Specialized Women's S-Works Helmet

Vital Stats:

Price: $230

Weight: 225 grams

Sizes: S, M, L

Colors: Blue/Purple or Pink/White

Specialized has established themselves as one of the premier bike companies with their top of the line S-Works models and cutting edge technology. Their bikes are consistently ranked amongst the best by any and all kinds of review articles, but what about their other products like shoes, helmets, glasses, and wheels? Women's Triathlon Review took a look at the Specialized Women's S-Works Helmet to see if it holds up to the standards set by one of the industry's leading companies, and here's what we found.

Not only is the Women's S-Works Helmet the lightest in the world coming in at a mere 225 grams, it passes every certification test so that you can have the best of both worlds of being light and safe. With this helmet, there's no more showing up to transition on race day and finding out your helmet doesn't have the CPSC sticker and thus beginning the mad dash to find one to borrow! How do they make it so light? Well that is in part thanks to their patented Double Density EPS, which maximizes performance and strength while saving weight. It is also made with a Kevlar-reinforced inner matrix, which allows for larger and deeper channeled vents but since it's made with bulletproof Kevlar, you aren't sacrificing any strength.

Women's Triathlon Review loves the vented look of the Women's S-Works Helmet and was thoroughly impressed by the breathability even on hot and muggy days in the saddle. The 4th Dimension Cooling System includes a mega mouth port at the forehead, in-line vents to increase airflow, and rear exhaust ports for air to exits so a constant stream of air aross the head can be maintained.

We were also impressed with how well the Women's S-Works Helmet fit on all of our differently shaped and sized heads. The Pro Fit 360 system, which is simply the buckle in the back that tightens and loosens the helmet, was incredibly easy to adjust while riding and created a tight but comfortable fit that was just right for each of us. The U-Turn chinstrap adjustments were also extremely easy to us and helped eliminate the annoying slippage seen in other models of adjustments.

The women's specific components of the helmet are not quite as exciting as the weight or fit because the only differences form the men's S-Works Helmet are the colors. With two women's options including a blue/purple or pink/white, you can choose what sits your personality and style best. However, if these girly colors don't strike your fancy, fear not, look no further than the men's line for dark blue, black, silver, and all white options. There are no differences in the designs, weights, or sizes of the men's and women's helmets, just the color options.

Overall, Women's Triathlon Review was very impressed with the S-Works Helmet and would rate it as one of the best helmets available. If money is not an issue and you are looking for a true top of the line helmet that blends strength, lightness, and fit so well that you feel as if the helmet was designed specifically for you, the Specialized S-Works model is the helmet for you.

For more information about the Specialized Women's S-Works Helmet or for information on other specialized products, check out their website at www.Specialized.com

Asics GEL- Nimbus 11

Ratings:

Overall: B

Price: C

Durability: B

Women's Specific Designs: A

The Asics GEL-Nimbus 11 has proven itself by quickly becoming one of Asics best selling running shoes.  With its Impact Guidance System (IGS) these shoes are designed to enhance your foots natural gait while cushioning and stabilizing with each step.  These are great light-weight trainers that keep you going strong even at the end of your long run.  

As a women's specific shoe, the Asics GEL-Nimbus 11 has the Gender Specific Space Trusstic System which takes into account the differences between men and women's foot structure.  This specifically helps control the deformation of women's arches and creates an impressive injury prevention system to keep you healthy and running.

One of the best aspects of the GEL-Nimbus 11 is that while it is a women's specific shoe, Asics does not limit the colors to pink and purple.  With a blue option, women don't have to be stuck parading around letting everyone know they have something designed for women on.  

Check out more info about the Nimbus 11 or other Asics products at Asics website at www.asicsamerica.com

Zeal Optics Sunglasses

Vital Stats:

Price: $100-$130

Order Online: Yes

Colors: Variety including pink, red, violet, brown, black, clear, wood, gold, green

With athlete owns and designers you have to expect that Zeal Optics is meant for the active lifestyle. The ZB-13 polarized lens technology was designed to eliminate the need for interchangeable lenses but still provide maximum versatility in all conditions. While some people find the idea of a single lens that works in all light conditions a convenient feature, other people have expressed their concern that the lenses don't actually work in all conditions. After spending over 6 months using and wearing glasses from Zeal, I have to agree with the former group, that having just a single lens is convenient and hassle free and I had no problems with the lenses.

The layered polarized lens filter cuts horizontal glare and provides excellent protection from the sun's damaging rays. However, as with all polarized lenses, digital screens such as heart rate monitors, power meters, and cell phones are blocked and you have to remove your sunglasses to read the screen. Zeal is currently working on this issue but this problem ranges far beyond their glasses and includes most polarized options.

The women's specific line offers a wide variety of styles for any type of face. Their website has a very useful guide that matches their sunglasses with the ideal face shape so if you can't buy them in person, you can feel confident you're getting something that will look great on you. The women's line includes some great shapes and colors including the frameless Entice as well as the Zesty Red Airestream. These glasses provide a sporty yet feminine look that you can wear to the track and then head out over to the mall or out to lunch without changing anything.

To check out other styles and colors or to learn more about Zeal Optics, check out their website at www.ZealOptics.com

BlueSeventy Helix Wetsuit

Ratings: Overall: A

Price: A- compared to other similar wetsuits

Durability: A

Women's Specific Design: A

2008 was a breakthrough year for BlueSeventy wetsuit technology with the introduction of TST - Torsional Stretch Technology.  TST was developed to improve shoulder and arm mobility while maintaining buoyancy and compression throughout the torso.  By isolating the shoulder panels and using a thinner 1.5mm Yamamoto neoprene for the arms, BlueSeventy has created a suit that allows swimmers to reach their full arm extension without fighting the stretch of the suit.   The Helix is also designed with quick transitions in mind.  The suits have a reverse-style zipper for easy unzipping, quick exit legs, and multi-stretch cuffs.  To make the run to transition easier, BlueSeventy has added ribbing behind the knees of the suit to reduce compression resistance caused by knee flexion when running.

The collar of the Helix has also been redesigned to reduce rubbing and allowing for better sighting mobility.  No more finishing the swim with large abrasions on your neck because of wetsuit rub!

To top it all off, BlueSeventy has introduced a much wider range of women's sizes so a perfect fit is no longer a question.  The sizes range from Women's XS to LA (Large Athena) and include mixed sizes such as medium-small and medium-large.  With a total of 7 different shapes and sizes everyone can find their perfect fit, which is the key to finding a wetsuit that works.  

For more information on the BlueSeventy Women's Helix Wetsuit or to find a retailer near you, check out their website at www.BlueSeventy.com

Welcome To Women's Triathlon Review

Welcome to the newest women's focused news source for up-to-date information on products, people, and events in the triathlon community. Triathlon is one of the fastest growing sports in the world with a 300% rise in participation over the past 5 years, yet the news and product coverage is heavily male-based. Currently, USAT's membership has a 50/50 split men to women so it's time to give the ladies of the sport some support when trying t0 find information on women's specific products, events, and general information. Women's Triathlon Review is dedicated to providing the much needed female-based reviews and news to keep you updated and interested in the sport!

Women's Triathlon Review Staff:

Publisher: Kristen Peterson

Web Editor: Breeze Brown

Photographer: Kathryn Eastely

Product Review: Flora Duffy