Are Bell Bike Helmets Good? (7 Pros and Cons of Bell Helmets)

The Short Answer is:

The quality of Bell bike helmets varies depending on the specific model. Some Bell helmets, such as the Bell Spark MIPS, have received positive reviews and are considered a good value for the price. However, other Bell helmets, such as the Bell 4Forty, have failed safety tests and are not recommended. It is important to research and read reviews of specific Bell helmet models before purchasing to ensure that you are getting a safe and high-quality product.

Bicycle helmets are an essential piece of safety equipment for any cyclist. They protect the head from serious injuries in the event of an accident.

Bell is one of the largest manufacturers of bicycle helmets in the United States, offering a wide range of helmets for different types of cycling. However, the question remains: are Bell bike helmets good?

The answer is not straightforward, as the quality of Bell helmets varies depending on the specific model. In this article, we will explore the effectiveness of Bell bike helmets and provide an overview of the different models available.

The Role of a Bike Helmet

The role of a bike helmet is to protect the head from serious injuries in the event of an accident. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, helmets are effective for cyclists of all ages and provide protection for all types of crashes whether or not a motor vehicle is involved.

New helmet technologies have been developed to improve the mitigation of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in bicycle accidents. A properly fitted bicycle helmet can protect the brain from injury and can possibly save a rider’s life.

The goal of bicycle helmet programs is to increase the use of bicycle helmets, thereby reducing the number of head injuries and deaths caused by bicycle crashes.

Understanding Bell Helmets

Bell is a well-known brand in the world of helmets, offering a wide range of helmets for different types of cycling. Understanding Bell helmets is important to ensure that you are getting a safe and high-quality product.

Each Bell helmet is certified for specific activities and should only be used for those sports. Almost all helmets listed in the cycling section of the Bell website are ONLY for cycling, with the exception of the Segment, Faction, and Fraction helmets which are certified for skate use as well as cycling.

Bell helmets are made of materials that can be damaged by many commonly available cleaners, so it is important to clean the helmet using a soft cloth or sponge, warm water, and mild soap. Bell recommends replacing your helmet every three years.

A Brief History of Bell Helmets

Bell Helmets has a rich history dating back to the 1950s when founder Roy Richter built the first racing helmet, the Bell 500, in a garage behind Bell Auto Parts in Bell, California.

Bell Helmets was born from auto racing and has since expanded to offer helmets for motorcycle and bicycle riders.

Throughout the years, Bell has been at the forefront of helmet innovation, introducing many firsts in the industry, such as the first helmet with a fire-retardant interior and the first lightweight composite helmet in motorsports.

Today, Bell continues to push the boundaries of helmet technology and safety, offering a variety of helmets at different price points with different features.

Bell’s Commitment to Safety

Bell Helmets is a brand synonymous with safety, innovation, performance, and engineering excellence. Bell Racing Helmets is the world’s leading manufacturer of state-of-the-art head protection designed for professional and amateur drivers competing in the sport of auto racing.

Bell Helmets was born from auto racing and has since expanded to offer helmets for motorcycle and bicycle riders. Bell’s commitment to safety is evident in its partnerships with organizations that promote the use of helmets, such as Safe Kids.

Bell is dedicated to encouraging children to be fearless, explore their limits, and discover new worlds while keeping them safe.

Bell’s relentless commitment to creating products that exceed cutting-edge style, design, and safety standards is evident in its helmet superstore. Today, Bell Helmets stands as an icon, known for its unwavering commitment to rider safety and style.

Types and Models of Bell Bike Helmets

Bell Helmets offers a wide range of helmets for different types of cycling. The types and models of Bell bike helmets include road bike helmets, mountain bike helmets, commuter bike helmets, and kids’ bike helmets.

Bell bike helmets are designed with lightweight and aerodynamic features in mind, while commuter bike helmets often opt for features that are stylish and protective.

Bell helmets are made with different materials, such as EPS foam, and use different technologies, such as MIPS, to provide protection in the event of an accident. Some of the popular models of Bell bike helmets include the Bell Spark MIPS, Bell Avenue MIPS, and Bell Stratus MIPS.

Helmet Features and Technologies

Bell Helmets are designed with a variety of features and technologies to provide maximum protection and comfort to riders. Some of the key features and technologies of Bell helmets include:

MIPS Technology

MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) is a technology used in some Bell helmets to reduce rotational forces that can result from certain impacts.

MIPS is designed to mimic the brain’s own protective system by allowing the helmet to rotate slightly upon impact, reducing the amount of rotational force transferred to the brain. Bell offers a range of MIPS-equipped helmets, including the Bell Spark MIPS and Bell Stratus MIPS.

Fusion In-Mold Construction

Fusion In-Mold Construction is a technology used in some Bell helmets to create a lightweight and durable helmet shell. This technology fuses the outer shell of the helmet with the EPS foam liner, creating a one-piece exoskeleton that provides better protection and durability.

