The Specialized Search is THE new adventures helmet from Specialised. It is based on the technology of several S-Works models. Some of the tech gadgets you'll love are the innovative sunglass holder, which uses rubber flaps to keep glasses in place. There is also the FS3 Fit system and Occipital base adjustment, which allows you to adjust the angle of the helmet. The main points we take away are also the huge ventilation holes Specialized has incorporated into this helmet. As they say themselves, 'Whether you're getting ready for a gravel ride, lining up for a local event or cycling to the office in the morning, the Search helmet will keep you cool no matter the destination.'
I have been out and about with the helmet and these are my findings.
Reception
The helmet arrives in a nice box. Handy so it is also protected during transport. It is clearly a helmet that brings together style and function. The colour, gold/brown, it indeed has hefty ventilation and the glasses storage system is ingeniously incorporated. The helmet is equipped with the well-known MIPS system, which reduces any rotational impact. Also read our article on the different systems and what they all do for you during a fall. I got a size L, for larger heads. At 59cm circumference, that's kind of nice. I'm often on the edge between M and L, but a larger helmet is nice then.
Adjust
The helmet has a dial at the back, which allows you to tighten and loosen the helmet on your head. The straps around the chin, however, that's a slightly more challenging system. I wanted to adjust the straps slightly so they would fit my ears better, but I haven't found the golden formula so far. Under the chin, you just click it on with a standard click system and you can also pull the straps tighter. Otherwise, all fine.
Comfort while driving
I use the helmet on both road bike and gravel bike. I don't exactly have a helmet head. To say that is an understatement. My head is elongated, but also large. That quickly makes me look like TOAD. The one from Mariokart indeed. It's a bit like that with this helmet too. It does look a bit slimmer than the standard road bike helmet I also have. It is a helmet that is comfortable though. No cutting straps, the pads on the inside offer the comfort and thickness you are looking for. When you take a break, the glasses you have on fit nicely into the 'garage'. The innovative system is not suitable for all spectacle legs, but for my D. Franklin Hurricane, for example, it certainly is.
Ventilation and weight
The helmet weighs just under 300 grams. That makes sense also considering the built-in MIPS system. More protection equals more weight by default. I am not a wattage seeker and a slightly heavier helmet has never stopped me. Better safe than sorry. There is more than enough ventilation in the helmet, though. That's only right for an Adventure-focused helmet, but here maker Specialized absolutely delivers on its promise. I sweat quite easily myself, but even in very hot temperatures I don't want it off my head immediately. The cushions catch the sweat just fine too, but keep in mind that if you use them a lot in summer, you will have to replace them quickly.
Final verdict
This helmet is hearty for fine adventures. After a few months of use, I now use it mostly for rides on the gravel bike. I opted for a slightly aerodynamic model for my road bike. In terms of pricing, at €149.95, this helmet falls a bit in the high middle segment. Especially for a helmet with MIPS, it's a lot of value for money. And it looks cool too.
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