New lid! no more silver.

[the fan]

I finally broke down and purchased a new helmet. After my crash at Putnam I was down to only one known safe helmet, and it was at least 7-8 years old.

It was time.

I looked at several different helmets including KBC (long time fav) HJC (bulky) Scorpion (Heavy but comfortable) and pretty much decided to splurge on a higher end helmet. I looked very closely at Arai and Shoei and pretty much decided that the X-11 from Shoei fit me best. Time to save my pennies.

Then a new player entered the game. Bell Helmets offered support to 2 of the riders I work with who are sponsored by Middletown Cycle in Franklin Ohio. Both Rob and Jeff had very good things to say about the Bell Star, more impressive was that Rob preferred it to his Shoei X-11 in many ways.

I decided to give the Bell a try, and since Middletown is a stocking dealer they had a full run of sizes and colors. In the least it was worth a 30 minute drive to check them out.

I was very impressed with the Bell Star right off the bat. Cool styling and tons of vents. I was surprised however when trying on the usual size XL I normally wear. It was loose and did not feel secure on my head.

Broc, the sales manager grinned and handed me a Large. apparently the bell helmets run a bit larger than the chart would have you believe.

Once I tried the proper size I was very impressed with the fit and finish of the lid and decided that a flashy matte black suited me just fine. Broc and I agreed on a price and I had him add a smokes shield as I prefer that over a clear shield and sunglasses.

I was again surprised when Broc handed me the box. It seems that Bell includes a very nice helmet bag, extra cheek pads to help in tailoring the fit and a few other accessories. I LIKE nice surprises.

Once i got home I decided to take a bike I am working on for a friend out for an extended test ride.....

The helmet was very comfortable, has great visibility, and the venting is Amazing. I could actually feel the wind in my hair. There is no wind buffeting at even double the posted speed limit. at least I dont think there will be.... The helmet also seems very light, even compared to other race helmets I have owned. The shield has a very nice latch system that can lock the shield closed, or crack it open for foggy conditions. Bell claimed that the shields are treated with an anti fog solution and it seemed to work. At least I never fogged at dusk on a cool yet muggy Northern Ky evening.

Middletown gave me a great deal on the new lid. I won't say how much, but lets just say that it was way less than retail, but a little more than I could find last years graphics on line. Honestly though. I would still be just as happy with my purchase if I had paid full retail.

[Ratchet_72]

Good choice. I bought the Scorpion EXO-400 3 years ago and its the heaviest, noisiest helmet I've ever worn and the venting is worthless.  When the wife got the GS we got her a Bell and its nice and light with less wind noise. And reasonably priced.

[the fan]

at a retail of $549.95 I'm not sure how affordable the Star is, but so far I am really happy with it. We'll see how I feel after the fall rally.

Wind noise is not as bad as I expected, but I am not worried about it as I generally ride with either ear plugs or "in-ear" earplugs and punk.

[mikeholzer]

I bought a Bell this spring online with last years graphics. I like to think it was a good price, and I like the fit and noise better compared to my Shoei.

[CodyNKR]

Bill I take it you'll be modeling it for us at Tellico.  Must be that time of year, Jeff bought a new helmet as well last week. So the Shoei helmet that Steve C. sent me that fits Jeff, is now on the shelf and he's trying to get the new Shoei to mold to him.

Me, I'm reading all ya'lls posts about helmets because my NEXT helmet HAS GOT to be quieter than this Icon that I wear.

NancyK

[rossco]

On long trips always wear earplugs .Cheap fix and aftermarket screen makes a big difference.$0.02

[rossco]

And and every head is differnt regardless of height.Bought a helmet in the shop that felt"goldicks ïe just right.After a 600 Km ride ,looked like a 16 trÿing to bust  a zit.Took another 2000 Kms to train the liner.JMO