Bell’s Fusion In-Mold Construction is used in many of its helmets, including the Bell Avenue MIPS and Bell Stratus MIPS.

Sweat Guide Padding

Sweat Guide Padding is a feature used in some Bell helmets to channel sweat away from the eyes and face. This padding is designed to be comfortable and moisture-wicking, helping to keep riders cool and dry during long rides. Bell’s Sweat Guide Padding is used in many of its helmets, including the Bell Spark MIPS and Bell Stratus MIPS.

Ventilation and Comfort

Bell helmets are designed with ventilation and comfort in mind, with many models featuring multiple vents and internal channels to promote airflow and keep riders cool.

Bell’s Overbrow Ventilation system is used in many of its helmets, including the Bell Avenue MIPS and Bell Stratus MIPS, and is designed to channel cool air over the head and regulate temperature. Bell helmets also feature comfortable and adjustable straps and padding to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.

Certification and Safety Standards

Certification and safety standards are important considerations when choosing a bike helmet. Bell Helmets are certified by various organizations, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and the Snell Memorial Foundation.

These organizations set safety standards for helmets, including impact resistance, retention system strength, and penetration resistance. Bell helmets are designed to meet or exceed these safety standards, ensuring that riders are protected in the event of an accident.

Bell also conducts its own testing and research to ensure that its helmets are safe and effective. In addition to meeting safety standards, Bell helmets are designed with features and technologies that provide additional protection, such as MIPS technology and Fusion In-Mold Construction.

When choosing a Bell helmet, it is important to ensure that it is certified for the specific activity you will be using it for and that it meets the appropriate safety standards.

Pros and Cons of Bell Helmets

Bell helmets have a reputation for being high-quality and innovative, but like any product, they have their pros and cons. Here are some of the pros and cons of Bell helmets:

Pros

1. Bell helmets are designed with a variety of features and technologies to provide maximum protection and comfort to riders, such as MIPS technology, Fusion In-Mold Construction, Sweat Guide Padding, and ventilation systems.
2. Bell helmets are certified by various organizations, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and the Snell Memorial Foundation, ensuring that they meet or exceed safety standards.
3. Bell offers a wide range of helmets for different types of cycling, including road bike helmets, mountain bike helmets, commuter bike helmets, and kids’ bike helmets.
4. Bell helmets are designed with lightweight and aerodynamic features in mind, making them comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

Cons

1. Some Bell helmet models may not fit all head shapes and sizes, so it is important to try on a helmet before purchasing to ensure a proper fit.
2. Some Bell helmet models may be more expensive than other brands, although they are often considered a good value for the price.
3. Bell helmets may not be as well-known as other brands, such as Arai or Shoei, although they have a strong reputation in the racing and cycling communities.

Bell helmets are a good choice for riders looking for a high-quality and innovative helmet that meets or exceeds safety standards. It is important to research and try on specific Bell helmet models to ensure a proper fit and to find a helmet that meets your specific needs and preferences.

Bell Helmets vs. Other Brands

When it comes to choosing a helmet, riders have many options to consider. Bell helmets are a popular choice, but how do they compare to other brands? Here are some factors to consider when comparing Bell helmets to other brands:

1. Safety standards: All helmets must meet minimum safety standards, but some brands, such as Arai and Shoei, have their own safety standards that exceed the minimum requirements. Bell helmets are certified by various organizations, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and the Snell Memorial Foundation.
2. Features and technologies: Different helmet brands offer different features and technologies, such as MIPS technology and Fusion In-Mold Construction. Bell helmets are designed with a variety of features and technologies to provide maximum protection and comfort to riders.
3. Price: Helmet prices can vary widely, with some brands, such as Arai and Shoei, being more expensive than others. Bell helmets are priced at the higher end of the spectrum compared to some other brands.
4. Fit and comfort: Different helmet brands may fit differently, so it is important to try on helmets before purchasing to ensure a proper fit. Bell helmets are designed with lightweight and aerodynamic features in mind, making them comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

The choice of helmet brand will depend on the rider’s individual needs and preferences. It is important to research and try different helmet brands to find the one that best fits your head shape and provides the features and technologies that meet your needs.

Conclusion on Are Bell Bike Helmets Good

In conclusion, Bell bike helmets are a good choice for riders looking for a high-quality and innovative helmet that meets or exceeds safety standards.

Bell helmets are designed with a variety of features and technologies to provide maximum protection and comfort to riders, such as MIPS technology, Fusion In-Mold Construction, Sweat Guide Padding, and ventilation systems.

Bell offers a wide range of helmets for different types of cycling, including road bike helmets, mountain bike helmets, commuter bike helmets, and kids’ bike helmets.

While some Bell helmet models may not fit all head shapes and sizes, it is important to try on a helmet before purchasing to ensure a proper fit. Overall, Bell helmets are a good investment for riders looking for a safe and high-quality helmet.