Bontrager XXX WaveCel Road
£199.99 › Revolutionary ‘safety-boosting’ helmet
WHEN BONTRAGER LAUNCHED ITS NEW WaveCel helmets on a tide of publicity and safety claims, it was accompanied by, if not howls of protest, then at least some questioning murmurs. But why?
Well, Bontrager claims that its WaveCel technology is ‘a major improvement in the protection against cycling-related head injuries… up to 48 times more effective than traditional foam helmets’. And while the Swedish company MIPS, which pioneered its own radical helmet design, says it was unable to replicate those results, the XXX WaveCel is presently the third-highest rated helmet on the safety table at US institute Virginia Tech – behind Bontrager’s MIPS-equipped Ballista and a lid that’s no longer available. WaveCel consists of a series of plastic cells lining the helmet, with the aim of lessening rotational impact should your head hit the tarmac. Whatever the merits of the science, we really liked the WaveCel. We have access to dozens of lids but this is a keeper that’s going to be used regularly. WaveCel adds around 53g, contributing to its quite hefty 355g weight (Med) but it’s imperceptible.
The XXX WaveCel is extremely well finished, the hard plastic outer shell completely – and neatly – covering the lower face of the helmet. The seven forward – and four rearfacing vents keep your head cool, the minimalist anti-microbial padding is very comfortable, and the vertical adjustment and rear Boa dial deliver precise adjustability. Throw in racedeveloped aerodynamics and a free replacement helmet if you crash within a year, and you have a very impressive high-tech helmet. HIGHS Good safety credentials and great adjustability
LOWS
A little on the weighty side