About the Specialized Ambush Comp ANGi Helmet
The Specialized Ambush Comp ANGI helmet is a new breed of “smart helmet” developed by Specialized that incorporates a discrete crash sensor built into the design of the helmet that works in tandem with your smartphone. The ANGi sensor (via your smartphone) tracks a riders whereabouts via GPS and alerts a nominated contact if it detects a crash.
The Specialized Ambush also features MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), a system built into the structure of the helmet that reduces rotational energy to your head during an impact. Which is, apparently, a very good thing to have.
The helmet design follows the current enduro style with plenty of coverage around the back of your head and a moveable visor for versatility with goggles or glasses.
Loaded with safety technology, a sharp design, light weight and a reasonable price tag, this is a great option to check out for your next helmet.
Note: You can also purchase the ANGi sensor separately and add it to your favourite helmet if you wish too.
Set-up was a breeze with the instructions in the app.
Specs
RRP: $260 NZD
Weight: 286 gm
Colours: White, Black, Green, Redwood, Satin White
Sizes: S, M, L & XL
Features: MIPS, ANGi, Mindset 360 fit system, Micro indexing visor, Tri flex web splitter
Who is the Specialized Ambush Comp ANGi Hemet For?
The Specialized Ambush Comp ANGi helmet is a great option for any rider that regularly rides alone or rides in remote back country areas. Or anyone looking for a reasonably priced helmet loaded with all the latest safety tech to protect their heads. I purchased this helmet on special for $180 which I thought was an absolute bargain.
Using the helmet
Setting up the helmet to work with the app was quite straight forward. I found the app instructions easy to follow and within a few minutes it was all set-up and ready to use.
When you are ready to ride, you load the Specialized Ride app, then give the helmet a little shake which wakes the sensor up.
You can set the app to send a ride notification to your nominated contact when you start your ride. Then choose if you want to ride for a pre-determined time, or just an open ended free-ride.
The pre-determined timed ride is good for when you might be out of coverage, since the system will work in the cloud to notify your contact that you haven’t finished your ride in the pre-determined time.
If you choose free-ride, it will only notify your contact in the event that your helmet determines that you have crashed.
When the helmet detects that you have crashed, it pops up a message on your phone, triggers a siren and asks if you are OK. If you don’t respond within the 10 seconds count down, it will send a message to your contact.
Your contact will receive an alert and breadcrumbs showing your GPS locations over time with your last known or current position.
The system uses a simple button battery that is available at every corner store and my battery lasted a good six months of rides before I needed to change it. The app warned me that the battery was getting low too.
Aside from the ANGi system, the helmet design and fit for me was great. The visor has an index allowing you to move it up or down out of the way. You can fit a pair of riding glasses or goggles under the peak without too much of a problem.
I find my head is most comfortable in Giro helmets, so I was relieved to find this helmet was as comfortable but appeared to be lighter than my old Giro Montaro helmet (at nearly twice the price). The tri flex web splitter (which is fancy speak for the neck strap clamp) means I could dial in a perfect fit around my ears and neck. See why I think weight in a helmet is important here.
The size adjustability is great with the mindset 360 fit ratcheting knob at the back of the helmet taking up any slack in the fitment. Which is great because when the sun is out I wear a Halo Skull Cap under my helmet requiring a looser fit.
Final thoughts
Specialized have really thought the ANGi system through, with great ease of use and with options for rides in mobile coverage and no mobile coverage alike. I’m impressed.
Then, adding in the protection of MIPS into a lightweight design at a great price point makes this helmet exceptional value.
I would like it if the sensor could be moved from helmet to helmet so I didn’t need to buy more sensors, a small gripe at the given price point.