Motorsport is one of the most traumatic and dangerous. There is not a single race in which there would be no shocking accidents. But riders often get off only with bruises and scratches. Helmet protects their heads from serious injuries. Most professionals in this sport prefer American Bell helmets. They have many useful qualities, the most important of which is reliable protection of the head from shock. The helmet must be present in the equipment of a regular motorcyclist, because a collision or a fall can occur on the track, even if all the rules of the movement are observed. Consider some popular models of Bell helmets, we will analyze their advantages, disadvantages.
History of Bell
First, let's talk about the company itself. Without a doubt, information about her organization and achievements will strengthen confidence in her products, in particular Bell helmets. The founder of the company is professional rider Roy Richter. In 1933, he got a job in a parts company called Bell Auto Parts. In the backyard, Roy assembled a spare part car from which he took part in races.
In 1945, he bought the company, but decided to change the direction of its activities. In those years, there were no good helmets as such, so riders often died. Roy Ritcher was always very sad about this. Therefore, becoming the owner of the company, he began to manufacture helmets, which at that time were a completely new protective device for riders. He personally came up with many improvements and innovations, increasing the reliability of his products. On his account the world's first visor with a coating that does not fog up, aerodynamic helmets and much more. In total, he patented several dozen innovations.
Now Bell helmets are equipped with riders in Formula 1, Superbike, and national championships. Many professional racing drivers believe that if you put a helmet on your head, then only Bell. According to the international classification system, they are assigned a degree of reliability of DOT.
Helmet classification
Note that there are several types of helmets, but there are only two main categories:
Among motorcycle helmets , the following types of structures are distinguished:
- "Integral". He covers the man’s head completely. A distinctive feature is the presence in the design of elements for protecting the chin (statically fixed, not rising and not retracting), as well as a reclining visor. This type includes the Bell Star series, which is distinguished by a stylish appearance, the presence of numerous (closing if necessary) ventilation holes, the installation of the visor in three positions.
- "Modular." The model differs from the previous one in that in it the element protecting the chin, if necessary, can be lifted up as well as the visor. Popular models: Bell Revolver, Bell RS-1, Bell Moto-9.
- "Open". In this design there is no protection for the chin, and the visor is not on all models. The Bell Rogue helmet belongs to this type of construction.
- "Cross". The model is designed for high-speed racing. Its features are the absence of a visor and the chin protection detail more advanced (this provides a person with better breathing. The models that are in demand are: Bell Adventure MX 9, Bell Apex SX-1, Bell Crusade SX-1, Bell Reactor, Bell Sonic.
- "Motard." This model is similar to the previous one, but it has a visor.
Design features
Helmets of all kinds, firms, price categories, and the Bell helmet, in particular, have two main elements in the design: the outer shell and the inner one. The outer (outer) shell is designed to provide strength. It protects the head of a person at the time of impact. The inner shell provides comfort when using a helmet and shock absorption on impact.
In the products of expensive brands, one of which is Bell, the outer shell is made of fiberglass, thermoplastic or carbon fiber (carbon fiber).
The inner shell is made of polystyrene. In Bell helmets, it can be unfastened to wash or dry. In addition, one of the layers of the inner shell is often foam rubber. When used in the construction, the volume of the helmet, and, consequently, its weight is slightly increased, but the shock absorption increases.
Also, all helmets must have straps and fasteners that secure it to the head.
But the sights and ventilation holes are not available on all models.
What is a good helmet?
Regardless of which model or brand of helmet a motorcyclist or cyclist prefers, this item of equipment must meet certain requirements:
- Weight. The helmet should not be too heavy. Otherwise, the person who put it on will have faster fatigue, which means less attention.
- Landing on the head. The heads in size and shape are different for all people. Therefore, you need to select a helmet individually with a mandatory fitting. The helmet should sit tight on the head, not slip off when bending and moving, not cause discomfort, not squeeze.
- Overview. It is very important that when putting on the helmet, the maximum possible viewing angle is maintained.
In Moscow, Bell helmets and others can be purchased at sporting goods stores, which sell accessories and equipment for motorcycles and bicycles, as well as on the Internet. Prices range from 11,000 rubles to 100,000 rubles, which depends on the model, components and materials from which they are made.
Based on the above information, we will consider some models of helmets from the company Bell, we will analyze their advantages and disadvantages.
Bell rogue
The name can be translated as "robber's helmet." This is an entourage model, focused more on creating a motorcycle image than on protecting his head when hit. Helmet Bell Rogue refers to the open type, is issued without a visor, but with an original mask that gives a person a somewhat brutal look.
It is not an element of protection. The mask is fastened with hard clasps. If desired, it can be removed. The helmet belongs to the so-called “3/4” category, it covers the back of the head and head from the sides. The outer shell is very durable, does not scratch or crack, the inner one is pleasant to the skin, soft, easily detaches and fastens. This helmet is available in four color options - black, gray, protective, matte black. Price - from 22 670 rubles.
Rogue model reviews
Those who have chosen this helmet are delighted with it. Noted advantages:
- sits perfectly on the head, does not press, does not press, does not hang out;
- lightweight (weight up to 1200 grams);
- excellent sound insulation;
- good aerodynamics.
