Bell Launches 3 New Helmets for 2018 - First Look
Bell deserves credit for ushering in the new wave of convertible helmets when they introduced the Super 2R back in 2014. Although that helmet wasn't DH certified, it did attract the attention of riders looking for more protection than a half shell, and who didn't want the bulk and lack of ventilation that typically accompany a traditional full face.
The Super DH is the evolution of that original design, with notable improvements including ASTM 1952 DH certification, and a new version of MIPS called MIPS Spherical. When it becomes available in mid-December the Super DH will retail for $300. Claimed weight for a size medium is 850 grams.
The Super DH is the evolution of that original design, with notable improvements including ASTM 1952 DH certification, and a new version of MIPS called MIPS Spherical. When it becomes available in mid-December the Super DH will retail for $300. Claimed weight for a size medium is 850 grams.
Bell Super DH Details
• MIPS Spherical
• Removable chinbar
• ASTM 1952-DH certified
• Size: S, M, L
• Colors: Six color options
• Weight: 850 grams (size M, claimed)
• MSRP: $300 USD
• www.bellhelmets.com
• MIPS Spherical
• Removable chinbar
• ASTM 1952-DH certified
• Size: S, M, L
• Colors: Six color options
• Weight: 850 grams (size M, claimed)
• MSRP: $300 USD
• www.bellhelmets.com
Design
The Super DH is constructed like a sandwich, with two different densities of foam stacked on top of each other, and a MIPS slip plane in between, a design called MIPS Spherical. The harder foam is found immediately under the shell, and the softer foam sits closer to the rider's head.
That inner layer of foam, which has the MIPS slip plane on top of it, 'floats' on elastomers, which allows the two layers of the helmet to move independently. The idea is that during a crash the outer layer is able to rotate enough to help dissipate a portion of the impact force, reducing the amount of stress that reaches the brain.
That inner layer of foam, which has the MIPS slip plane on top of it, 'floats' on elastomers, which allows the two layers of the helmet to move independently. The idea is that during a crash the outer layer is able to rotate enough to help dissipate a portion of the impact force, reducing the amount of stress that reaches the brain.
There are helmets out there from other brands that are designed to achieve a similar goal – 6D comes to mind – but on the Super DH it feels like takes less effort for the two layers to move independently. Put the helmet on, crank up some Pantera, and when you're headbanging you can actually feel the outer shell move a little bit while the inner portion stays securely around your head.
A ratcheting dial is used to fine tune the helmet's fit.
The magnetic buckle is much quicker and easier to operate than the typical D-ring system.
All the safety features in the world don't mean anything if a helmet is uncomfortable to wear, which is why Bell created a new head form to design the Super DH around, with the goal of creating a helmet that would fit a wide range of head shapes. There's also a new retention system called the Float Fit DH, which uses a ratcheting dial at the back of the helmet to fine tune the fit. Other niceties include an adjustable visor that can be raised enough to fit goggles underneath, an integrated breakaway camera mount, and a section of padding over the forehead that's meant to help keep sweat from dripping into your eyes or goggles.
Three latches hold the chin bar on – one at each side, and one at the back of the helmet. It's not hard to remove or install the chin bar, but it does take a little practice, and sometimes it can be hard to tell if everything is done up correctly without taking the helmet off. I'd say the Giro Switchblade is slightly easier to operate, but the advantage with the Super DH is that the resulting half shell has much better ventilation, largely due to the fact that it doesn't cover a rider's ears.
Bryn Atkinson dives into Whistler's Top of the World Trail.
Ride Impressions
I only have a few days of riding with the Super DH so far, but those days include multiple long, hot climbs, and descents down trails some of Whistler's roughest trails, trails that are even more jarring than usual due to a dry, hot summer. As far as fit goes, the Super DH felt much more comfortable on my head than the Super ever did. On my oval-shaped dome the Super always seemed to push in just a little too much for my liking at two points on each side of my forehead, but with the Super DH this wasn't the case – it wraps around much more comfortably. Even when it's configured as a full face, the ventilation provided by the Super DH is impressive - I was able to feel the air flow over the back of my head, and the opening on the chin bar is large enough that even it doesn't feel like your hot breath if being directed straight back at you.
Did I notice the two portions of the helmet moving independently when I was riding? Nope – everything felt snug and secure. Remember, in most instances, no matter how choppy the trail, your head remains amazingly still as you're plummeting down the fall line. That's why helmet cam footage looks so much smoother than a chest mounted camera – your neck serves as a gimbal to keep your head from flopping from side to side.
Overall, the Super DH is an impressive addition to the convertible helmet category, with an excellent fit and cutting edge impact protection. I'll be putting more time in on it over the next few months, but so far my first impressions are very positive.
The Bell Sixer will be released this November...
...And the 4Forty will come out in October.
