For many amateurs choosing between these two helmets can be tricky. Both helmets are very similar to each other that it’s difficult to see which one is a better product. Buying both helmets to try for yourself is clearly not a good way to compare and you might fear that buying one might leave you wanting to try the other one, even more so that both products are manufactured by the same parent company. Fortunately, we’re here for you. We’re hoping to give you the reviews for both products and come up with a verdict. We hope that we could help deciding which helmet is the best for you.
Bell Javelin Review
Bell Javelin is the successor to the Meteor and could be purchased at a lower price tag compared to Giro Selector. Bell Javelin comes with a detachable visor with small holes in the top to breathe, two main front vents and one rear, also a stubby tail and a fully adjustable internal cage are present.
Despite all these features, Bell Javelin is still fairly weight (480g) and versatile enough with the ability to loosen or tighten on the fly and the ear flaps can be easily get on and off. See also: Biltwell Gringo vs Bell Bullitt.
Bell Javelin has 3 different sizes available, with different height settings and can be adjusted easily. Thanks to SeamFlex ear flaps, putting on this helmet on and off is so easy and more comfortable than other aero helmets with similar shape.
| Bell Javelin | Giro Selector | |
|---|---|---|
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| Shipping Weight | 1 pounds | 1 pounds |
| Best Offer | click here | click here |
In the wind tunnel test, Bell Javelin does a good job in a head-up position, but below average in a head-down position. Bell Javelin can be a little tight around the temples unlike the top area where it gives plenty of room. Bell Javelin also does a poor job at allowing you looking far up the road when in the aero position.
Bell Javelin isn’t the only one with this problem as many other helmets are the same in this department. But you can loosen the cage a little to improve the field of vision, although it’s not recommended from a safety point of view. Speaking of safety, Bell Javelin is rated CE, EN1078, and CPSC bicycle. Its protection shouldn’t be doubted.
The holes in the top of the visor will do its job but not really at maximum potential. You’ll still have to clean with detergent or something similar before you can use it, there may be some condensation collecting at the top. Also, the few cooling vents, are mediocre at best. During hot days, it might get really warm inside.
The good news is, the two front vents are able to channel air really well through the shell. These vents effectively prevent overheating during the summer. Noise wise, Bell Javelin can be rather noisy during high speeds.
Overall, Bell Javelin is a very comfortable helmet to use. It’s well suited for triathletes riders who are looking for extra comfort and decent ventilation in their aero helmets. Bell Javelin will not disappoint and despite being a bit heavier than some, Bell Javelin does a good job of keeping your head cool.
Giro Selector Review
Giro Selector has been described by Madison to be the fastest production TT helmet available. The front of the helmet is dome-like more so than most aero helmets we’ve seen and the tail is truncated. You can adjust the depth of the lower section of the lid, from the ear covers to the helmet tip.
By adjusting the depth, you can also customize the fit to minimize the gap between the underside of the helmet and your back, in order to make yourself more aerodynamic. Giro Selector is certified to EN 1078, it should guarantee protection on the road.
Giro Selector is available in two sizes: S and M for head circumferences of 51 – 57 cm and M and L for 55 – 61 cm. it’s not uncommon for your head to fit either size. Besides, you can adjust it later. The chin strap is adjustable only for length and there is no inner cradle – just a rear section.
The front of the helmet is equipped with a visor which you can take off if you prefer to ride without one. the visor is smoke-tinted lens, you can get an aftermarket clear visor for an additional $20. The stock smoke-tinted lens is only lightly tinted so you should have no problems seeing clearly.
There are vents in the top side of the helmet, where it clips to the helmet, complete with small gaps between the visor edge and the ear covers. Air can get in and out of the helmet via a couple of exhaust ports at the back of the helmet. The helmet does a decent job at keeping it cool but won’t be able to keep up during hot days.
On the lower section of the helmet there is a soft lining that makes it comfortable around your ears. The helmet is flexible and sits close around your ears, so your ears don’t get squashed. During high speeds and windy places, you can hear your surroundings with no problems.
Overall, Giro Selector is a great helmet. Even without wind tunnel tests data, it’s still a top-class helmet. The price tag may turn away some people, and whether the extra cost worth it or not, it’s for you to decide.
Bell Javelin vs Giro Selector
Conclusion
Like we already said both products are very similar with each other. Bell Javelin gets an extra point for being tested in a wind tunnel with a decent result. Protection and performance are both top notch on Bell Javelin. As for the Giro-Selector, adjustability and comfort are slightly better than Bell Javelin. Performance-wise, many reviewers swear that they managed to bet a new personal best record wearing this helmet.
We conclude that, it all comes to personal preferences. There is no clear winner between the two products here. Giro-Selector is generally slightly cheaper, so you could go for that. But overall, you can’t go wrong with either helmet.