I have both wavecel and MIPS helmets and never really paid much attention to the technology behind them until yesterday. I had a nasty fall wearing my Bontrager Wavecel Starvosas I hit the asphalt and rolled the momentum of the fall caused me to hit my head against the asphalt my helmet was dented and scratched up pretty bad. I was ok and able to get up and walk away thanks to the helmet so I'm not sure which is "The Best" but I would most definitely buy another Wavecel.
My life was saved by a 80’s bell helmet. I hit a rail road tie. Split the helmet. I sent my story to the Canadian parliament when they were considering a helmet law. Thanks for the video. I just bought a wave cell.
I rode motorcycles for years to and from work.. In motorcycle safety school, beginner/intermediate and advanced classes.. They (certified trainer) always said the most visible color on the road is WHITE... (at all times of day or night..) Red is the first color to disappear at dusk and from a distance.. That is why you never see RED when looking up at a mountain.. I had always thought that Red or Orange was most visible until i saw their videos following a cyclist and they showed the different colors.. I always use Neon Green/Yellow jackets and Reflective flags to make myself visible.. Blinking lights are much more visible than regular lights as Motion will get the attention of drivers.. I have ridden over 14k miles since 2015.. I only had a collision because a driver was texting and driving thru an intersection,, I' very lucky to be here. cycling has it's risk..
I'm in Florida and I found the wave cell has kept my head cooler and drier. I had a bad accident several years ago with a Mips Helmet. It did protect my noggin but the foam cracked completely through. I hope never to have that type an accident but I think I would think the head would be better protected with the Wave Cell, it feel better against my head and it has a much better fit. It is much more noticeable as well. I am lit up like a Christmas tree when I ride, bright color jerseys front strobe and rear flashing light. I am riding close to 100 miles a week right now.
Even if the humidity wasn't high as it is in Florida how in the world does a WaveCel helmet keep your head cool and dry? The very thing that I was warned about at bike shops regarding the WaveCel after hearing that we were moving to an excessively hot state soon was that wearing a WaveCel during the Spring and Summer I'd be extremely uncomfortable because unlike the well ventilated helmets out in the marketplace the WaveCel doesn't let much airflow occur. If I was going to live in a cool climate I'd grab a WaveCel in a heartbeat but in high and dry heat environment that would make for a rather miserable experience!
I had a big fall recently onto asphalt and put some 5 to 6mm deep dents and heavy scuffing into my helmet outer shell. When I looked at the wavecels inside, they had been significantly deflected by the impact. In a heavý impact the cells seem to deflect perminently. The helmet was scrap, but was replaced by Trek under their crash replacement scheme. I was lucky and got away with a minor concussion.
That means it did its job pretty well. Permanent deformation/cracking etc meant it absorbed a lot of the force. If a helmets still looks and functions the same after a crash, it failed its purpose. It's the same logic behind a vehicles "crumple zone".
I think a lot of people misinterpret the purpose of mips. I'm not very familiar with the wave cell stuff, but I think they have different purposes. MIPS is not designed to soak up a direct impact; Mips is designed to reduce the rotation in rotational impacts. When a cyclist crashes, their head is still moving forward. When the head hits the ground, the rotational force in a non-mips helmet is directed into directly into the head causing it to violently move. The MIPS negates this by allowing the head to move independently from the helmet. Even though mips seems ineffective in some test, real life crashes almost always have rotational forces and mips is a must have for me.
the scientific article in "Evaluation of a novel bicycle helmet concept in oblique impact testing" in Accident Analysis and Prevention 124 (2019) 58-65 presents the cell technology as absolutely superior over MIPS as is few times better (the difference is huge) but its price is devastating the budget ;) Nevertheless MIPS and Cel are superior to classic helmets.
Dr Story... wavecell is a rotational liner.. MIPS with Koroyd compresses to absorb impact and lessens rotational impact. Problem is they are both very noisy. aka squeaky. it also varies on riding style.. I wear a SmithOptics forefront II with koroyd and MIPS.. i was hit by a care that ran a red.. I was on a recumbent Tadpole Trike.. it clipped the cranks and flipped me over a couple times. the trike landed on me pinning me to the pavement in the intersection. The ER doctor took my helmet off and commented that if i had not been wearing that helmet with Koroyd/MIPS, the SIDE impact would have killed me. I walked away and later saw a wonderful chiropractor for neck issues. Wondering if you can do a review of the SmithOptics MainLine full face helmets..?
