Specialized has completely redesigned its well-known Ambush trail helmet and equipped it with new technologies. The Ambush 3 is designed to impress with its strong ventilation, high level of protection and comparatively low weight.
The helmet utilises a so-called AirCage construction, which enables large ventilation openings. Together with the 4D cooling system, the air is channelled through the helmet in a targeted manner: Fresh air flows in at the front, is accelerated through channels in the interior and is discharged again at the rear. This is designed to keep the head cool even during high physical exertion on the trail.
At just under 200 euros, the new Specialized helmet is one of the more expensive head protection options in the trail segment. However, Specialized has put a lot of effort into the new development. For fit and safety, the Americans have equipped the Ambush 3 with a BOA fit system including fine adjustment and the Mips Air Node System, which is designed to reduce rotational forces in the event of a fall. The revised shape is now closer to the head and should therefore increase comfort even on longer tours.
The helmet also offers functions such as an adjustable visor, integrated mounting options for lights or a camera and a goggle holder. It is fastened using a magnetic mechanism. In Virginia Tech's safety tests, it was awarded top marks, which should emphasise its protective effect. So far, so good. Of course, we wanted to know whether the Specialized Ambush 3 with all these features can also convince in practice.
Specialised Ambush 3 in detail
- Area of use: cross-country, downcountry, trail, everyday use
- Closure system: BOA / Fidlock
- Protection system against rotational forces: Mips Air Node
- Accessory integration: goggle holder, mount for lights and action cams
- Weight: 442 g (size L, BIKE measurement)
- Price: 199 Euro
How to wear the new trail helmet from Specialized
A satisfied nod of the head when looking in the mirror: the new Specialized Ambush 3 looks sleek, is not too bulky despite its safety credentials and has a high-quality finish. Small openings above the forehead pick up on design elements of the original Ambush and look great on the helmet.
With its giant visor and chunky curved side element, the predecessor Ambush 2 was snidely derided in the editorial team as a "pancake helmet". The mockery is over with the new generation: the Ambush 3 is a sight to behold!
Thumbs up also for wearing comfort. The weight is fine for a wide range of uses and the ventilation openings deliver what they promise. A pleasant flow of air reliably cools a hot head, especially when travelling at speed.
We had to invest some time in adjusting the height of the headrest. With the round head shape of our test rider, the highest setting is needed to prevent the helmet from slipping too much into the forehead on steep descents. Annoying: the large Fidlock fastener causes the thin straps to twist slightly when open. They therefore need to be straightened several times before putting it on.
The Specialized Ambush 3 cuts a fine figure on the trail. The fit is comfortable and the feeling of safety is high. With the predecessor, the extremely large visor could sometimes be in the field of vision or tug at the head on high-speed descents. This is no longer the case with the height-adjustable, smaller shield of the successor.
The compartment under the visor holds the temples of the bike goggles securely in place thanks to the rubberised openings. However, the goggles only fit securely on the helmet when turned the wrong way round. This makes it difficult to insert them with one hand while riding.
Conclusion
In direct comparison to its predecessor, the Specialized Ambush 3 goes one better in terms of ventilation, fit and appearance. The optimised air flow reliably ensures a cool head off-road. High-quality safety and customisation features, such as MIPS and BOA systems, leave a good feeling. Personally, I could do without the Fidlock system. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Pro
- Excellent ventilation
- Good wearing comfort and safety
- pleasing appearance
Contra
- twisting straps with Fidlock fastener
- not exactly favourable
Jan Timmermann
Editor
