Bell helmet: model review and reviews

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Motorcycling is one of the most traumatic and dangerous. There is not a single race that does not have amazing accidents. But riders most often get off with only bruises and scratches. The helmet protects their heads from serious injuries. Most professionals in this sport prefer American Bell helmets. They have many useful qualities, the most important of which is reliable head protection from impact. A helmet should be present in the equipment of an ordinary motorcyclist, because a collision or fall can occur on the track, even if you follow all the rules of the road. Let's take a look at some popular models of Bell helmets, analyze their advantages and disadvantages.

History of Bell

First, let's talk about the company itself. Without a doubt, information about its organization and achievements will strengthen the credibility of its products, in particular Bell helmets. The founder of the company is a professional racer Roy Richter. In 1933, he got a job at a parts sales company called Bell Auto Parts. In the backyard, Roy assembled a car from spare parts, which he took part in the races.

In 1945, he bought the firm, but decidedchange its direction. In those years, there were no good helmets as such, so riders often died. Roy Ritscher was always very sad about this. Therefore, having become the owner of the company, he started producing helmets, which at that time were a completely new protective device for racers. He personally came up with many improvements and innovations, increasing the reliability of his products. He has the world's first anti-fog coated visor, aerodynamic helmets and more. In total, he patented several dozen innovations.

Now Bell helmets are worn by riders participating in Formula 1, Superbike, and national championships. Many professional racing drivers believe that if you wear a helmet on your head, then only Bell. According to the international classification system, they were awarded the DOT reliability degree.

Classification of helmets

Note that there are several types of helmets, but there are only two main categories:

• Motorcycle.
• Bicycle.

Among motorcycle helmets, the following types of designs are distinguished:

• "Integral". It covers the head of a person completely. A distinctive feature is the presence in the design of elements for protecting the chin (statically fixed, not rising and not retractable), as well as a folding visor. This type includes the Bell Star series, which is distinguished by a stylish appearance, the presence of numerous (closable if necessary) ventilation holes, and the installation of a visor in three positions.
• "Modular". The model differs from the previous one in that in it the element that protects the chin, if necessary, can be lifted up in the same way as the visor. Popular Models: Bell Revolver, Bell RS-1, Bell Moto-9.
• "Open". There is no chin guard in this design, and the visor is not available on all models. The Bell Rogue helmet belongs to this type of design.
• "Cross". The model is designed for high-speed racing. Its features are the lack of a visor and a more forward chin guard detail (this allows a person to breathe better. Models in demand: Bell Adventure MX 9, Bell Apex SX-1, Bell Crusade SX-1, Bell Reactor, Bell Sonic.
• Motard. This model is similar to the previous one, but it has a visor.

Design Features

Motorcycle helmets of all types, firms, price categories, including the Bell helmet, have two main elements in the design: the outer shell and the inner one. The outer (outer) shell is designed to provide strength. It protects the head of a person at the moment of impact. The inner shell provides comfort when wearing a helmet and cushioning on impact.

Products of expensive brands, one of which is Bell, the outer shell is made of fiberglass, thermoplastic or carbon fiber (carbon fiber).

The inner shell is made of polystyrene. In Bell helmets, it can be unfastened to wash or dry. In addition, one of the layers of the inner shell is often foam rubber. When it is used in the design, the volume of the helmet, and,consequently, its weight increases somewhat, but shock absorption increases.

Also, all helmets must have straps and fasteners that secure it on the head.

But sights and ventilation holes are not available in all models.

What is a good helmet

No matter what model or brand of helmet a motorcyclist or cyclist prefers, this piece of equipment must meet certain requirements:

• Weight. The helmet should not be too heavy. Otherwise, the person wearing it will quickly get tired, which means that attention will decrease.
• Landing on the head. Heads are different in size and shape. Therefore, you need to select a helmet on an individual basis with a mandatory fitting. On the head, the helmet should sit tightly, not slip off when bending and moving, not cause discomfort, not squeeze.
• Review. It is very important that the maximum possible viewing angle is maintained when putting on the helmet.

In Moscow, Bell helmets and others can be purchased at sporting goods stores that sell accessories and equipment for motorcycles and bicycles, as well as on the Internet. Prices range from 11,000 rubles to 100,000 rubles, depending on the model, components and materials from which they are made.

Based on the above information, let's look at some models of helmets from Bell, analyze their advantages and disadvantages.

Bell Rogue

The name can be translated as "robber's helmet". This is an entourage model, focused more oncreating an image for a motorcyclist rather than protecting his head in the event of an impact. The Bell Rogue helmet is an open type, produced without a visor, but with an original mask that gives a person a somewhat brutal look.

It is not an element of protection. The mask is fastened with hard clasps. It can be removed if desired. The helmet belongs to the so-called category "3/4", covers the back of the head and the head from the sides. The outer shell is very durable, does not scratch or crack, the inner shell is skin-friendly, soft, easy to unfasten and fasten. This helmet is available in four colors - black, gray, protective, black matte. Price - from 22 670 rubles.

Reviews about the Rogue model

Those who chose this helmet for themselves are delighted with it. Featured Values:

- sits perfectly on the head, does not press, does not press, does not dangle;

- light (weight up to 1200 grams);

- excellent noise isolation;

- good aerodynamics.