Discovered your channel from this video, and subscribed. I wish there were more comprehensive data on MIPS vs. WaveCel. Safety is the #1 criteria for me. I've had a couple bad accidents in the last 4 years. Knocked unconscious on the latest one. I'm 95% recovered from the broken collarbone from that one and now shopping for a replacement helmet so I can start riding again. The WaveCel looks intriguing but I'm reluctant to pay the weight penalty (and potential cooling penalty, since I live in hot, humid climate) when the benefits are not evident in the Virginia Tech testing results. So I think I'll get another MIPS helmet. One thing about an accident is you can always say "without the helmet it could have been worse" but you can't prove it, and you have no way to know what difference something like MIPS had in your particular case. It is like putting out the $$$ on faith, hoping for some benefit.
I recently tried on a WaveCel and thought it quite comfortable but I live in the dry heat of the South West and I would fear wearing the WaveCel during the Spring and Summer due to the extreme heat and the helmet's lack of ventilation. Given that the experts don't see a distinct difference between the WaveCel and the MIPS helmets in terms of safety (and they have to meet the same safety requirements anyway) I will purchase a MIPS helmet.
Wavecel would be cooler in the summer as it would block/lessen direct exposure to us. Also unless calculated it is false to assume the total fenestration volume of the red helmet is greater that that of the wavecel
Great video Doc, thank you kindly for doing this excellent video. I find it exceptionally difficult differing from your research. What I would like to see is both these helmets come down in price significantly without reducing R&D profits. Why not 3D print these safer helmets less cost in manufacturing PASSED ON TO THE CONSUMER, means far less concussions, or fatalities with higher uptake in usage. Only other suggestion, what about a better ventilated WaveCell with MIPS technology baked in to the same helmet. Quite sure 3D printed helmet could be build lighter as well. The more folks wearing these the less people die right? Thank you great video!
I am mostly xc rider. Based on my "first hand" experience wavecel (I ride Blaze) seems to be better than MIPS (I also ride TroyLee A2). Both helmets protected me against concussion but my crash while wearing wavecel was with much higher impact (at speed 1 m/s in excess od design speed upper limit). NB: I crashed wearing Rally but now I am riding Blaze.
The difference in weight is a significant factor along with the ventilation. I will still choose a MIPS, as a personal preference. I wish you compared the helmet straps, especially on the Bontrager wave cell, which appears to be a bone of contention with many readers. Thanks again for the video.
According to the independent people over at VT, there's nothing between the two systems, they both work. Given that I have a history of concussions (from hockey not cycling), this makes me happy as there are plenty of options out there. I have a wavecel now, been using it a couple months. I find that it gives me headaches when I'm out on longer rides. No idea why but obviously there's something slightly off with the fit. The fit on wavecel, due to the system is just less customizable. Given that, I thinking of picking up a Lazer Blade + MIPS.
Wave Cell is new technology and like any 'new' technology it gets debated. Over the shoulder seat belts were debated. The MIPS liner was debated. MIPS is better than no MIPS, but is that all you need? The Wave Cell structure can collapse absorbing that rotational and linear energy that can't be absorbed by Styrofoam alone or with the MIPS liner. I spoke with a rider who suffered a number of concussions in high school sports. He had bicycle accident. He stayed conscious through it all and had a concussion evaluation (test). Research shows linear and rotational acceleration occur at the same time in nearly all occurrences of a concussion. After the test, no concussion, they said he must not have hit his head that hard. They changed their mind when he showed them his helmet. The wave cell section was crushed in too large an area to be a simple linear impact. The Wave Cell helmet absorbed linear and rotational energy. Ventilation has no effect on safety. The Wave Cell I own is the same model as my MIPS version. The slots are the same. My Wave Cell has been cooler than my MIPS. It goes against logic but there is an aerodynamic reason for that. That was not part of the safety design. It is a side effect. You want a cheaper helmet? How much is your brain worth? I had a bike accident in 1985, I had an early technology helmet on. In those days 'real men don't wear helmets.' On the GCS I was a 4. I was in a coma for 31 days. Without the helmet I would have died.
