Wavecel

OVERVIEW

BRIEF

Unlike a standard foam helmet, which is designed to protect against direct impacts, WaveCel accounts for how most cycling accidents actually happen—ungracefully, with twists, turns, and angled impacts.. WaveCel absorbs energy in multiple ways. On impact, the layers of the WaveCel material move independently and flex until the cell walls crumple and then glide, actively absorbing direct and rotational energy and redirecting it away from your head.
This three-step change in material structure—flex, crumple, glide—is remarkably effective at dispersing the energy from an impact. Nearly 99 out of 100 times, WaveCel prevents concussions from common cycling accidents.

Flex

Shearing is mainly used for off axis impacts. which maximizes impact dissipation in cycling incidents where your shoulder hits the ground first, rotating around the skeletal structure

Crumple

Compression is a impact force that is linear on axis. This type of impact is where EPS foam is successful. But unlike Wavecel, EPS impacts forces are linear and aggressive.

Glide

Sliding is the last of the three forces that make up a crash scenario. This allows crash energy to be dispersed across the entire head instead of a single impact point.

DETAILS

PROTECTING THE HEAD

Wavecel integration into Bontrager helmets wasn't a cakewalk. Developing not only the tooling but also the interior parts, development process and fit and finish for the cycling industries most critical customers was a battle. Developing systems that are shared across the entire platform as well as creating functional and aerodynamic products that can elevate a product line in a reliable launch meant endless nights and development hours. Working with a third party company like Wavecel, I was able to develop the entire internal structure of the helmets. Developing the edge cover, fit system yolks, fit-pads, internal labels and pushing QC for the final product.

OVERVIEW

FIT SYSTEM + RETENTION

Creating the fit system and retention for Wavecel offered its unique challenges. Not only is this a fully independent system within the helmets, but it is also unique in that the wavecel puck and fit system assembly is shared between all four helmets. This means that all of Bontrager helmets fits the same across the entire 2019 product line. This means, your MTB and road helmet will fit identically, no issues with fit-pads, no issues with pressure points. The Bontrager head-form has been rethought for 2019, fitting more users and creating a more comfortable fit across the line. The retention system offers a 360 fit system that encompass the entire head, creating an even pressure and secure fit across the entire head. Its modular system allows for parts to be shared across all four helmets meaning, replacement parts are easy for the manufacture and ultimately create a more cost efficient helmet.