jay4usc

Any opinions on this helmet? I’m thinking of purchasing it bc I suffered a concussion on my last crash and I was wearing a helmet with no MIPS. I didn’t like the feeling of losing consciousness and dizziness after hitting my head on the pavement. It appears their technology is 48x more effective in preventing concussions.

Greiselman

That's what Bontrager has claimed but it's exceptionally difficult to prove... or disprove. See: https://www.velonews.com/gear/man-su...safety-claims/

FWIW I have a Specter and do like it a lot. Haven't yet tested it with a hard crash... thankfully.

jay4usc

is the wavecel on your helmet a soft cushion or hard like the foam?

jaxgtr

I have the Specter and I really like it. The cell material is not a foam material. I wear prescription glasses and some have complained about it sitting low, but it does not bother me or sit so low that it impacts my glasses.

Greiselman

It has a little give but I wouldn't say it's soft. But none of the Wavecel material actually touches your head. The contact points feel like any other helmet.

jay4usc

thanks for sharing. Will have to find a LBS that has them in stock and try them on.

trainchaser

I have a Bontrager Specter helmet and I'm very pleased with it, I did a fair amount of research on wave-cell technology and was satisfied enough afterwards that I went to my Trek store and grabbed the Specter. There have been comments on some reviews that it is heavy but I haven't found it to feel heavy when wearing it, a common question has been the breathability of the helmet due to the wave-cell structure interfering with airflow. I have not experienced any issues with airflow, in fact I seem to feel that the wave-cell design actually does a great job of ventilating the entire top of my head instead of just where the vents are located. It does have an excellent rating in the Virginia Tech helmet tests. On my head I needed the large size and this is, by far, the most comfortable helmet I ever had.

jay4usc

have you ridden with it over the summer?

trainchaser

Hi, yes, I commute on my bike so the Specter has seen all season usage, no complaints whatsoever, great helmet, you won't regret buying one and will also have some reassurance that it offers some of the best protection you can get in a bike helmet. Cheers

jay4usc

Very helpful info. Thanks

Hiro11

I have one. It's comfortable and well made. While it's ok in cold weather or for slow riding, but it's much too poorly ventilated for vigorous cycling. A hot helmet is an absolute deal killer for me. Also, while the magnetic buckle is a great design, the straps inevitably slip as I ride. Lastly, I trust Virginia Tech more than most tests and while the Specter seems safe, it's no better than many other MIPS helmets that are lighter and much better ventilated. I would look at the Lazer Sphere if you want a similar helmet with better ventilation and apparently even more safety. I really like the Bell Z20 MIPS too, it's also top-rated for safety.

trainchaser

For what it's worth, I never found the Specter helmet to be hot this past summer and I was riding home on some pretty warm days, I was actually surprised with how well the helmet ventilation works. Obviously Hiro's experience varies from mine. I've never had an issue with the straps and I really like the magnetic clasp.

jaxgtr

I too never found it hot in the warm weather. I generally used Bell Helmets in the past and I could not feel any difference in cooling between the 2.

jay4usc

what temperature? I live in SoCal and hottest temperature I usually ride in is about 95-100 degrees during the summer. Hoping the helmet won’t be too hot at that temperature

Mojo31

I have one, and it is my preferred helmet. Didn’t find it any hotter than my other helmet that is a well ventilated mips. Living in Texas, you can’t say we don’t have hot summers. If you like the look and fit, give it a try. Doesn’t Trek give a 30 day free look?

jay4usc

if your head is not over heating in Texas then I should be fine in SoCal. Thanks for sharing

their website states they offer unconditional guarantee for 30 days on all Bontrager after market parts. Unsure if that includes their helmet. I will contact them to make sure.

jaxgtr

I am in Florida, so ....hot and humid is the norm.

jaxgtr

Anything Bontrager for the 30 day comfort guaranty

Mojo31

I know it includes their shoes based on what the local store told me.

jay4usc

Do you guys feel the wavecel would cut your head if by chance you crashed and it comes into contact with your head?

Iride01 

You are worrying too much. Just buy the helmet and get your own experiences. Like bicycles, it shouldn't be the only one you ever get.

jaxgtr

No, I do not worry about that. The edges are not sharp