One note you're comparing the top-end Specialized helmet with a second-tier Bontrager. I think you'll find the weight difference is closer. For me ventilation is key. In terms of winter just put a cycling cap on under either or in teally cold weather a head thingy.
Personally, I want to spend good money on safety equipment even if gets bit heavy. I am more keen to reducing rotational mass and unsprung weight. Spectre has nice bright color to be seen from distance during the day and I love wearing it. With wavecel, air comes through and cools sweat. Wavecel seems stiff but when I wear it, it's firm comfortable and time to time feel soft. When we fall from bike, we dont fall exactly perpendicular to the ground. Most of standard helmet test does vertical perpendicular fall. Trek's claim is we fall more to side and could potentially add rotational force injury.
I have the Prevail and my son has the Spectre Wavecell. Both recieved high scores in safety tests that I researched. The Prevail uses the new Mips 2 which is reported to have improved safety over the first version. In reality both are very good. You cant buy the wrong one out of these two.
@@tandago7281 yes that is correct but the wave cell has not lived up to its hype. bontrager has 1 MIPS and the rest wavecell so it’s knind of embarrassing that the 1 MIPS helmet they have is safer than there entire range of wavecell. Subsequently in some markets they have removed the MIPS as it must be quite embarrassing for them
@@tandago7281 bontrager have 2 MTB helmets called the rally 1 is MIPS and the other is wavecell same helmet different protection system andvMIPS is considerably safer
@@chefgav1 hmmm interesting. What do you mean by the MIPS turning out to be better than all the WaveCell products? Are there some tests that came out later after a few years?
We live in a metro area with a subtropical climate and it is so hot and humid, some summer days I feel I am drinking the air. I have been reaching out to members of a Catrike Facebook Group with no answers yet. I know it is going to take a great deal of persuading to have my husband wear a helmet. Weight and no ventilation and he's going to be perspiring and we are riding every day after or right before dinner with my Dobie service dog trotting with us. Looks like you are recommending two helmets...one for our reasonable heat during the winter, but the one with the ventilation (and heavier weight) for the nine months or more during our hot humid spring through fall in November when the day temps remain close to 90 degrees. If we fall off a crash from our Catrikes will land us on the pavement. Appears I am going to really suggest to my husband we get two helmets each. Doubt if he is going to agree.....with the COVID19 effect on our income, the cost for two helmets for both maybe prohibiting. Any financial help out there from the companies making the helmets?
Does WaveCel Get Hot Due To Restricted Airflow Because The WaveCel Blocking Space Between Head & Vents? Just Saw In Video There Are No Vents in lower Front part of WaveCel Helmet...
I'm debating between MIPS and WaveCell. One thing not mentioned is price point. The MIPS I'm looking at is about $70. The WaveCell is about $350. I am ok with spending the $350 if its that much better. But that's a really big gap.
Good comparison. I have Lazer Mips and the Bontrager XXX. The Bontrager just fits my head better and even though its definitely hotter and cools less I feel safer. I guess in the end we go with what feels better and hope it doesn't matter i.e. we don't crash. Haven't tried the Specialized yet because I don't want to buy a new helmet :)
First crash in my Bontrager Specter Wavecel I got a concussion... bummed. Could have happened with any helmet, however, I hit my front temple hard. If you look at the Wavecel design, the front temple area doesn't get covered by the actual Wavecel membrane. The front inch or so it just the solid foam. So if you directly hit this area, you have zero Wavecel, and no MIPS in these helmets to help relieve any impact. If I had a helmet with MIPS, it does generally cover that area & possibly could have deflected some of the impact. Flawed design or just a bad crash? Not sure.
The lawsuit was just to challenge the claim that it was 48x safer than conventional helmets. The research still showed wavecell was 3-12x safer than MIPS. And if you look at Virginia Tech's helmet ratings, the specter is the 10th safest road helmet, or 21st overall.
@@Mike-cz2yw 3-12X safer than MIPS helmets? That's interesting, do you have a link to the study, I'd like to read it. Edit: NM, found the study...and of the top 10, 8 were MIPS...number 1 and 2 were Specialized Tactic 4 and Prevail 3...which have MIPS standard. I'm kind of confused where you got that Wacecel was 3-12X when the very top rated helmets had MIPS. Specter Wavecel was #26.
