Inspired by one of the fastest predators on earth, the Sweet Protection Falconer Aero 2Vi MIPS helmet is a high-performance aero cycling helmet. For 2025, Sweet Protection has updated the helmet as a part of their Hyper Violet collection that adds a striking Hyper Violet Fade color scheme. The Falconer Aero retails for $300 which is a $50 premium over the standard Falconer helmet. Sweet Protection transforms the standard Falconer into the Falconer Aeroby blocking off two of the top vents and adding magnetic aero covers for the two front large vents. The result is improved aerodynamics with the same MIPS Air liner and Sweet Protection’s 2Vi Tech Platform for additional safety.
The Sweet Protection Falconer Aero new bold Hyper Violet Fade color scheme makes the aero helmet look as fast as it feels.
| Rating | 9.2 / 10 |
| Retail Price | $300 |
| Measured weight (in g) | 338 (medium) |
| Likes | + Aerodynamic design that looks and feels fast + Eye catching Hyper Violet fade color option + Magnetic vent covers to optimize speed or ventilation |
| Dislikes | – Premium price point |
| Where to Buy (US) | Sweet Protection |
UNBOXING
The Sweet Protection Falconer Aero comes in a standard helmet cardboard box with Sweet Protection branding printed on it. Inside the box you’ll find:
- Falconer Aero helmet
- Fabric storage bag
- Replacement front pads
- Informational pamphlet
As with most premium helmets, Sweet Protection includes a nice fabric bag with the helmet that is perfect for storing the helmet or traveling with it.
FIT & FINISH
Sweet Protection has also added some contrast with solid pink magnetic covers instead of matching the color gradient. There are also nice details like the glossy inserts that stand out against the matte outer finish. Branding on the helmet is limited to Sweet Protection logos on the side and the nice badge on the front. One of the main features of the Falconer Aero are the magnetic aero covers that let you choose between aerodynamics or cooling. There are two large covers that use magnets to quickly attach and detach from the helmet. For riders looking for more cooling you can leave the covers off, while having the covers on optimizes aerodynamics. Sweet Protection has added a small raised edge on the sides to make it easier to grab the covers. At first glance, the rear two vents look like they are removable with visible edges on the shell but they are solid pieces with no foam cutout underneath.
The other vents on the helmet are strategically placed to maximize cooling and make it easy to store sunglasses. On the front you have a wide U shaped vent that is part of Sweet Protection’s STACC ventilation. It has matching channels inside the helmet to pull air against your head along the temporal arteries. The side of the helmet has a stubby aero design that most aero helmets have with three large rear vents along the lower panel. Sweet Protection has incorporated their 2Vi technology platform which uses different foam designs and optimizes the structure for safety. The Falconer Aero also has a MIPS Air liner which has flexible attachment points that allow the liner to rotate and absorb some impact in a crash.
The MIPS liner is cut around all the vents with deep grooves along the EPS foam interior for airflow. You will also notice that the blocked rear vents from the standard Falconer helmet have no foam cutout even though it just looks like it is blocked off from the exterior. As far as the cradle system you have a standard wrap-around design with a matching purple rear dial and height adjustable rear by just pulling inward or outward. The side straps only have side-to-side adjustment with a wide Sweet Protection branded y-coupler to connect the two sides of the strap. The helmet also has a magnetic Fidlock buckle which makes it easy to attach or detach the helmet with one hand.
ON THE ROAD
We were lucky enough to have previously reviewed the Sweet Protection Falconer 2Vi helmet, so we were excited to see how the Aero version would compare. While the helmets look very similar in shape, Sweet Protection has covered some of the rear vents and made the magnetic covers specific to the aero version. The size medium helmet fit nearly identically to our size medium Falconer and other helmets from brands like Lazer or Smith. With its Hyper Voilet finish, it’s a stunning helmet in person that makes a loud statement. Compared to standard matte finishes, the bold color fade helps the helmet stand out and looks fast at any speed. The removable magnetic covers are also a nice detail that let you optimize aerodynamics or ventilation depending on the ride and weather. We left the covers on during cold morning rides and took them off for warmer rides with lots of climbing. In either configuration, the helmet was comfortable with no pressure points and easy to adjust.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the Sweet Protection Falconer Aero to be comfortable and fast cycling helmet. Sweet Protection has taken their sleek Falconer helmet and made it more aerodynamic with removable magnetic covers. With its new Hyper Violet color scheme, the Falconer Aero gets bold new graphics with an eye catching front to rear color fade that makes you look fast at any speed. We were impressed with the subtle details of the color scheme and contrasting vent covers that really help the helmet stand out. The removable magnetic covers also offer versatility allowing you to choose between aerodynamics or ventilation. As far as negatives, the only downside is the premium price point and limited nature of the Hyper Voilet collection. That said, the Sweet Protection Falconer Aero 2Vi helmet is a great choice for cyclists looking for speed and style.
Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by Sweet Protection. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.