October 19, 2014 – We haven’t reviewed anything from Bell Helmets in quite a while but that will change soon.
The renowned American brand introduced several new helmets at the 2014 AIMExpo (Report).
The new Bell MX-9 Adventure dual-sport helmet (Preview) was announced last week, along with the very interesting Bell Moto-9 “Flex”.
The MX-9 Adventure is the first dual-sport or adventure-touring helmet from Bell, while the Flex has a completely new type of liner protection system.
The Flex liner is made from two individual sections in addition to the EPS and the inner liner (closest to the rider’s head) floats and can move or shift slightly, which helps reduce rotational forces.
The EPS (gray) handles high-speed impact while the EPO liner is for low-speed impacts and the EPP (black) absorbs the forces of medium-speed impacts.
The EPO and EPP liners are both designed to move slightly, again to reduce the rotational force.
This is similar in concept to the Lazer Superskin helmet (review) we reviewed several years ago and the Bell implementation is probably a better idea because the outer shell remains the same.
Bell said the technology should find its way into street helmets in the future.
I was surprised to learn that off-road helmets are among the best-selling of all Bell Helmet types, with — believe it or not — the Pit Boss half-helmet as the current best-selling helmet. Go figure…
Be sure to read our preview of the new Bell MX-9 Adventure and Bell Moto-9 Flex.
2015 Bell Qualifier
While the range-topping Bell helmets can be relatively expensive, Bell is a specialist in bringing super value to their lower-priced helmet lines.
For example, we first reviewed the Bell Vortex (review) back in 2010 and the reviewer said it is a “high-quality helmet with a surprisingly low price.
It’s built way better than anything else I can think of in this price range; it has one of the best ventilation and face shield systems available at any price.”
We haven’t reviewed one since, but that will change, as the new 2015 Qualifier will include a freeTransitions photochromatic visor (review)!
The 2015 Qualifier also has a built-in recess for both a Sena intercom and for the Cardo Scala Rider Q-series, like the Cardo Scala Rider Q1/Q3 (review). This should make it an even more stupendous buy.
The Bell Mag-9 also has a built-in recess to fit the Cardo Q-series intercom communications systems.
More 2015 Bell Helmets
Bell also announced new Roland Sands designs for the Custom 500 and for the other hot seller, the Bell Bullitt.
Here are some photos and we’ll be reviewing most of these helmets in detail as soon as they’re ready!
In the meantime, be sure to visit the list of the 300 or so helmets we have reviewed on thewebBikeWorld Motorcycle Helmet Reviews page.
Bell Bullitt helmets for 2015. A nice Bullitt with Roland Sands graphics (New York Mets colors!). Bell Custom 500 (my dad had a Ford by that name back in the ’60’s), this one in carbon fiber with RSD graphics. More Custom 500 helmets. The Bell Moto-9 Flex could be called revolutionary. Bell sells a lot of off-road helmets. Here’s the unique two-stage Moto-9 Flex liner. Bell Moto-9 Flex liner. The EPS (white) has one liner (#1, orange) that can move. The second liner (#2) can also slide over the orange liner. This provides movement to greatly reduce rotational forces, according to Bell. Close-up of the Moto-9 Flex liners. Bell MX-9 Adventure, the first dual-sport helmet by Bell. Bell MX-9 Adventure in high-viz yellow. Not sure if the face shield in this tint is available or just for show. New 2015 Bell Qualifier helmets come with a Transitions photochromic face shield and recessed intercom dock. Bell Qualifier in the Flying Tiger graphics. Note face shield and intercom port. Close-up of the Sena intercom port on the Bell Qualifier.More webBikeWorld:
More: 2014 AIMExpo Reports
Publication Date: October 19, 2014
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