My Specialized Echelon II had the MIPS blocking almost every vent port. I had to drastically trim it with scissors in order to allow for some minimal airflow.
My boyfriend has the wavecel in high vis yellow.. Pretty much everything you said about the wavecel is true It’s super safe Kinda hot 🥵 And it will definitely strengthen your neck muscles 💪 KINDA HEAVY
@@seanhermoso7810 I don’t sell the helmets, I just purchased them. The bike shop that you go to should have different sizes, and allow you to try them on. That way you can see what fits you the best
What should I buy a lazer tonic mips or a Bontrager stravos wavecel helmet? I'm in currently riding xc. And I'm not comfortable for my current helmet please help me decide with the two. Thank you.. New subscriber here
According to a study at the Legacy Research Institute in Portland, Oregon, WaveCel is significantly more effective than MIPS in reducing both linear impact forces and rational forces on the brain. While similar in appearance to Koroyd used by Smith, Koroyd-equipped helmets still use a MIPS layer.
The guys who did this study at the legacy research institute were also the guys who created wavecel. Many companies test their own products and say that they are the best. bikeportland.org/2019/03/19/portland-researchers-lend-brains-to-major-helmet-breakthrough-that-could-save-them-297077
@@Fee.1 Well you are correct, but in my particular case, the motors are my legs. I don't don't own motorcycle helmets to compare and it's not really the channel for motorcycle reviews. Good idea nonetheless.
Currently there are lawsuits, so you’ll have to pick a side and ask the safety engineer. The MIPS safety engineer will say MIPS and the Wavecel safety engineer will say Wavecel. So you’ll have to wait until the lawsuit is finished. Until then, all we have are opinions on RUclips. Be safe and don’t crash and you won’t have to worry. Ha ha
Ask if either are needed. The answer is neither. These are excuses for driving up cost. So, you pay more for a heavier, bulkier, helmet with less airflow. Dumb.
What is your thoughts on the MIPs plus Koroyd combination of helmets where they use MIPs and strategically placed koroyd fibers? Do you see a realm where wavecells will begin to incorporate MIPS to assist in the same displacement? Are there any studies you can point me to? It seems majority that I found there are no figures to give me a percentage of increase from MIPS to MIPS plus koroyd.
I have both wavecel and MIPS helmets and never really paid much attention to the technology behind them until yesterday. I had a nasty fall wearing my Bontrager Wavecel Starvosas I hit the asphalt and rolled the momentum of the fall caused me to hit my head against the asphalt my helmet was dented and scratched up pretty bad. I was ok and able to get up and walk away thanks to the helmet so I'm not sure which is "The Best" but I would most definitely buy another Wavecel.
Glad you're okay.
You may be eligible for a replacement for 1 year from the date of purchase if you kept the receipt.
That’s great and I hope you’re okay. Yes, do check with your local bike shop/ Trekbikes(dot)com as you may be eligible for a free helmet replacement.
Glad you are ok. You get a replacement helmet I think. I had a bad fall from a horse. They wanted my helmet for study and gave me a replacement.
My life was saved by a 80’s bell helmet. I hit a rail road tie. Split the helmet. I sent my story to the Canadian parliament when they were considering a helmet law. Thanks for the video. I just bought a wave cell.
Oh wow!
Thank you for doing that!
I rode motorcycles for years to and from work.. In motorcycle safety school, beginner/intermediate and advanced classes.. They (certified trainer) always said the most visible color on the road is WHITE... (at all times of day or night..) Red is the first color to disappear at dusk and from a distance.. That is why you never see RED when looking up at a mountain.. I had always thought that Red or Orange was most visible until i saw their videos following a cyclist and they showed the different colors.. I always use Neon Green/Yellow jackets and Reflective flags to make myself visible.. Blinking lights are much more visible than regular lights as Motion will get the attention of drivers.. I have ridden over 14k miles since 2015.. I only had a collision because a driver was texting and driving thru an intersection,, I' very lucky to be here. cycling has it's risk..
Wavecel is better. And it blocks bugs, especially bees to get in the helmet.
this comment just made my decision, I got stung while riding once so I can't even imagine a sting on my head
@@nickb6918 yes, that’s exactly what happened to my eyebrows that a bee came through helmet vents.
