Deciding between cycling helmets typically has come down to budget, design and comfort. More recently, many helmet manufacturers have incorporated additional safety features beyond the simple EPS foam and head cradle systems. Bontrager has made a big splash with their debut of WaveCel liner technology. Marketed with the slogan “You only get one Brain,” WaveCel is an exclusive technology that Bontrager has developed to protect against cycling related head injuries. In this review, we’ll be taking a close look at the Bontrager Specter WaveCel helmet in an eye catching radioactive yellow gloss finish. The Specter WaveCel is one of the most affordable helmets that feature the WaveCel technology and is offered in everything from S-XL size as well as five glossy color options. The full product line consists of the mountain biking Blaze WaveCel, commuter friendly Charge WaveCel and the aerodynamic XXX WaveCel. Unlike other helmets with MIPS that only have subtle yellow stickers to differentiate them from standard helmets, the WaveCel liner is clearly visible from the exterior of the helmet. The Specter is designed for all types of riding and features a number of premium touches as well.
At the core of the Bontrager Specter WaveCel helmet is the innovative WaveCel inner liner. With the radioactive yellow color (that we reviewed), the WaveCel liner is finished in a complementary transparent green. This liner appears to be clear transparent for other color schemes. While we can’t validate Bontrager’s safety claims, the WaveCel liner is an exciting and intriguing design. Visually they look similar to a triangular honeycomb structure that have been strategically arranged to absorb and reduce impacts. Bontrager describes the WaveCel elements as ‘three-dimensional structure’ as they are designed to reduce rotational forces as well as complement the EPS foam and collapse vertically. The WaveCel liner fills the entire region between the foam and the inner liner with no cutouts for vents..
Overall, we found the Bontrager Specter WaveCel to be a unique and well finished helmet. Although we don’t have the testing equipment or desire to crash test the helmet to verify WaveCel’s safety claims, we found the WaveCel liner provided a comfortable and secure feel we haven’t felt with other helmets. Our only concerns with the helmet are the fact that the WaveCel liner may inhibit the airflow through the vents and limits the possibility of attaching lights/cameras to the helmet. Despite being the lowest cost WaveCel helmet offered by Bontrager, the helmet also has premium features such as a plush inner padding and wrap-around outer shell that set the helmet apart. We’re excited to see the WaveCel technology incorporated into more Bontrager helmets.
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0:13 ... Unboxing + Specs
2:15 ... Fit + Finish
6:45 ... Comparison
9:22 ... The Final Score
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