Bell helmets have become synonymous with motorcycle safety and style. For decades, these iconic helmets have protected riders on roads and tracks around the world. Their reputation for quality and innovation has made them a top choice for motorcycle enthusiasts seeking the ultimate in head protection.
This review takes a closer look at Bell's range of motorcycle helmets, from full face to open face designs. It explores the company's legacy of safety advancements and examines key features that set Bell apart. Readers will learn about top helmet models for different riding styles and the technologies that make Bell a leader in motorcycle gear. By the end, riders will have a clear picture of what makes Bell helmets stand out in a crowded market.
Bell Helmets: A Legacy of Safety and Innovation
Company history and reputation
Bell Helmets has been a pioneer in motorcycle safety since its inception in 1954. The company's journey began when Roy Richter, who owned Bell Auto Parts, recognized the growing need for better safety helmets in bike racing. With the help of veteran naval pilot Frank Heacox, Richter reverse-engineered various helmets, including those used in military aviation, to create the first Bell helmet.
The result of months of research and development was the Bell 500, featuring a polyurethane foam liner inside a hand-laminated fiberglass outer shell. This innovative design quickly gained popularity, leading to the establishment of the Bell Helmet Company as a subsidiary of Bell Auto Parts in 1956.
Bell's commitment to innovation continued throughout the decades. In 1967, they introduced the first full-face helmet, the Star, after five years of research. This groundbreaking design opened a new chapter in motorcycle helmet history. The company further expanded its product line in 1971 by producing the first full-face off-road motorcycle helmet, catering to the growing popularity of motocross racing.
Key innovations in motorcycle helmet technology
Bell Helmets has consistently pushed the boundaries of helmet technology. One of their most significant innovations is the incorporation of the Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) into their designs. MIPS uses a slip-plane system that moves inside the helmet, mimicking the brain's own protection mechanism. This technology is designed to reduce rotational acceleration and potentially decrease the risk and severity of brain injuries in certain impacts.
Another groundbreaking innovation from Bell is the Moto-9 Flex, which they describe as their most advanced helmet to date. This helmet features a first-of-its-kind, three-layer impact liner designed to manage energy from low, mid, and high-speed impacts. The segmented construction adapts to a rider's head for a better fit and more predictable energy management.
Bell has also been at the forefront of developing removable chinbar helmets. The Bell Super 2R, introduced in 2014, was one of the first of its kind, catering to the emerging needs of enduro racing. This design offers the versatility of a light, breathable helmet for uphill riding that can be quickly converted to provide full-face protection for descents.
Commitment to rider safety
Bell's dedication to rider safety goes beyond innovative designs. The company conducts extensive research and development testing to ensure their helmets meet and exceed various industry standards, including those set by Snell, SFI, and FIA. This commitment to safety has made Bell helmets a top choice for professional racers and everyday riders alike.
The company also emphasizes the importance of proper helmet care and replacement. They recommend replacing helmets every three years and provide guidelines for cleaning and maintenance to ensure optimal protection. Bell offers a comprehensive warranty and a crash replacement program, underlining their commitment to rider safety even after the point of sale.
Bell Helmets continues to evolve, adapting to new challenges and rider needs. From their classic designs like the Custom 500, a direct descendant of the original 1954 model, to their cutting-edge full-face and modular helmets, Bell remains at the forefront of motorcycle safety technology. Their legacy of innovation, combined with a steadfast commitment to rider protection, cements Bell's position as a leader in the motorcycle helmet industry.
Top Bell Helmet Models for Different Riding Styles
Full-face helmets for sport and street riding
Bell Helmets offers a range of full-face options for sport and street riders seeking ultimate protection and performance. The Race Star DLX Flex stands out as a top-tier choice, featuring a lightweight 3K carbon fiber shell and Bell's innovative Flex technology. This advanced system is designed to dissipate rotational energy in the event of an accident, providing enhanced safety for high-speed riding.
For riders looking for a more budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, the Bell Qualifier is an excellent choice. This helmet boasts a sleek, aerodynamic design and a lightweight polycarbonate/ABS shell. It comes equipped with a NutraFog II anti-fog, anti-scratch clear face shield, ensuring optimal visibility in various weather conditions. The Qualifier's Velocity Flow ventilation system keeps riders cool during long rides, while integrated speaker pockets make it easy to install communication devices.
Another noteworthy model is the Bell Eliminator Carbon, which combines a radical design with top-notch safety features. Made from a 6K carbon fiber compound, this helmet is both ultra-resistant and lightweight. It offers a large field of view through its shield and includes quality details like comfortable, removable padding optimized for riders who wear glasses.
Modular helmets for touring and commuting
For those who prefer the versatility of a modular design, Bell offers the SRT Modular helmet. This model combines the protection of a full-face helmet with the convenience of an open-face design. The SRT Modular features a lightweight fiberglass composite shell and a Panovision shield with class one optics, providing excellent visibility.
The helmet's modular design allows riders to easily flip up the chin bar, making it ideal for quick conversations or grabbing a drink without removing the entire helmet. Its Velocity Flow Ventilation system ensures proper airflow, while the removable and washable anti-bacterial interior keeps the helmet fresh during long tours or daily commutes.
Off-road and adventure helmets
Bell's expertise extends to off-road and adventure riding with models like the Moto-10 Spherical and the MX-9 Adventure MIPS. The Moto-10 Spherical is Bell's top-of-the-line off-road helmet, featuring the innovative Spherical Technology powered by MIPS. This system is designed to reduce rotational forces in certain impacts, offering enhanced protection for dirt bike enthusiasts.
The MX-9 Adventure MIPS caters to adventure riders who split their time between on and off-road terrain. This versatile helmet incorporates the MIPS safety system in a lightweight polycarbonate shell. It features a large shield with an excellent field of view and an adjustable sun visor, making it suitable for various lighting conditions encountered during adventure rides.
