Bell Helmets Making a Comeback

Haven't tried a Bell dirt helmet in many years, the old Moto4 was the best fit I've ever had. I think when they went to the Moto5 was about the same time that they were bought by an Italian company and they changed the shell shapes from oval to round?

I just about bought one of the Rogue half helmets a year or so ago, but it was just a tiny bit small so I passed. HJC is the helmet that actually fits me best.

I agree with this 100%! I used to think they were pretty low down on the list but they are really looking good these days. I would like to try one on and if it fits like I hope, I'll definitely be getting one next time.

Only brand I'll buy. Not knocking the others, I'm sure they are excellent helmets. But, my Bells just feel/fit great.

Did bell ever disappear as one of the top helmet brands?

Never heard of them!

Bought the Pink/Unit Moto 9 as my first high-end helmet ever and just got the Carbon Flex! Fits and looks awesome, I probably won't be wearing anything else for a while.

Acidreamer wrote:

Did bell ever disappear as one of the top helmet brands?

No.

Tried a Bell after years with various Arai's.......looking forward to getting my next Arai

When were they ever gone. Stupid post. By the way, the moto 9 is a decade old.

I used to think Bell was just some rinky dink bicyle helmet maker but now I own the moto 9 and its a really nice helmet.

Whymee wrote:

Back in the late 70's & 80's Bell was THE helmet to have. Open faced, Moto 3 etc. Some where along the way Bell lost favor with the market. I believe something to do with a fire in Italy or something along those lines. They could not get product out. Plus Arai & Shoei came out with some awesome lids. I have both.

A few years ago I was at the Daytona SX & Bell was there with a display. First time I tried on a Bell in 15 years. I was impressed. When it came time to buy a new helmet I went looking for a Bell. All the local dealers had HJC & Fly. As far as I was concerned they are sub-par. Couldn't find a Bell anywhere. Still can't (locally).

Last year I went to the Daytona SX & while I was there I went shopping for a Bell. Had to all the way to Orlando to purchase one. One of the best fitting helmets I ever had on. And I payed full retail (gasp)!

I usually buy my helmets on close out from various retailers online after I am confident on the sizing. I just picked up a Bell Star (street) and that is a fantastic lid. I am now going to purchase a Bell 9 Carbon Flex.

Bell is back!

BTW: I am in no way related to, or sell Bell products....

If you want one, hit me up. I can pry get you one for a decent price! I work in a shop and like to help out fellow vital mxers!

dylanv21 wrote:

If you want one, hit me up. I can pry get you one for a decent price! I work in a shop and like to help out fellow vital mxers!

Hook me up with a solid white one. Large

Acidreamer wrote:

Did bell ever disappear as one of the top helmet brands?

Yes.

They were THE brand throughout the early era of motocross. Then throughout the 90s and very early 00s, they were quite a bit lower in availability and prominence. They have gone through several aquisition/management cycles since.

I wouldn't consider the Fly F2 carbon a subpar helmet.

Comeback?

What's the current qualitylike ?

I haven't even seen ONE moto 9 or moto 9 flex over here, so haven't had a good look or tried one on. Nobody seems to stock them, and I haven't seen anyone wearing one.
I like the Shoei fit and finish, I'll be buying the new Shoei soon.

Late 80's, I was in 7th grade, the Bell Moto 4 came out. Rick Johnson used one, I wanted that helmet so bad. I had dirt bike magazines and catalogs and would stare at the M4. I made it known to my parents how bad I wanted one.

For months upon months, I just wanted a bell Moto 4.

Christmas morning, I get one, While Moto 4, it was everything I dreamed. It felt great on my head, and it looked sooooo good.

I still look back and remember how badly I wanted that helmet and how it made me feel to get one. The more recent look of the Bell Moto helmets are good again, and I am happy to see them doing well.

I picked up a nice Bell for when riding my street bike

I wore JT ALS1 back in the day, meh

Katoomey wrote:

When were they ever gone. Stupid post. By the way, the moto 9 is a decade old.

Tool

bell has always been at the top of the game in helmets. they never left

We have been running 6D's for the last 4 years. My son loves the look of the camo Bell 9 Carbon Flex so I ordered him one and he LOVES it! Says best fitting helmet he has had so far. We did have to go up a size, the Bell does seem to run a tad small!

tobz wrote:

Awesome pic!

I'm also very happy with my Bell moto-9. The only other helmet I might be considering in the future is a 6D but I haven't test fitted one of them yet. A couple years ago I just went to the dealer and tried on pretty much everything. Shoei, Arai, Suomy, TLD, Nolan, Fox etc. In the end I went for a Bell and I haven't bought another brand since then.

I've always had HJC helmets when I was racing and have taken a few hard hits with them. When I was looking at new helmets I went with a Bell Moto-9. I've been very happy so far with it. Its not the one I wanted, but I didn't want to drop $700 on a helmet either.

I went from shoeis to flexes. The bells are lighter and they definitely do a better job when you hit the ground.

Just bought a moto 9 flex, I love it. Was wearing a standard moto 9.