The Bontrager XXX WaveCell helmet was first made available on 20 Mar. 2019.
I'll reiterate the purpose of these bike helmet reviews as I have done on past posts. My goal in this post is to provide information unavailable in other reviews, particularly around fit as so much of a cyclist's experience is impacted by the fit. Perceptions of overall comfort and helmet sizing will naturally vary. However, ventilation and wind noise will also vary based on the air gap between a cyclist's head and the helmet. If a cyclist fits in on the smaller side of the range in a helmet's circumference range, there is more room for air flow around the head, for example.
The safety and protection of a cyclist is also impacted, no pun intended. The industry emphasizes oblique impacts and angular accelerations during those impacts. And while it's difficult to quantify, it's straightforward to imagine how a looser fitting helmet allows the helmet to pivot on your head easier than a tightly coupled one. In fact MIPS depends on a tight fitting helmet to produce its results as the impact tests are done on a rubberized head form.
Aerodynamics is the final area impacted by fit. If a cyclist is in-between sizes and has to upsize, than the larger frontal surface area creates more drag. Since drag is defined as the drag coefficient multiple by the frontal surface area, the additional effect is predictable and linear. In any circumstance other than a custom fit helmet, there is some additional drag associated with using an off the shelf, injection molded helmet.
What's new in this helmet?
More to come
How's the helmet on the bike?
More to come
How's the helmet fit and sizing?
More to come
What do other reviewers say about this helmet?
The following reviews are what publications that have ridden the helmet have to say about the Bontrager WaveCel helmet. In order to prevent bias, I analyze, compile, and include the top three Google results for the " Bontrager XXX WaveCel helmet review," not adding any review in which the helmet wasn't actually ridden and only served as a regurgitation of the product press release from the manufacturer. I don't differentiate between the mainstream and the cycling press assuming that anyone can ride a bike and give a good review.
Road. cc gave Bontrager XXX WaveCel Helmet 3.5 out of 5 stars and commented: “Bontrager's XXX WaveCel helmet offers a good fit and a high level of comfort although it's heavier than rivals in its price bracket.” According to Bontrager, the helmet has the ability to prevent concussions caused by cycling accidents. The ratings of the bike helmet are determined exclusively by safety criteria; not ventilation, fit, comfort, weight, or price. Aside from safety, they concluded that it is comfortable after testing the helmet. It fits a variety of head shapes securely. They also added it is ventilated, despite the lack of gaping vents or deep interior channels. And although the airflow isn't ideal, it doesn’t cause sunburn when the temperature rises. The downside they found you could have is the WaveCel structure's inability to allow you to tuck your eyewear's arms into the vents and the fact that it's heavier than most similar-priced helmets.
CyclingWeekly ranked the Bontrager XXX Wavecel helmet 3.5 out of 5 stars and stated: “Incredibly comfortable and no doubt offering excellent levels of safety in the event of a crash, the Bontrager XXX WaveCel Road is a really good looking helmet. It is let down by the high overall weight and the incompatibility with certain eyewear.” According to Trek, the helmet helps absorb energy in multiple ways by flexing, crumpling, and gliding. This feature makes WaveCel the best choice for cycle helmets, given that cyclists frequently crash in weird, non-linear ways. The advantages are its comfort, safety features, and aesthetics. They noted it is one of the neatest helmets in terms of construction quality, and for once justifies the high price. However, they discovered that the Bontrager XXX WaveCel Road sits low on the head and doesn't work with some eyewear- it is worth taking your eyewear when checking it out. It's also heavy.
FeedTheHabbit tested the Bontrager WaveCel helmet and commented: “If aerodynamics, protection, and style are your utmost priorities, then have a solid look at the Bontrager XXX WaveCel helmet.” They said the helmet provides mostly protection. Other advantages include the fact that it is instantly comfortable; the Boa® System makes it simple to fasten and adjust the helmet with only one hand. The aerodynamic shape of the helmet helps beat the wind and ride faster, and an extra NoSweat pad with a silicone channel keeps sweat out of the eyes for continual clarity. However, in terms of ventilation, it's not the most breathable - but added warmth on chilly days while cycling. Other cons they mentioned are some sunglasses are not suitable for the helmet. They also failed to figure out how to remove the fit system to install the NoSweat liner. The bike helmet is also pricey and not the lightest.
Most of the press reviews are positive, with common complaints centered on the product's weight and incompatibility with particular sunglasses. There's some uneven and different feedback around its price (reasonably priced or expensive). Regarding the review, most of the comments are related to its comfort, aerodynamics, ventilation and the design of helmet. There is limited information and backup around its main criteria – safety and protection.
What are the helmet specifications?
Coming soon.
How's it feel after extended ride testing?
This is a placeholder for future helmet testing of this model.
Is the POC Ventral MIPS the best bike helmet for you?
As I always say, the best bike helmet is the one that fits you. The Best Bike Helmet Finder is a good place to start. Helmets are a very personal decision both for reasons of sizing and fit but also style and performance preferences. You aren't going to ride with it if it's uncomfortable.
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