Last, but definitely not least, the Gamechanger provides outstanding protection should you be unfortunate to crash, always a possibility when racing. The multi-shell in-mould design combines a durable outer shell bonded to an EPS foam inner. Should you crash the foam liner absorbs and dissipates impact forces, keeping your head protected from injury. With its Zoom Ace adjustment system, you can also get a comfortable fit every time, and ensure a secure fit that won’t move should you fall. The start of my time testing for the new Gamechanger 2.0 fell right in the middle of a 30°C / 86°F heatwave - an ideal time to scrutinize those ventilation claims. Generally speaking, the Gamechanger 2.0 performed impressively in those conditions for an aero helmet. In the MIPS variant, the Air Node Rotation System softens the rotational forces in the event of a fall and offers greater protection for the brain.

Whether you think a helmet can justify this kind of spend is up to you, but I do feel as though Abus has gone a long way to make its Gamechanger 2.0 'worth' the price. Conclusion Even on the hottest rides, you can keep a cool head thanks to the AirBoost air inlet and sophisticated ventilation system. FlowStraps – for ultimate comfort. The fixed webbing arrangement is an ode to adjustability – customization is no longer necessary. Thanks to these specially designed straps, flutter and wind chatter is a thing of the past. The FlowStraps are aerodynamic, flutter-free and skin-friendly – a ABUS innovation (pat. pend.).

This did lead to what is still a noticeable disparity between the Gamechanger 2.0+ and more heavily vented helmets on the market such as the S-Works Prevail 3 or a Giro Aether. But of the aero helmets I've tested, the Abus is definitely one of the better performing in the hot weather. The ABUS GameChanger is a men's helmet that is in the mid-price range while offering superior performance. Its particular aerodynamic structure has as its main objective to reduce the portion of surface area exposed to the wind regardless of the inclination of the wearer's head. The air is channelled in this way to ensure freshness while wearing it and keep the temperature inside the helmet stable. Light and Cool Racing Helmet FlowStraps: Aerodynamic, flutter-free and skin-friendly thanks to specially developed strap profile

Overall, I've really enjoyed using this helmet, from its comfort to its looks, and especially the way it holds glasses. If you're looking for a fast helmet, and you can afford it, I'd recommend giving it a go. Verdict The added vent at the front was certainly welcome, and I could feel a noticeable amount of airflow over my forehead.Nice, too, was the low profile vent on the top of the helmet. Similar to what you might find on the top of a formula one car, this top vent did a good job of getting some air to the top of my head. Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it? The straps are a fixed design with the only adjustment being at the chin. I haven't found this to be a problem – the straps sit comfortably against the skin and I can't feel them flapping – but I dare say some might find it an issue. The GameChanger 2.0's aerodynamics have been optimised for riding at 46 to 52kph in the drops (Image credit: Abus)

ABUS GameChanger Highlights:

Weight-wise, this medium comes in at 272g which is just 2g over the claimed weight. For weight weenies, that's 10g lighter than the Specialized Evade. Abus claims this has resulted in a '11% longer virtual aero profile', essentially meaning that Abus has engineered the turbulent airflow behind the helmet to act like a longer tail as seen on TT helmets, older ones in particular. As it's an aero helmet, I would like some figures to show how it performs against its competitors; 23% less frontal surface area is all well and good, but that's over Abus's own vented helmet. Abus really needs to get this in a wind tunnel and compare it to its rivals. With the Abus GameChanger Aero Helmet, you get an aerodynamic design, optimum ventilation and a perfect fit. Designed and developed alongside the Movistar team, you can be assured that all the top performance features are included for you to excel. Multi-positioning helmet design technology ensures the best in aerodynamics whatever the head angle, achieved through a reduced surface area being exposed to the wind in all conditions, and the Zoom Ace dial allows fine adjustments to personalise the fit further. Your head will stay cool however hard you are working thanks to the Forced Air Cooling Technology and large air channels and however your head is tilted during different racing positions, this system remains efficient.