
User submitted reviews
Review by PapaGGood price, light helmeby PapaGThe Villages FloridaVery light, agree with prior reviewers that the chin strap is shorter than most w/o the ability to adjust. Still like the helmet. Was a great price!
Reviewed 6/1/2023Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by PapaG was helpful/No, review by PapaG was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Very light, agree with prior reviewers that the chin strap is shorter than most w/o the ability to adjust. Still like the helmet. Was a great price!
Review by DzdiverA Comfortable Helmet for Warm Climate Cyclingby DzdiverCycling EnthusiastKailua-Kona, Hi1 of 2 customers found this review helpful.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
Reviewed 10/16/2021Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Dzdiver was helpful/No, review by Dzdiver was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
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
Review by Ripcity RyanMehby Ripcity RyanPortlandMy old Giro Savant was getting orettt worn so it was this or the Giro Cinder. It�s a fine helmet overall but lacks some important details. The straps are only just long enough. Big heads should get long straps. Little heads should should have strap to spare. When I put the arms of my glasses through the vents the glasses don�t snug in. My other helmets have always held my glasses well. Sometimes the fit has some odd pressure spots at times. Weight is fine. I haven�t experienced the ventilation having only had it this fall. Maybe it�d work for you but if I get the $50 for this review I�m thinking I should go back to Giro.
Reviewed 12/10/2020Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Ripcity Ryan was helpful/No, review by Ripcity Ryan was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
My old Giro Savant was getting orettt worn so it was this or the Giro Cinder. It�s a fine helmet overall but lacks some important details. The straps are only just long enough. Big heads should get long straps. Little heads should should have strap to spare. When I put the arms of my glasses through the vents the glasses don�t snug in. My other helmets have always held my glasses well. Sometimes the fit has some odd pressure spots at times. Weight is fine. I haven�t experienced the ventilation having only had it this fall. Maybe it�d work for you but if I get the $50 for this review I�m thinking I should go back to Giro.
Review by BobbyGreat helmetby Bobby0 of 1 customers found this review helpful.Great fit but 4 stars because, as others have said, Bell seems to not want to address the strap length. All we're asking for is 1.5 to 2 inches more.
Reviewed 5/26/2022Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Bobby was helpful/No, review by Bobby was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Great fit but 4 stars because, as others have said, Bell seems to not want to address the strap length. All we're asking for is 1.5 to 2 inches more.
Review by JoaquinIt's a great helmetby JoaquinCycling EnthusiastFreedom I use it for road riding,I bought it for how it looks and price and it fits great I recommend this helmet
Reviewed 10/3/2020Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Joaquin was helpful/No, review by Joaquin was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I use it for road riding,I bought it for how it looks and price and it fits great I recommend this helmet
Review by Christian BratinaBest fitting helmet I have used in 40 years of serious cyclingby Christian BratinaCycling EnthusiastLitchfield, CT1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.I started with the first white Bell helmet, switched to MSR for a while, used Giros for years and last bought a Mavic Cosmic Pro which only lasted a year before it started falling apart. I bought the Bell Stratus in part because of the bright yellow color, but fell in love with it due to its fit and quietness. The wind noise is lower than any recent helmet I have used. The only issue is that the strap is JUST BARELY long enough. Would like it to be at least a half inch longer.
Reviewed 4/16/2018Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Christian Bratina was helpful/No, review by Christian Bratina was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I started with the first white Bell helmet, switched to MSR for a while, used Giros for years and last bought a Mavic Cosmic Pro which only lasted a year before it started falling apart. I bought the Bell Stratus in part because of the bright yellow color, but fell in love with it due to its fit and quietness. The wind noise is lower than any recent helmet I have used. The only issue is that the strap is JUST BARELY long enough. Would like it to be at least a half inch longer.
Review by AnonymousThe bell stratus helmet fits better than the giro brand helmets I have used for years.The adjustment dial is easier to use on the fly ,I highly recommend this helmet.by AnonymousCycling EnthusiastSevierville ,TennesseeReview for Bell Stratus MIPS 2017 Road Helmet1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.l use this helmet for road and gravel bike riding, the fit adjustment dial is easy to operate with gloves on.
Reviewed 1/24/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
l use this helmet for road and gravel bike riding, the fit adjustment dial is easy to operate with gloves on.
