Bell Arrow Helmet Review
The Bell Arrow is one of the best motorcycle helmets for an affordable price. This helmet includes a number of aesthetic and safety features that are not found on some helmets that cost three or four times more. At a price point of less than $100, it has a five-year warranty and provides outstanding comfort and low noise levels.
The Bell company has been producing so many new helmets that it’s been hard to keep track. For instance, the same week I was considering purchasing the Arrow, Bell released the Revolver, the company’s first flip-up helmet. The Bell RS-1 was announced even before the Revolver hit the market. Even though the Arrow isn’t a 2011 release, it is the lowest priced helmet from Bell and its predecessor the Sprint. The Arrow costs $40 less than the Sprint!
The value side of the helmet market is one of the most competitive in the industry. There are several small companies that are not well-known, selling affordable helmets at such as rapid pace that more reputable companies have a hard time catching up. However, I don’t see the logic in buying an extremely cheap helmet that may malfunction, when you could buy a motorcycle helmet from a trusted name–and get a five ear warranty!
Even though the Arrow doesn’t have the magnetic chin strap and micro-lock ratcheting system of the Star or the Vortex, the Arrow is still well worth the money. In the past year or so, motorcycles have become more refined. You’ll have to search extensively to find a completely low-quality helmet, and Bell has definitely risen to the challenge of producing top-notch products. Things can only improve from here!
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Helmet Graphics and Quality
Bell Arrow helmets are available in a variety of graphics and colors. I haven’t done an official count, but I’d venture to say that Bell has as many color and graphic choices as any other helmet company.
Even though the Arrow is a “value” helmet, you’ll find more colors than the standard black, white and silver. The Arrow is available in three solid colors and eight graphic color designs. No matter what color or design you choose, the price is the same.
The Matrix Red is an excellent example of the quality we’ve come to see from Bell. The red color is vibrant and contrasts nicely with the gray lines on the helmet. The clear coat has a thick feel and a highly glossy finish. The design of the helmet also has 3D features that make the look of the helmet especially expensive.
There are additional features for the Arrow that you can purchase separately. For instance, micro-lock ratcheting face shield is available for purchase, along with the cool magnetic chin strap retainer system. Bell delivers a stronger magnet as of 2011.
Bell Helmet Fit, Internal Shape and Liner
The Bell RS-1 are currently in review and are comparable to the Arrow. In comparison, I would say that the Arrow has a medium round fit. The Arrow also runs 1/2 a size big, so the large fitting can fit like an extra large.
The face shield attachment for the Arrow doesn’t have the same raising and lowering quality of the Star and Vortex. However, the face shield system is still efficient. Releasing the shield lever and taking the shield from the receiver removes the shield from the helmet. The shield also as an anti-scratch coating, but Bell does not mention an anti-fog coating. The chin vent provides suitable ventilation.
Bell also provides that is designed to shield the face from fog, particularly during snowboarding or cold weather motorcycle trips.
The eye port provided sub-par horizontal visibility, and there was a little liner visible in my peripheral. This could be due to the helmet’s oversized fit. Thick padding is used for the liner of the helmet, which could account for the below-average horizontal view. It’s not a huge issue, but it is important to note that the Arrow doesn’t have the visibility of the Nexx XR1R. However, the Arrow has a vertical plane that makes for great visibility at the top of the eye port. This is an important feature for sport bike riders. The visibility above the chain is average and a breath guard is installed. Even though the eye port gasket is thin, it comes in full contact with the face shield and the snug fit of the helmet keeps water from entering in.
We have worked closely with RevZilla, Amazon and 2Wheel over the years to provide our testers with products to review. They are all great partners and unique in their own ways, so make sure to check out their prices. Please don’t forget we may get a commission if you buy from them.
Bell Arrow Ventilation
The Bell Arrow has a top ventilation system that has a solid feel. There is a single slider tab that clicks the vents open and closed. Air comes from the top vents to two holes in the EPS. Since there are no air channels in the EPS and the helmet has a full-length liner, air flow in the Arrow is a bit limited. The noise levels increase slightly when the rider is sitting upright and the top vents are open.
The chin venting system provides strong air volume for the front of the helmet and to defog the back of the face shield. I haven’t experience any problems with fogging during the winter, especially once the bike starts moving at 15 MPH or higher.
The Arrow Helmet Weight
The Bell Arrow helmet shown here weighs about 3 pounds and 7 3/8 ounces or 1,568 grams. The Arrow is 216 grams lighter than the Vortex from Bell. This is likely due to the fact that Arrow meets DOT specs only and the Vortex is Snell 2010-approved.
video by: Revzilla
–> Check out all the different styles of Bell Motorcycle Helmets here.