The latest version of the Specialized tactical helmet is affordable and fully functional

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Visually, the new Specialized Tactic 4 mountain bike helmet is very different from its predecessor. However, the difference does not stop there, because due to many structural design changes, this new cover should also be safer.

Specialized claims that Tactic "provides the confidence you need to make progress in off-road riding."

So how has Tactic changed, what features are now provided, and has this greatly increased the pricing?

In addition to the huge aesthetic changes (which will be described in detail later), a large part of the story here is the focus on the safety of Tactic 4.

Specialized designed the new Tactic to pass the strict electric bike safety standard (NTA-8776), which covers the higher impact speeds you may encounter when riding an electric mountain bike.

The two-piece liner in the helmet is directly fixed to the MIPS Evolve low friction layer. This is designed to help protect your head during angular impact, is said to provide better comfort, ventilation and fit, and is more neatly integrated than the cheaper MIPS Essential liner used in Tactic III.

These features, coupled with the deep disc fit—the back of the helmet lowers down to improve the coverage of the back of the head—and the sturdy structure make the new Tactic 4 in the widely recognized Virginia Tech helmet Get the highest score rating.

However, security does not stop there. If you have an extra £45 to spend, you can purchase a Specialized ANGi collision sensor and install it on the ANGi-ready Tactic 4. The sensor tracks your ride and can detect collisions and send safety beacons to help you locate.

The fit adjustment of Tactic 4 benefits from the SBC integrated bonding system. As the name suggests, the bracket clipped around the head has an adjuster dial built into the back of the helmet, rather than sitting directly on a fixed bracket like most people do.

The indexed dial is proud enough to be easily accessible and has an index (it is really loud), which should help when making adjustments. However, there does not seem to be any way to change the height of the fixed bracket.

One of the outstanding elements of Tactic 4's new look must be the peak. Specialized chose a fixed rather than a movable peak this time, saying that it helps provide a more integrated, cleaner design, and better sun and tree protection.

It also said that it should prevent accidental peak losses. Fortunately, Specialized designed the peak to break away from the helmet in the event of a collision.

There are 17 sizable vents and some deep internal passages to help you calm down while working hard.

Tactic 4 uses a standard buckle with a fixed belt partition, designed to lie flat on your face.

If you are a rider and like to take off your glasses while climbing, but it is difficult to find a safe place to store your glasses while pedaling, don't be afraid, Specialized will support you.

The two widest eyebrow ports will happily accept your glasses, although this style is best for glasses with straight arms.

Specialized only offers one model of Tactic 4, which will cost you £100 (more than £90 for Tactic III)-which is not bad considering the increased safety.

Provide three sizes (S, M, L) and six colors to choose from. Our medium sample weighs 383 grams.

In the next few months, we will conduct a full review of Tactic 4, so be sure to stay tuned.

Technical editor Rob Weaver manages all tests for BikeRadar and our magazines Mountain Biking UK and Cycling Plus. Rob first appeared on the MBUK page as a freelancer in 2001 and began testing bikes for the championship title in 2007. In 2010, he joined the team full-time and has been paying close attention to everything related to testing ever since. Rob's extensive knowledge of bicycles stems from his passion for racing. In the early 1990s, he started participating in cross-country mountain bike competitions, and then gained a foothold in downhill competitions. After years of racing on the British national circuit (including one year of trying to participate in the UCI DH World Cup), Rob realized that his expertise and passion for bicycle setup, technology and writing clearly exceeded his racing ability. A degree in sports technology and decades of riding experience will help Rob thoroughly understand the conditions needed to build a great bike or product. This helps him to be more enthusiastic about cycling than ever, and will spend a lot of free time reading almost all bicycle-related publications he can get. Although Rob is a mountain biker and has never been happier than sliding down a Welsh hillside, he is also happy to put his mileage on roads or gravel bikes.

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