• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Become a Premium Member
  • About

Road Bike Rider Cycling Site

Expert road cycling advice, since 2001

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Bikes & Gear
  • Training & Health
  • Reviews
  • Cycling Ebooks
    • Ebooks Training
    • Ebooks Skills
    • E-Articles Training
    • E-Articles Nutrition
  • Member Area
  • Newsletter

3 New Bontrager WaveCel Bike Helmet Models

By Sheri Rosenbaum

Back in 2019 Bontrager introduced WaveCel to their helmet line, a collapsible cellular structure that works like a crumple zone to help absorb both rotational and linear impact forces before they can reach a rider’s head. Today they announce the addition of three new models to their line. This comes in response to customer requests for sizing in extra-large, a version for kids, and a less expensive model.

The three models include:

  • Starvos WaveCel Cycling Helmet
  • Rally WaveCell MTB Helmet
  • Jet WaveCell Kids’ Helmet

I’ve been using both the XXX (aero) and Specter (road) since Bontrager introduced the WaveCel helmets. Last week the team at Trek sent me the Starvos model to test. I’ll share a complete review once I’ve had plenty of ride time and plan to compare it to the Specter.

There are some subtle differences between the current WaveCel helmet line, and the new models released today. Per the company, the WaveCel insert of Bontrager XXX, Specter, Blaze and Charge WaveCel helmets covers the front, rear, top and sides of the internal area. The WaveCel insert of Bontrager Starvos, Rally and Jet WaveCel helmets covers the front, top and sides of the internal area, while the rear is EPS and may have properties similar to EPS helmets.

If you’ve been looking to buy a WaveCel helmet, but holding off because of the price, here’s some initial specifications and differences to help you decide.

Starvos WaveCel Cycling Helmet

  • Price: $99.99 USD (Specter $150)
  • Virginia Tech 5 STAR Rated
  • Headmaster fit system for one handed adjustment
  • 3 colorways – White, Black, Radioactive Yellow
  • Lockdown strap dividers
  • Weight: 335g (medium)
  • Sizes: Now comes in size XL. Small (51-57cm), Medium (54-60cm), Large (58-63cm), XLarge (60-60cm)
  • Key differences between Starvos and Specter WaveCel
    • Headmaster fit system instead of BOA
    • Standard buckle closure instead Fidlock magnetic buckle
    • Less padding and a different type
    • Available in XL
    • 6 grams lighter vs Specter

Comparison of the Starvos (left) and Specter (right). Note the difference in the pads and placement of the WaveCel inserts.

Rally WaveCel MTB Helmet

  • Price: $149.99 USD (Blaze is $300)
  • Virginia Tech 5 STAR Rated
  • Standard buckle closure
  • BOA® Fit System for one handed adjustment
  • Drop-in coverage for additional rear protection
  • Adjustable visor
  • Lockdown strap dividers
  • 4 colorways: Black, Marigold/Black, Olive/Roarange, Azure/Nautical Navy
  • Weight: 400g (medium)
  • Sizes: Small (51-57cm), Medium (54-60cm), Large (58-63cm)
  • Differences between Rally and Blaze WaveCel 
    • Standard buckle closure instead of Fidlock magnetic buckle
    • No front Blendr mount integration
    • 20 grams lighter vs Blaze

Jet WaveCel Helmet for Kids

  • Price: $99.99 USD  – First WaveCel version for kids
  • Fidlock magnetic buckle
  • 4 colorways: Black/Volt, White/Azure, Vis Green/Royal, Magenta/UltraViolet
  • Kid size 48-52cm
  • Sticker kit
  • Dialed fit system

All models carry the Bontrager Crash Replacement Guarantee which provides a free helmet replacement if involved in a crash within the first year of ownership.

Bottom Line

If you’ve been wanting a Bontrager WaveCel helmet but found it out of your price range or you needed an extra-large, now is the time to take another look. Yes, there are some slight differences which enable a lower price point, but that’s to be expected. However, these are still safe, comfortable helmets. Stop by your local Trek dealer to try one out for yourself and share your thoughts. Once I get some ride time with the Starvos helmet, I’ll post a full review.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ed Greene says

    April 9, 2021 at 8:05 am

    Thanks, Shari Rosenbaum. Your reviews are very helpful. Wondering if you have any updates on the Bontrager Starvos vs Specter helmets. I ride in the city and suburbs for pleasure only. Although I am in search of some of the best head protection I can find (TMI: I am on a blood thiner) I am also price conscious and don’t want to over buy. Any/all additional info you have beyond the good review you did previously, would be much appreciated. Thanks and happy biking,

    Reply
    • James says

      June 11, 2021 at 12:56 pm

      Hi Ed,

      According to Virginia Tech, the Specter costs $150 and scored 5 stars with a score of 10.8 (lower is better). The Starvos is available for $100 and scored 5 stars with a score of 11.2. Either will serve you well, go for the one that you like the look of and is in your budget.

      https://helmet.beam.vt.edu/bicycle-helmet-ratings.html

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search

Recent Articles

  • Too Little Sleep? Exercise Could Be the Key to Longevity
  • High Fitness Levels Mitigate Hypertension Risks
  • “Bike Boxes” Boost Cyclist Safety at Urban Intersections
  • Baseball-Shaped Hearts: A New Indicator for Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Muscle Disease?

Recent Newsletters

Newsletter Issue No. 1062

Newsletter Issue No. 1061

Newsletter Issue No. 1060

Newsletter Issue No. 1059

Newsletter Issue No. 1057

Footer

Affiliate Disclosure

Our cycling expert editors and writers choose every product we review. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product links, at no extra cost to you. This income supports our site.

Follow Us

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook

Privacy Policy

Still Haven’t Found What You’re Looking For?

Copyright © 2023 · Magazine Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...