I'm in Florida and I found the wave cell has kept my head cooler and drier. I had a bad accident several years ago with a Mips Helmet. It did protect my noggin but the foam cracked completely through. I hope never to have that type an accident but I think I would think the head would be better protected with the Wave Cell, it feel better against my head and it has a much better fit. It is much more noticeable as well. I am lit up like a Christmas tree when I ride, bright color jerseys front strobe and rear flashing light. I am riding close to 100 miles a week right now.
james donovan I agree with you
Even if the humidity wasn't high as it is in Florida how in the world does a WaveCel helmet keep your head cool and dry? The very thing that I was warned about at bike shops regarding the WaveCel after hearing that we were moving to an excessively hot state soon was that wearing a WaveCel during the Spring and Summer I'd be extremely uncomfortable because unlike the well ventilated helmets out in the marketplace the WaveCel doesn't let much airflow occur. If I was going to live in a cool climate I'd grab a WaveCel in a heartbeat but in high and dry heat environment that would make for a rather miserable experience!
I had a big fall recently onto asphalt and put some 5 to 6mm deep dents and heavy scuffing into my helmet outer shell. When I looked at the wavecels inside, they had been significantly deflected by the impact. In a heavý impact the cells seem to deflect perminently. The helmet was scrap, but was replaced by Trek under their crash replacement scheme. I was lucky and got away with a minor concussion.
That means it did its job pretty well. Permanent deformation/cracking etc meant it absorbed a lot of the force. If a helmets still looks and functions the same after a crash, it failed its purpose. It's the same logic behind a vehicles "crumple zone".
I think a lot of people misinterpret the purpose of mips. I'm not very familiar with the wave cell stuff, but I think they have different purposes. MIPS is not designed to soak up a direct impact; Mips is designed to reduce the rotation in rotational impacts. When a cyclist crashes, their head is still moving forward. When the head hits the ground, the rotational force in a non-mips helmet is directed into directly into the head causing it to violently move. The MIPS negates this by allowing the head to move independently from the helmet. Even though mips seems ineffective in some test, real life crashes almost always have rotational forces and mips is a must have for me.
Hopefully, I'll never prove it. Thanks for watching. BTW: I have another channel called Cycling in Southern California if you want to check it out.
the scientific article in "Evaluation of a novel bicycle helmet concept in oblique impact testing" in Accident Analysis and Prevention 124 (2019) 58-65 presents the cell technology as absolutely superior over MIPS as is few times better (the difference is huge) but its price is devastating the budget ;) Nevertheless MIPS and Cel are superior to classic helmets.
Boss u are a legend, I'm in Sydney, Australia 🇦🇺. I'm wearing a bontrager wavecel Blaze 448g. I tried out poc ventral lite medium 230g today.
Dr Story... wavecell is a rotational liner.. MIPS with Koroyd compresses to absorb impact and lessens rotational impact. Problem is they are both very noisy. aka squeaky. it also varies on riding style.. I wear a SmithOptics forefront II with koroyd and MIPS.. i was hit by a care that ran a red.. I was on a recumbent Tadpole Trike.. it clipped the cranks and flipped me over a couple times. the trike landed on me pinning me to the pavement in the intersection.
The ER doctor took my helmet off and commented that if i had not been wearing that helmet with Koroyd/MIPS, the SIDE impact would have killed me.
I walked away and later saw a wonderful chiropractor for neck issues. Wondering if you can do a review of the SmithOptics MainLine full face helmets..?
Discovered your channel from this video, and subscribed. I wish there were more comprehensive data on MIPS vs. WaveCel. Safety is the #1 criteria for me. I've had a couple bad accidents in the last 4 years. Knocked unconscious on the latest one. I'm 95% recovered from the broken collarbone from that one and now shopping for a replacement helmet so I can start riding again. The WaveCel looks intriguing but I'm reluctant to pay the weight penalty (and potential cooling penalty, since I live in hot, humid climate) when the benefits are not evident in the Virginia Tech testing results. So I think I'll get another MIPS helmet. One thing about an accident is you can always say "without the helmet it could have been worse" but you can't prove it, and you have no way to know what difference something like MIPS had in your particular case. It is like putting out the $$$ on faith, hoping for some benefit.
I recently tried on a WaveCel and thought it quite comfortable but I live in the dry heat of the South West and I would fear wearing the WaveCel during the Spring and Summer due to the extreme heat and the helmet's lack of ventilation. Given that the experts don't see a distinct difference between the WaveCel and the MIPS helmets in terms of safety (and they have to meet the same safety requirements anyway) I will purchase a MIPS helmet.