Bell Sixer and 4Forty
Along with the Super DH, Bell also introduced two other helmets, the Sixer and the 4Forty. The Sixer is a completely new helmet, and will be replacing the Super that Bell debuted back in 2013. It has the extended rear coverage that's become near-standard on most all-mountain helmets these days, and has a grand total of 26 vents. Although the number of vents is a metric that's often used to compare one helmet to another, according to Bell, just because a helmet has a large number of vents doesn't always mean that it will have good ventilation. There needs to be a clear path for the air to enter and exit – it's that airflow that helps keep things cool.
The $150 Sixer is equipped with MIPS, but the system has been integrated into the fit system, which helps the helmet to sit closer to a rider's head. A strip of rubber at the back of the helmet helps keep goggle straps from slipping out of place, and the integrated breakaway camera mount means that if your YouTube antics take a sudden turn towards the '10 Worst Crashes' side of things the camera will pop off, rather than acting like a lever and potentially causing additional injuries.
The 4 Forty isn't quite as full-featured as the Sixer – it doesn't have as many vents, and there's no integrated camera mount, but it also has a more wallet friendly price of $95 for the MIPS-equipped version. There's an adjustable visor, which is a feature that often gets scrapped in less-expensive lids, and uses Bell's Float Fit retention system. Weight for the MIPS-version is a claimed 380 grams for a size medium.
Photos: Bell / Paris Gore
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@bigtim: Nail on the head! Pads in MTB helmets have been getting bigger & spongier in recent years: those marketing half-shells & convertible "enduro" helmets clearly wish to pander to DH / Moto crowd who associate more padding w/ greater comfort. Problem is, if you actually stick your head in that sort of barcalounger & pedal it for more than 5 minutes, you've got ... Timagra Falls!
Suspect it's just people who want a full face for park days, then wear a half face the rest of the time.
Think this helmet solves my problem, want a new trail helmet and do the occasional park day where I want a full face. But not enough laps to justify a stand alone full face. Switchblade was pretty likely, but hard ears just doesn't seem to make sense as a regular trail helmet.
For some transfers I kept the chin bar on, while on longer ones I took it off and looped it around my handlebar. Bell mentioned that they're working on some sort of bike mount for the chin bar, but it's not quite ready yet.
Thanks for insight.
@bonfire Where I live and ride it's hot (southeastern US) and our climbs are big and descents nasty. A removable chinbar helmet is absolutely rad here. I've been on a Super 2R for a longtime, full intentions on replacing it with this Super DH. At least until now though, when manu's are getting serious about safety on these removeable chinbar models, a EWS course probably warranted a full blown full face even if that meant carrying it on your back. The Super 2R chinbar is really just an abrasion resistant thing. Not going to take a face to a tree like a TLD D2 would. Not even close.
How is the venting feel? I ride with a Specialized Deviant has good flow but that Fox looks like it would out vent my Deviant.
Any thoughts or issue's that you may have come across with those two.
Worth a read regarding mips. They also have a great article debunking myths concerning eps and it's lifespan.
Anyways, love that this style of helmet is popular now. It's great having so many good options, in case you know, you happen to think Bell helmets aren't the most attractive
This is from Bikeradars first impressions on the super DH. Disagree?
This fits more like the Giro Chronicle to me, and better than the Bell Super 3r for me I think - although that fit fine (just not as deep and head hugging as the Giro Chronicle).
One thing though - those side bits that go down in front of your ears (which makes it look a bit like an Army helmet, although I don't mind), means you have more limited shades options.
Some Oakley active/lifestyle frames fit fine.
The Oakley Flak 2.0 - with has thicker stems - just fits, with a few millimetres.
However for me the Oakley Radar EV - which has thicker stems - didn't fit.
As it has to pass under the bits that come down the sides in front of your ears like sideburns.
That likely rules out the Oakley RadarLock, JawBreaker and other thick stemmed shades.
So it seems you're limited to "helmet friendly" shades - as in the ones that work with combat helmets, lol.
So just googles or lifestyle/active frames - no roadie shades - guess that suits me fine.
But worth bearing in mind.
Also no channel for Google straps - and no rubberised vent at the back to hold a goggle strap in place - which the Giro Montaro has.
Seems a bit of an oversight for such a feature rich and new helmet.
Perhaps that would make it too much of a kitchen sink affair, but I do like niche all in old products - and this seems the best of the lot.
Funnily, the clasps are actually smaller and more plastic than the Bell Super 3R. Bit fiddly and hard to release as quite small and tight. They sit rather flush.
I really liked it for my kids, we all love the confidence (and reduced dad-stress) a chinbar gives, but they really don't need a full dh lid.
Gonna have to scoop some medium closeouts!
www.bellhelmets.com/bellsports/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/bell-super-dh-mtb-helmet.png
Very versatile.
Except for maybe the desert tan and black, but I don't want a black helmet in the southwest during the summer.
Bell, please offer some colors that are a little less weird!