Hi,

Considering a Specialized Decibel helmet. Now, it's the top-of-the-line lid (for now)from Specialized and the Pro Tour boys are wearing it so, it must be pretty cool on one's head, but I was wondering if any of you own it and can comment on its cooling abilities, particularly to the forehead region.

I know that it has the Mouthport to suck air in for this purpose, but wonder if it really does keep one's forehead relatively dry or if it's just sort of gimmicky. With all the wind-tunnel and cooling-apparatus testing done, I'd imagine that it would do the trick, but wanted to hear from fellow RBRers to get the lowdown.

If you have experience with this particular helmet, I'd dig your responses and input.

Thanks.

It does work really well in cooling, plus very light; however, isn't necessarily any better at cooling than any other top of the line helmets.

I will say I'm a strong believer in the Decibel. About 4 months ago I was in a collision with a car. I was going about 27 mph did and endo and landed on the helmet. Walked away from the crash and hardly any damage to the helmet.

Tcruse11,

Thanks for the input--and glad to hear that you and your helmet walked away from that incident barely scratched.

I have a Bell Sweep presently, and it cools the top of my head nicely but not at the forehead. The pads saturate with sweat that then drips all down my face and on my glasses, smearing them. I have to turn my head to the side and press the helmet against my head to expel all the sweat in a stream. I know, it's pretty nasty, but this is why I was thinking about the Decibel with its Mouthport; if it works, it would directly solve my problem.

Even though I use a Halo headband, the Sweep just doesn't fit my head well, it turns out, and the headband shifts upward, making it useless. I've never had this happen with other helmets (Giro or MET) in the past, so perhaps the Bells just don't fit my particular head quite right whereas the others did. I tried on a Decibel recently and it fit very nicely, but I was mainly concerned with the forehead cooling.

Again, thanks for your quick reply.

I had a decibel and so far it's my favorite helmet. According to Bicycling magazine it doesn't cool as well as the other top of the line helmets, but its cool enough for me. Plus, it fits my weird shaped head much better than any other helmet. I had the problem with saturating the forehead pad too--but that could be just because I sweat a lot and would saturate any pad.

If you want the top of the line, then you should wait a bit. For 2008, the S-works 2D helmet is coming out at sub 200g. I think that is what they are actually wearing on the Tour this year. Snell crash approval is also harder to get and generally all the Specialized helmets have it.

I've had my Decibel helmet for nearly 2 years. I actually shelved it for quite a few months to get a Giro Xen (mountain biking) and since I got a road bike I went back to the Decibel sans bill. I'm liking it so far. Trying to get used to not having the extra shade on my face, though ;)

It's a small, so during the winter was too small to wear with a skull cap.

I'd actually say I think I notice a little less sweat in my eyes with the Decibel, as compared to mountain biking in my Xen.

Hi,

Considering a Specialized Decibel helmet. Now, it's the top-of-the-line lid (for now)from Specialized and the Pro Tour boys are wearing it so, it must be pretty cool on one's head, but I was wondering if any of you own it and can comment on its cooling abilities, particularly to the forehead region.

I know that it has the Mouthport to suck air in for this purpose, but wonder if it really does keep one's forehead relatively dry or if it's just sort of gimmicky. With all the wind-tunnel and cooling-apparatus testing done, I'd imagine that it would do the trick, but wanted to hear from fellow RBRers to get the lowdown.

If you have experience with this particular helmet, I'd dig your responses and input.

Thanks.

It's the best, and my most favorite helmet that I've ever owned, and I've been through a ton of them. They have included, but were not limited to the following:

Giro Atmos
Giro Pneumo
Bell Sweep
Specialized S-works (oldy style)
Specialized Festina
And about 10 other lower end helmets.

The Decibel has been my favorite. I'm on my 3rd one.

I bought a Decibel after a crash that involved a high speed face plant (the braces go on next week!). It looked like the most protective road racing helmet I could find. I'm generally pleased with it. It doesn't seem any warmer than the Giro Pneumo I had before. The one drawback is the way the front pad is designed. On long climbs when it is humid (humid for northern california that is), the pad collects sweat, which then drips down my face. I have to remember to tilt my head and squeeze the sweat out so it runs out to the side.

I like mine alot. I don't really have problems with overheating so I can't say if it's better in that respect or not from the previous crash lids I've used but it's comfortable and the silver/silver is dead sexy imho. a bit spendy but like all good things, you get what you pay for.

The '08 S-Works 2D. Looks nice.

http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/whatsnew/6072_dsid_7176.jpg

S-Works 2D Helmet
The choice of 5 Pro Tour teams and fast finishers around the world, the 184-gram 2D features patented Dual Density foam to make it the lightest helmet to meet CPSC regulations. We've made the 2D the best fitting helmet by including the all-new 360 Degree Pro Fit fit system. The 2D is also the coolest helmet we've ever made due to its patented Mega Mouthport and 4th dimension cooling technologies.

Dual Density. Hence 2D. This patented technology optimizes the foam density for each location on the helmet, assigning the sides higher density to withstand impacts located closer to the edge of the helmet and the top, lower density to save weight and optimize performance.
Kevlar Innermatrix. Our patented uni-directional Kevlar fiber internal reinforcement holds everything together. This InnerMatrix with carbon bridges effectively supports the dual density foam, allows wide-open airflow to vents, and since it's bulletproof Kevlar, decreases overall weight without Compromising strength.

Pro Fit 360 Fit System. All-new redesigned and slimmed down fit system. Pro Fit 360 surrounds the rider's head 360 degrees and features improved, more secure attachment points to the foam in a lightweight and minimalist design. This allows improved stability and security without the bulk of the standard fit systems. Patented Mega Mouthport. This wind tunnel-tested arrangement introduces the largest front vent ever--placed right where it's needed most--offering unsurpassed ventilation by forcing more air than ever before through the front and down the in-line vents.

4X DryLite Helmet Webbing. Our all-new helmet webbing material is four times lighter than the standard and won't absorb sweat or water or stretch out of adjustment. The ultra-dry, soft straps provide unsurpassed comfort in a thin, minimalist construction.