Review by BDGravelleI don't even feel the lightweight well ventilated Bell helmet during an aggressive ride, or just cruising. by BDGravelleCycling EnthusiastScotts Valley, Ca, Home of BellReview for Bell Stratus MIPS 2017 Road Helmet0 of 2 customers found this review helpful.I use the Bell Stratus to protect my head, from a previous Head Trauma and the MIPS is important to help me incase of another fall.
Reviewed 10/6/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by BDGravelle was helpful/No, review by BDGravelle was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I use the Bell Stratus to protect my head, from a previous Head Trauma and the MIPS is important to help me incase of another fall.
Review by PDX_CYCLISTGreat Helmet!by PDX_CYCLISTCompetitive RacerReview for Bell Stratus MIPS 2017 Road HelmetPurchased to replace a crash-damaged Bell Volt that I liked a lot (and did its job). But my new Stratus MIPS seems lighter, more comfortable, easier to adjust, and has surprisingly better air flow. Hopefully I won't need to test the MIPS for its effectiveness
Reviewed 8/29/2017Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by PDX_CYCLIST was helpful/No, review by PDX_CYCLIST was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Purchased to replace a crash-damaged Bell Volt that I liked a lot (and did its job). But my new Stratus MIPS seems lighter, more comfortable, easier to adjust, and has surprisingly better air flow. Hopefully I won't need to test the MIPS for its effectiveness
Review by CrankyNinjaAffordable MIPS - comfortable enoughby CrankyNinjaCycling EnthusiastMinneapolis, MNTraded up to this as I wanted a MIPS helment for a multi-day road ride. Previous was a Bell Solar (non-MIPS), which I liked, so I stuck with the Bell line. The Stratus is a much larger helmet, which does feel a bit strange at first, but it is comfortable and vents well. Supply was limited, so I compromised on my color preference, and ended up with a white helmet. I am finding it difficult to get both straps through the included holder (will probably require some tools to guide it through), but otherwise no complaints.
Reviewed 8/30/2021Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by CrankyNinja was helpful/No, review by CrankyNinja was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Traded up to this as I wanted a MIPS helment for a multi-day road ride. Previous was a Bell Solar (non-MIPS), which I liked, so I stuck with the Bell line. The Stratus is a much larger helmet, which does feel a bit strange at first, but it is comfortable and vents well. Supply was limited, so I compromised on my color preference, and ended up with a white helmet. I am finding it difficult to get both straps through the included holder (will probably require some tools to guide it through), but otherwise no complaints.
Review by nhmtnbkrLight, good helmet. Needs longer straps though.by nhmtnbkrCycling EnthusiastNashua, NH1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.Overall I'd say that this is a really good helmet, as is usually the case with Bell helmets. It's lightweight, breathes extremely well and has good airflow. Fits my big noggin well, without pinching anywhere, even when I'm wearing a skullcap. Good price point for a MIPS helmet.
The only drawbacks I've run into with it to date in the six or so months I've worn it, factoring 150+ miles of riding per week, is that I'm noticing some minor degradation of the styrofoam in spots, and as others have mentioned, the chin straps are too short for my liking.
This latter aspect I think may be from Bell overcompensating for having too-long straps for many years, but they erred too far in the other direction and need to find a happier middle ground. On the size large and with my height face, I have a mere 1-1.5 inches or so of strap outside the buckle when the strap is fairly snug under my chin/jaw, which isn't very much and too little for my liking. I'm not sure this helmet will work for me in the Winter with a thicker skull cap on as a result of the overly short straps. Hopefully Bell remedies this in their next iteration of the helmet.
Reviewed 8/10/2021Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by nhmtnbkr was helpful/No, review by nhmtnbkr was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Overall I'd say that this is a really good helmet, as is usually the case with Bell helmets. It's lightweight, breathes extremely well and has good airflow. Fits my big noggin well, without pinching anywhere, even when I'm wearing a skullcap. Good price point for a MIPS helmet.
The only drawbacks I've run into with it to date in the six or so months I've worn it, factoring 150+ miles of riding per week, is that I'm noticing some minor degradation of the styrofoam in spots, and as others have mentioned, the chin straps are too short for my liking.
