Specialized Ambush Helmet - Review
The Ambush is Specialized's latest addition to the all-mountain / enduro helmet category, a lid that features the most coverage the company has ever offered in a half shell helmet, extending further down the back and sides of a rider's head than any of its predecessors. Underneath the helmet's in-mould shell is an aramid-reinforced EPS liner that uses a higher density foam on the sides of the helmet, and a lower density foam located on the top for maximum energy absorption.
Extra coverage may have been the overarching goal for the Ambush, but Specialized didn't forget about ventilation, and there are 20 vents along with internal channeling that's designed to keep air flowing in and out of the helmet. The ratcheting dial for the Mindset 360 adjustable retention system is cleverly integrated into the shell of the helmet, part of the reason the helmet is able to extend so low in the back. Pairing goggles with a half shell helmet is a common occurrence these days, which is why the Ambush's visor has such a wide range of motion. There are no screws to loosen or dials to turn to adjust its height; instead, it pivots on a serrated track, giving it fifteen available positions. The shape around the ears and forehead has also been designed to allow sunglasses to be worn without the shell getting in the way. Weight (actual, size M): 325 grams. Colors: black, moto orange, hyper green, white, gloss white. Sizes: S, M, L. CPSC / SNELL certified. MSRP: $180.00 USD.
The chin straps are designed to sit flat against the side of a rider's face.
A serrated track gives the visor a wide range of motion.
The Ambush offers extra protection at the side and back of the head compared to a typical XC helmet.
The Mindset 360 retention system has the dial built into the helmet's shell.
Pinkbike’s Take:
 | For as substantial as the Ambush appears, it has the flyweight, barely-there feel that's the holy grail when it comes to fit, enveloping the head with the amount of comfort you'd expect from a well worn ball cap, not a plastic and foam mountain bike helmet. One of the most impressive aspects of the fit is how securely the helmet stays in place, without the shifting from side to side that can occur with some of the heavier extended coverage options out there. No matter how rough the trail the Ambush stayed put, and there wasn't any need to overtighten the retention system to achieve this level of security. The Mindset 360 retention system proved to be simple and effective - it's easy to access and used one handed, and there are enough detents that dialing in the perfect fit is effortless. Ending a ride with eyeballs filled with mud is one of my pet peeves, which is why I regularly commit the fashion faux pas of riding with goggles and a half shell. The Ambush provides plenty of room for goggles to be worn without causing the helmet to tip towards the back of the head, and the visor tips up far enough to accommodate them when they're not in use. Sunglasses didn't pose any problems either - even ones with larger frames didn't come in contact with the shell of the helmet. Regarding ventilation, the Ambush doesn't suffer from the lack of effective airflow that's the Achilles' heel of many all-mountain helmets, and even on hot and humid climbs up shade-free logging roads I never felt like I was overheating. Riders whose checklists of must-haves for a new lid include 'helmet cam mount' or 'MIPS liner' won't be able to tick those boxes, but other than those two items, the Ambush possesses all of the features that you'd expect from a high end mountain bike helmet. Specialized have combined an excellent fit, light weight, and extended rear and side coverage into an attractive package that's one of the best options currently on the market. The price is a touch higher than some of its contemporaries, but the Ambush backs this up with stellar performance out on the trail. - Mike Kazimer |
www.specialized.com, @Specialized
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1. Outrage about the price.
2. Unsubstantiated, anti-Specialized hate.
How did I do?