As someone with little to no hair, I find Wavecel more comfortable on windy days.
Wavecel would be cooler in the summer as it would block/lessen direct exposure to us.
Also unless calculated it is false to assume the total fenestration volume of the red helmet is greater that that of the wavecel
Great video Doc, thank you kindly for doing this excellent video. I find it exceptionally difficult differing from your research. What I would like to see is both these helmets come down in price significantly without reducing R&D profits. Why not 3D print these safer helmets less cost in manufacturing PASSED ON TO THE CONSUMER, means far less concussions, or fatalities with higher uptake in usage. Only other suggestion, what about a better ventilated WaveCell with MIPS technology baked in to the same helmet. Quite sure 3D printed helmet could be build lighter as well. The more folks wearing these the less people die right? Thank you great video!
LOL the main selector is weight, looks, and ventilation. Yup that is not the reasons I would use to select a helmut LOL
Not come across the WaveCel before. I presume it’s similar to ‘Koroyd’, that starting to appear in a few chainsaw helmets.
I am mostly xc rider. Based on my "first hand" experience wavecel (I ride Blaze) seems to be better than MIPS (I also ride TroyLee A2). Both helmets protected me against concussion but my crash while wearing wavecel was with much higher impact (at speed 1 m/s in excess od design speed upper limit). NB: I crashed wearing Rally but now I am riding Blaze.
Based upon the Bontrager and Virginia Tech testing, the wavecel is THEEE Safest helmet currently
The difference in weight is a significant factor along with the ventilation. I will still choose a MIPS, as a personal preference. I wish you compared the helmet straps, especially on the Bontrager wave cell, which appears to be a bone of contention with many readers. Thanks again for the video.
why though, you can render mips useless by just slight pressure, which means that even at a very minor impact, the threshold is already over come
Mips is junk for safety compared to wavecell.
According to the independent people over at VT, there's nothing between the two systems, they both work. Given that I have a history of concussions (from hockey not cycling), this makes me happy as there are plenty of options out there. I have a wavecel now, been using it a couple months. I find that it gives me headaches when I'm out on longer rides. No idea why but obviously there's something slightly off with the fit. The fit on wavecel, due to the system is just less customizable. Given that, I thinking of picking up a Lazer Blade + MIPS.
First comment I've read which mentions the VT tests 👍
haha, I loved your review. I just got this XXX helmet and man it felt like a brick when compared to my cheap Giro helmet
Wave Cell is new technology and like any 'new' technology it gets debated. Over the shoulder seat belts were debated. The MIPS liner was debated. MIPS is better than no MIPS, but is that all you need? The Wave Cell structure can collapse absorbing that rotational and linear energy that can't be absorbed by Styrofoam alone or with the MIPS liner.
I spoke with a rider who suffered a number of concussions in high school sports. He had bicycle accident. He stayed conscious through it all and had a concussion evaluation (test). Research shows linear and rotational acceleration occur at the same time in nearly all occurrences of a concussion. After the test, no concussion, they said he must not have hit his head that hard. They changed their mind when he showed them his helmet. The wave cell section was crushed in too large an area to be a simple linear impact. The Wave Cell helmet absorbed linear and rotational energy.
Ventilation has no effect on safety. The Wave Cell I own is the same model as my MIPS version. The slots are the same. My Wave Cell has been cooler than my MIPS. It goes against logic but there is an aerodynamic reason for that. That was not part of the safety design. It is a side effect.
You want a cheaper helmet? How much is your brain worth? I had a bike accident in 1985, I had an early technology helmet on. In those days 'real men don't wear helmets.' On the GCS I was a 4. I was in a coma for 31 days. Without the helmet I would have died.
Thanks for sharing
One note you're comparing the top-end Specialized helmet with a second-tier Bontrager. I think you'll find the weight difference is closer. For me ventilation is key. In terms of winter just put a cycling cap on under either or in teally cold weather a head thingy.
Good point!
Personally, I want to spend good money on safety equipment even if gets bit heavy. I am more keen to reducing rotational mass and unsprung weight.
