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.
First, BTD did a great job filling the order and shipping the product as ordered. The product itself has some issues. The chin strap is too short. I wear a skull cap and the adjustable end of the strap just clears the buckle with no excess to fit in the keeper. I contacted Bell and their response was that I was not wearing the helmet properly. I have been riding bikes for 60 years and 40 of them have been with a helmet without exception. I know how to wear a helmet. When winter comes I plan to wear a heavier head covering, which will not work with the strap as currently configured. I am looking for an extender to resolve that issue. The second issue is that the MIPS fit is different than the predecessor design. The helmet needs to sit somewhat back on the head to keep the helmet from sliding too far forward on the suspension. Otherwise it starts to come over the eyebrow. That issue I have adjusted to. I was surprised that given Bell's great history they did not want to work a bit harder to resolve this issue as it does affect rider safety. Nothing stays the same, it appears.
This helmet looks great and fits good once you pull down the inner liner. After I had it a couple weeks the tightening strap broke and came loose at the back. I sent it back to BTD and they are sending a new one. Hopefully it will last. I like the way it looks. Also I agree that the chin strap could be longer. It pulls out if you are not careful. Other than that once you have it on you forget it is there and don't think about it.
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.
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!
Started out fine but after a few wears the adjustment straps came free for the adjustment wheel and won't catch back in so the helmet is now useless.
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!
I have used several different helmets, including other models made by Bell. The Stratus is the best yet. It fits securely, is lightweight, has plenty of ventilation and this model even includes MIPS. I am very happy with this product.
Road Cycling. Can't think of anything I don't like about it. One of the best helmets I've owned and a great value for the price.
It was pretty coincidental, having damaged my helmet days before seeing a news segment on helmet safety performance. So I researched the safety test (conducted by Virginia Tech Helmet Lab) and decided on the Bell Stratus mips. Out of over 26 other helmets the Bell, along with four other helmets from other brands was rated best available. Test was rated for safety only - not value, comfort, looks...
Having owed a Bell prior to the Lazer I recently damaged I knew my head shape agreed with most Bells.
The Stratus is amazingly comfortable -from padding, to chin straps,to weight or lack of,I could not be any happier. It is well vented and well engineered- has a system up front that keeps sweat and rain from running onto brow.
The only issue which shouldn't be a deal breaker because the helmet does seem so perfect is the outer dimensions seem large. Helmet just looks a bit big on my head compared to other brands I've owned. But once on and riding all is good!
Use for road riding, Sizing seemed to be on par with other helmets (Bell, Giro, LG) as I wear Medium in all. Bought because of top ranking in recent bike helmet safety ratings, hope I never have to put to the test but nice piece of mind knowing that I am using one of the safest helmets on the market and got at very reasonable price on sale.
