The Sweet Protection Falconer II MIPS helmet runs in a crowded helmet marketplace. Sweet’s helmets in general don’t garner the attention of the big boys, yet its construction and features all align with what you would expect from a high-end race helmet. And Sweet Protection positions the Falconer II MIPS as just that. It’s a race helmet with aerodynamics, light weight, and comfort all factored in.
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But Sweet Protection doesn’t offer a whole lot of information when it comes to aerodynamic claims. On one hand, that’s kind of annoying; why make claims that it’s aerodynamic if you won’t back it up with numbers? On the other hand, so many of the aerodynamic claims manufacturers make are vague at best anyway.
Sweet Protection also says the Falconer has DOV and STACC Ventilation — once again, with no explanation what that is. There are several large vents, however, both on the top of the head and at your temples where you’re likely to notice heat when you’re really struggling.
The Occigrip fit system uses a dial at the rear that snugs up the internal harness to avoid pinch points. The harness is pretty wispy to keep weight down.
About the weight: the size Medium helmet comes in at 285 grams, according to Sweet Protection’s website. The size large Falconer in for testing here at Slow Guy on the Fast Ride weighs 310 grams. That’s pretty darn light, but not the lightest on the market by any stretch.
Some of that weight may be due to the MIPS liner, which addresses rotational forces in the event of an impact. It also adds a bit to the cost of the helmet, which comes in at $230. That puts it in the same league as other high end race helmets like the Giro Helios at $250, or its WorldTour level sibling, the Aether, which costs $300.
The Falconer certainly has a unique look and feel to it. And the ample vents mean this is likely a fairly airy helmet on hot days. With no actual aero data to go off of, it’s impossible to say whether it’s ‘fast,’ though.
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