Spectre has nice bright color to be seen from distance during the day and I love wearing it. With wavecel, air comes through and cools sweat. Wavecel seems stiff but when I wear it, it's firm comfortable and time to time feel soft.
When we fall from bike, we dont fall exactly perpendicular to the ground. Most of standard helmet test does vertical perpendicular fall. Trek's claim is we fall more to side and could potentially add rotational force injury.
Good points.
I have the Prevail and my son has the Spectre Wavecell. Both recieved high scores in safety tests that I researched. The Prevail uses the new Mips 2 which is reported to have improved safety over the first version. In reality both are very good. You cant buy the wrong one out of these two.
You can't. It's like Toyota or Honda, Pepsi or Coke, Specialized or Trek....
I would take Virginia Tech recommendation which is MIPS
There are some wavecell helmets scoring very highly in the Virginia U scoring system
@@tandago7281 yes that is correct but the wave cell has not lived up to its hype. bontrager has 1 MIPS and the rest wavecell so it’s knind of embarrassing that the 1 MIPS helmet they have is safer than there entire range of wavecell.
Subsequently in some markets they have removed the MIPS as it must be quite embarrassing for them
@@tandago7281 bontrager have 2 MTB helmets called the rally 1 is MIPS and the other is wavecell same helmet different protection system andvMIPS is considerably safer
@@chefgav1 hmmm interesting. What do you mean by the MIPS turning out to be better than all the WaveCell products? Are there some tests that came out later after a few years?
@@chefgav1 thanks for explaining. how do we know that the MIPS is considerably safer?
Thanks. I want your t-shirt. Where do I get one?
We live in a metro area with a subtropical climate and it is so hot and humid, some summer days I feel I am drinking the air. I have been reaching out to members of a Catrike Facebook Group with no answers yet. I know it is going to take a great deal of persuading to have my husband wear a helmet. Weight and no ventilation and he's going to be perspiring and we are riding every day after or right before dinner with my Dobie service dog trotting with us. Looks like you are recommending two helmets...one for our reasonable heat during the winter, but the one with the ventilation (and heavier weight) for the nine months or more during our hot humid spring through fall in November when the day temps remain close to 90 degrees. If we fall off a crash from our Catrikes will land us on the pavement. Appears I am going to really suggest to my husband we get two helmets each. Doubt if he is going to agree.....with the COVID19 effect on our income, the cost for two helmets for both maybe prohibiting. Any financial help out there from the companies making the helmets?
Does WaveCel Get Hot Due To Restricted Airflow Because The WaveCel Blocking Space Between Head & Vents?
Just Saw In Video There Are No Vents in lower Front part of WaveCel Helmet...
I'm debating between MIPS and WaveCell. One thing not mentioned is price point. The MIPS I'm looking at is about $70. The WaveCell is about $350. I am ok with spending the $350 if its that much better. But that's a really big gap.
Go with MIPS and get different colors to match different kits.
Good comparison. I have Lazer Mips and the Bontrager XXX. The Bontrager just fits my head better and even though its definitely hotter and cools less I feel safer. I guess in the end we go with what feels better and hope it doesn't matter i.e. we don't crash. Haven't tried the Specialized yet because I don't want to buy a new helmet :)
If it's comfy, use it. Ultimately, that's what counts. If it's safe but hurts = that would suck.
First crash in my Bontrager Specter Wavecel I got a concussion... bummed. Could have happened with any helmet, however, I hit my front temple hard. If you look at the Wavecel design, the front temple area doesn't get covered by the actual Wavecel membrane. The front inch or so it just the solid foam. So if you directly hit this area, you have zero Wavecel, and no MIPS in these helmets to help relieve any impact. If I had a helmet with MIPS, it does generally cover that area & possibly could have deflected some of the impact. Flawed design or just a bad crash? Not sure.
Hope you get better.
If you could wear the red and yellow at the same time, you'd have a Ronald McDonald theme happening.
It's better than the colors of Ag2r: Carl's Jr.
Thank you for sharing Dr. Story !
Hmm no one has mentioned bontrager had to halt all production a while back due to multiple lawsuits 🤔
The lawsuit was just to challenge the claim that it was 48x safer than conventional helmets. The research still showed wavecell was 3-12x safer than MIPS. And if you look at Virginia Tech's helmet ratings, the specter is the 10th safest road helmet, or 21st overall.
