Bell vs Alpinestars

I went from a moto9 with MIPS to an SM10. If the fits is as good on the sm8 then I would say you can’t go wrong with either as long as they both fit your head shape. I’ve worn bell for a while and have always like they way they fit. Decided to change it up and got the Alpinestars this go around and was very happy to see that the fit and feel was about the same between the 2. 

Skip the mips and go for fly with Rheon tech or 6d imo. 
 

if your looking for the best protection and not considering a fly or 6d your selling yourself short imo. 

Highly recommend 6d atr2 

Putting Fly's tech and 6d's tech in the same breathe is, well, something test data does not support.

Prove it. 

Didn’t Westin” get his face busted up in the fly “ idk 

I would love to see that test data

The alpinestar helmet from what I heard is the only helmet with a dot rated face gaurd. 

He took an impact through the goggle port. Obviously no motocross helmet will prevent that

I don't know the answer, but playing devils advocate... if that is true, is that down to Alpinestars actually paying for that DOT test when other don't see it as necessary? Or is it down to some superior design element?

I'd guess it's option 1, if true, but again I don't know and am just curious. Not trying to call you out or anything bro, just like digging for facts where public info on head protection is concerned.

Bottom line is it’s way past time for a solid independent safety study on the top tier helmets. 

I own an SM8 and moto 9 (non mips). I don't know about actual weight, but the SM8 (with mips) feels feathery light compared to my moto 9 (without mips). And I have a "big head" and the bell is an XL and the SM8 is a XXL( but with different pads). I like the feel of the SM8 better, but don't like that the visor isn't adjustable like on the bell. I would like to try the moto 10 myself, but it is a bit spendy. I was looking for an SM10 when I just got a really, really good deal on the SM8. It's hard in my area to try on top end helmets, not sure how your area is, but places like Rocky Mountain offer free exchanges, even if you change brands.

Yes. Until then the only opinions a person should give on a helmet is quality of liner materials.

Shoei Helmets are my favorite. Taken some slaps in them too. Crazy how consumers are totally dazed by 1/4" rubber pucks to the point where they don't even consider companies like Shoei or Arai in the conversation.

I've had 2 Bell Moto 9s with MIPS, and now have an Alpinestars SM8 with their version of MIPS. My first Moto 9 was good to me, took a hard hit in it and was fine, decided it was time to replace it and I got a second moto 9. I always liked the helmet but I had an odd crash this past summer in the moto 9 where I fell at an awkward angle, and the visor caught and twisted my head/neck. The visor torqued to the side but didn't break, and the aluminum fasteners didn't break either. In this case I think the visor caused me to hurt myself in that crash more than it would have if it were more of a breakaway design. I'm thinking this was kind of the perfect storm, but none the less I was out for the rest of the summer with neck/back pain, and it definitely spooked me a bit.

I decided to try the SM8 because I liked their version of the MIPS, it has a breakaway visor, and it fit me well. Comparing it to the moto 9 I would say the Alpinestars runs a tad smaller. I have both in a Medium and I think I could have gotten away with a Large A-stars. The A-stars is also much lighter than the Bell. Overall both are great helmets, and so far I'm happy with the SM8. 

Forgot, a pro to me of the moto 9 is the magnetic cheek pads. Love how easily I can pop them out to wash them. But the SM8, and I assume the 10, have an adjustable top liner, so you can somewhat custom fit the helmet to sit on your head differently.

Neither has the ECE 22.06 certification. I don't understand why anyone would buy a motorcycle helmet that doesn't have the rating. There are several options including Leatt, Fox, Klim, Airoh... probably more now that the standard has been out a few years now.

Lol. Not what I was insinuating my man!  I do think everyone has anecdotal evidence of which helmet saved their nugget, but every crash is different. I have my helmet of choice that most likely saved my sons life four years ago, but who’s to say another top tier helmet wouldn’t have as well. When we’re coughing up almost a grand for these helmets it’d be nice to know it has the protection we’re paying for. 

We have the certifications and it appears many are ignoring that data. For example, all the helmets mentioned and recommended in this thread don't have the ECE 22.06 rating.

Certifications have objective test standards with the medical authority behind it. The problem with independent studies is concluding any medical meaning from the results. Testing every impact speed for every head size and weight has never been feasible. The certifications are the best information available. If a manufacturer has a problem with the test method then develop a new one.

Is there a consolidated list of ECE 22.06 helmets? I just tried Google, but couldn't find anything. 

I took solid impact on my SM-10. I slammed on a rock-hard table, then my bike came back around and got me in the head. The helmet stayed completely intact. I still replaced it, went with a Moto-10 this time around. Doesn't feel as light on my head, but it is more comfortable. Purely on my head shape the Bell fit me better.  

I would however buy another SM-10 if it fit me better. 

"what I heard"
Alpinestars helmets have not been tested by DOT. Source: https://one.nhtsa.gov/cars/problems/comply/Index.cfm
DOT is also antiquated. ECE 22.06, Snell, JIS, and others are more relevant standards.

Great question. They are difficult to find. Dennis Kirk and Revzilla have a search parameter. Unless the manufacturer claims explicitly 22.06, it doesn't have it. I search for the sticker on photos of the back of the helmet and each manufacturer's website.

Media outlets haven't answered this question. They just get paid to review (advertise) The Emperor's New Clothes. I have not seen any media outlet review any helmet and explicitly state that a helmet does not have the ECE 22.06 certification.

I believe in the science of Mips and the like, but I still like the fit of my Arai better than any other helmet out there - by a long, long margin. Sticking your head in an Arai is the 2nd-best feeling you can get by sticking a body part into something. 

1. gross.

2. Taking an objective birds eye view of MIPS is kind of funny to me. The idea is that some rotational allowance is going to ease a spike in motion or force. The logo even has two semi-circles sliding along each other. The real life application? How? It's going to take the edge off of the first 3 degrees of motion? I don't see how this is helpful. I also do not have a sphere for a head so there's that too. I think the best MIPS is Arai's theory of making the helmet in a way that it glances off of things easily. 

Anyways, Bell made a good impression on me a few weeks ago when Tomac slapped his dome on that table and was totally unfazed. Even in the after race interviews, he looked totally fine and normal.

Good educational vid on the subject 

I liked sm8 fit, but could not even consider.

If their helmets are same quality as their other stuff, would not trust to use it for head protection 

Pretty sure the fly helmet has a big port open in the face area. I’m aware of what happened to Westin and my statement still stands. Thanks for trying to correct my lack of knowledge to your superior intellect.