This is a review of the new Bontrager Specter Wavecel helmet. We compare it to the Lazer Z1 MIPS, and find out if it is any good! Link to the Virginia Tech bike helmet comparison: www.helmet.bea...
After using mine for two months, I can definitely say it is poorly ventilated. Otherwise, it seems well made and I like the retention system. However, I will not be using it again until the fall when the temps drop. This is definitely NOT a summer helmet for strong efforts where cooling is paramount in hot weather.
Great review, do you think the Wavecel is better than the MIPS helmets? I am replacing my old 15-year-old Bell helmet without these new safety features.
Great review - very reasonable observations. I bought the Bontrager Specter yesterday and it's the fanciest helmet I've ever owned. I chose it because it fit better than the other options (I have a large and quite "long oval" head). I'm getting it because even though I don't usually use a helmet, I will be riding through as much winter as I can this year, (because COVID), and I'm worried about taking a spill on ice. After a 20km ride up and down a small mountain. Temp was 15 C or (60 F) and I can confirm, this is not a great helmet for warm weather. However, I think it will be fabulous for Canadian fall/winter commuting. The clasp is fine - takes about two trips for it to become very intuitive. It's not super slimline/low-profile but I'm not a super athlete. It fits very comfortably and can snug up without it digging in anywhere. (I think possibly because the rear strap placement is more ergonomic. They are individually connected to the helmet instead of one strand connecting in a "v") Sweat absorber on the brow could be better. A bit heavy, but so am I ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ . I would recommend for anyone in cooler climates or people who don't count every single gram.
WaveCell is so much better when it comes to head protection. The thin MiPS is not going to make a difference when you’re going 30mph. It’s all about how much cushion you can get.
That's not the point of it what wavecell and MIPS are doing is taking some of the rotational forces away before they get to your brain to stop it hitting the inside of your skull the EPS does all of the taking of blunt force damage.
Issue with the Wavecell is that after impact the wavecell may be compromised and not suitable for further use. Ofcourse you should always check your helmet after impact, but after a small impact most helmets can still be used. This might not be the case with the Bontrager.