This latter aspect I think may be from Bell overcompensating for having too-long straps for many years, but they erred too far in the other direction and need to find a happier middle ground. On the size large and with my height face, I have a mere 1-1.5 inches or so of strap outside the buckle when the strap is fairly snug under my chin/jaw, which isn't very much and too little for my liking. I'm not sure this helmet will work for me in the Winter with a thicker skull cap on as a result of the overly short straps. Hopefully Bell remedies this in their next iteration of the helmet.
Review by DeanwalterGreat value but not a race helmetby DeanwalterVancouver IslandI own the Z20 and now the Stratus. The Z20 is a superior helmet but the Stratus is still a good helmet. I purchased the Stratus for foul weather gravel riding. The helmet fits my rounded forehead well. The straps were an ample length. I saw reviews that said the straps were too short. The fit adjustment dial is easy to use. I'm able to comfortably wear a skull cap and a hooded baselayer underneath the helmet. My two biggest issues with the helmet are 1) the vents aren't spaced to hold sunglasses securely and 2) the helmet is somewhat bulbous and not streamlined. Even with these two issues I still like the Stratus a lot. It is reasonably priced mid range helmet.
Reviewed 2/9/2021Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Deanwalter was helpful/No, review by Deanwalter was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I own the Z20 and now the Stratus. The Z20 is a superior helmet but the Stratus is still a good helmet. I purchased the Stratus for foul weather gravel riding. The helmet fits my rounded forehead well. The straps were an ample length. I saw reviews that said the straps were too short. The fit adjustment dial is easy to use. I'm able to comfortably wear a skull cap and a hooded baselayer underneath the helmet. My two biggest issues with the helmet are 1) the vents aren't spaced to hold sunglasses securely and 2) the helmet is somewhat bulbous and not streamlined. Even with these two issues I still like the Stratus a lot. It is reasonably priced mid range helmet.
Review by Bobby GExcellent Helmetby Bobby GSW FLAAs others have mentioned the straps could be higher quality. Hence 4 stars not 5
I love the ventilation on those hot humid SW FLA days. Fairly quiet in the wind.
It's light weight & despite what others have said I have no problems docking my Oakley's in them when need be.
Reviewed 6/17/2022Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Bobby G was helpful/No, review by Bobby G was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
As others have mentioned the straps could be higher quality. Hence 4 stars not 5
I love the ventilation on those hot humid SW FLA days. Fairly quiet in the wind.
It's light weight & despite what others have said I have no problems docking my Oakley's in them when need be.
Review by JonnoQuality, Comfortable Helmet for the priceby JonnoCycling EnthusiastOntario, CanadaGreat fit, comfortable, helmet. The only downside for me, is I can't put my glasses in the helmet during ride breaks
Reviewed 1/20/2023Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Jonno was helpful/No, review by Jonno was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Great fit, comfortable, helmet. The only downside for me, is I can't put my glasses in the helmet during ride breaks
Review by OV DragonmanSuper Comfortable, Unsure Of Color Lifespanby OV DragonmanCycling EnthusiastTucson, AZVery comfortable helmet and I only have two complaints about it. 1) I miss the slight sun visor built into my last helmet. This is something I can live with, though. 2) In 7 months of use, the color is noticeably fading. I bought the Retina Sear version and the back is now much lighter than the front from sun bleaching. No apparent damage to the out plastic shell.
Overall, I think this is an excellent choice for a helmet. Mine sees daily use, 160 miles (255 km) week, and once I strap it on, I don't notice I'm wearing it. The air vents provide good air flow, something important here in the desert SW, to keep you cool, even when working hard in the heat. I just wish the color had held up better.
Reviewed 3/7/2019Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by OV Dragonman was helpful/No, review by OV Dragonman was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Very comfortable helmet and I only have two complaints about it. 1) I miss the slight sun visor built into my last helmet. This is something I can live with, though. 2) In 7 months of use, the color is noticeably fading. I bought the Retina Sear version and the back is now much lighter than the front from sun bleaching. No apparent damage to the out plastic shell.
Overall, I think this is an excellent choice for a helmet. Mine sees daily use, 160 miles (255 km) week, and once I strap it on, I don't notice I'm wearing it. The air vents provide good air flow, something important here in the desert SW, to keep you cool, even when working hard in the heat. I just wish the color had held up better.
Review by Jim HBest fitting helmet I've ownedby Jim HCycling EnthusiastGlen Ellyn, IL I was considering buying a new MIPS helmet because the one I was currently wearing just didn't fit right. On a recent visit my son had a Bell Stratus MIPS helmet and after trying it on, (we have the same size head) I immediately ordered one and am very happy with the comfort, style and weight. For the money this was a perfect fit.
