Specialized is known as the BMW of bicycles, and is called "lightning" by domestic netizens because its logo pattern is in the shape of lightning. Specialized entered China in 2007 and has Specialized concept stores in major cities across the country. In addition to bicycle products, Specialized cycling helmets are also very strong, and many of its products have been recommended by the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab and Consumer Reports.
 
High safety is the strength of Specialized helmets. As the industry's research on the MIPS system deepened, especially the research at Virginia Tech, Specialized was convinced that the MIPS system could improve the helmet protection function, so Specialized decided to apply MIPS to each of its helmets in 2019. Approximately $50 less than a helmet with a MIPS system.
 
MIPS is a layer of lining that sits on the inside of the helmet and comes in a variety of forms. Currently, Specialized uses four MIPS liner forms: SL, B-SERIES, C-SERIES, and E-SERIES, with increasing weight. It is worth mentioning that MIPS SL is a new product jointly developed by Specialized and MIPS, and Specialized has exclusive rights to MIPS SL.
 
The MIPS SL uses a small gasket to hold the padding, and the pad itself provides the low-friction layer required by the MIPS system, which has the advantage that the MIPS system is better matched to the helmet, which is equivalent to designing the MIPS according to the shape of the helmet. In terms of utility, MIPS SL not only has all the benefits of other MIPS forms, but is also lighter in weight and better ventilated. At present, there are four models that match the MIPS SL system: S-Works TT, S-Works Evade II, S-Works Prevail II, and Ambush.
 
It is worth noting that the type of MIPS liner used is not an indicator to evaluate the quality of the helmet, the safety of the helmet is related to the use of materials and the overall structural design, the most important advantage of the MIPS SL liner is to make the helmet lighter and more beautiful. In the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab review, Specialized S-Works Prevail II and S-Works Evade II with MIPS SL received 5 and 4 stars, respectively, with the other 5-star recommended helmet being the Chamonix MIPS with C-Series padding.
 
Priced at 1990 RMB, the S-Works Prevail II and S-Works Evade II are upgraded versions of the original version, compared with the previous generation, the S-Works Prevail II has a smaller overall volume and deeper wearing depth, which can obtain a good fit and safety, not only that, but the second generation of the product has also been more optimized than the first generation in terms of airflow. In terms of practicality, the Gutter Action system is equipped with the second generation to better control the flow of sweat, allowing sweat to bypass the eyes and fall from the sides of the pad. Compared to its predecessor, the S-Works Evade II is mainly aerodynamically improved, and the rider belt is subjected to lower wind resistance.
 
The Chamonix MIPS has almost impeccable performance in safety, ventilation and ease of use, and has been recommended by Virginia Tech for 5 stars, but according to the evaluation data of the American "Consumer Reports", due to the fixed length of the hat band and the inconvenience of adjustment, it has received a very low evaluation, but it is only priced at $75, equipped with MIPS, reflective elements and a detachable brim and other features, undoubtedly making it the most cost-effective 5-star helmet on the market.
 
It is worth mentioning that the hat strap problem is not unique, and many Specialized helmets evaluated by the American "Consumer Reports" have this problem, such as Shuffle Youth SB and Align, which are suitable for teenagers to ride, although they have received good evaluations in safety, ventilation and ease of use, and also have the function of a detachable mask, but due to the poor adjustability of the wearing device, the overall score of the helmet has been lowered, with a score of only 55 points, however, Both are priced at $40, and the Shuffle Youth SB helmet also features a reflective feature for the best value for money.