Bontrager Jet, Starvos & Rally helmets add WaveCel tech for kids, XL heads, and lower prices

When Bontrager introduced their WaveCel helmet tech just over a year ago, it brought with it some impressive claims of safety. Calling it “48 times more effective than standard foam helmets at preventing concussions from common cycling accidents,” the cellular construction flexes, crumples, and glides to protect you from both rotational and linear impact forces during a crash.

Over the years, Trek has been keeping track of every crashed-out helmet they can get a hold of thanks to their Crash Replacement Guarantee. If you crash in your new helmet in the first year, Trek will replace it for free. You get a new helmet, and Trek gets the old one to study as part of their Crash Reconstruction Data Research program. By analyzing the helmet impact data including “impact location, volume centricity, scratch length, and more,” Trek says that they are able to improve their helmet testing to better replicate real world scenarios. Which is part of what the company attributes their Virginia Tech WaveCel 5 star ratings to – which includes every adult WaveCel helmet.

That’s a long way to say that Trek has put a lot of effort into the development of WaveCel. And it’s why initially, you only found the technology on their higher end helmets. Until now. Not only has Bontrager added their most affordable WaveCel models yet at $100, they’ve also just added a new mountain bike model at half the price of the Blaze, and children finally get their own WaveCel tech too.

Jet Youth and Child WaveCel Helmets

For the little ones, Bontrager has added two sizes of the new Jet. The Child model will fit heads from 48-52cm, and the Youth model covers 50-55cm. Both include WaveCel tech and meet ASTM standards which is an advanced certification for youth helmets. Importantly, it uses a smaller headform with a smaller mass to better replicate what would happen to a child’s head during a crash.

The outer hard shell has 5 vents on the top, and two at the rear along with an integrated mini brim up front. The Dialed Fit System makes it easy to adjust your child’s head…

…and a Fidlock magnetic buckle should make it easier and faster than ever to make sure their chin strap is fastened. It should also make any pinches a thing of the past.

Under the brim, a soft touch polyurethane material is added for durability, and the inner padding is removable for easy cleaning.

Each helmet also includes a free sticker kit to customize the helmet to their liking. Or to stick on things around the house.

Both sizes of the Jet are available in four colors and sell for $100. Like all Bontrager helmets, they’re covered by the 1 year Crash Replacement Guarantee.

Starvos WaveCel Helmet (Includes XL!)

One of the most common questions Trek received about WaveCel was when it would be available in a more affordable helmet? It’s a fair question and one they can now answer with the new Starvos. With classic road styling, WaveCel Tech, and a price tag of $100, the barrier to entry just dropped.

Another question: what about those with big heads? Well, wearers of the XL, your prayers have been answered. The Starvos includes an XL size that will fit 60-66cm noggins and in all three colors.

One of the key differences to these new helmets vs. their more expensive counterparts isn’t the WaveCel tech itself, but how much is used in each helmet. Both the Starvos, Rally, and Jet use WaveCel inserts that cover the front, top, and sides of the helmet while using standard EPS for the rear of the helmet. The more expensive Bontrager WaveCel helmets include a full insert that also covers the back of the helmet. That leaves the five vents at the rear of the Starvos wide open.

Starvos details include the Bontrager Headmaster Fit System, LockDown strap dividers, and a classic buckle. Inside, you’ll find washable, moisture wicking helmet pads. Outside, there are 15 vents. Claimed weight for a medium is 335g.

As mentioned, the Starvos is priced at $100, is available in three colors, and includes the Bontrager Crash Replacement Guarantee.

Rally WaveCel Helmet

Last but not least, the Rally is the most expensive out of the new additions, but it’s half the price of the current Bontrager WaveCel MTB helmet, the Blaze. The new Rally still offers most of the same WaveCel protection in a deep coverage trail helmet, just a more affordable price. Like the Starvos and Jet, the Rally’s WaveCel insert doesn’t cover the back of the helmet and opts for only EPS foam in this area. It also doesn’t offer the integrate bike light mounts you’ll find on the Blaze.

Like most MTB helmets these days, the Rally offers extended coverage at the rear and a 3-way adjustable visor.

LockDown dividers are used on the straps with a standard buckle, and a BOA Fit system dials in the fit.

Offered in four colors and in S-L sizes, the Rally is priced at $150 and includes Bontrager’s Crash Replacement Guarantee for the first year.

trekbikes.com