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!
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!
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.
I own this and a Z20. Honestly, although the Z20 has a little more padding (and oriented slightly differently), the Stratus is actually very similarand less expensive. I have the white Status with reflective silver, which is perfect for my commutes.
This is both light and comfortable.
It fits well both on its own or with a balaclava underneath it. So far, the improved forehead pad has worked well to keep sweat out of my eyes. And it is definitely worth the peace of mind to know that I am writing with MIPS protection.
Helmet fit is pretty personal - although it would seem that a few more adjustments could make it more universal. I seem to be right in between a Medium and Large size on Bell helmets - no matter the model.
I went back and forth on the size of this, and went with the large, although it is just a bit low on my brow.
What I like about this is the ventilation and comfort. Much better than my previous Volt.
The look is a kinda interesting as well - less Gieger like Alien, and maybe a bit more of some kind of android head of the future. With the fit issues, it makes me wonder if my head is just weird.
It's a helmet. it's a Bell. It's got that new-fangled MIPS stuff. Fit-wise, it's comfortable on my gigantic melon, lightweight (not that it matters much... because, well... gigantic melon). The adjustments are good, the airflow is good. All around a very good helmet.
Comfortable, with good airflow. Fits well, with the straps laying flat (not something all helmets can claim). I've done a couple of 5 hour rides with it so far, and am very pleased with its performance. Good fitting gear should go relatively unnoticed after several hours in the saddle. The best helmet, in my opinion is one I don't notice after a day on the bike. I definitely recommend it. Coupled with BTDs aggressive discounts, I couldn't pass up the price point on this MIPS helmet.
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.
l use this helmet for road and gravel bike riding, the fit adjustment dial is easy to operate with gloves on.
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.
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