Helmets
My well-used six year old Scott ARX MIPS helmet was due for replacement recently and this Bell Stratus fit the bill nicely. I knew that that the Bell brand would provide good crash protection . I ride in a hot, humid climate and good ventilation in a helmet is required. The Bell Stratus does a good job of directing the air flow to where it’s needed. My only nitpick with this helmet is the small size of the chin strap snap closures, time will tell if the hold up but so far so good! I would definitely purchase this helmet again at a future date
I bought this mainly for the MIPS protection because I wouldn't be able to live with myself if my kid got a terrible skull injury that could have been prevented by spending an extra $20-40 on a helmet. I'm very pleased with the quality. My 7-yo son has been riding and scootering with the helmet pretty frequently for over a year and it's holding together very nicely. And definitely not because he's gentle with it :).
I'll start with the very small complaints. I think Oakley could put a little more design and tech into the core foam of the helmet, like what Smith uses. Second, the sweat band takes getting use to. But then... the sweat band is freaking awesome! It totally works keeping out moisture and aiding with glasses fog. The glasses storage on the back is also sick (don't use while heavy DHn though). The visor on the helmet is the best I've ever had. And last but most important (kidding) It's the most stylist helmet on the market and has a nice low profile look.
My Synthe was 4 years old so figured it was due for replacement. I assume the Spherical technology of the Helios provides a greater level of protection than the Synthe (MIPS only). Overall the Helios has a better finish than the Synthe and operation of the RocLoc is definitely smoother and easier. The Helios uses pad strips in the top which I don't think provide quite the ventilation of the plastic "basket" the Synthe uses. My one complaint about both helmets is that the chin strap buckle adjustment tends to creep loose and require tightening every few days.
