The Bontrager Charge WaveCel is a helmet designed for people who ride a speed-pedelec and therefor it is NTA 8776 certified. Enjoy the review.
- Size: M (54 – 60 cm / 21″ – 24”) also available in S (51 – 57 cm / 20” – 22”) and L (58 – 63 cm / 23” – 25”)
- Weight: 440,6 g (claimed 428 g size M)
- Price: € 169,99 ($ 159,99)
A lot of people still don’t know that when riding a speed-pedelec, you must wear a speed-pedelac certified helmet. In the beginning of the speed-pedelec area there was not much choice but that has changed. There are helmets available for speed-pedelec mountainbikers and commuters. The big difference is mostly styling. The Bontrager Charge WaveCel fits the latter and I used it when testing the Stromer ST3 Pinion s-pedelec.
WaveCel protection: NTA 8776 certified
It is hard to explain in words what the WaveCel technology or system actually is. WaveCel technique can be best compare it to the crumple zone in a car. In case of a crash the WaveCel structure absorbs the energy or force that hits the helmet. The sweet thing is that is does not matter what kind or angle this impact comes from. The photo below shows how WaveCel sits inside the helmet and the video from Bontrager explains it a bit more in a visual comprehensive way.
Because of this WaveCel technology the Bontrager Charge WaveCel is tested according NTA 8776 and succeeded to comply. The helmet complies also with U.S. CPSC safety standards for bicycle helmets.
Looks
One thing that I didn’t like when the first speed-pedelecs arrived on the market where the looks. Not sporty enough, I am not that old. Because of the looks – yes, this sounds a but invane – I used to wear a speed-pedelec helmet for mountainbiking. Works fine, but looks a bit silly on a speed-pedelec for commuting or travel. And that is when I found the Bontrager Charge WaveCel helmet. I like the sleek modern looks. Looks are one thing, how does it fit and is it comfortable?
Size and weight
I am reviewing a size Medium here and with a head circumference of 56 cm I could have gone for the S too and safe a little weight. I measured the weight of the M on my precise calibrated scale at 440,6 grams. That is a bit more than the 428 grams that Bontrager claims for a size M. Noticeable? Probably not.
Fit and comfort
The fit of the Bontrager Charge WaveCel is – for my head, this is very personal – very nice. On the inside is a soft padding that is filled with a foam-like material. Especially on the forehead this padding is noticeable in a positive way. Positive is also that the padding can be taken out and washed. Hardly needed when I was testing in wintertime but nevertheless.
On the back of the helmet a turning knob is fitted. This knob is the adjustment of BOA Fitting system. Turn the knob clockwise and the fit will get tighter. Turn it anti-clockwise and the fit gets looser. The system works flawless even with cold hands or gloved. To secure the Bontrager Charge WaveCel on the head a chin strap with Fidlock magnetic buckle is used. The easiness of the magnetic system is sublime.
Small visor
The small visor is made of a rubbery material and dampens a shock when you – like I managed to do – bump into the door frame when putting the a bike in the shed. In my case I was putting the Stromer ST3 Pinion ABS that I have just reviewed back in the shed. The visor is made of rubber of course to prevent injury in case of a crash. It provides a little bit of shade too when rinding with a low sun in front of you.
‘If you have a one dolar head, buy a one dollar helmet’
Hirotake Arai
Ventilation
Like most helmets the Bontrager Charge WaveCel has ventilation openings. In this case it is better to speak about ventilation slits. They are positioned on the front to take fresh in and on the sides and back to let air out. The slits work very well; a bit to well on cold winter days. The open structure of the WaveCell inside does’t block the ventilation in any way. On those cold days I wore a thin helmet liner underneath to prevent getting to cold and ending up with a headache. But for warm summer days the ventilation must be more than sufficient.
Rear light
Bontrager is a brand that pays attention to details and safety. Regarding both: on the back of the helmet there is a attachment point – Bontrager’s Rear Blendr mount system – for placing a Bontrager light. I have been using it with a Bontrager Flare RT Rear Bike Light. It fits perfectly and attaching is Childs play. It gives – together with the light on de the Stromer ST3 – a nice secure feeling on being seen from behind.
Crash replacement
One nice extra feature of the Bontrager Charge WaveCel helmet is the crash replacement that Bontrager offers. This means that if you crash within one year after purchase and the helmet is not useable anymore, Bontrager will replace the helmet. I talked to Bontrager how this works in practice and they answer that is up to dealer that does a visual inspection of the helmet. Crash damage like cracks or deformation of the WaveCel should be visible. If you just dropped the helmet… No way.
Verdict
The Bontrager Charge WaveCel helmet is a very comfortable helmet to wear when riding a speed-pedelec. I like the fit and the BOA Fitting system. The chin strap with Fidlock magnetic buckle is sublime. I like the little rubbery visor because it blocks sun but does not block my view. Ventilation is super and since WaceCel structure is very airy too: wear a helmet liner on cold days. The possibility for a rear light on the back of the helmet is well thought of. The crash replacement offer is a nice extra feature.
All in all I am pretty pleased to make an understatement. The price of € 169,99 ($ 159,99) is what you pay for a speed-pedelec helmet of this caliber. And putting a price on safety…. My all time favorite quote from the days when I was a motorcycle test rider: ‘If you have a one dalar head, buy a one dollar helmet’, made by Hirotake Arai from the Japanese helmet manufacturer Arai.
Information
International: www.trekbikes.com
