BELL helmet quality (and opinions on a possible buy)?
I'm in the market for a new helmet, mainly because I realize the helmet I have now is probably not the best (vendetta 3). I've been looking through tons of helmets and man there is a lot of options. So far this one has caught my eye:
The things that I like about it is snell certified, weight seems low, airflow appears good, anti-fog, speaker nooks and I can pick up one of those photochromic shields bell has for it (awesome).. plus the price is in my range. Only thing I'm not certain about is the brand itself and it doesn't appear to have a DOT cert (but is that important if it's got snell?). What is your guys opinion of this particular helmet and the BELL brand in general, and if you had to recommend an alternative in the same price range what would it be?
my bell star is dot and snell 2010 approved. it might be a little loud, but i ride with headphones in anyways. add the convenience (and pure awesomeness) of the photochromatic shield. the helmet is great, and i'd buy another when the time comes.
__________________ SGT Mario Kawika Deleon
05.11.80 - 04.16.07
team white.
2009 phoenix - crashed [june BOTM winner]
2007 all white - the current ride
1997 328i - protection from the elements
Yeah that's what I've always heard (snell > dot), but I'm a newb. What kind of headphones do you use spiritofkaos? Also, what other brand helmets have you owned before? Curious which you think it's better than since you'd buy BELL again.
Yeah that's what I've always heard (snell > dot), but I'm a newb. What kind of headphones do you use spiritofkaos? Also, what other brand helmets have you owned before? Curious which you think it's better than since you'd buy BELL again.
i've owned a kbc vr-2, ridden in a shoei rf-1000, and was considering buy one. then a friend of mine suggested i try the star. it fit better compared to the shoei. as for headphones, i ride with bowers & wilkins c5 headphones.
__________________ SGT Mario Kawika Deleon
05.11.80 - 04.16.07
team white.
2009 phoenix - crashed [june BOTM winner]
2007 all white - the current ride
1997 328i - protection from the elements
i've owned a kbc vr-2, ridden in a shoei rf-1000, and was considering buy one. then a friend of mine suggested i try the star. it fit better compared to the shoei. as for headphones, i ride with bowers & wilkins c5 headphones.
Yeah I think the right fit is one of the most important things to consider when buying a helmet. As long as the the helmet is from a reputable manufacturer made in a respectable country like KBC, Shoei, and Bell, and NOT made in China, I wouldn't hesitate to get the one that fits the best. Although I like the graphics on the Arai better, the Shoei in size L is the one that fits my head the best.
That RS-1 is probably my favorite helmet next to the X-11s I have. My RSD Flash has really impressed me. We've been selling a ton of them lately and everyone has been giving very positive feedback.
I have two bell stars which is the model above the rs1. I can't complain about either. They are on the noisy side but I ride with ear plugs so it doesn't bother me. That noise is a result of flowing a TON of air so that is very nice to have if you live in a warm climate.
All helmets sold in the USA are DOT, if they aren't you can't sell them for road use. Bell is good quality too, and if you ever do have a problem just call up the vendor you got it from and they should be able to take care of anything for you.
the bell RS1 definitely fits a tad more snug than the star, based on my GF's RS1 vs my bell star. order a size down for sure if youre at the low end of the spread, for example a 55cm should probly get a XS and so on. bell padding for some reason breaks in alot.
the RS1 plus the transitions shield is a pretty awesome setup, go for it. i think the bell star is a tad overpriced for how sparse the interior is. the neck roll in the RS1 doesnt seem to come out, but thats the only real complaint so far, my GF has had hers since summer 2011.
Thanks guys-- definitely going to go for this helmet. My current size is a small but I've always felt it isn't as snug as it should be so XS it is. Can't wait!
Quote:
Originally Posted by cbr6racr
^^^Hit up Jason at Sportbiketrackgear in Sheldby Township, or Rider's Discount in Holland, which would be closer.
If you're going to get an XS, you might as well buy mine! I'm selling a Bell Star Carbon Cerwinske for $450 - that's $200 off MSRP.
Quote:
Originally Posted by emiller
Thanks guys-- definitely going to go for this helmet. My current size is a small but I've always felt it isn't as snug as it should be so XS it is. Can't wait!
For sure
__________________ Ride as if there is a tomorrow to live for.
I'm considering a new helmet myself, either a Bell Vortex or Icon Airmada. Have read a lot on both and know the pros and cons. Only thing I really want to know is if the Vortex uses more then one shell size. Have heard some say that the outer shell is pretty big and I wear a size small. Dont wanna look like a bobblehead going down the road with my head moving all over the place. (Had that problem with my AGV K3.) And I know Icon has 4 shell sizes for the Airmada.
Any thoughts?
__________________
"I plan on living fast and dying young!"
Well I ended up ordering the Bell Vortex in the Flying Tigers graphic from a local shop, not a dealer. Reason I didn't buy from the dealer is because when I was there trying on different helmets, he asked what I was interested in. I told him Icon Airmada or Bell Vortex. He said "oh" and walked away. Asked him his opinion on the Bell Vortex or Icon was and his reply was, "I don't know, I only wear Arai or Shoei, i don't worry about that other crap." I stared at him, pissed off that he just said that to paying customer and I walked out. Guy at the small shop was real chill, helped me pick out my size and see which one suited me better.
I love Arai's, had one before, lost it due a nice wreck at the track. I don't have the funds for something that expensive right now but still wanted a nice helmet. Just the arrogance of some people because they think they're above society with their top-shelf helmet. I have nothing against Shoei or Arai- top-notch helmets for a reason.
It's not the bike or gear that makes an a$$-hat; it's the person with it....
Rant over
__________________
"I plan on living fast and dying young!"
I told him Icon Airmada or Bell Vortex. He said "oh" and walked away. Asked him his opinion on the Bell Vortex or Icon was and his reply was, "I don't know, I only wear Arai or Shoei, i don't worry about that other crap."
BELL helmet quality (and opinions on a possible buy)?
, soon!