@@Mike-cz2yw 3-12X safer than MIPS helmets? That's interesting, do you have a link to the study, I'd like to read it.
Edit: NM, found the study...and of the top 10, 8 were MIPS...number 1 and 2 were Specialized Tactic 4 and Prevail 3...which have MIPS standard. I'm kind of confused where you got that Wacecel was 3-12X when the very top rated helmets had MIPS.
Specter Wavecel was #26.
My Specialized Echelon II had the MIPS blocking almost every vent port. I had to drastically trim it with scissors in order to allow for some minimal airflow.
so the conculusion is "whichever is best ata ventilation"? hmmmm.......
Thank you for this informative video Dr. Story! It helped me choose a purchase between the two.
Glad it was helpful!
Which did you choose?
My boyfriend has the wavecel in high vis yellow..
Pretty much everything you said about the wavecel is true
It’s super safe
Kinda hot 🥵
And it will definitely strengthen your neck muscles 💪 KINDA HEAVY
It is relatively healthy. I wear mine for rides of greater risk and in cooler weather.
Hi again my head measure 57cm should a medium size okay medium size for the bontrager is 54 to 60.
Thanks for watching and subbing! Try them on.
@@AdamJStoryDC is it okay for a 57cm head? Haha
@@seanhermoso7810 I don’t sell the helmets, I just purchased them. The bike shop that you go to should have different sizes, and allow you to try them on. That way you can see what fits you the best
What should I buy a lazer tonic mips or a Bontrager stravos wavecel helmet? I'm in currently riding xc. And I'm not comfortable for my current helmet please help me decide with the two. Thank you.. New subscriber here
If you're doing XC, I'd get the Wavecel...cause you're going to crash.
@@AdamJStoryDC is the wavecel stravos is good??
@@seanhermoso7810 Yes
@@AdamJStoryDC thanks
According to a study at the Legacy Research Institute in Portland, Oregon, WaveCel is significantly more effective than MIPS in reducing both linear impact forces and rational forces on the brain. While similar in appearance to Koroyd used by Smith, Koroyd-equipped helmets still use a MIPS layer.
Good to know. Add ANGi to the Wavecel, and make it lighter with a great buckle, and you have a winner.
The guys who did this study at the legacy research institute were also the guys who created wavecel. Many companies test their own products and say that they are the best. bikeportland.org/2019/03/19/portland-researchers-lend-brains-to-major-helmet-breakthrough-that-could-save-them-297077
According to Virginia Tech it goes to MIPS
That is incorrect.MIPS hold the top 7 spots in VirginiaTech ratings
@@AdamJStoryDC I would put Virginia Tech over your feel test sorry
Great comfort
Do you think you could do this for motorcycle helmets ?
I'm a cyclist. Thanks for watching and subbing!
@@AdamJStoryDC motorcycles are cycles
@@Fee.1 Well you are correct, but in my particular case, the motors are my legs. I don't don't own motorcycle helmets to compare and it's not really the channel for motorcycle reviews. Good idea nonetheless.
Wacel sure
Wave cell looks really cool, but the mips tech wins out for me. The safety is proven and it’s much lighter on the head.
The MIPS is lighter
MIPS is better, more fresh on the head.
Wavecel is good, but more hot
I appreciate what you've tried to do but this is all conjecture. Only a safety engineer will be able to tell you which is safer.
Currently there are lawsuits, so you’ll have to pick a side and ask the safety engineer. The MIPS safety engineer will say MIPS and the Wavecel safety engineer will say Wavecel. So you’ll have to wait until the lawsuit is finished. Until then, all we have are opinions on RUclips. Be safe and don’t crash and you won’t have to worry. Ha ha
Ask if either are needed. The answer is neither. These are excuses for driving up cost. So, you pay more for a heavier, bulkier, helmet with less airflow. Dumb.
What is your thoughts on the MIPs plus Koroyd combination of helmets where they use MIPs and strategically placed koroyd fibers?
Do you see a realm where wavecells will begin to incorporate MIPS to assist in the same displacement? Are there any studies you can point me to? It seems majority that I found there are no figures to give me a percentage of increase from MIPS to MIPS plus koroyd.
I'll decide in a couple years when these helmets wear out. Until then, watch this when I cracked my helmet: ruclips.net/video/AAqTf_txFh4/видео.html