For younger riders, Bell offers the Moto-9 Youth MIPS, ensuring that the next generation of off-road enthusiasts has access to the same level of protection and comfort as adult riders.
Open-face and retro-style options
Bell Helmets pays homage to its rich heritage with a collection of open-face and retro-style helmets that blend vintage esthetics with modern safety standards. The iconic Bell Custom 500 is a prime example, inspired by the very first Bell helmet produced in 1954. This ¾ shell design has thrilled riders across generations with its classic look and various graphic options.
For those seeking a full-face helmet with retro flair, the Bell Bullitt is an excellent choice. Inspired by the Bell Star helmets of the 1960s and 1970s, the Bullitt offers a vintage look with modern safety features. Its distinctive style makes it a popular choice among café racer and custom motorcycle enthusiasts.
These retro-inspired helmets don't compromise on safety, adhering to current DOT standards while providing the timeless look that many riders desire. They offer a perfect balance of style and protection for those who appreciate the esthetics of classic motorcycling.
Bell Helmets continues to innovate across all riding styles, ensuring that whether you're a sport bike enthusiast, a long-distance tourer, an off-road adventurer, or a classic motorcycle aficionado, there's a Bell helmet designed to meet your specific needs and preferences.
Key Features and Technologies
Bell Helmets has established itself as a leader in motorcycle safety through continuous innovation and advanced technologies. Let's explore the key features that set Bell helmets apart from the competition.
Shell construction and materials
Bell utilizes cutting-edge materials and construction techniques to create helmets that are both lightweight and incredibly strong. Many of their high-end models feature carbon fiber shells, known for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. The Race Star Flex, for instance, boasts a 3K carbon fiber shell that provides the look, performance, and feel of a true race helmet.
For riders seeking a more budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, Bell offers helmets with tri-matrix composite shells. These shells combine aramid, carbon fiber, and fiberglass to deliver comparable strength to full carbon fiber constructions at a more accessible price point.
Impact absorption systems
Bell's commitment to rider safety is evident in their advanced impact absorption systems. The innovative Flex Energy Management system, found in helmets like the Moto-9 Flex, features a first-of-its-kind, three-layer impact liner. This design manages energy from low, mid, and high-speed impacts, providing comprehensive protection across various crash scenarios.
The system uses three different materials:
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Expanded Polyolefin (EPO) for low-speed impacts
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Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) for mid-speed impacts
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Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) for high-speed impacts
This progressive impact liner adapts to different impact energies, offering superior protection compared to traditional single-layer EPS liners.
Many Bell helmets also incorporate MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) technology. This slip-plane system is designed to reduce rotational forces that can result from certain impacts, potentially decreasing the risk of brain injuries.
Ventilation and aerodynamics
Bell helmets are renowned for their excellent ventilation systems, keeping riders cool and comfortable even in hot conditions. The Velocity Flow Ventilation system, featured in many Bell models, maximizes cooling by efficiently channeling air through the helmet.
In off-road helmets like the Moto-9 Flex, the segmented liner design creates multiple channels that enhance airflow. This innovative approach not only improves ventilation but also allows the helmet to adapt to different head shapes for a more personalized fit.
For road racing helmets, Bell pays special attention to aerodynamics. The HP7, for example, features an aerodynamically sleek design that's efficient for the intense demands of all forms of racing. Its powerful ventilation system includes 12 air intake and extraction channels, optimized to improve aerodynamic performance while reducing internal noise.
Visor and shield options
Bell offers a wide range of visor and shield options to suit different riding styles and conditions. Their ProVision dual-pane anti-fog shields come in various tints, providing ultimate clarity and style on the road. For race-oriented helmets, Bell uses optical grade injected Double Screen Anti-Fog (DSAF) shields, ensuring superior visibility in all conditions.
The Bullitt helmet, inspired by Bell's classic designs, features interchangeable face shields that allow riders to customize their look and adapt to changing light conditions. Many Bell helmets are also designed to be eyewear compatible, with built-in pockets to accommodate prescription glasses or sunglasses.
In conclusion, Bell Helmets continues to push the boundaries of helmet technology, combining advanced materials, innovative impact absorption systems, efficient ventilation, and versatile shield options. These features work together to provide riders with helmets that offer superior protection, comfort, and performance across all riding disciplines.
Conclusion
Bell Helmets has cemented its position as a leader in motorcycle safety gear through decades of innovation and unwavering commitment to rider protection. From their groundbreaking designs to cutting-edge technologies like MIPS and Flex Energy Management, Bell continues to push the boundaries of helmet safety. Their wide range of models caters to all types of riders, ensuring everyone from street racers to off-road enthusiasts has access to top-notch head protection.
Looking ahead, Bell's legacy of innovation suggests a bright future for motorcycle helmet technology. As materials science and impact protection strategies keep evolving, riders can expect even safer and more comfortable helmets from Bell. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, investing in a Bell helmet means choosing a product backed by years of research, testing, and real-world performance. In the end, Bell Helmets remains synonymous with the pinnacle of motorcycle safety and style.
FAQ
Q: Are Bell helmets suitable for motorcycle use?
A: Bell helmets are highly regarded in both the motorcycle and bicycle industries for their safety, comfort, and protective features.
Q: Which motorcycle helmet brand is considered the safest as of 2025?
A: As of 2025, AGV, Shoei, Shark, Arai, Caberg, Nolan, HJC, and MT holds the top spot for the safest motorcycle helmets.
Q: How often should a Bell motorcycle helmet be replaced?
A: Bell recommends replacing their motorcycle helmets every three years. If you are unsure about the condition of your helmet or whether it needs replacement, you can contact Bell for a free inspection.