Disadvantages:
- no sight;
- weak plastic mounts;
- does not protect the eyes (additional glasses must be worn).
Bell custom 500
This is a classic helmet model that the manufacturer has been producing since 1954. Belongs to the category "3/4".
In the current version, the Bell Custom 500 helmet has several improvements regarding the material from which it is made and the ways of attaching the sight. Now he fastens his helmet to several external buttons. The color scheme is varied, in white, in black, green, red, color and others. The shape is round. Price - from 11 600 rubles.
Reviews about the model Custom 500
Customers like this model for its simplicity of design, which, despite this, is able to provide high protection.
Advantages of the model:
- convenient form (does not suffer from wind load during fast driving);
- lightness (helmet weighs no more than 1300 grams);
- the ability to easily change the sight;
- the material of manufacture is fiberglass, not plastic, which increases strength and reliability.
Disadvantages:
- not all models release the inner shell;
- there is no protection for the chin;
- The supplied mask-mask is not suitable for use when driving at high speed.
Bell bullitt
This model also belongs to one of the classic ones, which the company began to produce almost immediately after its foundation. Helmet Bell Bullitt has a rounded shape, belongs to the category of "3/4" and to the type of "open". Equipped with a sighting device, but does not have protection for the chin. It weighs 1400 grams. The color scheme is white, blue, black, gray. The helmet has 5 holes for air, magnetic straps. The outer shell is fiberglass, the inner is suede (removable). Anti-fogging reticle. The viewing angle is large. Included is a set of glasses, a bag, a case. Price - from 35 880 rubles. According to consumer reviews, the advantages of this helmet model are its reliability, a comfortable fit on the head, equipped with a sighting device and air holes. The disadvantage of this helmet is that it does not have protection for the chin.
Bike helmets classification
This item of equipment among cyclists is not very popular. Some experts believe that a helmet impairs the cyclist's visibility, which only increases the danger to his life. Nevertheless, in many countries the presence of this element of equipment is required.
There are these types of bicycle helmets :
- "Cross Country." The model is focused on the use in this type of competition.
- "Bowler". Used in competitions "Street", "Dert" and others.
- Fullface. It is focused on extreme people riding on terrain with difficult terrain.
- Helmet for racing Time trial.
Design Features
Bicycle helmets are always smaller than motorcycle helmets. They are lighter than motorcycle, almost never cover the whole person’s head. The design of bicycle helmets includes a housing, buckles and straps. Some models used when riding in extreme conditions, like motorcycle ones, have a chin protection element (removable or static) and completely cover their heads. The helmet shell is made of polystyrene and plastic, which determines the appearance of the product. As a rule, all models of bicycle helmets have ventilation holes. Popular models: Bell Slant, Bell Super, Bell Sanction, Bell XPL.
Bell super
According to customer reviews, this is a fairly high-quality Bell bicycle helmet, which can be used to move both on a flat road and in mountainous terrain. This model is available in two versions - with and without chin protection. In terms of parameters, the Bell Super helmet is somewhat massive, completely closes the back of the head and whiskey, has a large visor and many ventilation holes. The plastic frame can be adjusted in three positions, which allows you to best fit this helmet to your head shape, and numerous straps provide a secure fit. The removable inner shell is made of polystyrene. The weight of the helmet is 370 grams. The price without the jaw protection element is from 4220 rubles, and with it - from 5000 rubles.
Reviews
This model has received high customer ratings. Its advantages:
- low weight;
- deep landing;
- comfort and convenience (the helmet does not interfere with the movement, it is almost not felt on the head);
- removable inner shell;
- the strength of the outer shell, which protects the head well upon impact.
Disadvantages:
- plastic straps are fastened, therefore they cannot withstand a strong blow;
- the kit does not have a removable inner shell.
Bell helmets for children
Russia has not yet introduced a law requiring children to ride a bicycle only in a helmet. But such rules already exist in many European countries, in Australia and in some states of the USA. Children's helmets are only bicycle. By configuration, they are no different from adult models of the Cross-Country and Kotelok types, but they come in brighter, fun colors. They are also much smaller in volume and weight. Well-established models are Bell Bellino, Bell Sanction Helmet and Bell Sidetrack Child. Their weight does not exceed 300 grams, and the landing on the back of the head is deeper than that of helmets for adults, which provides better protection for the child’s head when falling. The Bell Sanction helmet is equipped with a removable visor, has gutters and 15 ventilation holes, a reinforced frame, reliable fastening straps and latches, which make it possible to fix the helmet well on the child's head. The product is intended for use by children from the age of 5 years. Prices for children's helmets - from 2200 rubles.
New technologies
In addition to the American, European helmets are popular. Bell compares favorably with other manufacturers in that the company began to manufacture helmets using computer digital technology. They consist in putting a “cap” with sensors on the client’s head. A company employee scans for 30 seconds. As a result, a head image (three-dimensional) appears on the computer screen. Based on it, the most comfortable individual Bell helmet of the new generation is manufactured. While such services are offered in small volumes. Mostly they are used by famous racers. But it is possible that soon this helmet manufacturing process will be applied to everyone.