Flaws:

- no reticle;

- weak plastic mounts;

- does not protect the eyes (you need to wear additional goggles).

Bell Custom 500

This is a classic helmet model that the manufacturer has been producing since 1954. Belongs to the category "3/4".

The current version of the Bell Custom 500 helmet has several improvements regarding the material from which it is made and how the visor is attached. Now it is fastened to the helmet with several external buttons. colorthe range is varied, in white, black, green, red, color and others. The shape is round. Price - from 11,600 rubles.

Reviews about the Custom 500

Customers love this model for its simplicity of design, which, despite this, is able to provide high protection.

Model benefits:

- comfortable shape (does not suffer from wind load when driving fast);

- lightness (the helmet weighs no more than 1300 grams);

- the ability to easily change the reticle;

- the material of manufacture is fiberglass, not plastic, which increases strength and reliability.

Flaws:

- not all models have a detachable inner shell;

- no chin guard;

- The supplied goggle mask is not suitable for use when driving at high speed.

Bell Bullitt

This model also belongs to one of the classics that the company began to produce almost immediately after its founding. The Bell Bullitt Helmet has a rounded shape, belongs to the "3/4" category and to the "open" type. Equipped with a reticle but no chin guard. It weighs 1400 grams. Colors - white, blue, black, gray. The helmet has 5 air holes, magnetic fastening straps. Outer shell - fiberglass, inner - suede (removable). Visor with anti-fog effect. The viewing angle is large. The kit includes a set of glasses, a bag, a cover. Price - from 35 880 rubles. According to consumer reviews, the advantages of this helmet model areits reliability, comfortable fit on the head, equipment with a sight and air holes. The disadvantage of this helmet is that it does not have a chin guard.

Classification of bicycle helmets

This piece of equipment is not very popular among cyclists. Some experts believe that the helmet impairs the visibility of the cyclist, which only increases the danger to his life. However, in many countries, the presence of this item of equipment is required.

There are these types of bicycle helmets:

• "Cross Country". The model is focused on use in this type of competition.
• "Kettle". Used in Street, Dirt and other competitions.
• "Full face". Designed for extreme riders riding on difficult terrain.
• Time trial racing helmet.

Design features

Bicycle helmets are always smaller than motorcycle helmets. They are lighter than motorcycle ones, almost never cover the entire head of a person. The design of bicycle helmets includes a shell, buckles and straps. Some models used when driving in extreme conditions, as well as motorcycle models, have a chin protection element (removable or static) in their design and completely cover the head. The helmet body is made of polystyrene and plastic, which determines the appearance of the product. As a rule, all models of bicycle helmets have holes for ventilation. Popular Models: Bell Slant, Bell Super, Bell Sanction, Bell XPL.

BellSuper

According to customer reviews, this is a fairly high-quality Bell bicycle helmet, which can be used for movement both on a flat road and on mountainous terrain. This model is available in two versions - with and without a chin guard element. In terms of parameters, the Bell Super helmet is somewhat massive, completely covers the back of the head and temples, has a large visor and many holes for ventilation. The plastic frame can be adjusted in three positions, which allows you to best fit this helmet to your head shape, and numerous straps ensure a secure fit. Removable inner shell made of polystyrene. Helmet weight - 370 grams. Price without jaw protection element - from 4220 rubles, and with it - from 5000 rubles.

Reviews

This model has received high customer ratings. Her virtues:

- light weight;

- deep fit;

- comfort and convenience (the helmet does not interfere with movement, it is practically not felt on the head);

- removable inner shell;

- the strength of the outer shell, which protects the head well on impact.

Flaws:

- the fasteners of the straps are plastic, so they cannot withstand a strong blow;

- no interchangeable inner shell included.

Bell helmets for kids

Russia has not yet introduced a law requiring children to ride a bike only in a helmet. But such rules already exist in many European countries, in Australia and in some US states. Children's helmets are onlybicycle. In configuration, they are no different from adult models of the Cross-Country and Bowler hat types, but they are produced in brighter cheerful colors. They are also much smaller in volume and weight. Bell Bellino, Bell Sanction Helmet and Bell Sidetrack Child models have proven themselves well. Their weight does not exceed 300 grams, and the fit at the back of the head is deeper than that of helmets for adults, which provides better protection for the child's head in the event of a fall. The Bell Sanction helmet is equipped with a removable visor, has gutters and 15 ventilation holes, a reinforced frame, reliable fastening straps and latches that allow the helmet to be well fixed on the child's head. The product is intended for use by children over the age of 5 years. Prices for children's helmets - from 2200 rubles.

New technologies

Besides American, European helmets are popular. Bell compares favorably with other manufacturers in that this company began to manufacture helmets using computer digital technologies. They consist in the fact that the client is put on a “cap” with sensors on his head. A company employee scans within 30 seconds. As a result, an image of the head (three-dimensional) appears on the computer screen. Based on it, the most comfortable individual Bell helmet of the new generation is made. While such services are offered in a small volume. Mostly they are used by famous riders. But it is possible that soon this process of making helmets will be used for everyone.