The Bell Falcon cycling helmet, once a popular choice, has been discontinued, leaving cyclists searching for a suitable replacement. Its discontinuation presents a significant challenge, particularly due to the unavailability of replacement parts, especially the crucial foam padding which degrades over time. This review addresses this void by providing a comprehensive comparison between the discontinued Falcon and its purported successor, the Bell Stratus. We will delve into the key design differences, comfort levels, and overall build quality, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each helmet to help you make an informed decision.This in-depth comparison examines the improvements implemented in the Stratus, focusing on areas where the Falcon fell short. We’ll analyze factors such as weight distribution, sweat management, fit, and adjustability. Ultimately, we aim to determine whether the Bell Stratus successfully addresses the shortcomings of its predecessor and whether it represents a worthwhile upgrade for cyclists seeking a comfortable and reliable helmet. The review will conclude with a clear recommendation, helping you decide which helmet best suits your needs.
Pros And Cons
- Mold comes down further on the front.
- Thicker foam around forehead.
- Smaller sweat guide.
- Mold around sweat guide prevents wind from causing flapping.
- Easier vertical adjustment.
- More enclosed design.
- Nicer-looking sides and back.
- Flatter back for mounts.
- Snugger fit.
- Slight kick upwards at the back might be a deal breaker for some.
- Can be expensive ($85-90).
- Vertical adjustment
- Sweat guide has too much foam, not enough in forehead.
- Foam deteriorates over time, parts are discontinued.
- Sweat guide flaps in the wind as it deteriorates.
- Can be expensive ($60-70).
Read more: 5 Must-Have Electric Bike Bells
Bell Falcon: A Discontinued Classic
The Bell Falcon, once a popular choice, is now discontinued. Bell is no longer producing replacement parts, particularly the crucial foam components that degrade over time. This makes finding a replacement or maintaining an existing Falcon a significant challenge. The sweat guide, while functional, had an excessive amount of foam, leading to discomfort and a tendency to flap in the wind as it deteriorated.
One major drawback was the disproportionate foam distribution. More foam was used in the sweat guide than on the forehead, resulting in less-than-ideal comfort and fit. The vertical adjustment mechanism, while functional, required significant wiggling to adjust, adding to user frustration.
Introducing the Bell Stratus: Falcon's Successor?
The Bell Stratus is presented as a potential successor to the Falcon, sharing a similar design aesthetic. However, key improvements in design and construction set it apart. The Stratus boasts a more refined mold that extends further down the forehead, providing a more comfortable fit and better sweat management. The overall build quality seems noticeably superior.
Improved features include a thicker foam layer around the forehead, more strategically placed vents, a less prominent sweat guide, and a simpler vertical adjustment mechanism. These updates directly address issues found in the Falcon, resulting in a more comfortable and secure wearing experience.
Weight Comparison and Fit
Both the Bell Falcon and Stratus weigh nearly the same, around 300 grams. The addition of a camera will impact the overall weight, with larger cameras noticeable adding to the weight. Despite the similar weight, the Stratus provides a noticeably more snug and comfortable fit due to its superior molding around the temples and forehead.
The Stratus's temple molding is narrower, creating a more secure and comfortable fit than the Falcon. The overall design of the Stratus leads to a more even weight distribution, less prominent at the back of the head, making it more comfortable over longer periods. The slightly oval shape at the top of the Stratus may be a factor for some users; however, the reviewer eventually got used to this.
Conclusion: Which Helmet Reigns Supreme?
While the Bell Falcon offered a decent design, its discontinued status and inherent flaws make it a risky purchase. The Bell Stratus emerges as the clear winner, offering significant improvements in comfort, fit, and overall build quality. Despite a slightly higher price point (around $85-$90), the Stratus's enhanced design and superior performance justify the cost.
The Stratus addresses the major shortcomings of the Falcon, providing a more secure fit, better sweat management, and a more durable construction. Therefore, if you are in the market for a cycling helmet similar to the Bell Falcon, the Stratus is the recommended option. While the weight difference is minimal, the improved comfort and reliability make the Stratus the superior choice.
