I’ve been wearing a Specialized S-works Prevail helmet for about 5 months and thought I would share my thoughts on it, as well as the S3 helmet which shares many of the same features. The first thing you’ll probably notice about the Prevail is the price tag. . .$229.99-$239.99 (depending on color), that’s a ton for something that a $39.99 helmet will perform the same function: protecting your head. But if any helmet is worth that much money it’d be the Prevail. After you get over the sticker shock and pull the helmet out of the box, you’ll probably notice there are two different adjustments for the retention system: the first is standard dial to adjust the tightness of the helmet, the second is unique to the Prevail and S3 helmets: an adjustment (what Specialized calls “mindset”) for where the back of the retention system sits on the back of your head vertically. I’ve found that most people like it adjusted relatively low, around 4 (it adjusts from 1-5). Another unique feature to the Prevail and S3 helmets are the straps, instead of the typical strap configuration were the strap is all one piece and it never quite lies nicely against the side of your face. Instead the straps are not all interconnected and lie completely flat on the side of your face (you pretty much never feel the straps against your face, which while not an earth-scattering development, it is really nice.
In terms of fit they are different, not a great deal, but definitely noticeable, for me the Prevail fits a little more naturally, I’ve known others that the S3 was a little better fit. I think you really just need to try both on (making sure to adjust the “mindset” on each helmet) to find out. Another fit item is that the Prevails tend to fit a little on the big size: I’ve worked with several people that have said they’ve always worn a large, but the large just looked too big on when they tried it, but when they tried the medium on it was great. Again I think it just comes down to trying them on, but definitely with the Prevail try the size you typically use as well as one smaller just to be sure.
What do you get “extra” with the Prevail? It’s a little light lighter, (215g vs 249g), more aerodynamic (Specialized look at the helmet and tried to make it more aerodynamic), and slightly more ventilated. I’ve been extremely happy with my Prevail, the only downside I’ve seen is the price tag, but if you are looking for the best when it comes to your helmet, it’d be hard to go wrong with the Prevail. The S3 is a great helmet, with many of the features of the Prevail, but come in costing much less: $149.99, and really the only difference is in the shell of the helmet, which is the same shell that was on the Specialized S-works helmet from about 2 years ago, and is still a great shell (very light and very ventilated). If you’re looking for a top of the line helmet that doesn’t cost quite as much the S3 might be just the helmet for you.
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