Tossing and turning over this...
 

... well not really. Okay, so it's been a while since I've posted here. Anyway, I'm finally doing an upgrade! From a $40 Wal-Mart helmet to either a Bontrager or Specialized. I really like the Oracle as far as looks, but it does remind me of a Giro Atmos. And they are at the same price. So if desperation takes over, I wouldn't mind either one. However, a few of my friends tell me that Specialized makes way better helmets and the ventilation is top-notch. So here I am looking around and I kinda like the S3. But when I went to an LBS, a few employees said that the Propero 2 is a better buy and it's almost like the Prevail. I have read the reviews and I'm confusing myself even more. So to any owners of the mentioned helmets, what likes and dislikes do you have? If the Propero 2 is a better buy, what cons do you have now that you own one?

Thanks for all the help.

Which one fits you better? Not just the helmet fit, but also the strap comfort and the ease of adjustment.

With fit being equal, I own multiple Specialized helmets i.e., Propero, Air Force and Echelon. The Propero is really well vented, but all are equally comfortable.

Head shape matters. I struggled with a specialized helmet for a year, and I fell in love with several from their line, but the Giro/Bell helmets just sit on my head like a glove. I find the Specialized to be more narrow from front to back, while the Giro is more round, which suits me. I wish the Specialized fit me better, but they just don't. Try both brands on first. I have found them consistent between models, so even if you cant find the exact helmet, you can usually judge size from anything in the line.

I find the Specialized helmets much more comfortable than either Giro or Bell, but that may have to do w/ my head shape. I've heard very good things about Rudy Project helmets, but have never personally tried one. I do have multiple Rudy sunglasses, jerseys, shorts, gloves, etc., and all are top notch.