Without individual aero testing, I'd say a Specialized Evade is probably close to optimum for an every day helmet. But I'd go try a few things on, might as well enjoy wearing it, and the differences are probably pretty minimal between different road aero helmets.

For race day, find a 2nd hand Giro Advantage 2.

I don't know where you'd live, but Planet X has very decent and very cheap aero helmets. If you order with different visors, you'd have the right visor for all weather types. https://www.planetx.co.uk/...us-time-trial-helmet

+1 on all this.

The Evade is probably the best “do it all” helmet, with the Vanquish and Ballista also in contention.

Aero helmets have such large aero paybacks that it’s worth it to get a raceday lid.....like an A2 used for $50.

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ECMGN Therapy Silicon Valley:
Depression, Neurocognitive problems, Dementias (Testing and Evaluation), Trauma and PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

not sure if you will find your answer here but this thread might help:
https://forum.slowtwitch.com/.../?page=unread#unread
jim@ero has done testing on helmets so whether it is the best value is a subjective decision.

I can't look up the road wearing my Ballista without pushing it back on my head which sort of negates wearing a helmet...works fine riding my road bike. Recently got a Wing helmet that I've worn a couple of times and really like the high high helmet brow/visor line as pointed out by jim@ero. My experience might not apply to you as I have rounded shoulders and a back hump while riding on the extensions...but happy to be cycling at my age (72). "Best Value" can mean different things to different people...the Wing is pricy but provides real value to me...and who knows it might make me a bit more aero and faster...

I still own an old Giro Adv 2 for those kind of informal TT situations where I don't want a rock, drop, or issue to damage my $300 TT helmet. My Adv 2 has always tested pretty on-par with the middle of road helmets I've tried, via virtual elevation testing. It takes trial and error to get into the "great" match for a person's bike fit.

I have owned an older Evade, it was great. I crashed in it, bin job. Now have the Giro Vanquish, love it. I love that with the visor I have good vision. I know they sell sunglasses rimless, but I prefer this. Also for training it is great as it doesn't cover the ears and I can hear things. I have a Varia, but still like to hear my surroundings. A Varia won't help if you could hear something approaching from the side.

I've owned both Giant road helmets, the Pursuit and the other one. Disliked both. Crashed in the one and the fit of that helmet being not good enough around front probably cost me some face damage. I only use the other one as a cyclocross/gravel helmet. It fits fine, but is as aero as a cheese grater with the vents.

The Planet X helmets have a good following due to cost and seemingly good effectiveness.

I'd say really search classifieds and Ebay for sure. I got lucky and a guy bought and used once my Vanquish but it didn't fit or something. I got it for $100 essentially brand new, mips, with visor.

Seems like the opinions of those who actually test have had a relative consistent collective opinion on the best aero helmets for those who cannot test. In other words, these are the helmets most likely to be fastest for most people.

1. Giro Aerohead
2. LG P-09
3. Kask Bambino
4. Bell Javelin (or discontinued Giro Advantage 2)

Agreed with this - I've got that Helmet and pretty happy with it.

Shape is very close to a Kask Bambino but costs only 1/5 of the Bambino.

PlanetX/Carnac is a UK/EU brand. The helmets are CE certified, but not CPSC in most cases. Just a note for the non-EU folks who can’t use it.

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ECMGN Therapy Silicon Valley:
Depression, Neurocognitive problems, Dementias (Testing and Evaluation), Trauma and PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Just saw at the bottom of your OP that you are looking for an aero road helmet. That is a whole different animal. Here are a few threads on that subject.

https://forum.slowtwitch.com/forum/Slowtwitch_Forums_C1/Triathlon_Forum_F1/Fastest_aerodynamic_road_helmet%3F_P7401963/
https://forum.slowtwitch.com/forum/Slowtwitch_Forums_C1/Triathlon_Forum_F1/Aero_road_helmet__P7109484/
https://forum.slowtwitch.com/...oad_helmet_P6612488/
https://forum.slowtwitch.com/forum/Slowtwitch_Forums_C1/Triathlon_Forum_F1/Help_me_shop_for_a_new_aero-road_helmet_P7271050/

Planet X/Carnac gets pretty hot

Oakley Aro5 is a good value MIPS aero helmet

I'm following this too. My requirements might be a little different

I'd like to find something that would work well for long sunday morning rides but also be aero enough for a race. Also, I'd like to find something cheap on ebay


I almost pulled the trigger on the giro advantage 2 for $50 on ebay, but it's a little much for outside of races and I dont know if I'm dedicated enough to tris to have a dedicated race helmet

Personally, I have a highly ventilated road helmet for training (Propero II) and an aero helmet for tris (Aerohead). I got the Propero II for $80 at the semi-annual sale, and the Aerohead for $125 on Black Friday.

From a performance perspective, it's far better to have a $50 A2 for racing and a ~$100 breathable road helmet than a $200+ aero road helmet that is muddy middle (other than for road racing).

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ECMGN Therapy Silicon Valley:
Depression, Neurocognitive problems, Dementias (Testing and Evaluation), Trauma and PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Thanks for all if the good advice and suggestions. I pulled the trigger on a Giro Advantage 2 from eBay. NOS for $60. At that price, I agreed with those who advocated for an inexpensive, but likely effective, specialist aero helmet that will get used just a few times per year and a 2nd, road specific helmet.