As previously promised, I am going to review Trek’s new helmet. I purchased a pink Bontrager Specter helmet. Yes, I get discounts. No, I do not let the discounts affect my opinions on the things I purchase, because like Bontrager shorts, I don’t always like the things I buy.
I am going to compare three helmets. First, the new Bontrager Specter Wavecel, which retails for $150. Second, the Bell Z20 MIPS, which retails for $230. Third, the Giro Cinder MIPS, which retails for $150.
Comfort Winner: Bontrager Specter Wavecel
This actually surprised me. I previously used a rental helmet from the shop where I work and had problems with the fit of the medium, feeling like it was too tight in the forehead, but when I first put on this helmet, I was pleasantly surprised. I felt like the helmet was snug where it should be, and the upgraded BOA dial from the adjustments on the Z20 and Cinder was a nice touch.
Lightest: Bell Z20 MIPS
There isn’t too much of a challenge here. The Z20 is created for the purpose of being light, and in the Tennessee summer heat, it is definitely a big advantage. The Z20 comes in at 303 grams, the Cinder is close at 305 grams, and the Specter is a far third at 341 grams.
Best Protection: It’s a Toss Up
Both the Z20 and Cinder are traditional helmets with added protection for angled impacts from the MIPS system. The Specter has Trek’s Wavecel technology, which is supposed to be a replacement for MIPS, which I have talked a little bit about here. You can also find more information directly from Trek. Based on both the testing from Trek and from independent parties, I am not making any call on the safety of these helmets compared to one another. The most important thing is that you do wear a helmet when you are out riding.
My Choice to Ride: Bell Z20 MIPS or Bontrager Specter Wavecel
I am torn between the two. I find both to be comfortable, and I like the idea of the added protection of the Wavecel, but I feel like I have more ventilation with the Z20 and a lighter helmet, which is nice for the summers here. Another important note is that on the Specter, there is nowhere to put your sunglasses on top of it, which has been mentioned many places. If I saw extremely concrete evidence that one helmet was safer than the other, my opinion may change in the future, but for now I am going to just go with the helmet I feel like using.
As for my overall opinion on the Specter, I think it is a good helmet. It is comfortable, and the lowest price point of the Wavecel helmets at the moment. I would like to see more Wavecel options, like a $100 price point or lower, as well as youth options. There are a couple things I think are missing with the Wavecel options at the moment as well. I would really like to see a road helmet with more ventilation on it, because looking at the XXX I don’t think there is enough compared to my Z20. I also noticed it is not possible to put sunglasses on the helmet when not wearing them, and as a coworker pointed out, he couldn’t scratch his head through it.
In the future I will continue to ride it, although the temperature has risen quickly in Nashville, so tonight I am going to be using my Z20 for my group ride. I can’t be a full Trek ad all the time.