Bontrager Specter

Bottom Line

The Bontrager Specter is a well-padded, adequately ventilated helmet suitable for riders who put a premium on comfort while riding.

Performance

Provides good ventilation. With internal channeling pulling airflow over the head while you ride, users find the Bontrager Specter has adequate ventilation. Reviewer Mat Brett decides the Specter is not as well ventilated as the Oracle, Bontrager's former, more expensive model, possibly due to smaller vents. However, he says he "certainly hasn't felt especially sweaty" while using the Specter. Reviewer James Huang concurs, stating he felt the cooling power of the vents "even at lower speeds in direct sunlight." Huang's quibble is that the brow pad allows sweat to build up and eventually overflow into the rider's eyes.

The helmet's fit is between oval and round, making it middle ground for riders not satisfied with how their heads nest in other manufacturer's lids. The internal structure of the helmet is made of composite material.

Comfort

Sacrifices lightness. For riders seeking a well-padded helmet, the Specter delivers, though one reviewer feels the fabric fastener holding the padding in place isn't tough enough. Another reviewer says the helmet is "clearly focused on comfort" and praises the one-handed adjustment and "noticeably gentle" chinstraps. Adjustments to helmet fit are made via a knob to the Headmaster II Fit System. Users report the adjustment is quick and one-handed and can even be done while riding.

While the Bontrager Specter is well liked by reviewers for its ventilation and padding, it loses points for heft. At 300 grams (some reviewers report it weighing more) the Specter is 80 grams heavier than the lightest model we review, the Giro Aeon (Est. $250) . Cyclists who notice neck fatigue after long rides may find this helmet a less-than-stellar option for its price point, though Road.cc calls it a "reasonable weight."

Ownership

Seems durable. Cyclists who often pack their helmets when traveling may be interested in the Bontrager Specter's protection along the bottom edges of the helmet. The BikeRadar.com reviewer says the helmet is flexible enough, so he doesn't worry about it breaking in his luggage.