Reviewed 11/25/2021Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Jim H was helpful/No, review by Jim H was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I was considering buying a new MIPS helmet because the one I was currently wearing just didn't fit right. On a recent visit my son had a Bell Stratus MIPS helmet and after trying it on, (we have the same size head) I immediately ordered one and am very happy with the comfort, style and weight. For the money this was a perfect fit.
Review by R EvansGreat fit, but chin strap is too shortby R EvansDaily CommuterPalo Alto CA3 of 3 customers found this review helpful.I bought this helmet for the MIPS feature. Previously I wore a Bell Sweep helmet, which I really like.
I find that Bell helmets (more oblong) fit my head shape better than Gyro helmets (more circular). For my wife it is the opposite.
I found that the Stratus helmet fit me as well as my Sweep helmet, except for a too short chin strap. In adjusting the chin strap, I barely had enough strap to pass through the clasp and fold back on itself into the plastic strap retainer. It seems to stay on during my ride, but will often get loose when I release the clasp. I worry that, if I am in an accident, the accident forces might release the strap and I might lose the helmet when I need it most. There should be at least a half inch more strap. This was not a problem on my previous Bell Sweep helmet.
The Bike Tire Direct price was very good!
Reviewed 11/15/2018Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by R Evans was helpful/No, review by R Evans was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
I bought this helmet for the MIPS feature. Previously I wore a Bell Sweep helmet, which I really like.
I find that Bell helmets (more oblong) fit my head shape better than Gyro helmets (more circular). For my wife it is the opposite.
I found that the Stratus helmet fit me as well as my Sweep helmet, except for a too short chin strap. In adjusting the chin strap, I barely had enough strap to pass through the clasp and fold back on itself into the plastic strap retainer. It seems to stay on during my ride, but will often get loose when I release the clasp. I worry that, if I am in an accident, the accident forces might release the strap and I might lose the helmet when I need it most. There should be at least a half inch more strap. This was not a problem on my previous Bell Sweep helmet.
The Bike Tire Direct price was very good!
Review by OV DragonmanBest Choice To Protect Your Head!by OV DragonmanCycling EnthusiastTucson, AZBeen logging a lot of time in this helmet over the last few weeks, since I bought it. I'm only going to dock it half a point and on only one area sweat control. Yes, I do get a nice air flow over my head, but the built-in pads dogged saturated, nonetheless. Not a major deal as I've learned to lean to the side and press the brow of the helmet to drain the excess sweat.
Fit is easily adjustable, comfort level is excellent, and the helmet is light, to the point I do not notice I'm wearing one. An added plus is that bright color give you a real high visibility if you share the road with motor vehicles.
If you value what's inside your head, this is the helmet to protect it!
Reviewed 9/17/2018Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by OV Dragonman was helpful/No, review by OV Dragonman was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
Been logging a lot of time in this helmet over the last few weeks, since I bought it. I'm only going to dock it half a point and on only one area sweat control. Yes, I do get a nice air flow over my head, but the built-in pads dogged saturated, nonetheless. Not a major deal as I've learned to lean to the side and press the brow of the helmet to drain the excess sweat.
Fit is easily adjustable, comfort level is excellent, and the helmet is light, to the point I do not notice I'm wearing one. An added plus is that bright color give you a real high visibility if you share the road with motor vehicles.
If you value what's inside your head, this is the helmet to protect it!
Review by AnonymousQuality by AnonymousThis is a quality helmet. Helps keep the head cool on hot days.
Reviewed 8/16/2021Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by Anonymous was helpful/No, review by Anonymous was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
This is a quality helmet. Helps keep the head cool on hot days.
Review by skGreat venting and weight...excellent value!by skCycling EnthusiastarizonaThis helmet has great venting and airflow. Its light weight is really close to the higher priced Z-series Bell, but a lot cheaper! Excellent value in a competitive helmet market!
Reviewed 7/15/2021Was this review useful to you? Yes, review by sk was helpful/No, review by sk was not helpfulThank you for your feedback.
This helmet has great venting and airflow. Its light weight is really close to the higher priced Z-series Bell, but a lot cheaper! Excellent value in a competitive helmet market!